Everything you need to plan a day on the island — the best sightseeing routes across the Dutch and French sides, what each tour includes, where to see the Maho planes, and how to book.
December through May is the dry season and the busiest stretch on Sint Maarten, while June to November brings more rain and the Atlantic hurricane season. Here is what the Meteorological Department's own numbers say, month by month, and why anything written before September 2017 needs a second look.
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One island, one working day, and a ship that leaves without you if you cut it too close. Here's how to actually fit an island tour into a St Maarten cruise stop.
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A rental car on Sint Maarten runs $30 to $50 a day, driving is on the right on both sides of the island despite what some blogs claim, and the Simpson Bay bridge will interrupt your plans at least once. Here is the honest cost and rules breakdown against booking a driver instead.
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One island, two countries, no checkpoint between them. Here's what actually changes when you cross from Philipsburg to Marigot, and which side to build your day around.
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The full-day catamaran sail to Anguilla's Prickly Pear Cays from St Maarten: snorkel, swim and an all-inclusive day on a 65ft catamaran. 4.7★, from $135.
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Aircraft pass low over the sand at Maho Beach, close enough that the safety rules matter as much as the timing. Here's where to actually stand, when to go, and what happened to the one visitor who ignored the warning.
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The private island tour of Sint Maarten: a customizable 4-hour drive of both sides at your own pace, with a local guide. Perfect 5.0★, from $189 per group.
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The Saint Martin trimaran sailing cruise with lunch: a quiet-bay snorkel stop on a stable trimaran along the southwest coast. Perfect 5.0★, from $149.
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The Simpson Bay sunset cruise of Sint Maarten: a 1.5-hour evening catamaran sail along the coastline timed for sunset. 4.6★, from $45. Best-value sunset.
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The Sint Maarten luxury catamaran day sail with lunch and drinks: a 62ft catamaran, snorkeling, paddleboards and unlimited drinks. 4.7★, from $139.
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The Sint Maarten private coastal horseback trail ride: island views, a scenic lookout and a bareback swim with the horses in the Caribbean Sea. From $62.
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The St Maarten Orient and Maho beaches half-day tour: cruise-port pickup, two famous beaches and a drink in transit. 4.4★, from $46. What to expect.
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The St Maarten sightseeing tour of the French and Dutch sides: a 4.5-hour half-day with Grand Case, Marigot and Maho Beach. 4.4★, from $53.
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The St Maarten sunset sailing trimaran tour: a smooth 2-hour evening sail along the west coast with drinks and snacks. Perfect 4.9★, from $66.
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The St Maarten Top Ten Highlights island tour: a 6-hour loop of both sides — Maho Beach, Marigot, Topper's Rhum and more. 4.3★, from $62. What to expect.
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The St Maarten Topper's Rhum distillery tour with tastings: a 1.5-hour guided visit and unlimited samples of award-winning rums. 4.7★, from $35.
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The St Martin catamaran snorkel cruise with open bar and lunch: a full day of sailing, snorkeling, a beach BBQ and music on board. 4.6★, from $125.
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