Aerial view of Sint Maarten's turquoise coastline and beaches
Island guide

Things to Do in Sint Maarten

Two countries, 37 beaches and some of the best food in the Caribbean — all on one 34-square-mile island. Here's a local-friendly guide to the best things to do in Sint Maarten / Saint Martin, whatever your pace.

Hit the best beaches

Sint Maarten is famous for its beaches, and each has its own character. Maho Beach is the legendary one, where planes pass low overhead on approach to Princess Juliana Airport. Orient Bay on the French side is the lively beach-bar capital, while Mullet Bay and Grand Case offer calmer, postcard-perfect swimming.

Get out on the water

  • Anguilla day trip Our most-loved excursion — a short boat ride to the powder-white beaches of neighbouring Anguilla.
  • Snorkel & reef tours Calm bays and protected reefs make for easy, family-friendly snorkelling.
  • Sunset catamaran sail Cruise the coastline with drinks in hand as the sun drops behind the hills.

Eat your way around the island

Grand Case is widely considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean, lined with fine-dining bistros and casual 'lolos' (open-air BBQ grills). On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay is packed with waterfront restaurants and nightlife.

Explore by car

The easiest way to see both the Dutch and French sides is with your own rental car. You can cross the open border freely and reach hidden beaches and viewpoints like Pic Paradis, the island's highest point.

Frequently asked questions

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Trip planning

Plan your Sint Maarten trip

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