The Friendly Island

Discover
Sint Maarten

A twin-nation Caribbean gem — half Dutch, half French — where turquoise lagoons, world-class beaches, and a vibrant dining scene await. Your island guide from Postcard Paradise.

The Island

Two countries,
one paradise

Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint-Martin (French side) share the smallest landmass in the world divided between two nations. Despite its compact size, the island punches far above its weight — with over 37 beaches, a renowned food scene, duty-free shopping, and a buzzing nightlife.

The island is easy to navigate — you can drive from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. No border formalities means you can seamlessly explore both sides in a single day.

37+
Beaches
37km²
Total Area
2
Nations
30°C
Avg. Temp

Sun & Sand

The island's
best beaches

From the famous planes of Maho to the calm waters of Simpson Bay, every beach offers something different.

Maho Beach
Maho Beach
Famous worldwide for planes landing just overhead at Princess Juliana International Airport. A bucket-list experience — watch jets skim metres above the sand. Best around 1–4pm when flights arrive.
5 min from D414
Simpson Bay Beach
Simpson Bay Beach
A long, calm strip of white sand bordering the famous lagoon. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, and watching stunning sunsets. Lined with restaurants and beach bars — perfect for a full day.
Walking distance
Mullet Bay Beach
Mullet Bay Beach
A local favourite — wide, shady, and rarely crowded. Calm waters make it ideal for families and swimmers. Backed by coconut palms and the ruins of an old golf course.
10 min from D414
Orient Bay, Saint-Martin
Orient Bay (French Side)
The liveliest beach on the French side — vibrant beach bars, water sports, and a chic European atmosphere. A 25-minute drive from Simpson Bay but well worth it for a full day out.
French side · 25 min
Friar's Bay beach
Friar's Bay
A secluded crescent cove on the French side with calm, crystal-clear water. Less touristy than Orient Bay with a charming beach bar serving fresh fish. Bring snorkel gear.
French side · Hidden gem

Experiences

Things to do

Beyond the beaches, Sint Maarten offers a rich mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Boat Trips & Island Hopping
Take a catamaran to nearby Anguilla, St. Barths, or Saba for a day trip. Local operators offer snorkelling excursions, sunset cruises, and private charters — ask us for trusted recommendations.
Snorkelling & Diving
The waters around Sint Maarten are teeming with marine life. Dive sites include wrecks, reefs, and walls. Rent gear at most beaches or join a guided dive from Philipsburg or Simpson Bay.
Shopping in Philipsburg
The capital's Front Street is a duty-free shopper's paradise — jewellery, electronics, spirits, and luxury goods at prices you won't find elsewhere. Best on days cruise ships are not in port.
Explore by Scooter or Car
Rent a scooter or car and circumnavigate the whole island in an afternoon. Stop at viewpoints, hidden beaches, and charming French villages — no border formalities needed. Ask us for rental contacts.
Sunset at Maho
Stay at Maho Beach into the evening — the planes come in low as the sky turns orange and pink. Grab a drink at one of the beach bars and watch the show. A nightly ritual for many locals.
Rainforest Adventures & Chairlift
Ride the open-air chairlift through lush tropical forest to Sentry Hill, the island's highest accessible viewpoint. Thrill-seekers can zip down on the famous Flying Dutchman — the world's steepest zipline.
Carnival
If you visit in April–May, don't miss Carnival on the Dutch side — the island's biggest cultural celebration, with colourful parades, music, dancing, and incredible local food filling the streets. The Grand Parade and Jouvert morning are unforgettable experiences. The French side hosts its own Carnival in February, with parades and festivities of its own leading up to Ash Wednesday.
Heineken Regatta
Held every March, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is one of the Caribbean's most famous sailing events — three days of world-class racing followed by legendary beach parties and live music. Even if you're not sailing, it's a fantastic atmosphere to soak up around the island.
Fishing & Water Sports
Deep sea fishing, kite surfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are all readily available. Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the Caribbean's largest protected lagoons — perfect for watersports of every kind.

Eat & Drink

Where to eat
on the island

Sint Maarten punches far above its weight culinarily — a blend of Caribbean, French, Dutch, and international flavours make it one of the best dining destinations in the region, from beachfront bars to fine French dining and unmissable local BBQ stands known as "lolos."

Insider Knowledge

Travel tips for
Sint Maarten

Currency & Payments
The US Dollar is universally accepted on both sides of the island. Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops. The Dutch side uses the Caribbean Guilder, the French side the Euro — but USD works everywhere.
Getting Around
Renting a car is the best way to explore. Taxis are readily available but can be pricey for longer journeys. Drive on the right side of the road. Traffic can be slow near Philipsburg when cruise ships are in port — plan accordingly. Ask us for trusted taxi contacts.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season runs December–April with little rain and steady trade winds. The rainy season (July–November) brings occasional showers but also quieter beaches and lower prices. Hurricane season peaks August–October — always check forecasts.
Connectivity
Most restaurants, hotels, and bars offer free WiFi. Local SIM cards are available from TELEM (Dutch side) or SAINT-MARTIN SIM (French side). US phones work well on roaming — check your plan's Caribbean rates before you travel.
Health & Safety
Sint Maarten is generally very safe for tourists. Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is the main hospital on the Dutch side. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Apply sunscreen generously — the Caribbean sun is intense year-round.

Stay With Us

Ready to experience
the island?

Whichever style of stay you're after, we have a home for you on Sint Maarten.

Postcard Paradise pool
Postcard Paradise
A sleek apartment in Simpson Bay with a rooftop infinity pool, jacuzzis, and panoramic lagoon views.
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Unspoiled Queen exterior
Unspoiled Queen
A homely house near Philipsburg and the Carnival Village — perfect for a more spacious, local stay.
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