St Maarten Trip Planner
Plan your perfect St Maarten/ St Martin getaway – from flights to ferries, hotels to hidden gems.
Welcome to your trusted St Maarten trip planner — your personal vacation planning hub for discovering the best of St Maarten and St Martin. Whether you’re flying in, ferrying from a nearby island, or planning an extended Caribbean adventure, this guide helps you plan your trip with confidence and clarity.
From flights and transfers to hotels, rentals, ferries, and essentials like eSIMs and insurance — this planner was built to be your personal vacation planner for every type of traveler: solo adventurers, couples, families, and digital nomads.
Flights to St Maarten
Looking to fly to St Martin Caribbean?
St Maarten / St Martin is primarily served by two airports:
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Located on the Dutch side, it’s the main international gateway, renowned for its dramatic landings over Maho Beach.
Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG): Situated on the French side, it handles regional flights, primarily from neighboring Caribbean islands.
Whether you’re flying from North America, Europe, or nearby Caribbean islands, almost all international visitors arrive through SXM, which offers direct flights from major cities and smooth onward connections.
SFG is ideal for short regional hops — especially if you’re visiting from St Barts, Guadeloupe, or Martinique. Both airports are well connected to the island’s main hotel zones via transfers, taxis, or rental cars.
Search Flights to St Maarten
Ready to book your flight to paradise? Use the search tool below to compare real-time fares from top airlines like American Airlines, JetBlue, Air France, and KLM.
You’ll find the best routes, prices, and arrival times — whether you’re flying from New York, Toronto, Amsterdam, or beyond.
Plan your arrival the easy way — and get to St Maarten stress-free.
Airlines & Direct Flights to St Maarten (SXM)
Find direct flights to St Maarten from major cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. Below, explore routes and airlines that serve SXM — and start planning your island arrival with ease.
🛫 U.S. Direct Flight Routes
New York (JFK/EWR) – Delta, JetBlue, United
Miami (MIA) – American Airlines
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – JetBlue Airways, Spirit
Orlando (MCO) – Frontier Airlines
Atlanta (ATL) – Delta Air Lines
Boston (BOS) – JetBlue Airways
Charlotte (CLT) – American Airlines
Philadelphia (PHL) – American Airlines
Chicago (ORD) – United Airlines
Washington D.C. (IAD) – United Airlines
🍁 Canada Direct Routes
Toronto (YYZ) – Air Canada, WestJet
Montreal (YUL) – Air Canada, Air Transat, Sunwing Airlines
✈️ Europe Direct Routes
Amsterdam (AMS) – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Paris (ORY/CDG) – Air France, Air Caraïbes
🌴 Latin America & Caribbean Direct Routes
San Juan, PR (SJU) – Silver Airways
Panama City (PTY) – Copa Airlines
Curacao (CUR) – Divi Divi Air
Tortola, BVI (EIS) – Cape Air
How long does it take to fly to St Maarten (SXM)?
Here’s a timeline of direct flights from popular destinations around the world.
Note: Flight times are approximate and can vary based on airline, weather conditions, and air traffic.
Ready to Book Your Flight to St Maarten (SXM)?
Now that you know how long it takes to reach SXM from major cities — it’s time to find your perfect flight. Search real-time fares from New York, Miami, Toronto, Paris, and more.
🎟️ Compare flights and lock in the best deal with Trip.com’s trusted engine.
Fly into Grand Case (SFG) – Easy Caribbean Connections
For regional Caribbean travelers, Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side of St. Martin is a great gateway — ideal for short hops on smaller planes.
Airlines Flying to SFG
Air Antilles
Air Caraïbes
St Barths Commuter
Hahn Air
Popular Caribbean Flight Routes to Grand Case Airport (SFG)
- St Barts (SBH)
- 🇬🇵 Guadeloupe (PTP)
- Martinique (FDF)
Explore Flights to Grand Case – Easy Island Hops Await!
Looking to fly into Grand Case Airport (SFG)? Use the search tool below to check regional flight availability from nearby Caribbean islands. Quick connections, easy access — perfect for island hoppers and adventure seekers.
👉 Find flights to SFG now with live prices and availability.
Choose SXM if you're flying from North America or Europe. It's also right next to the world-famous Maho Beach, where planes land so low they create beachfront thrills you won’t forget!
Booking: It's advisable to book flights well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (December to April).
Airport Transfers: Both airports have taxi services and car rental options. Consider pre-booking transfers for convenience.
Customs & Immigration: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents. Entry requirements may vary based on nationality.
St Maarten Airport Transfers Made Easy
Arriving at Princess Juliana (SXM) or Grand Case (SFG)?
