Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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Saint Martin Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Saint Martin – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Saint Martin, especially in the French side. Cash is more common on the Dutch side, especially in more remote areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Saint Martin. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants, and small tips are common for taxi and hotel services. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Saint Martin, though alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues or private areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| National Day (14 July) |
Celebrates Bastille Day |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
A time for festive family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Saint Martin is known for its beaches, clear waters, and a blend of French and Caribbean cultures. It is a popular destination for relaxation and water sports. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Saint Martin, Saint Martin
Hurricane season June to November, most dangerous August to October
Many hotels and restaurants close September to October, main season mid December to April
Carnival in February or March: parades in Marigot and Philipsburg, Mardi Gras Tuesday closes shops
Don't miss
- ✈️ Watch low-flying planes at iconic Maho Beach
- ⛰️ Hike to Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point
- 🤿 Snorkel vibrant reefs at Creole Rock marine park
- 🍽️ Dine on exquisite cuisine in Grand Case village
- 🏖️ Relax on the soft sands of Orient Bay Beach
- 🏰 Explore the historic Fort Louis with scenic views
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Saint Martin?
This side of the island is known for its tranquil elegance, gorgeous sandy beaches like Grand Case and Orient Bay and charming villages with a distinctly European atmosphere. Food lovers especially appreciate the rich gastronomy, from casual 'lolos' to fine dining. Hiking, snorkeling and cultural exploration are popular here, but be aware that the island can get busy during peak seasons, particularly at beaches and festivals. Infrastructure is good but rental cars are recommended to explore fully.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Carnival of Saint Martin (Feb-Mar)
-
Mardis de Grand Case (Spring Tuesdays)
-
SXM Festival (March)
-
Festival de la Gastronomie (November)
-
Saint Martin Day
-
Marigot Christmas Market
-
Orientation Festival
-
Jazz Festival
-
Beaches & Boats Festival
-
La Fête de la Mer
Knowledge before you go
- Carry a small amount of euros; many shops accept US dollars but not all.
- Check the weather forecast before departure, as sudden tropical showers can disrupt beach plans and local transport schedules.
- Reserve accommodation early during peak season (June-August) to secure better rates and avoid last‑minute price hikes.
- Explore both French and Dutch sides of Saint‑Martin; each offers distinct culinary specialties, cultural sites and shopping experiences.
How to travel to Saint Martin
The island is served mainly by Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, with flights from North America and Europe. The French side has a smaller airport, L'Esperance, connecting to nearby islands. Ferries operate between Saint Martin and nearby islands such as Anguilla and St. Barts.
Access summary
- Fly to Princess Juliana (SXM) from US, Europe; bus to French side.
- From St Barths/Anguilla: Short flights or ferries to Marigot.
- Air Caraïbes, Winair at SXM/TFFR; no alliance, regional service.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Saint Martin
Accommodations range from luxury beachfront resorts to charming guesthouses and boutique hotels, mostly along the coastlines of Grand Case, Orient Bay and Marigot. The French side offers a more refined, laid‑back atmosphere compared to the bustling Dutch side.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Saint Martin
Travel around Saint Martin is easiest by rental car given the size and spread of attractions. Public buses and taxis are available but less frequent. Many travelers enjoy biking or walking in compact areas like Marigot and Grand Case.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 16% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Saint Martin is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime, but petty theft can occur. Visitors should avoid isolated areas at night and safeguard belongings especially in crowded places.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are adequate though limited; larger emergencies may require transfer to other Caribbean islands. Travelers should carry adequate medical supplies and health insurance.
Accessibility
Many hotels and public areas have accessibility features; however, some natural sites and beaches have uneven surfaces. Plan ahead if mobility is a concern.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink on the French side, but many tourists prefer bottled water. Staying hydrated is essential in the tropical heat.
Packing recommendations for Saint Martin
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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