Why Go to St. Martin - St. Maarten
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Saint Martin is two countries on one small island, and you get both cultures in a single trip. At just 37 square miles, the island is split between the French north, known for chic boutiques, gourmet dining and a Riviera-style vibe, and the Dutch south, Sint Maarten, a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands known for lively nightlife, casinos and duty-free shopping. There's no border check between them, so you can have breakfast in France and lunch in the Netherlands.
On the French side, dine your way through Grand Case, often called the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean, from fine restaurants to casual lolos serving grilled ribs and lobster, and relax on the long, beautiful beach at Orient Bay, which includes a clothing-optional section. Take a short boat ride to tiny Pinel Island for calm water and nature trails. On the Dutch side, watch jets roar just over your head as they land at famous Maho Beach, shop and dine along the boardwalk in Philipsburg and try your luck at a casino. The island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and has rebuilt beautifully. Take a day trip to nearby Anguilla or St. Barts, and learn about the island's history of salt harvesting.
Saint Martin has nonstop flights from many U.S. cities and is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. I'll help you choose the side that fits your style, plan beaches, dining and island-hopping, or set up a perfect cruise day.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, foodies, cruisers and island explorers
BEST MONTHS
December–April
EXPLORE
Philipsburg is the Dutch-side cruise and shopping center; Simpson Bay has marinas and nightlife; Marigot and Grand Case highlight the French side.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
St. Martin - St. Maarten
North America › Eastern Caribbean › St. Martin / St. Maarten
One island, two cultures and beautiful Caribbean bays
Beach & Resort
Culinary
Diving
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan your beach day around where your ship or hotel is based: crossing between the Dutch and French sides can take longer than it appears on a map. Check current traffic and beach conditions, especially around Maho, and keep generous time for a cruise-ship return.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Never stand in jet-blast areas or at the airport fence; follow posted warnings.
Maho Beach
Watch aircraft approach Princess Juliana International Airport from the public beach setting at Maho.
Choose a beach area that suits your preferences; sections are clothing-optional.
Orient Bay
Spend time on the long, lively sands of Orient Bay on the French side, with beach clubs and water views.
Cruise-ship days can be busy; allow time for the return trip to port.
Philipsburg Boardwalk
Stroll the waterfront boardwalk in Philipsburg for beach views, dining and nearby Front Street shopping.
Market days and vendors vary; carry small euro notes for modest purchases.
Marigot Market
Browse local stalls and the waterfront surroundings of Marigot, the French-side capital.
Wear shoes with grip for the steps and avoid exposed areas during heavy rain.
Fort Louis
Climb to Fort Louis above Marigot for hilltop views across the bay and surrounding coastline.
A family-friendly all-inclusive resort near Maho Village and Princess Juliana Airport, convenient for beach time, restaurants and evening entertainment. Check aircraft noise exposure and the exact package inclusions.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
Maho Bay / Dutch Side
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive hotel in the Maho area, suited to couples wanting a resort-focused stay near nightlife. Confirm room selection and access arrangements for shared facilities.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
Maho Bay / Dutch Side
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A beachfront resort on the Little Bay peninsula, offering access to the sea and a practical base for visiting Philipsburg. Confirm which meal plan applies to the reservation.
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
Little Bay / Near Philipsburg
Value · Family · Beach
An upscale coastal resort at Dawn Beach, a quieter alternative to the airport and nightlife districts. Allow road-transfer time to Philipsburg and Grand Case.
JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Dawn Beach / Eastern Dutch Side
Beach · Family
A beachfront resort on the French side near Grand Case dining, suited to travelers who want a relaxed coastal setting. Verify rental-car or taxi arrangements when visiting Dutch-side attractions.
Grand Case Beach Club
Grand Case / French Side
Boutique · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive in a sheltered cove on the French side, with swim-out suites and a full spa.
Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa
Anse Marcel, French Side
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A refined clifftop resort above one of the island's longest, quietest beaches, with excellent French cuisine.
Belmond La Samanna
Baie Longue, French Side
Beach
A beachfront hotel right on Front Street in Philipsburg, perfect for shopping, dining and an easy walk from the cruise pier.
Holland House Beach Hotel
Philipsburg
City · Value · Beach
Spacious suites with kitchens on Simpson Bay Beach, close to restaurants, nightlife and the airport.
Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa
Simpson Bay
Family · Value · Beach
A hillside boutique hotel with loft suites overlooking Grand Case Bay, a short walk from the island's food capital.
Hotel L'Esplanade
Grand Case, French Side
Boutique
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in St. Martin - St. Maarten
High 86°F · Low 76°F · Rain 5.2 in
Conditions may improve later in the month, but storms remain possible. Explore Philipsburg shops, Marigot markets and island beaches. Seasonal highlight: Carnival programming on the French and Dutch sides follows different calendars. Planning note: cruise-port crowds and seasonal sea conditions.
December–April. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit St. Martin - St. Maarten
WHEN TO GO
06
Cruise and Ferry Timing
For cruise visits, allow generous time to return to Philipsburg and account for traffic; island ferries depart from separate terminals.
05
Minibuses and Local Routes
Shared minibuses operate on selected corridors rather than a fixed islandwide tourist schedule. Verify the route and return option.
04
Rental Cars
Driving makes it easier to explore both French and Dutch sides, but parking and beach-area congestion can be substantial.
03
Island Taxis
Licensed taxis serve the cruise port, airport and beaches. Confirm fare, currency and pickup before departure.
02
Getting Around Locally
Rental cars give the most flexibility; narrow coastal roads can be slow, and taxis should be priced before departure.
01
Arriving by Air
Princess Juliana International Airport is the principal airport; Grand Case also has regional flights.
Princess Juliana International Airport is the principal airport; Grand Case also has regional flights. Rental cars give the most flexibility; narrow coastal roads can be slow, and taxis should be priced before departure.
Getting Around St. Martin - St. Maarten