Ultimate Sint Maarten Travel & Carnival Guide: Dutch-French Caribbean Gem

I just got back from a memorable press trip with Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau and Hopscotch Tourism Netherlands, my first ever visit to this friendly island with a lovely group of travel professionals, to explore and experience the iconic yearly Carnival.

Maybe it’s the weather, the diversity, the colorful and tropical settings, the bright blue waters and soft white beaches, the history, the culture and the food, but it's certainly the people that make St. Maarten extra special!

No other destination features 2 nations on such a small island, where it's possible to almost touch the belly of a plane upon landing and see 5 other Caribbean islands from just 1 viewpoint.

And never have I felt so welcomed and immersed in a community as during our week on this friendly Caribbean Island!

We were privileged to have such a warm and social guide as Klaudia, who introduced us to her family and friends during our trip and one of the biggest events of the island.

Being here for Carnival really added something extra, as it’s one of the most vibrant happenings of the year, which represents exactly that: freedom as one community with inclusivity for all!

Our full Sint Maarten press trip group & friends at the Carnival Village

Ultimate Sint Maarten Travel Guide & Map

In this blog I'm happy to share all my experiences and many of my own pictures of the island and this festive event, in a practical travel guide to Sint Maarten to optimize your trip.

I also made a custom Google map, on which you can find all my favourite photo spots, beaches, restaurants and more, to use to your advantage.

And do read on for more tips and recommendations, all based on my own experiences.

This 34-square-mile island, located in the northeastern Caribbean, is divided between the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), which is quite unique, as it's one of the smallest areas in the world shared by 2 nations.

I have been to several Caribbean islands already, but this small and friendly island truly impressed me with its turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, rich culture, colonial architecture, colorful murals, stylish beach clubs and laidback eateries.

From plane-spotting at Maho Beach to sipping Guavaberry rum in Marigot, this is my ultimate guide to St. Maarten, focusing on the Dutch side, with a small taste of the French side, and our experience of the vibrant Carnival.

A full restaurant and nightlife blog is coming soon too!

History of St. Maarten / St. Martin

Sint Maarten is a unique mix of colonial influences with indigenous heritage and fusion of cultures. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the Europeans got interested in the island from the 17th century. In 1631 the Dutch were attracted to the island by the salt trade, followed by the French.

An alleged 1648 'walking contest' between a Dutchman and a Frenchman led to the island’s division, formalized by the Treaty of Concordia, creating Sint Maarten (14 square miles, Dutch) and Saint Martin (20 square miles, French).

The economy flourished on salt, sugar, and tobacco, reliant on African slave labor until emancipation in the 19th century. The Dutch side quickly became a trade and tourism hub, while the tropical French side generally embraced agriculture with a European flair.

Nowadays St. Maarten’s population has over 100 nationalities with African, Dutch, French, Asian, Spanish, British and Caribbean roots, which is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and welcoming vibe. And the open border makes it easy to travel between the 2 sides.

Where to stay on St. Maarten (Dutch side)

The Dutch side is vibrant with a big diversity of accommodations, all located near beaches and attractions. Hereby a selection of 3 of the nicest hotels, catering to every taste:

Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa

We stayed for 5 nights at this extensive beachfront resort, located in Simpson Bay, perfect if you want to be amidst the hustle and bustle of the Dutch side.

My room view at Simpson Bay Resort

The resort has much to offer, with several buildings, room types and even villas to choose from, all with their own facilities. And it's surrounded by 3 beaches, has multiple pools, bars, a gym, Spa and 2 restaurants.

Get an impression through this gallery:

The location next to the marina, and proximity to several restaurants, bars and casinos, all within walking distance, makes it ideal for families and groups, like ours.

Find out more on Simpson Bay Resort.

Holland House Beach Hotel

Located in the heart of Philipsburg, this boutique hotel is a great alternative for a more intimate vibe, with Great Bay Beach on one side and Front Street on the other.

Top tip: make sure to book a street side room early if you are visiting for Carnival, as this is the perfect spot to watch the Grand Parade from!

