Sint Maarten (Dutch) – Saint Martin (French) – two countries on one Island = SXM. A unique Caribbean paradise!
Our Island has the best of both worlds: European Calmness, fine dining, and relaxation on the French side and the Las Vegas of the Caribbean on the Dutch side. SXM counts over 100 different nationalities within just 37 square miles or 96 square km. Such diversity makes this Island the most multicultural and diverse nation worldwide. Let us guide you through this magical Caribbean island; we collected all the best things to do in SXM from a local point of view.
Visit us and experience why St. Martin | St. Maarten is the #1 Caribbean Vacation destination!
Explore Sint Maarten | Saint Martin with We Are SXM’s ultimate day and night tour!
Join our Island Street Art tour and experience the food culture, street art, each area and some of the most hidden beaches in one day! Or, party like the locals, and join our very special Sint Maarten Pub Crawl and experience the best bars and live entertainment in SXM in one night.
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Enjoy creating memories in our tropical paradise!
Welcome to Sint Maarten | Saint Martin
A Caribbean island that is like no other. With breathtaking natural lagoons and miles of beaches. Cobblestone streets that run through the Capitol cities with rows of colonial-style buildings lining the downtown areas, and centuries-old forts protecting its most valued asset…. “the people”, the most friendly people in the Caribbean.
With over 100 different nationalities inhabiting this small Island, it is probably the most multi-cultural nation in the entire world.
Welkom op Sint Maarten, or how the French would say: Bienvenue à Saint Martin. Affectionately known to the locals as “SXM” – “The Friendly Island”.
Size and citizens
With 37 square miles or 96 square km, the Island of St Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two nations, The Dutch and the French. You can see the influences of both cultures around every corner.
Our Magical little paradise inhabits approximately 85.000 citizens, spread over the Dutch side (50.000) and the French side (35.000). It’s hard to do an exact count as many are on and off-island due to the Tourism Industry.
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Island went into a recovery phase. Now a couple of years after, we are back on track and completely renovated and renewed. Everything on St Maarten | St Martin is newly built, and services are improved compared to pre-hurricane. There are lots of new restaurants, hotels, activities, and watersports to enjoy.
Season
Our high-season months are from November until April, mid-season from May to August, and low-season September and October due to the Hurricane season.
Temperature
The average temperature on the Island of St. Maarten is approx 80ºF or 27ºC. Within the high-season months, there’s a lot more wind and less humidity. Where in the low season, there can be almost no wind and more moisture.
But in short, our Island is pleasant to visit all year round, so we hope to see you soon!
How to enjoy our island – Best things to do!
Of course, the Caribbean counts an endless amount of beaches and palm trees, but there is a lot more to experience on our lovely island. Especially having two cultures within such a small landmass, there is soo much to explore.
A local guide will show you around with an island tour while explaining more about each location, its history, and its cultural background. Read more…
Once you know the island a little bit, rent a nice Jeep, ATV, Harley or Scooter, to explore further on your own. Don’t worry about getting lost, as there is only one main road going around. With only 37 square miles or 96 square km, you can drive around the island in 1,5 – 2 hours. Just remember, there can be a lot of traffic, especially within high-season with 3 or more cruise-ships docked in Philipsburg.
For more adventurous ways, grab a segway on the boardwalk or book a helicopter island tour. Read more…
Restaurants and snack shacks
After the boat tours and the sun, the hikes, and the breathtaking scenery, it’s time to eat. This Island is home to an endless variety of restaurants. Known as “The Melting Pot” of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten | Saint Martin offers every cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and restaurateurs. The local fare and Snack Shacks are every bit as delicious as the fine dining establishments.
There is fine dining all around the Island with mostly European cuisine, but the number one place for gastronomic know-how is Grand Case, the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. For great food combined with an entertaining night out, Simpson Bay or Maho would be your best options. Many beach bars serve a fantastic lunch in their beach restaurant or right at your beach chair.
And you can’t leave SXM without trying the local fare and snack shacks, all around you’ll find Caribbean barbeques triggering your senses. Try the perfectly grilled chicken or ribs served with rice & peas and local johnnycakes. Read more…
Simpson Bay | Maho: luxury yachts and entertainment
The high season runs from November through May; during that time, the island marinas are filled with the most extravagant yachts from around the world. Their vibrant crew and guests enjoy everything the Island has to offer, including late nights out at the local hot spots.