Skip the taxi lines and language barriers — and start your trip smoothly.
Our trusted partner Welcome Pickups offers private, pre-booked St Maarten airport transfers with English-speaking drivers. Whether you’re headed to Simpson Bay, Marigot, Grand Case, or your secluded villa, you’ll be in good hands.
✅ Fixed pricing with no hidden fees
✅ Meet & greet at the airport (SXM or SFG)
✅ French & Dutch side drop-offs
✅ 24/7 monitoring of your flight arrival
✅ Child seats available upon request
This is the easiest way to land, relax, and get to your destination with peace of mind.
Car Rentals: The Best Way to Explore
Yes - St Martin is a small island...
But that’s exactly why a car is the best way to experience how much it offers in such a short distance. In a single afternoon, you can hit Mullet Bay for a morning swim, have lunch in Grand Case, and finish with a sunset stroll in Philipsburg.
Having your own wheels lets you:
Visit 3–4 beaches a day if you want
Try out towns and eateries off the tourist radar
Get to remote viewpoints and hidden snorkeling spots
We’ve partnered with Qeeq to bring you the best rental options.
🚘 Airport pickups available from:
🚘 City pickups available from:
Prefer to compare providers? Try EconomyBookings here.
Hotels in St Maarten & St Martin
What kind of trip are you planning?
Looking for the perfect place to stay? Whether you’re after a relaxing beachfront escape, vibrant nightlife, or a family-friendly resort — St. Maarten / St. Martin has something for every type of traveler.
Here’s a quick guide to where to stay:
- 🇸🇽 Dutch Side (St. Maarten): Best for nightlife, casinos, cruise port access, and larger resorts in Simpson Bay, Maho, and Philipsburg.
- 🇲🇫 French Side (Saint Martin): Ideal for boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, and romantic retreats in Orient Bay, Grand Case, and Anse Marcel.
⭐ Hotel Star Ratings: Based on Trip.com standards reflecting service, amenities, and overall quality.
- 5 Stars: Luxury hotels with premium amenities and top-tier service.
- 4 Stars: Upscale comfort with high service standards.
- 3 Stars: Mid-range stays with good value and essential amenities.
- 2 Stars: Budget-friendly basics for cost-conscious travelers.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our work!
Explore Where to Stay in St Maarten & St Martin
Use the interactive map below to discover the best areas to stay on the island. Click on any region — like Simpson Bay, Grand Case, or Orient Bay — to see its exact location and browse hotel recommendations in that area. It’s the easiest way to find the perfect base for your St Maarten vacation.
🏝️ Simpson Bay & Pelican (Dutch Side)
Simpson Bay is one of the most convenient places to stay in St Maarten — close to the airport, car rentals, beaches, and day trip launches. The area has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to beachfront resorts.
Just around the bend, Pelican Key offers a quieter, slightly more upscale feel with vacation rentals, villas, and boutique resorts. It’s a favorite for couples and long-stay visitors looking for ocean views and a more residential vibe — but still walking distance to all the action.
🎉 Maho (Dutch Side)
Famous for the plane-landing spectacle at Maho Beach, this area is all about entertainment. Stay in Maho if you want nightlife, rooftop bars, casinos, and all-inclusive resorts. Sonesta Ocean Point and The Morgan are top choices. It’s ideal for groups and party-seekers who still want a beach backdrop.
🛍️ Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
Philipsburg is the cruise hub of the island, full of shopping, dining, and walkable beachfront hotels. Stay here if you want to be in town, close to duty-free stores, museums, and the ferry to St Barts. It’s lively, colorful, and steps from Great Bay Beach.
🏘️ Cole Bay (Dutch Side)
Cole Bay is a centrally located neighborhood on the Dutch side of the island, just minutes from Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. It’s a great base for travelers seeking convenience, budget-friendly stays, and quick access to both coasts and the French side. With easy access to marinas, supermarkets, and the Causeway Bridge, Cole Bay is ideal for those planning island-wide exploration.
🧘 Cupecoy (Dutch Side)
Cupecoy is a peaceful, upscale area on the far western end of the Dutch Side, just before the French border. It’s known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, small hidden beaches, and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s ideal for couples, long-stay travelers, or anyone looking for tranquility with a touch of luxury. You’re still close to the restaurants and nightlife of Maho, but without the crowds. Bonus: sunsets here are spectacular.
🌅 Oyster Pond (French & Dutch Sides)
Tucked between the French and Dutch sides, Oyster Pond is quiet, residential, and perfect for visitors who want off-the-beaten-path luxury. It’s a great choice for honeymooners or couples looking for villas and boutique resorts with views of St Barts. You’ll need a car, but that’s part of the charm.
