Sint Maarten

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Sovereignty: Non-sovereign territory administered by the Netherlands
• Capital: Philipsburg
• Currency: Caribbean guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) on 31 March 2025
• Languages: Dutch (official) and English
• Main airport: SXM — Princess Juliana International Airport
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; the hurricane season runs June to November

Overview

Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and occupies the southern part of the island of Saint Martin; the northern part is the French collectivity of Saint-Martin. The island is often described as the smallest inhabited island divided between two countries, and the Dutch side holds the larger share of resorts, casinos, and cruise traffic. Since 2025 its currency is the Caribbean guilder (XCG). The island is compact, so visitors move freely between the two sides.

Airports

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the main airport for the entire island, located near Simpson Bay on the Dutch side. It is known for its runway threshold close to Maho Beach, where aircraft pass low overhead on approach. There is no commercial airport on the French side, so SXM also serves Saint-Martin.

Main cities

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and the main cruise port, with Front Street's duty-free shops. Simpson Bay and Cole Bay are the commercial and marina districts, with restaurants and nightlife along the lagoon. Maho is a small district built around the airport approach. On the French side, Marigot is the capital of Saint-Martin, with a French Caribbean character and a market.

Places to go

Maho Beach is the island's best-known spot, directly under the airport approach. Mullet Bay Beach, Cupecoy, and Great Bay are Dutch-side beaches with generally calm water. Orient Bay is the main beach on the French side, alongside Grand Case and its restaurant strip. Pinel Island, off the French coast, is a small islet reachable by ferry. Reefs off Simpson Bay Lagoon and Creole Rock near Grand Case are common snorkel and dive spots.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Sint Maarten, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked