Saint Martin is perfect for travelers who love to explore, see the island, meet new people, and experience a variety of activities. If you are the type who wants to stay in one place for the entire vacation, this might not be the best fit. But if you prefer to discover new places and dive into different experiences, read on. Some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you.
1. Finding the best flight
Know when to book
Many travelers believe booking as far in advance as possible guarantees the best prices. This is not always true. If you book more than 90 days before your travel dates, you are likely paying full price. Our research indicates the best prices on flights to Saint Martin are found between 77 and 42 days before your travel dates. Check for yourself using Google Flights’ price graph functionality.
Be flexible
Flexibility is key. Can you fly out on a Thursday and return on a Tuesday? Are you flexible about your destination? Sometimes changing these variables significantly reduces costs. Price shop flights first, accommodations second. If your flight is cheap, that usually means fewer people are going at that time, so lodging is often cheaper too.
One checked bag per family pays for itself
We recommend one checked bag for a family of four. Pack it with items that are more expensive on the island: a cooler backpack, masks, snorkels, travel fins, and even a couple of pool noodles.
For the full version of what we would put in that bag, see our SXM checked-bag packing list.
Snorkeling is a popular activity in Saint Martin, and having your own gear saves on rental fees. We also packed lightweight beach chairs that paid for themselves many times over.
2. Where to stay
Saint Martin offers a variety of accommodation options, each with its own character.
The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is bustling with nightlife, casinos, and entertainment. Perfect if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.
The French side (Saint-Martin) is quieter and more laid-back, known for beautiful beaches, gourmet dining, and charming villages. Ideal for immersing yourself in French culture and cuisine.
Our pick: an Airbnb with a pool between Friar’s Bay and Happy Bay. This location offers easy access to the island’s best beaches and is a short drive to both sides. The best dining is in Grand Case, where the cuisine is exceptional.
Dining highlight: Les Oliviers in Grand Case. Inspired by the South of France, this restaurant offers a culinary experience infused with Provençal flavors. We highly recommend the option where the chef chooses your appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
3. Plan an itinerary
Here is a sample 9-day itinerary that covers the highlights.
Day 1: Beach exploration. Start at Friar’s Bay Beach. Walk the trail to Happy Bay or Grand Case. Afternoon at Grand Case Beach. Dinner in Grand Case.
Day 2: Snorkeling and boat trip. Full-day 3-island snorkeling adventure: Creole Rock reef, Pinel Island, snorkeling with turtles at Tintamarre, swimming at Long Bay and Mullet Bay. Evening dinner in Simpson Bay. Tuesday nights are Mardi Gras night in Grand Case — do not miss it.
Day 3: Water sports and island exploration. Morning at Orient Beach for kitesurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, or paddleboarding. Afternoon at Pinel Island via ferry from Cul-de-Sac. Evening on Phillipsburg Boardwalk and Front Street.
Day 4: Anguilla boat trip. Full-day trip to Anguilla: snorkeling at Prickly Pear Cay, snorkeling with turtles at Little Bay, swimming at Meads Bay and Maunday’s Bay. Final swim at Bay Long or Mullet Bay.
Day 5: Beach day and nightlife. Morning at Mullet Bay. Afternoon at Maho Beach to watch planes land just above your head. Evening nightlife at Maho Beach — casinos, nightclubs, and live entertainment.
Day 6: Island circle tour. Drive around the island starting at Friar’s Bay heading south. Key stops: Marigot and Fort Louis Marina, Baie Rouge Beach, Plum Bay, Long Beach, Cupcoy Beach, Mullet Beach, Simpson Bay for lunch. Continue to Phillipsburg, Orient Beach, ferry to Pinel Island, Anse Marcel, Grand Case, and back to Friar’s Bay.
Day 7: Relaxation and nature. Relaxing morning at Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay, or Grand Case Beach. Afternoon at Loterie Farm for a nature-filled experience.
Day 8: Beach day at Anse Marcel. Reserve chairs and lunch at the beach restaurant for a more luxurious experience, or bring your own chairs and cooler for a budget-friendly day.
Day 9: Orient Beach and Green Cay. Morning water activities at Orient Beach. Afternoon kayak or paddleboard to Green Cay for secluded snorkeling. Evening back to Grand Case for another Mardi Gras night.
Our bottom line
Saint Martin rewards the explorer. The island is small enough to drive around in a day but diverse enough to fill a week or more with different experiences. The combination of French and Dutch sides gives you two vacations in one.
Before you zip the suitcase, our Saint Martin checked-bag list covers the gear we would bring from home instead of buying on the island.