Travel Tips
August 23, 2025
Your Guide to Exploring Sint Maarten Like a Local
Sint Maarten isn’t just another Caribbean island—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. With its Dutch-French split, postcard-perfect beaches, and a food scene that could win anyone over, this island has a vibe that makes you want to stay forever. If you’re heading there soon, here are some tips (and a few local secrets) to help you enjoy it like someone who knows their way around.
When to Go
If you’re all about perfect weather and buzzing crowds, visit between December and April. Want something quieter (and a little easier on the budget)? Aim for May–June or November. Just remember hurricane season runs August–November, so keep an eye on forecasts.
Getting Around
Here’s the truth: you’ll want a car. Taxis can add up quickly, and the bus system isn’t really geared toward tourists. Driving means you can chase sunsets, explore hidden coves, and stop wherever you like. Just be ready for narrow roads, some bumpy spots, and traffic near Philipsburg or Simpson Bay. Oh—and parking? Sometimes an adventure on its own.
Money Talk
Don’t stress too much about cash. Guilders on the Dutch side, Euros on the French, but honestly? U.S. dollars are welcome just about everywhere. Credit cards are fine in most places, but keep a little cash for beach bars, roadside BBQ, or that market find you didn’t know you needed.
Languages & Greetings
English will get you everywhere, but you’ll hear French and Dutch depending on where you wander. A warm “Bonjour” on the French side or a friendly “Good morning” anywhere always earns you a smile.
Beaches You Can’t Miss
Maho Beach – Where planes practically skim your head while you sip a cocktail.
Orient Bay – Energetic and social with beach clubs and water sports galore.
Mullet Bay – Calm, clear, and loved by locals. Great for a lazy float.
Grand Case – Chill beach vibes right next to some of the best restaurants.
Hidden Gems Locals Love
Friar’s Bay – A quieter alternative with a couple of cozy beach bars.
Baie Rouge – Secluded, stunning, and perfect if you want space to yourself.
Happy Bay – A little hike to get there, but once you arrive? Pure paradise.
Loterie Farm – Not a beach, but a jungle escape with zip lines, hiking trails, and an eco-lounge by a natural spring pool.
Captain’s Rib Shack – Famous for finger-licking BBQ that locals swear by.
Sunset cocktails at Karakter in Simpson Bay – Park yourself in the sand, order a mojito, and watch the sky put on a show.
Foodie Paradise
They call Sint Maarten the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean for a reason. In Grand Case, you’ll find upscale French-inspired seafood that rivals Paris, while the lolos (open-air BBQ shacks) serve ribs and johnny cakes that taste like island comfort food. Over on the Dutch side, Simpson Bay and Cupecoy are packed with international dining options. Honestly, you’ll never go hungry here.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Philipsburg is where you go for duty-free shopping—think jewelry, liquor, and electronics. But if you want something unique, hit Marigot Market for spices, handmade crafts, and colorful souvenirs that actually feel like a piece of the island.
Staying Safe & Comfortable
Sint Maarten is friendly and safe, but use common sense—don’t leave valuables on the beach. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, mosquito repellent comes in handy, and light clothing will keep you comfortable. Tap water is safe on the Dutch side; on the French side, stick with bottled.
Beyond the Beaches
Sure, the beaches steal the show, but there’s so much more:
Climb to Fort Louis in Marigot for sweeping island views.
Hop a ferry to Anguilla or St. Barths for a day trip.
Snorkel at Creole Rock or paddleboard in Little Bay.
Join a catamaran cruise, sip rum punch, and see the island from the sea.
Sint Maarten is a mix of cultures, cuisines, and coastlines, with a dash of adventure everywhere you turn. Wander a little off the beaten path, chat with locals, and don’t be afraid to explore—you’ll discover the island’s magic in the most unexpected places.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Caribbean escape where golden sunsets meet hidden coves and turquoise waters, Cupecoy might just be your perfect match. Perched on the southwestern tip of St. Maarten, this small but stunning enclave is a destination that feels both exclusive and effortlessly laid-back. The Beaches: Rugged Beauty Meets Caribbean Calm Cupecoy is not about long stretches of sand lined with crowds. Instead, it’s a collection of pocket-sized beaches framed by limestone cliffs, where the sea sparkles in shades of blue and green. Locals will tell you: this is one of the island’s best places to watch the sun sink into the horizon, painting the sky with fiery pinks and purples. For the adventurous, the tide-carved caves and rock formations invite exploration, while the calm waters are ideal for swimming or snorkeling when the seas are gentle. It’s intimate, picturesque, and oh-so-Caribbean. A Taste of Cupecoy When the sun sets, the day doesn’t end. Cupecoy is home to a wonderful mix of dining experiences — from chic restaurants with international flair to beach bars where you can sip a rum punch with your toes in the sand. Just minutes away in Maho and Simpson Bay, you’ll also find buzzing nightlife, casinos, and world-class dining, making Cupecoy the perfect “quiet home base” with energy just around the corner. Where to Stay Accommodations in Cupecoy lean toward the luxurious and scenic. Imagine waking up to ocean views from your balcony, or enjoying your morning coffee overlooking the marina at Porto Cupecoy. SeaLaVie SXM curates a collection of vacation rentals that capture the essence of this area — modern comfort, island charm, and, of course, proximity to the beach. Nearby Treasures One of the best parts of staying in Cupecoy is how close you are to some of the island’s highlights: Mullet Bay Beach – a postcard-perfect spot for swimming and paddleboarding. Maho Beach – where planes famously land just overhead, a must-see experience. Golf at Mullet Bay – the island’s only golf course. Porto Cupecoy Marina – boutique shopping, dining, and sunset strolls along the water. The Cupecoy Experience Vacationing in Cupecoy feels like having the best of both worlds: secluded beauty and vibrant island life within minutes of each other. Here, mornings are for lazy beach walks, afternoons for exploring, and evenings for sunset cocktails with a view. It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a place to fall in love with St. Maarten. ✨ SeaLaVie SXM Tip: Book a stay in Cupecoy if you want a romantic, picturesque base that’s still close to the island’s energy and attractions.
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