Ready to explore Sint Maarten? As a warm and relaxing destination, it's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we've got all the practical info you need to plan a fantastic trip without breaking the bank. From hotel rates and food costs to sightseeing prices and transportation, we've covered everything because we have a huge amount of data from previous travelers.
How much does it cost to travel to Sint Maarten?
You should plan to spend around $391 per day on your vacation in Sint Maarten. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $185 on meals
- $412 on hotels
A one week trip to Sint Maarten for two people costs, on average, $5,474. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Sint Maarten expensive to visit?
Sint Maarten is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Sint Maarten is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Sint Maarten in the region.
Sint Maarten caters to all kinds of travelers, with plenty of activities and accommodations across a broad price range. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Although Sint Maarten can be expensive, you can reduce your expenses by focusing on eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $361 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $391 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $447 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sint Maarten.
For more details, see Is Sint Maarten Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sint Maarten?
The average Sint Maarten trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sint Maarten travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sint Maarten cost?
Sint Maarten on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$176
|
$206
|
$262
|
|
Food 2
|
$185
|
$185
|
$185
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$224-671
|
$224-671
|
$224-671
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your budget. Many people assume that they're a "budget" traveler, and some believe that they will spend just $361 per day in Sint Maarten, the reality is, most people are not comfortable traveling in that style. Consider what you really enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Is dining out important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Sint Maarten for around $361 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Sint Maarten will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $391 per person, per day.
Sint Maarten has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Simpson Bay and Philipsburg, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Simpson Bay, check out Baker's Suites, or consider Holland House Beach Hotel in Philipsburg. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Sint Maarten here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $447 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Sint Maarten
The hotel prices in Sint Maarten can really vary. In some areas, you'll notice a big gap between budget-friendly and high-end accommodations. During peak season, expect even higher prices. Traveling in the off-season or shoulder season can help you save a lot, and booking early usually gets you a better deal.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sint Maarten for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $412. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $206 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sint Maarten? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Food Budget in Sint Maarten
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sint Maarten can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sint Maarten is $185 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$185
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sint Maarten is around $185 ($185) per person, with previous travelers spending from $185 to $185. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sint Maarten are as follows:
- Breakfast: $33 to $55
- Lunch: $28 to $92
- Dinner: $65 to $148
- Coffee: $17
- Fast Food or Street Food: $30
The culinary scene in Sint Maarten is as diverse as its cultural heritage. The island offers a plethora of dining options, ranging from beachside shacks to gourmet restaurants. The Dutch side is known for its lively beach bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy local dishes such as johnnycakes, conch fritters, and fresh seafood.
Street food is also an integral part of the island’s culinary landscape. The "lolos" of Grand Case are casual, open-air eateries that serve local barbecue and seafood at reasonable prices. Here, you can enjoy grilled lobster, ribs, and plantains while soaking in the local atmosphere.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sint Maarten. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- St. Maarten Dinner and nightlife round trip transportation for $60 details
- Private Tropical Gondola Dinner Cruise Simpson Bay for $240 details
Nightlife Budget in Sint Maarten
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $448 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sint Maarten per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$448
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Sint Maarten. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Half-Day Ultimate Brewery Beer Tour in Sint Maarten for $195 details
Traveling in Sint Maarten
Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten, a vibrant Caribbean paradise, is a unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, offering an eclectic mix of experiences for travelers. Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, this island is known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. Divided into Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint-Martin (French side), it provides a rich cultural tapestry that appeals to all types of visitors. Sint Maarten, the Dutch and southern side of the island, is a hub of activity, known for its bustling resorts, casinos, and nightlife. The capital, Philipsburg, is a shopper’s paradise with its duty-free shops and bustling boardwalk. The island's beaches are renowned for their beauty, and the island is famous for being a gateway to some of the most scenic spots in the Caribbean.
Due to generally high prices, it can be difficult to travel here on a small budget. However, local hotels can be much cheaper than the larger beachfront resorts. It's also possible to find cheaper food if you get away from the beaches. Local transportation can also be found, or simply restricting your movements to places you can reach on foot will save you a lot of money, too.
Top Tourist Attractions
Sint Maarten boasts numerous sights that highlight its natural beauty and cultural richness. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island, known for its close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. Watching planes fly overhead just meters above the beach is an exhilarating experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Philipsburg is home to many historical sites, including Fort Amsterdam, which offers panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. The fort, built in 1631, is a testament to the island's colonial history and provides insight into its strategic importance during the colonial era.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Sint Maarten. The island's waters are perfect for a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and sailing. The crystal-clear waters around the island are home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. Popular diving spots include the wreck of the HMS Proselyte and the underwater reserve of Creole Rock.
Sailing excursions are another fantastic way to explore the island. Day trips to nearby islands such as Anguilla, St. Barts, and Saba are popular and offer a chance to experience the beauty of the surrounding Caribbean. Sunset cruises are also a favorite, providing a romantic and serene way to end the day.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.