The hotel’s central location is steps from the city’s main street with duty-free shops. And it has a stylish seaside terrace on the other side with the Ocean Lounge restaurant serving seafood with sunset views. 

Book your stay on Holland House Beach Hotel.

The Morgan Resort & Spa

Located on Beacon Hill near Maho Beach, this upscale hotel has a sleek design, with a stunning infinity pool which looked amazing.  

It has no direct beach, but the pool offers wide views and the hotel is close to the famous plane-spotting beach.

And with SALT Restaurant and Maho Village’s shops and nightlife nearby, it’s a stylish alternative to Simpson Bay Resort, very suitable for couples.

See all details to book your stay on The Morgan Resort.

Top activities & sites

St. Maarten has much to offer on both sides with many cultural gems to discover and fun things to do! The Dutch side can be seen as the vibrant heart with the French side adding some extra flair and sophistication.

These are the top activities and sites we discovered during our 1 week in paradise:

Maho Beach plane-spotting

World-famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho Beach lets you feel the rush of planes landing just overhead.

Grab a drink at Sunset Beach Bar, relax at Driftwood, snap photos, and enjoy the small but lively beach, which can get quite busy.

Bell’s lookout point

This viewpoint on Cole Bay Hill, named after landowner William Henry Bell II, offers wide views over Simpson Bay Lagoon and distant islands, especially stunning at sunset. 

Philipsburg exploration

The Dutch capital of the island is a unique mix of colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful murals with a wide beach.

Here you can shop duty-free on Front Street, stroll down the wide boulevard, relax on the white sand beach, sip cocktails on the many restaurant terraces and visit the Sint Maarten Museum to explore colonial artifacts and Arawak history.

Get a taste through my own pictures: 

Sunset catamaran tour

We did a sunset tour on a catamaran with Aqua Mania, departing from Simpson Bay, right in front of our hotel. This catamaran trip included drinks, cocktails and snacks, with lovely seaside views and lively music, suitable for all ages.

Marigot & French side culture

The open border to the French side makes it easy to get to Marigot, the French capital, for a whole different island vibe.

With Creole-style homes on Rue de la République and a lively market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here you can climb Fort Louis for views of Anguilla, discover the unique food stalls called lolo's and enjoy the French side’s rugged beaches and gourmet dining.

Fun fact: your European phone data will work immediately after crossing the border, as this side is officially part of Europe:)

Top beaches of Sint Maarten

With no less than 37 beaches, St. Maarten has something for everyone. Although I didn't have enough time to explore all of them, here’s a small list of some of the nicest beaches on both sides:

Maho Beach (Dutch)

Renowned for plane-spotting, this compact beach offers lively bars and brightly colored turquoise waters.

Be careful of departing jet blasts and make sure to get that perfect plane landing shot, as almost every 15 minutes one will soar over you.

Great Bay Beach (Dutch)

This two-mile stretch along Philipsburg is wide, scenic and family-friendly, with calm waters and plenty of boardwalk bars. Perfect for swimming and relaxing. 

Mullet Bay Beach (Dutch)

This white-sand beach is the spot for surfers with high waves, as well as calm coves for swimming.

Its beautiful surroundings make it a local favorite and visiting Kalatua Beach Club & Restaurant here is a must, read more about that in my next blog.

Cay Bay (Dutch)

This tranquil beach is quiet and wide with gourmet dining offered at Indigo Beach restaurant along with day beds for rent. 

Orient Bay (French)

This lively French-side beach offers the ideal setting for windsurfing and other watersports with its clear waters, wind and powdery white sand.

The southern end is clothing-optional, a unique feature for the French culture.

Grand Case Beach (French)

Located in the culinary hub of Saint Martin, this quieter beach with nice restaurants and beach clubs is perfect for snorkeling with its clear turquoise waters. There are also several lolo's here serving fresh fish in a laidback setting. 

But of course, there’s much more to see and do on this diverse island, like the Rainforest Adventure with the best views of the surrounding islands and the steepest zipline in the world. Bird spotting in the Eco Sanctuary, visiting Pinel Island on a day trip from the French side and seeing the historic Forts.