🌊 Orient Bay (French Side)
Known as the “Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean,” Orient Bay is stylish but laid-back. It’s one of the best swimming beaches on the island and is lined with beach clubs, casual cafés, and boutique hotels. Great for families, couples, and travelers who want luxury without losing the barefoot feel.
🍷 Grand Case (French Side)
The foodie capital of St Martin, Grand Case blends French-Caribbean charm with white sand and wine lists. Hotels here are mostly boutique-style, right on the beach or nestled on the hillside. It’s peaceful, romantic, and perfect for sunset dining and long beach strolls.
🏛️ Marigot (French Side)
The capital of the French side, Marigot offers a local vibe with bakeries, markets, a marina, and ferry access. Hotels here are practical and central, not flashy — good for travelers who want to explore on foot and mix sightseeing with beach time. It’s also a gateway to Anguilla and St Barts.
🌿 Pic Paradis (French Side)
Looking for a retreat into nature? Pic Paradis is the island’s highest point and a top spot for eco-stays and hiking. Choose a hillside villa or a guesthouse surrounded by jungle and birdsong. You’ll be close to Loterie Farm and the island’s best panoramic views.
💎 Terres Basses (French Side)
Terres Basses is the island’s most exclusive area, known for its luxury villas and secluded beaches. It’s perfect for travelers seeking privacy and upscale accommodations.
🛶 Cul-de-Sac (French Side)
Cul-de-Sac is a serene area known for its proximity to Pinel Island and its boutique accommodations. It’s ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
🌴 Anse Marcel (French Side)
Anse Marcel is a secluded bay offering a tranquil setting with upscale resorts and beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for couples and families looking for a quiet getaway.
Vacation Rentals on St Maarten
Why VRBO Wins!
Sometimes you want more space, more privacy, or a home-away-from-home feel. That’s where vacation rentals shine.
We recommend VRBO — a trusted name in short-term stays. Whether you want a luxury villa in Terres Basses or a cozy beachfront apartment in Grand Case, there’s something for everyone.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for:
Families who want a kitchen & pool
Couples seeking secluded hideaways
Remote workers or digital nomads
Browse VRBO rentals in St Maarten here: VRBO St Maarten
Ferries to Anguilla, St Barts & Saba
Dreaming of a day trip? We’ve got options.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing detour or an adventurous island hop, ferries from St Maarten / St Martin offer quick connections to three of the Caribbean’s most charming neighbors.
St Barts
Just a short hop from both St Martin & St Maarten, St Barts is known for designer boutiques, French-Caribbean charm, and pristine beaches.
How to Get There
From Marigot (French Side): Voyager Ferry
From Philipsburg (Dutch Side): Great Bay Express
Quick Facts
🛥️ Duration: ~45 minutes
📍 Departure Ports: Marigot or Philipsburg
🕘 Daily Departures: Multiple times daily
🧳 Luggage Allowed: Yes (check size limits)
🛂 Passport: Required
💳 Booking: Online booking recommended during high season
St Barts Ferry Questions
Yes, a valid passport is required for entry into St Barts, even if you're arriving from nearby St Maarten or St Martin.
Both ferries are reliable, but Voyager Ferry operates from the French side and offers indoor seating, while Great Bay Express departs from the Dutch side and is often slightly faster. Choose based on your location and schedule.
Anguilla
Anguilla is famous for barefoot luxury, calm turquoise waters, and peaceful beaches — just a 20-minute ferry ride from St Maarten.
How to Get There
Public ferry from Marigot Ferry Terminal
Private ferries also run from Dutch side with FunTime Charters and GB Ferries
Quick Facts
🛥️ Duration: ~20 minutes
🕘 Daily Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Departure Port: Marigot (French Side)
🛂 Passport: Required
💳 On-site Payment: €7 passenger fee (card or euros only)
🧾 Port Tax: $11 (day trips) or $28 (longer visits)
🎟️ Tickets: Sold in person at terminal only
Departure Times (These can change!)
From Marigot to Anguilla
→ 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM
From Blowing Point (Anguilla)
→ 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:15 PM
Anguilla Ferry - FAQs
Not currently. Public ferry tickets are only sold in person at the Marigot terminal. You’ll need euros or a card (USD not accepted).
Yes, all travelers must present a valid passport to board the ferry and clear immigration on arrival in Anguilla.
Saba
Steep, green, and full of charm — Saba is a hiking paradise and serene escape just 90 minutes by sea from St Maarten.
