Planning a vacation to Saint Martin or Sint Maarten? You might be thinking it is not worth bringing a checked bag since you do not need a ton of clothes. But for our family of four, one checked bag is perfect and justifies its own cost. Everything on the island is more expensive, and packing a few essentials from home saves real money. Plus, with a checked bag you can bring full-sized bottles instead of being stuck with 3oz carry-on limits. 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.
Here are the six things we think are worth the checked bag space for SXM.
6. Deep Woods Off
In the evenings, there is about an hour when mosquitoes are vicious. DEET is the only substance tested to work effectively against these pests. It does not take up much space, and the price at home is usually less than half of what we found on the island.
5. Mask, snorkel, and travel fins
Renting snorkel gear can be costly, with daily rental fees often equaling the purchase price of your own set. The first time we visited, we did not pack fins and we regretted it. There is so much to see around SXM, and fins mean you can double or triple the distance you can safely swim from shore.
We have personally tested these sets and they have lasted for years. Cheaper options often have valves that fall out or get ruined by sand quickly.
4. Packable beach chair
Get out of the resort and see the island. Many of the most beautiful beaches on both the French and Dutch sides are free to access, but there is not always a place to sit. We fit two of these in our checked luggage along with all our snorkel gear and everything else on this list.
3. Full-size reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen on the island can cost double or triple the mainland price. Our recommended reef-safe sunscreen has a non-greasy feel that makes reapplying less annoying. The sun at this latitude is intense — even on an overcast day we sunburn quickly without protection.
2. Underwater camera
We have tried those plastic cases intended to keep your phone dry underwater. Touch screens just do not work well below the surface. We bought our underwater camera three years ago and have used it on four vacations since. It still works and takes great pictures.
1. Inflatable pool float hammocks
Perfect for lounging in the calm waters off one of the many beaches or floating in the pool. They pack small, inflate fast, and feel like a luxury that costs almost nothing.
Bonus: clear-bottom inflatable boat for kids
If you are traveling with toddlers or kids under seven, a clear-bottom inflatable boat lets them sit comfortably beside you while you snorkel. It is a great way to share the experience and enjoy the many shallow reefs not far from shore.
Our bottom line
One checked bag for the family, packed with the right items, pays for itself on the first beach day in SXM. Spend less time buying overpriced basics on the island and more time in the water.
If you are still shaping the trip itself, pair this with our Saint Martin vacation tips. For a more general island version of the same packing strategy, see our Caribbean checked-bag essentials.