Or exploring unique nature trails at Seaside Nature Park and the marine life with underwater statues at Under SXM.

All things that I’d love to come back for!

St. Maarten’s Carnival: A cultural celebration

But the main event of the year is certainly St. Maarten’s Carnival. Held annually throughout April until start May. An iconic celebration of the island’s African, Caribbean, and European heritage, known as one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant festivals.

Carnival once began as a way for freed slaves to celebrate their liberation through music, dance, and masquerade. And evolved into a grand event blending calypso, soca, and steel pan music with elaborate costumes, street parades, and community gatherings.

We were there for the 2025 festivities and events, which started from April 21st until May 5th.

If you fully want to experience it, the Grand Parade should not be missed. Held for 2 days on the Dutch side, in the center of Philipsburg.

The official French side Carnival is celebrated in February.

In 2025 the Parade took place on April 30th and May 1st.

It was so unique to see all the stunning costumes, feather-clad dancers and colorful floats with live performances and Caribbean music.

With young and old participating, the Grand Parade attracts both locals and tourists of all ages!

Get a taste through this gallery:

In 2026 St.Maarten’s Carnival will take place from April 16th until May 4th, so make sure to note it in your calendar already, cause it's THE event of the year!

Festival Village & Carnival Museum

A visit to the Festival / Carnival Village, the epicenter of the Carnival festivities, with no less than 50 authentic food stalls and live music performances, should certainly be added to your calendar as well!

We went there for the popular ‘Night of the Hitmakers’ and saw live performances of several international artists, danced into the night among locals and had the most delicious Caribbean food.

It's a vibrant hub with different theme nights, to fully immerse yourself in the festive and inclusive vibe of the island.

Visiting during Carnival lets you experience this unique tradition firsthand, while enjoying delicious local food like johnny cakes and conch fritters, accompanied by live shows and music.

Throughout the year you can also visit the We Culture Caribbean Carnival Experience, near Maho Beach. Bookable in advance on set times as a 45-minute guided tour.

This museum provides a deeper look into Carnival’s history, displaying vintage costumes, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of this colorful festival’s evolution.

Practical tips for your St. Maarten visit

• Getting there: Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (Dutch side), from the Netherlands via KLM and throughout Europe with several airlines via Paris. Fly between the islands with Win Air or take the ferry from Anguilla or St. Barths. Also renting a car to explore both sides is recommended, as the roads are good. Just note that the traffic can clog Simpson Bay.

• From 7 days prior to arrival you can fill out the digital embarkation form (ED), which was just implemented for an even smoother arrival: Sint Maarten ED card.

• Go at least 1-2 weeks to really experience the relaxed vibe and be able to explore more of the island too. Or extend to combine your trip with a few other island visits, like nearby Saba, St. Eustatius (Statia), Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis or St. Barths, as these are all just a short boat ride or flight away!

• Safety: St. Maarten is safe but avoid non-touristy areas at night.

• Currency: The Dutch side uses the Caribbean Guilder, but USD is widely accepted, and the French side uses the Euro.

• Best time to visit: December to April has the driest weather, with Carnival peaking in late April. We visited between April 29th and May 4th and had a few showers and 1 rainy day, but generally sunny weather, with nice temperatures between 28-32 degrees Celsius on average. June to November is quieter but also has more risk of rain and hurricanes. 

A trip to St. Maarten is almost like two vacations in one! A hidden gem in the Caribbean, that mixes Dutch energy, French elegance, unique activities and tropical vibes perfectly!

In my next Sint Maarten blog I will share my favourite restaurants and nightlife spots, as the culinary capital of the Caribbean deserves a separate blog!

I would highly recommend planning your trip to this tropical paradise in April - May to experience their iconic Carnival season as well. Especially since they will be celebrating their 55th anniversary next year.

A must experience in which the island's diversity and welcoming community will embrace and immerse you, like it did us!

Find even more info for your own visit on Vacation Sint Maarten, check my Caribbean page for more tropical island inspiration, and when you go, I hope that my Sint Maarten Travel Guide and custom map will help you get the most out of your vacation to this friendly Dutch/French gem!