Sint Maarten
Haqqi Tours arranges day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and multi-day packages across Sint Maarten, confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.
In Philipsburg the morning begins on the boardwalk. The sea in Great Bay lies calm and turquoise, fishing boats rock at anchor, and the white wooden Courthouse on Front Street glows in the early sun as shopkeepers open their doors along the old street. Above the bay, the walls of Fort Amsterdam look out from their green headland, pelicans dive for fish, and the scent of fresh johnny cakes drifts from a small café while the hills behind the town turn gold.
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The essence of Sint Maarten
Then comes the moment every visitor remembers: standing on the sand at Maho Beach as a jet roars in just above the waves to land, or crossing an invisible border to find French bakeries and creole cafés in Marigot. Sint Maarten is unique because two nations, two languages and two very different moods share one small island with an open border and beaches on every side. We arrange the journey with island tours of both the Dutch and French sides, sightseeing stops and private airport transfers, delivered with easy island hospitality.
Why visit Sint Maarten?
Salt, Forts and a Shared Island
The Arawak and Carib peoples lived here long before Europeans arrived. The Dutch came in the 1630s for the salt of the Great Salt Pond and built Fort Amsterdam above Great Bay, and in 1648 the Dutch and French agreed to share the island, a division that endures today. Sugar plantations followed until emancipation in the nineteenth century, and Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
Bays, Lagoons and Green Hills
The island is small and hilly, with green peaks rising behind a coastline of sheltered bays and white beaches. On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay lagoon is one of the largest in the Caribbean, Maho and Mullet Bay face the sunset and Dawn Beach greets the sunrise, while on the French side Pic Paradis rises above Orient Bay and the tiny islet of Pinel. Reefs shelter tropical fish, and pelicans and frigatebirds patrol the shores.
Johnny Cakes, Creole Grills and Carnival
Island life blends Caribbean warmth with Dutch and French touches. Johnny cakes, saltfish, conch and callaloo fill local menus, while the French side adds bakeries and creole kitchens, and Grand Case is famous for its seafront restaurants and roadside grills. Carnival brings costumes, steel pans and parades in spring, and guavaberry, the island's own fruit, flavours jams and tarts. Halal food is very limited, but seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find.
Experiences You Can Only Have Here
Watch planes sweep in low over Maho Beach from a safe distance, stroll the boardwalk and Front Street in Philipsburg and climb to the ruins of Fort Amsterdam. Cross the open border to Marigot's market and Fort Louis, taste creole dishes in Grand Case, gaze over Orient Bay from the hills, visit the border monument that marks two nations on one island and end the day at sunset on the cliffs of Cupecoy.
Who is Sint Maarten for?
Ideal for
- Beach lovers seeking winter sun
- Families wanting easy island sightseeing
- Cruise travellers with a day ashore
- Couples looking for two cultures in one trip
- Food lovers keen on creole and French flavours
- Aviation fans eager to see planes at Maho Beach
Pace & travel style
- A Dutch-side beach base, with the whole island within an hour
- One island tour to see both the Dutch and French sides
- Mornings for sightseeing, afternoons for the beach
- Add a day trip by ferry to Anguilla or St Barths
When to visit Sint Maarten
Peak season · December–April
The dry season brings sunny days, cooling trade winds and calm seas, perfect for beaches and island tours. Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest periods, when winter-sun travellers arrive from North America and Europe and many cruise ships call at Philipsburg, sometimes several on the same day. Reserve island tours and transfers in advance during the holidays, as the best dates fill early.
Shoulder season · May–June, November
These months are warm, mostly sunny and quieter, with fewer cruise visitors and easier availability for tours and hotels. Brief tropical showers pass quickly, the sea stays calm and clear for swimming and snorkelling, and the hills turn green after the first rains. It is a good time for families and couples who want sunshine without the peak-season crowds.
Low season · July–October
The hottest and most humid months fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, when storms can occasionally affect the island and some hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks around September. Days are often sunny between showers, the sea is at its warmest and beaches are wonderfully quiet. Travel insurance and flexible plans are wise, and tours run whenever the weather allows.
The regions of Sint Maarten and how to combine its cities
The island of Saint Martin lies in the northeastern Caribbean, close to Anguilla to the north and St Barths to the southeast. Its southern part is Dutch Sint Maarten, with Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, Maho, Cupecoy and Dawn Beach, while the northern part is French Saint-Martin, with Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay, Pic Paradis and the islet of Pinel. The border between the two runs across the hills and can be crossed freely.
Philipsburg stretches along a narrow strip of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Front Street and Back Street run parallel to the beach, with the Courthouse and Wathey Square at the centre; the boardwalk follows the sand; the cruise pier lies at the eastern end of the bay; and Fort Amsterdam stands on the headland to the west, between Great Bay and Little Bay.
Our city directory below is anchored in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten's capital and its main port. From Philipsburg and the nearby beaches we arrange full-day and half-day island tours that cover the highlights of both the Dutch and French sides, from Fort Amsterdam and Maho Beach to Marigot and Grand Case, while our private drivers handle transfers from Sint Maarten's international airport (SXM) to hotels across the island.
Before you go: practical tips for Sint Maarten
Entry & visas
Entry to Sint Maarten follows the rules of the Dutch Caribbean, which differ from the Schengen Area, and a Schengen visa alone is not valid. Citizens of many countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, can visit visa-free for tourist stays, while other nationalities may need a visa. Visitors crossing to the French side follow French overseas rules. A valid passport and onward ticket are required, so check official sources before booking.