How to Get There
From Philipsburg (Dutch Side): Makana Ferry
Quick Facts
🛥️ Duration: ~90 minutes
📍 Departure Port: Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
🗓️ Schedule: ~3 times per week (check current schedule)
🛂 Passport: Required
🌊 Experience: Known for scenic ride & mountainous views
Saba Ferry Questions & Answers
The Makana Ferry typically runs 3 times per week, but schedules vary. It’s best to check their website for current sailing days and times.
The crossing can be choppy depending on weather, as it’s an open-ocean route. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication in advance.
Explore Our Private Boat Tours
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Pay just the deposit online today. Your remaining balance is paid directly to the captain on the day — cash or card accepted.
Questions? Message us on WhatsApp or email bookings@explr.sx
Your Month-by-Month Island Planner
Whether you’re planning around local festivals, island energy, or the best moments to explore without the crowds, this month-by-month guide gives you the pulse of St Maarten / St Martin. From high-season Carnival magic and music festivals to quiet summer beach days and cultural holidays, each month has its own rhythm. Use this guide to match your travel dates with the island vibe that fits you best — whether that’s lively, laid-back, or somewhere in between.
🐚 January – Sunshine & Street Culture
Vibe: Sunny and laid-back with post-holiday buzz.
🌟 Highlights:
• Harmony Nights street festivals in Grand Case
• Peak weather for beaches and hikes
👀 Tip: Book early — it's high season and in-demand.
🎭 February - Carnival & Romance
Vibe: Caribbean flair meets French charm.
🌟 Highlights:
• St Martin Carnival parades + costumes
• Valentine’s romance in Grand Case
👀 Tip: Expect traffic and high demand — plan ahead!
⛵ March – Regattas & Rhythm
Vibe: High-energy month full of music and motion.
🌟 Highlights:
• Heineken Regatta + international concerts
• SXM Music Festival on beaches and hills
👀 Tip: Book hotels well in advance — it’s a party month.
🎉 April – Dutch Side Carnival Vibes
Vibe: Loud, festive, full of island pride.
🌟 Highlights:
• St Maarten Carnival parades + steelpan
• Great for sun, beach, and cultural immersion
👀 Tip: Carnival Village is buzzing nightly — join the locals!
🎶 May – Culture Meets Calm
Vibe: Quietly energetic, bridging two seasons.
🌟 Highlights:
• Carnival winds down with Last Lap
• Soul Beach Music Fest brings the vibes
👀 Tip: Sunny skies and better hotel rates — smart travel time.
📚 June – Literary Vibes & Sea Adventures
Vibe: Cultural richness with ocean calm.
🌟 Highlights:
• St Martin Book Fair and storytelling
• Fish Day: beach food + maritime traditions
👀 Tip: Pack light rain gear — showers may begin.
🕊️ July – Freedom & Family Time
Vibe: Proud, festive, and warm-hearted.
🌟 Highlights:
• Emancipation Day + Bastille Day parades
• Local concerts and family events
👀 Tip: Plan for heat and indoor downtime mid-day.
🌅 August – Local Flavor & Slower Days
Vibe: Hot, peaceful, with low-key village life.
🌟 Highlights:
• Outdoor movie nights and beach parties
• Artisan fairs and community vibes
👀 Tip: Hurricane season — buy travel insurance.
🧘 September – Stillness & Deals
Vibe: Quietest month — great for solitude.
🌟 Highlights:
• World Tourism Day activities
• Discounted villas + boat tours
👀 Tip: Some places close — check what's open in advance.
🎃 October – Calm with a Twist
Vibe: Easygoing with flickers of fun.
🌟 Highlights:
• Halloween-themed beach parties
• Culinary & nature experiences bloom
👀 Tip: Watch for flooded roads in downpours.
🍃 November – Green & Gathering
Vibe: Lush, cool, and culturally rich.
🌟 Highlights:
• St Martin Day unity parades
• Great hiking and island exploration
👀 Tip: Late Nov = start of high season. Book early.
🎄 December – Sparkle & Celebration
Vibe: Magical month of lights and parties.
🌟 Highlights:
• Concerts, fireworks, and caroling
• NYE beach blowouts across the island
👀 Tip: Peak demand — lock in hotels & activities early.
SXM Weather
When’s the best time to visit?
St Maarten / St Martin is a year-round destination, with warm weather and sunshine most months. The high season runs from December to April, when the island is dry, breezy, and buzzing with energy — ideal for beachgoers and boat charters.
Low season (June to November) brings higher humidity, lower prices, and the occasional tropical storm — but it’s also quieter, greener, and perfect for a slower-paced trip. May and November are great shoulder months for value and weather balance.
