St. Martin with kids
St. Martin With Kids: A Family Guide
One island, two countries, no border controls. The north is French Saint-Martin with Euro, bakeries and beach clubs. The south is Dutch Sint Maarten with guilders, casinos and cruise ships. US dollars work everywhere, English is spoken on both sides and the whole island is about 35 square miles.
St. Martin is the smallest island in the world shared by two nations. The French side (Saint-Martin) is quieter, with open-air markets in Marigot and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean in Grand Case. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) has the international airport, the cruise port, and more nightlife. You can drive the whole island in about two hours. No passport check between the two sides.
When to go
St. Martin by season
- 1December through April
Dry season
The most popular time to visit. Temperatures around 27°C (81°F), low humidity and very little rain. This is peak season and prices are highest, especially mid-December through mid-April. Carnival falls in February or March on the French side and late April to early May on the Dutch side.
- 2May through June
Shoulder season
Fewer crowds and lower prices. Temperatures rise slightly and there are occasional brief showers. Still a good time for families.
- 3July through November
Hurricane season
The wettest months, with the highest storm risk in September and October. Some smaller hotels and restaurants close. Prices are lowest but most families avoid this window.
Where to go
What families do in St. Martin
Watch planes land ten metres overhead at Maho Beach, take the ferry to Pinel Island for a day of shallow turquoise water, hike through the canopy at Loterie Farm and eat French food in Grand Case.
Mullet Bay, Friar’s Bay and Maho Beach
Mullet Bay has a calm cove at the south end that suits small kids. Friar’s Bay on the French side is protected from wind and great for learning to snorkel. Maho Beach is where jets land right overhead at Princess Juliana Airport. Kids love it, but the water is rough.
Loterie Farm, Pinel Island and Fort Louis
Loterie Farm is a former sugar plantation with zip lines, a jungle park for kids, hiking trails up Pic Paradis (the island’s highest point) and a pool. Pinel Island is a short ferry from Cul de Sac with shallow water perfect for toddlers. Fort Louis in Marigot has 90 steps and harbour views.
Grand Case and the beach bars
Grand Case on the French side is called the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. The lolos (casual barbecue shacks) serve ribs, chicken and lobster at local prices. Buccaneer Beach Bar on the Dutch side has a kids’ zone and a kids’ menu. Friar’s Bay Beach Café does lunch on the sand.
Where to sleep
Accommodation in St. Martin
The Dutch side has more large resorts. The French side has more boutique hotels and villas. Simpson Bay and Maho on the Dutch side are the most convenient if you want to be near the airport and restaurants.
| Option | Expect to pay | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Beachfront resort (Sonesta Maho, Divi Little Bay) | $250 to 600 per night | Families who want a pool, beach, kids’ activities and restaurants on site |
| Boutique hotel (Hotel L’Esplanade, Esmeralda Resort) | $200 to 400 per night | Families who want a quieter French-side base with more character |
| Villa rental | $200 to 800 per night | Families who want a pool, kitchen and room for grandparents or multiple families |
| Apartment or condo (Simpson Bay, Orient Bay) | $100 to 250 per night | Families who want a kitchen and lower costs |
Sonesta Maho Beach is right next to the airport and Maho Beach, with multiple pools and a casino. Divi Little Bay on the Dutch side has an all-inclusive option and a protected beach. On the French side, Esmeralda Resort near Orient Bay has individual villas with kitchenettes.
Getting around
How families get around St. Martin
- Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Direct flights from New York (4 hours), Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Toronto. Air France flies from Paris
- Rent a car. It is the easiest way to explore both sides. Most rental agencies are at the airport. The island is small enough to drive end to end in 30 minutes without traffic
- Taxis have no meters. Agree on the fare before getting in. Airport to Simpson Bay is about $15, to Marigot about $25
- No border controls between French and Dutch sides. You drive across without stopping
- Driving is on the right side of the road on both sides. Roads are generally good but can be narrow and hilly
- Public minibuses run along the main routes but schedules are unreliable
Before you go
The practical stuff
Day trips
Anguilla and St. Barts
Anguilla is a 20-minute public ferry from Marigot. It has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and a completely different pace. Passports required. St. Barts is a high-speed ferry from Philipsburg or Marigot, about 45 minutes. It is expensive but gorgeous. Both make excellent day trips from St. Martin.
“St. Martin is two countries on one tiny island and somehow it works. You eat a croissant on the French side in the morning and have ribs at a beach bar on the Dutch side by lunch. The kids will not care about the cultural studies lesson happening around them but they will lose their minds watching planes land at Maho Beach. Rent a car, drive both sides, and eat in Grand Case at least once.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
Thinking about St. Martin with your family?
French side or Dutch side, resort or villa, day trips to Anguilla or St. Barts. I can sort the logistics and find the right fit for your crew.
Quick answers
Is St. Martin safe for families?
Yes. The island is generally safe for tourists. Use common sense, secure valuables at the beach and avoid isolated areas at night. Petty crime can happen in tourist areas, as in most Caribbean destinations.
Do you need a visa for St. Martin?
US, Canadian and EU citizens do not need a visa for short stays. You need a valid passport. There are no border controls between the French and Dutch sides, so you move freely.
What currency does St. Martin use?
The French side officially uses the Euro and the Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder. US dollars are accepted everywhere on both sides. Credit cards work at most hotels and restaurants.
Can you drive between the French and Dutch sides?
Yes. There are no border controls. You drive or walk between the two sides freely. The only sign is a small marker on the road. Driving is on the right on both sides.
How do you get to St. Martin?
Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Direct flights operate from New York, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Toronto and Paris. Flight time from New York is about four hours.
Do you need a car in St. Martin?
A rental car is the easiest way to see both sides of the island. The island is small, about 35 square miles, and you can drive end to end in 30 minutes. Taxis are available but have no meters and add up quickly.
What is the best time to visit St. Martin with kids?
December through April for the driest weather and calmest seas. May and June offer lower prices with fewer crowds. Avoid July through November because of hurricane risk, especially September and October.
Keep planning: Martinique with kids, Caribbean with kids, international travel with kids, step by step.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices and availability last checked October 2026 and change often.
Family trip plans
Where are you taking the kids?