Money, cards & tipping
The Caribbean guilder is the official currency on the Dutch side and the euro on the French side, but US dollars are accepted everywhere and widely used for everyday purchases. Cards work in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, while cash is useful for buses, beach chairs, small grills and market stalls. ATMs are found in Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and Marigot. Many restaurants add a service charge, and tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.
Etiquette & dress code
Islanders are friendly and relaxed, and a warm good morning or bonjour on the French side goes a long way. Swimwear is for the beach, so cover up in town, shops and restaurants. At Maho Beach, respect the warning notices and never stand behind the runway fence during take-offs, as jet blast can be dangerous. Dress modestly in churches, and always ask before photographing people, especially vendors and fishermen.
Getting around
The island is small: Philipsburg is about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, and Marigot about 30 minutes, though traffic can be heavy around Simpson Bay at busy times. Minibuses run along the main roads between Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and Marigot, and taxis are plentiful with set fares between zones. Cars drive on the right, ferries leave for Anguilla and St Barths, and our private transfers and island tours are the easiest way to explore.
Must-do things in Sint Maarten
- Stroll the boardwalk along Great Bay in Philipsburg
- Explore Front Street and the historic Courthouse
- Climb to the ruins of Fort Amsterdam
- Watch planes land low over Maho Beach
- Cross the open border to the French side
- Browse Marigot's market below Fort Louis
- Taste creole dishes in Grand Case
- Gaze over Orient Bay from the hills
- Watch the sunset from the cliffs of Cupecoy
- Try johnny cakes and guavaberry treats
Do’s and don’ts in Sint Maarten
Do
- Use reef-safe sun protection
- Carry some US dollars in small notes
- Confirm taxi fares before setting off
- Cover up when leaving the beach
- Bring your passport for ferry day trips
Don’t
- Don't stand behind the runway fence at Maho Beach
- Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach
- Don't touch or stand on coral reefs
- Don't swim where red flags are shown
- Don't photograph locals without asking first
Sint Maarten at a glance
Plan Sint Maarten with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Where we operate in Sint Maarten
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Sint Maarten.
Is it safe to visit Sint Maarten?
Yes. Sint Maarten welcomes many visitors and is generally considered safe in the main tourist areas. Use normal precautions: keep valuables out of sight on beaches and in cars, avoid quiet areas late at night and use licensed taxis or our private drivers. At Maho Beach, follow the warning notices about jet blast. Check your own government's official travel advice before departure, and keep our WhatsApp line handy.
How many days do I need in Sint Maarten?
Four to seven nights is ideal, combining an island tour of both the Dutch and French sides with plenty of beach time, an evening in Grand Case and a stroll through Philipsburg. With a week or more you can add day trips by ferry to Anguilla or St Barths, or simply slow down by the sea. Cruise visitors can see the highlights in a single day ashore.
Can I visit both the Dutch and French sides?
Yes, easily. The border between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin is open, with no passport checks, and is marked only by a monument and a sign by the road. Marigot is about 30 minutes from Philipsburg, and our island tours cover the highlights of both sides in a half or full day.
Can a trip to Sint Maarten be tailored for luxury or private travel?
Absolutely. The island has elegant beachfront hotels, private villas in the hills and refined restaurants on both sides of the border. We can tailor private island tours, chauffeured airport transfers, a relaxed family pace and private sightseeing stops, then confirm every detail with you on WhatsApp before anything is paid.
What is the best time to visit Sint Maarten?
December to April is the best time to visit, with dry, sunny weather and calm seas. May, June and November are quieter and still sunny, while July to October is the hurricane season, hot and humid, with quiet beaches and some businesses closed around September.
What is Sint Maarten famous for?
Sint Maarten is famous for Maho Beach, where planes fly just above sunbathers to land, for sharing one small island with French Saint-Martin and for its many beaches. It is also known for Philipsburg's Front Street, the cruise port of Great Bay, the creole food of Grand Case and the Simpson Bay lagoon.
Is halal food available in Sint Maarten?
Dedicated halal food is very limited in Sint Maarten, and some local dishes contain pork. However, fresh fish, lobster, conch, rice and beans, salads and vegetarian dishes are easy to find on both sides of the island, and most restaurants are happy to explain their ingredients. Our team can advise on suitable places before you travel.
How far is Philipsburg from the airport?
Sint Maarten's international airport (SXM) lies on the western side of the Dutch side, about 20 to 30 minutes by road from Philipsburg depending on traffic. We arrange private transfers with a driver waiting at arrivals, which is especially convenient for families, late flights and plenty of luggage.
Which cities in Sint Maarten does Haqqi Tours cover?
Philipsburg. Each city has its own page with everything available there, and a trip across several cities is planned in one WhatsApp conversation.
What can I book in Sint Maarten?
Day tours - all run or confirmed by Haqqi Tours, each with a fixed price agreed on WhatsApp before you pay.
How do I book a tour or transfer in Sint Maarten?
Fill in the form on the page you are interested in, or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and your hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes. Every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day - not for traffic, not for a late flight, not for the hour.
Do you arrange transfers between cities in Sint Maarten?
Yes. Intercity transfers by private car or van are booked the same way as airport transfers; tell the desk the two hotels and the date and it quotes a fixed price for the whole vehicle.
Can you plan a full itinerary across Sint Maarten?
Yes - tell the desk your dates, the cities you want and who is travelling, and it proposes a day-by-day plan with the tours, transfers and tickets priced in writing. You adjust it in the same chat before confirming.
Are your tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and the page of each tour says which. Private tours have a car and guide for your party alone; small-group tours share a guide with a few other travellers. The desk can convert most group tours into a private day on request.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic?
It depends on the country, the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language for the driver or guide. Tell us your preference and we do our best; the WhatsApp desk itself always works in Arabic and English.