25°C / 77°F
🌧 Rainfall: Low
✨ Dry & sunny — peak season
25°C / 77°F
🌧 Rainfall: Low
📌 Peak travel month — book early
26°C / 79°F
🌧 Rainfall: Low
🩴 Perfect for beach and sailing
27°C / 81°F
🌧 Rainfall: Medium
🌼 Shoulder season begins
28°C / 82°F
🌦 Rainfall: Medium
🧘 Warm, fewer crowds — good value
28°C / 82°F
🌧 Rainfall: High
⚠️ Start of hurricane season
28°C / 82°F
🌧 Rainfall: High
💨 Warm with passing showers
29°C / 84°F
🌧 Rainfall: High
🔥 Hottest month — humid & quiet
29°C / 84°F
🌧 Rainfall: High
🌀 Hurricane season peak — storm risk
28°C / 82°F
🌧 Rainfall: High
🌴 Quiet season — end of storms
27°C / 81°F
🌦 Rainfall: Medium
🌿 Green, fresh, fewer tourists
26°C / 79°F
🌧 Rainfall: Low
🎉 Festive & sunny — high season begins
Essential Travel Tools
eSIMs that cover both the French and Dutch sides
Most visitors now use eSIMs instead of buying local SIM cards.
But here’s what they don’t tell you:
St Maarten and St Martin have completely different cell networks. Even locals often use two phones or special dual-forfait plans.
We’ve found the best eSIM options that work on both sides — so you stay connected from Maho to Grand Case.
Travel Insurance
Snorkeling? Renting a boat? Taking ferries between islands?
Even the best-planned Caribbean trips can hit a bump — missed ferries, storm delays, or a sprained ankle on a hike. For peace of mind, we recommend travel insurance that covers medical needs, cancellations, and even water activities.
From just $0.99/day with worldwide coverage
With Ekta Insurance, you’re covered on both sides of St Maarten / St Martin, plus Anguilla, St Barts, and beyond. Choose “Worldwide” at checkout for full coverage.
Why it’s worth it:
Medical, trip delay, and ferry coverage
Includes water sports like snorkeling
- No paperwork — instant coverage on the go
FAQs: Your St Maarten Questions Answered
Here are the 12 most frequently asked questions by travelers to St Maarten / St Martin — with real, helpful, in-depth answers:
Most travelers (US, Canada, EU) don’t need a visa. Just bring a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Complete the online ED card for SXM in advance to save time.
No Uber here! Use car rentals, local taxis (fixed-rate), minivans, or there is a new Taxi app. Renting a car gives you freedom to explore.
USD is accepted island-wide. Dutch side uses USD and guilders; French side uses Euros. Carry small bills; credit cards are widely accepted.
Yes! English is spoken everywhere. A few words in French (bonjour!) are appreciated on the French side.
Yes. Use common sense like anywhere. Petty theft can happen — don’t leave valuables unattended. Medical care is good.
Dec–Apr for dry, festive season. May–June for fewer crowds. July–Nov is off-season with the best deals — but check for hurricane forecasts.
Very! Calm beaches, zip-lining, kayaking, bird parks, and boat trips make it a hit for all ages. Most resorts welcome kids.
Yes, with planning. Choose flat beach areas (like Philipsburg), request ground floor rooms, and consider booking accessible transport in advance.
Incredible. French gourmet meets Caribbean BBQ. Don’t miss Grand Case lolos, fresh seafood, and Guavaberry rum.
Maho (for planes!), Orient Bay, Mullet Bay, Pinel Island, Grand Case, Happy Bay. Each beach has its own vibe — visit a few!
Simpson Bay and Maho are lively with bars, live music, clubs, and casinos. French side is more chic and quiet. Sunset cruises are a great option.
Rent a car, pack reef-safe sunscreen, explore both sides, try a ferry to Anguilla or Saba, and above all — slow down and enjoy.
The island, unlocked - with help from explr.sx
We don’t just know the island — we help you experience it better.
explr.sx helps you explore the island like a local — whether you’re chasing hidden beaches, local eats, cultural gems, or the best boat trip of your life. Skip the tourist traps and plan smarter, with curated tools and honest guidance.
Explore with:
📍 A free interactive map with 80+ curated spots → explr.sx/map
⛵ Hand-picked private charters with zero guesswork → explr.sx/private-boat-trips
✍️ Real reviews, no fluff travel copy, and practical tips
🧰 More tools coming soon: eSIMs, travel insurance, ferries and activities!
Heads up — some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you book through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep the site running and supports our free travel tools. We also try to keep everything accurate and fresh, but always check details with providers just in case.