Sint Maarten / Saint Martin (SXM) is the #1 trending international summer 2026 destination from US per Google Flights. Caribbean island split between Dutch and French halves. Visit December-April for ideal weather, but August-October has hurricane risk. Fly into SXM direct from JFK, MIA, EWR, BOS, ATL, CLT.
At a Glance
| Country | Sint Maarten (Dutch) + Saint-Martin (French) |
|---|---|
| Main airport | SXM |
| Currency | Euro (FR) / Naf (NL) / USD widely accepted |
| Language | Dutch + French + English (universally) |
| Best time to visit | December–April (dry season; outside main hurricane belt mid-year) |
| Visa for US citizens | No visa needed for US citizens. Tourist tax on departure. |
Top Things to Do in Sint Maarten / Saint Martin
- Maho Beach plane-spotting (famous!)
- Philipsburg Front Street duty-free shopping
- Grand Case "Restaurant Capital of the Caribbean"
- Orient Beach (clothing-optional French side)
- Marigot Market on French side
- Day trip to Anguilla (5-min ferry)
- Day trip to Saba (volcanic island)
- Loterie Farm zipline + jungle
- Pinel Island snorkel
- Mullet Bay beach
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Philipsburg (Dutch side) — capital, cruise port
- Simpson Bay (Dutch) — beaches, bars, marinas
- Maho (Dutch) — near airport, plane spotting
- Cupecoy (Dutch) — cliffs, casinos
- Marigot (French) — historic capital, market
- Grand Case (French) — gastronomy + beach
- Orient Bay (French) — beach + restaurants
Our recommendation: Simpson Bay or Maho for nightlife + beaches (Dutch), Grand Case for dining (French), Orient Beach for resort.
What to Eat
- Fresh Caribbean seafood
- French pastries + cheese (French side)
- Saltfish + ribs
- Coconut shrimp
- Guavaberry rum
- Conch fritters
- Johnny cakes
How to Get Around
Rent a car for exploring both sides. Driving is easy. Right-hand traffic. Local buses run in some areas. Taxis are expensive.
How to Get There from the USA
Main airport: SXM.
👉 See our Miami flight page.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes.
👉 Or set a price watch and get an email when a matching fare appears.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
No visa needed for US citizens. Tourist tax on departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Sint Maarten / Saint Martin?
December–April (dry season; outside main hurricane belt mid-year).
Do US citizens need a visa for Sint Maarten (Dutch) + Saint-Martin (French)?
No visa needed for US citizens. Tourist tax on departure.
Where should I stay in Sint Maarten / Saint Martin?
Simpson Bay or Maho for nightlife + beaches (Dutch), Grand Case for dining (French), Orient Beach for resort.
How do I book cheap flights to Sint Maarten / Saint Martin?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — full-service travel agency. Hotel booking.