Saint Martin, an island less than 200 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Lesser Antilles, is home to two countries with similar names but very distinct personalities: The northern half is the Collectivity of Saint Martin. It’s part of France and is home to secluded beaches and mountains to climb. The southern half is the bustling Sint Maarten, part of the Netherlands, with a busy cruise port, lively casinos, and an urban vibe vacationers can’t get enough of!
What to Know About Visiting St. Maarten
When you need a Caribbean getaway, St. Maarten is the perfect choice: The island has a year-round tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 74° to 90° Fahrenheit and 8 to 10 hours of sun per day1. The temperatures rarely fall below 68°; there is no real rainy season, and what rain does come is in brief showers or squalls2.
Want to avoid the crowds? The off-season runs from June to November and offers great deals, but this is also hurricane season in the region. The good news is that hurricanes are rare for this island1.
High season runs from December to April with more visitors and higher rates, but this is also the season for events like Carnival and the Heineken Regatta1.
Beyond your bathing suit, camera, walking shoes, and party clothes, bring your passport (ensure it’ll be valid for the whole trip) and your return ticket. If you’re heading to another destination, have your ticket showing the next part of your travel itinerary3.
Everyone arriving at Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side of the island must complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation Card within a week of arriving (but ideally before your trip). You'll need to complete your passport information, flight information, and the address where you'll be staying on the island. Filling out this form online is free, so beware of scammers trying to charge you for it3.
Best Reasons to Visit St. Maarten
There are many things to do in St. Maarten when you visit!
Maho Beach is one of the most popular places to visit for a unique sight. Princess Juliana Airport runways are right next to the beach; airplanes landing create great photo ops as they approach. Small local planes come in several times per hour, and the bigger jets tend to arrive in the afternoons for some truly breathtaking pictures4.
Families and couples alike should take time to explore the capital city, Philipsburg, which has plenty of shops selling luxury goods and local merchandise. About 2 million people visit the city each year to go shopping thanks to the country’s duty-free status, so you can save up to 30% on purchases compared to what you would pay in the United States1.
Love history, or love someone who loves history? Visit the Concordia Monument, the site marking the border of Saint Martin, and Fort Amsterdam, the Dutch military fortress dating back to the early 1600s. These sites are great for families to explore1.
Where to Stay in St. Maarten
Whether you’re traveling with family or chosen family, there are all-inclusive St. Maarten resorts to fit your style!
The all-inclusive, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort has three restaurants, six bars and lounges, and three poolside bars, making it a great fit for couples or friends on a getaway. Gamers can take advantage of 300 slot machines and 21 casino tables or spend time in the sportsbook.
Traveling with the family? No problem! The all-inclusive Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa has a children's club, supervised activities, and an on-site playground. Want to get away from the kids for a few hours? Babysitting is available for an additional surcharge. The resort also has five restaurants, five bars, two poolside bars, a beach bar, and a cafe.
Why Book with CheapCaribbean?
Ready to start exploring? The team at CheapCaribbean can help you find the best deals and perks—and support you and your travel besties from planning the trip to the moment you get home. Flexible payment options mean you can pay for the trip over time, even after you’re back home! You can rest easy with 24-hour cancellation, and if you find a better price online, even a full day after booking, CheapCaribbean will match it!
Amstar, the official destination management company for CheapCaribbean, provides transportation to and from the airport and your resort. Just look for the Amstar staff in the blue shirt once you pick up your bags. And it gets better: Amstar excursions can take you diving in coral reefs, hiking breathtaking trails, or sailing on catamarans, with local experts to ensure a unique, authentic experience. Best of all, Amstar also provides 24/7 support by phone, email, or social media, so you and your group will always have someone to help.
FAQ
Do you need a passport for St. Maarten?
Yes, you will need both a valid passport and a return ticket to visit St. Maarten, but U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter St. Maarten3.
What's the difference between St. Maarten and St. Martin?
The two countries share the island with the French. St. Martin to the north and the Dutch St. Maarten to the south. There are four border crossings between the two sides of the island without border or passport checks3.
Is St. Maarten safe for tourists?
Yes! The U.S. Department of State says that with low crime rates, St. Maarten is “generally a safe destination” for travelers.
What's the best time of year to visit St. Maarten?
There’s no bad time of year to visit St. Maarten! Even in the off-season, hurricanes are rare, and the weather is sunny and mild the remainder of the year.
What currency does St. Maarten use?
The Netherlands Antillean guilder is the official currency of St. Maarten, but you can use U.S. dollars easily1.
Is St. Maarten good for families or couples?
St. Maarten is a great destination for families, couples, and friends looking to get away. A variety of attractions and resorts suit many needs and interests.
Sources:
- Streeter, K. (Dec. 9, 2025). A Guide to Sint Maarten. Lonely Planet. Retrieved September 19, 2026, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/first-time-guide-to-sint-maarten
- Tropical Sweetness. St. Martin, The Friendly Island. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from https://www.st-martin.org/us/learn-more/geography-and-climate/tropical-sweetness/
- St Maarten Entry & Travel Requirements, Entry.SX, ED Card, EHAS. Visit St Maarten. Retrieved September 19, 2026, from https://www.visitstmaarten.com/st-maarten-entry-travel-requirements-ehas/
- (March 27, 2026). 5 Awesome Things to Do in St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Destinations & Desserts. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from https://destinationsanddesserts.com/st-martin-things-to-do/
