The country of Sint Maarten is an Island paradise located just east of Puerto Rico and is surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the eastern Caribbean Sea.
Sint Maarten shares her home with a French-ruled sister on the northern part of the island, Saint Martin. This clash of European influences makes for a boldly unique tropical experience that you will not find anywhere else in the Caribbean!
As a territory of the Netherlands, Dutch influence is widely spread throughout the Sint Maarten split of the island, and is especially present in the architecture, fashion and cuisine.
While the French Saint Martin side of the island offers a relaxed, tranquil vibe, away from it all, the Dutch Sint Maarten side is a perfect getaway for those seeking a bubbling selection of both nightlife and day excursions – all while enjoying a vibrant, casual mood in a stunning locale.
What to Do
The beaches of Sint Maarten are nothing short of stunning. While the resorts on the island feature their own beautiful beach properties, there are also public beaches not to be missed!
Maho Beach has long attracted travelers and plane-watchers alike for its close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. Planes coming in for a landing hit the runway just past the edge of the sand, awing spectators. For a quieter beach day, head to Plum Bay at the western most point of the island, offering an unmatched level of peace and serenity. Additionally, the water off of Plum Bay sees some sizeable swells roll in, making this one of the best beaches on the island for surfing!
Beyond beaches, the high peaks and lively rainforests offer a sense of adventure to an otherwise peaceful destination. One popular activity great for taking in the stunning scenery is ziplining. The Rockland Estate of Sint Maarten offers a rainforest excursion, perched high upon the island’s mountain peaks and including its most well-known offering “The Flying Dutchman,” the steepest zipline in the world. Starting high above the land below, guests drop 1,050 feet over the 2,800 foot long zipline, an outdoors experience that is as thrilling as it is breathtaking!
If you are looking to see a little more of the Eastern Caribbean while on your trip, Anguilla and Saint Barthélemy are just a short ride from Sint Maarten. Both islands have their own distinct culture and features worth exploring, whether for a day trip or a few nights.
Travelers who love to shop will be enamored by the vast array of boutiques and duty-free shops in Sint Maarten’s capital city, Phillipsburg, which is also home to glittering casinos and vast nightlife.
Front Street in downtown Phillipsburg is the favorite among Sint Maarten shoppers for its proximity to dozens of designer stores and distinctive island boutiques alike. Front Street also boasts many different jewelers, guaranteeing you will find that perfect necklace at an amazing price.
Rum drinkers visiting Sint Maarten must go on a tour of Topper’s Rhum Distillery, a family-owned operation that has been rated in the top 10 of all Caribbean rum distilleries by USA Today. Rhum is a special type of rum that is made from natural ingredients local to Sint Maarten. Toppers is an award-winning family owned distillery that handcrafts many different types of rhums including coconut, spiced, vanilla cinnamon and more. Toppers serves food as well, should you need a bite all that tasting!
What to Eat
Both Sint Maarten and St. Martin boast incredible cuisine. Each side fuses their European influences with fresh Caribbean flavors, leaving empty plates and stomachs full.
If staying in Sint Maarten, venturing to the French side to eat is a must. Marigot and Grand Case, the “Gourmet Capital” of the Caribbean, are awash with exceptional restaurants, but there is also excellent dining to be found in Orient Bay and Oyster Pond.
Bistrot Caraïbes in Grand Case offers a romantic gourmet dining experience while still staying true to the island’s casual atmosphere. The menu is comprised of the freshest local ingredients prepared with the finesse of French cuisine. Dishes, such as their Caribbean lobster and sautéed snails, have led many to declare Bistrot Caraïbes the best restaurant in the entire Caribbean.
La Cigale in Marigot puts a gourmet twist on local seafood dishes. While the red snapper with chili salt and herbs is a favorite, the real gem on this menu is the Caribbean lobster tail, served with a butter and garlic sauce. This decadent dish is light, but offers a deep, savory indulgence with each bite.
For an authentic taste of life on Sint Maarten, try stewed oxtail, which you can find throughout the island. This hearty Creole dish is filled with savory and herbal flavors where the beef is tenderized until succulent, then often paired with vegetables and seasoned thoroughly with garlic, herbs and salt.
When to Go
The best time to visit Sint Maarten is May-July. The island sees wonderful weather year-round, however planning for these months provides you with the best weather while avoiding the island’s rainier season, August-November. Additionally, Sint Maarten’s prices are known to rise for those looking to escape the typically colder months of December-April.
Keep in mind that St. Martin is predominantly French-speaking, while the Dutch side of Sint Maarten is predominantly English-speaking.