St. Maarten/Sint Martin Beach Vacation Guide
Plan the perfect beach vacation in St. Maarten/Sint Martin. Get expert guidance from a dedicated travel agent. Free, no obligation.
St. Maarten/Sint Martin is a strong beach vacation choice for families. The best months to go are December-April. Typical costs run about $250-450 per person per day. Planning help from a dedicated travel advisor is free.
About St. Maarten/Sint Martin for Beach Vacations
Two countries, one island - Dutch and French sides. Princess Juliana Airport (major Caribbean hub). Features Sonesta resorts, 37 beaches, #1 shopping destination in Caribbean. Famous Maho Beach plane watching, casinos, and duty-free shopping.
Destination Scores
Chat with Courtney to Plan Your Dream St. Maarten/Sint Martin Itinerary
Courtney Geisel, an independent travel advisor, builds custom beach vacation itineraries around your dates, pace, and budget. Free, because resorts pay her, not you.
Plan my dream itinerary, freeWhere to Stay in St. Maarten/Sint Martin
These St. Maarten/Sint Martin properties are chosen for families — 2 all-inclusive.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
Planning a beach vacation to St. Maarten/Sint Martin
A few practical anchors before you commit to dates:
- When to go: December-April, those shoulder months give you the sweet spot of great weather without peak-season prices.
- Peak season (avoid if you can): December-March. Expect higher resort rates and fuller beaches.
- Hurricane window: June-November. Travel insurance is worth the small extra spend if you're booking in this range.
- Airport: SXM - Princess Juliana International Airport: most major US cities have direct routes, which matters for a short beach vacation.
- Budget check: plan for about $250-450 per person. That covers accommodations, meals, activities, and a couple of excursions.
- Language: English, Dutch, French.
Common questions about beach vacations in St. Maarten/Sint Martin
Which St. Maarten/Sint Martin resorts are best for families with kids?
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort rank highly for families. Ask a travel advisor to match one to your kids' ages for free.
Is St. Maarten/Sint Martin good for a family vacation?
St. Maarten/Sint Martin works well for families thanks to calm beaches, family resorts, and easy activities. Plan for roughly $250-450 per person per day. An advisor can build a kid-friendly itinerary at no cost.
What's the difference between St. Maarten and Sint Martin?
It's one island split between two nations: French Saint-Martin in the north (Grand Case, Orient Bay) and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south (Philipsburg, Maho Beach). You can cross freely between the two sides.
When is the best time to visit St. Maarten?
December through April is the dry, peak season. May and early June bring lower prices before the hurricane season (June–November).
Do I need a passport to visit St. Maarten?
Yes, a valid passport is required for US, UK, and Canadian visitors to both the Dutch and French sides.
What is St. Maarten known for?
Maho Beach's low-flying planes, French-side dining in Grand Case, Orient Bay, and its dual French-Dutch culture — plus duty-free shopping in Philipsburg.
Is St. Maarten better for couples or families?
It suits both, differently: couples come for Grand Case’s restaurant row on the French side and beach-bar energy at Simpson Bay, while families do best on the calm, shallow stretches — Le Galion on the French side, Kim Sha and Mullet Bay on the Dutch. With 37 beaches and two countries on one island, everyone finds their lane.
How much does a St. Maarten vacation cost?
A 7-night week for two typically runs $4,400 to $6,900 depending on the month — about $5,401 at a mid-range level, and roughly $10,801 for a family of four. September is usually cheapest and December priciest; the French side’s small hotels and the Dutch side’s resorts price quite differently, which is worth a quote either way.
Get Personalized Beach Vacation Recommendations
Not sure which resort or hotel is right for you? Courtney will match you with the right property for your needs. Free, no obligation.
Get Free RecommendationsMore Ways to Experience St. Maarten/Sint Martin
Explore other trip styles for St. Maarten/Sint Martin.