The majority of boats and yachts come in and out of Simpson Bay, making this area and Maho the place to party and be seen in Dutch Sint Maarten. With casinos, restaurants and lots of entertainment all around the evenings never have to be boring in this area. Read more…
Shopping in St. Maarten – St. Martin
The Island of Sint Maarten is famous for its beaches and friendliness, which brings tourists back time and again. Another great advantage the Island is known for is Tax-Free shopping for jewelry, time-pieces, and European luxury brands. The savings might already make back your trip. Read more…
And when traveling in the Caribbean, one must always try the local flavors and fare. Start by savoring the smooth local Rums and once the Rhum has satisfied your palette, visit one of the local beer breweries.
Celebrate the Dutch with a cold Heineken and Dutch Cheese or indulge in the French with all the great delicacies, wines, and cheeses.
Boat tours, Watersports, Snorkeling & Diving
The year-round temperature on the Island is approximately 80ºF or 27ºC making the Friendly Island an excellent place to visit all year round.
If it gets too warm for you, cool off on the blue Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. St Martin gives the color blue a whole new definition. Experience the beauty of these blue waters on board any of the many boat charters, excursions, or adventurous ways to explore the water. Read more…
And if you dare, go deep, deep into the sea, and say hello to the underwater world and its magnificent inhabitants. You will find turtles, tuna, angelfish, rays, and when lucky even passing whales or dolphins. Read more…
Beaches in SXM
Grab the opportunity to visit all 37 beautiful beaches, we have soo many beaches that only very few make it to see them all. With so many fantastic beach options, you can experience something new every day. Grab a beach chair and umbrella at one of the many Beach bars, have an upscale beach-lunch or find one of the more remote private spots, like caves and inlets.
The number one beach in Sint Maarten and probably the most unique beach in the world is Maho Beach. What makes this no ordinary beach is the runway directly behind, meaning the planes come right over your head while you soak up the sun.
This is the place to shoot that once in lifetime vacation picture! Read more…
Nature and wildlife in St. Martin
Along with sun, sea, and sand, Sint Maarten offers beautiful scenes of nature and an abundance of greenery and wildlife. You will even find wild monkeys on many of the beautiful hiking trails. They are quite friendly but hold on to your sunglasses. Read more….
The National bird of Sint Maarten is the brown pelican. Pelicans are characterized by a long beak and a large throat pouch for catching prey in the water. If you would like to explore and learn more about the wildlife of the Island visit the Bird Park or Seaside Nature Park.
Local Food – Caribbean delicacies & National Dishes:
Other Caribbean cultural delicacies that you find on SXM are the national dishes callaloo soup (French Side) and conch & dumplings (Dutch side). You’ll also find other Caribbean island delicacies such as saltfish & ackee, porc colombo, plantain, breadfruit, and locally caught red snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, or Caribbean lobster. Read more…
Spa & Wellness and/or Adventure
If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, treat yourself in one of the many spas or get a fresh aloe vera massage right on the beach. There are also great massage therapists that come to the place you stay at. Read more…
Support local businesses by purchasing handmade sunscreen, lotions, and skincare products. St. Maarten Nectar makes everything on the island with only organic products. Read more…
After all the relaxing, seek some adventure and visit sentry hill, enjoy the peak-view and the way down with the Flying Dutchman.
Places to Stay:
Visiting the beautiful island of Sint Maarten | Saint Martin demands more than an overnight visit, and that requires accommodation. There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and villas to satisfy every style of vacation. For all the best locations to stay, click here.
People have been known to come for a week and stay for a lifetime. All you need to live the Caribbean dream is a lovely house. Read more…
Or expand your horizon with your very own private yacht.
Overall – What makes Sint Maarten | Saint Martin unique!
Friendly people, gorgeous beaches, stunning scenery, and a laidback vibe will leave you longing to return to the friendly dual nation of Sint Maarten | Saint Martin!
We hope to see you soon… in Paradise!
Lots of discounts – No coupons or cards needed with We Are SXM!
With We Are SXM you enjoy a 10% or 20% discount or a unique special at over 250 locations in both Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. Click on the button below to see where you can get a discount!
That way you’ll make everyone happy during your stay in our Paradise!
Stay on the Dutch side or the French side?
Dutch Side: Overall travel advice
If you are looking for a vacation to relax on the beach, enjoy sublime restaurants, combined with nightlife, casinos, and parties. All while enjoying affordable alcohol, meeting like-minded people, and the locals. Then the Dutch side would be your best option!
In short:
Sublime restaurants, lots of bars and entertainment, luxury shopping, and cheap liquor combined with the most relaxing beaches. Dutch Sint Maarten.
French Side: Overall travel advice
Suppose you are looking for a vacation where you get to relax on the beach, combined with experiencing European food and visiting fabulous restaurants. All while meeting like-minded people and maybe even taking the freedom to go topless or nude on the beach. Then the French side would be your best option!
In short:
World-Class cuisines, top-wines and delicacies, European shopping, and the most relaxing beaches with the ultimate freedom to go topless. French Saint Martin.
Is it safe to visit St. Maarten – St. Martin?
Yes, the island is safe. Like in any other city, we suggest not walking around with expensive jewelry at night.
Is it Sint Maarten or Saint Martin?
Sint Maarten is on the Dutch side of the island, and Saint Martin is the French side.
Will I be bothered on the streets?
No, people are not annoying in the streets. Although, in Simpson Bay, some timeshare salespeople might try to engage, and in Philipsburg, there are cosmetic stores that try and lure you in for free samples, don’t fall for it, as they sell you overpriced products afterward.
Why should I visit St. Martin?
If 37 gorgeous white sandy beaches are not enough, then the food will convince you! With over 300 restaurants and a vast variety of cuisines, SXM is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.
Can I use US dollars?
Yes, even though the Dutch side’s official currency is NAF and the French side’s Euro, the USD is widely accepted on both sides. One 1.8 NAF is equal to 1 USD, and for the Euro, most places take 1 = 1.
What is the best thing to do in SXM?
Visit the beaches for dinner, enjoy Caribbean sightseeing, and party until late at night.
What language is spoken?
On the entire island, people mainly speak English, especially on the Dutch side English is the common tongue. On the French side, people speak French together but can also speak English.
What is the best time of the year to visit?
The average temperature is around 80 degrees year-round, but from November to April, it is windier and feels cooler. This is also the time more people escape the cold and our high-season. From May to October, it is a little calmer on the island, which makes a great time to experience the Caribbean culture!
How large is St Maarten?
Together, St Maarten and St Martin are 37 square miles or 96 square kilometers. It is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two nations.
How expensive is food in SXM?
Overall, SXM is about 25% more expensive than main land as everything has to be shipped. But you can have a very inexpensive meal from $10, which can go up to a couple of hundred dollars for a fine dining experience.
Can you drink water in St. Maarten | St. Martin?
Yes, the water is safe to drink on both sides of the island, but it does have a little chlorine flavor. Most people buy bottled water or add a filter to their sinks.
What should I buy in St. Maarten?
The best things to buy are jewelry, liquor, tobacco, and luxury brands on the Dutch side. Because the island is TAX-FREE, you easily save 15 to 20% on these products.
Are there monkeys in St. Maarten?
Yes, there are wild monkeys in St Maarten – St Martin; if you like to spot some, do the Loterie Farm hike in the early mornings or drive through the dirt road from Oyster Pond to Middle Region.
How does using We Are SXM benefit me?
We Are SXM offers discounts on boat tours and offers you free advice to help you choose the perfect activity or boat charter. You can book almost everything through the webpage, safe and secure and with the guarantee of a fun time!
Reviews: what tourist say about We Are SXM
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We had Jai this past Wednesday as a driver and all I can say is wow, what amazing service. He was prompt, very friendly, knowledgeable about the island and its history, funny and very accommodating. Always maintaining contact and great at communicating. When we arrived he had made up a special sign which I will keep as a souvenir. We felt very safe and enjoyed our ride very much!!! Thanks so much Jai for making our trip to Sint Maarten so amazing. I highly recommend Jai as a driver!!!!
Rudy was amazing!!!! By far the best taxi we’ve ever had in any country. He provided exceptional service and was always one text away with anything and everything we needed. No questions asked, Book Rudy!!!
We arrived in St Martin from Barbados on Tuesday 22nd August and were met by Juliette. She took us around for some shopping before taking us to the ferry terminal for our trip over to Anguilla. Upon returning to St Martin, I knew I needed Juliette again and once again she was hospitable, accommodating and took us everywhere we needed. Anytime we come back to St Martin it will be requesting Juliette without hesitation! Very knowledgeable and friendly! THANK YOU!
We visited St. Maarten as one of the stops on our Royal Caribbean cruise. I contacted the WeAreSXM group via their WhatsApp forum asking for help prebooking a taxi and making some excursion reservations (because I didn't like what RCCL had to offer). Benji responded and we were able to chat privately via WhatsApp and email. He helped us arrange the whole day including a stop at Maho to see the planes, a trip to Mullet Bay, front row beach chair and umbrella reservation and jet ski tour reservation. Everything went great and we had an amazing day! Would highly recommend WeAreSXM to anyone, and Benji is great!
If you need a driver or taxi, I highly recommend Jai. He was so accommodating for our group of up to 11 people. Always on time and very knowledgeable about the island. He drove us all week - to and from airport and to and from hotel at Orient to night life or excursions. We will be back and would use no one else.