- One island, two countries: Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and French Saint-Martin in the north
- Watch jets land over Maho Beach, right beside the airport
- Air France flies direct from Paris and KLM from Amsterdam; there are no UK direct flights
- A great base for day trips to Anguilla, St Barts and Saba
- Airports
- Princess Juliana International (SXM)
- Flight time
- about 11-13h from London, with one stop in Paris, Amsterdam or the US
- Best time to go
- December-April; May-June for value
- Currency
- Caribbean guilder (XCG); US dollars used everywhere; euro on the French side
Sint Maarten occupies the southern half of an island shared with French Saint-Martin, making it one of the smallest landmasses in the world divided between two nations. The Dutch side is the busier, more commercial half, with the main airport, a big cruise port, casinos and duty-free shopping, while the French north is known for its beaches and restaurants. There is no border control between the two, so you can easily enjoy both.
From the UK it is a long-haul trip with one change, often in Paris or Amsterdam. The island is four hours behind the UK in winter and five in summer. On the Dutch side, plugs are the US two-pin type (110V); the French side uses European plugs (220V). Cars drive on the right. Sint Maarten is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Saint-Martin is part of France, and Anguilla is a short ferry ride away.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit Sint Maarten visa-free for up to 90 days. Visitors are required to complete an online embarkation-disembarkation card before arrival, and you may be asked for a return ticket and proof of accommodation. If you connect through the US you need an ESTA. Entry rules for the French side follow those of France's overseas territories. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Sint Maarten and St Martin
Philipsburg
The Dutch capital sits on a long sandy bay, with Front Street's duty-free shops, the Boardwalk's beach bars and Fort Amsterdam on the headland. It is busiest when several cruise ships are in.
Maho Beach and Simpson Bay
Maho Beach lies right at the end of the airport runway, and watching large jets roar in just overhead is the island's most famous spectacle. Simpson Bay, nearby, has the main concentration of hotels, restaurants and bars, plus a lagoon full of yachts. Obey the warning signs about jet blast.
Orient Bay
On the French side, Orient Bay is a long, lively beach with water sports and beach restaurants. Pinel Island, a short boat ride from Cul-de-Sac, has calm water and good snorkelling.
Grand Case and Marigot
Grand Case is regarded as the island's food capital, with French and Creole restaurants and casual grills known as lolos. Marigot, the French capital, has a waterfront market and Fort Louis overlooking the bay.
Day trips to neighbouring islands
Ferries and short flights reach Anguilla, glamorous St Barts and tiny Saba, with its dramatic volcanic peak and superb diving.
Best time to visit Sint Maarten
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (December-April) | Peak season, around 25-29 °C, dry and breezy; Carnival around April |
| Late spring (May-June) | Warm and quieter, with better prices |
| Summer (July-August) | Hot and humid; hurricane season begins |
| Autumn (September-November) | Highest hurricane risk; some businesses close for a few weeks |
Arrival and departure times for the big jets are posted at the Maho beach bars, so you can time your visit for the most dramatic landings, usually around midday to mid-afternoon.
Getting to Sint Maarten from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. Air France flies from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Princess Juliana in about 8–9 hours, and KLM serves the island from Amsterdam. Alternatively, connect via a US hub such as Miami, New York or Charlotte, which needs an ESTA. Allow about 11–13 hours in total. Regional airlines connect SXM with many other Caribbean islands.
Getting around
A hire car is the most practical way to explore both sides of the island, though traffic around Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and Marigot can be heavy. Shared minibuses run along the main roads cheaply, and taxis charge set fares. Ferries to Anguilla leave from Marigot, and boats to St Barts and Saba leave from Philipsburg, Marigot and Simpson Bay.
Money and costs
The Caribbean guilder replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder in 2025, but prices on the Dutch side are almost always quoted in US dollars, and euros are used on the French side. Budget around £170–260 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation. Cards are widely accepted; some French-side restaurants offer favourable dollar exchange or discounts for cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is it Sint Maarten or St Martin?
Both. Sint Maarten is the Dutch southern half of the island, and Saint-Martin the French northern half. The island as a whole is usually called St Martin in English.
Do I need a passport to cross between the Dutch and French sides?
No. There are no border checks, just a monument marking the line.
Can you watch the planes at Maho Beach?
Yes, but take the warning signs seriously. Jet blast from departing aircraft can be dangerous, so stay well clear of the fence behind the runway.
Is Sint Maarten good for a beach holiday?
Yes. The island has around 37 beaches, with the quieter and prettiest ones mostly on the French side.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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