The Ultimate St. Maarten Vacation Guide
7-Day St. Maarten Itinerary: The Perfect One-Week Vacation
Planning a week in St. Maarten? Discover the perfect 7-day itinerary featuring beautiful Caribbean beaches, island adventures, snorkeling cruises, delicious food and unforgettable day trips.
Whether it's your first visit to St. Maarten or you're returning to your favorite Caribbean island, this one-week vacation itinerary will help you experience the best of both Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin.
From watching airplanes land at Maho Beach to relaxing at Orient Bay, sailing along the coastline and exploring neighboring Anguilla, we've put together seven incredible days filled with island experiences.
Explore the 7-Day Itinerary → Browse St. Maarten Tours →How to Spend 7 Days in St. Maarten
Seven days is a great amount of time to explore St. Maarten without feeling rushed. The island offers an exciting combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, French and Caribbean cuisine, shopping and nightlife.
This St. Maarten travel itinerary balances relaxation with sightseeing and adventure. Each day focuses on a different experience, giving you time to discover the island while still enjoying your vacation.
The itinerary is flexible. You can switch days around depending on the weather, your accommodation location and tour availability.
If you're staying seven nights, you'll have more flexibility for a relaxed final day. If your departure is on Day 7, move the sunset cruise to an earlier evening and keep your last day free for airport travel.
Arrive in St. Maarten & Explore Simpson Bay
Welcome to St. Maarten! After arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), make your way to your hotel, resort or villa and settle into island life.
For your first afternoon, we recommend exploring Simpson Bay, one of the island's most popular areas for beachfront resorts, waterfront restaurants and nightlife.
Spend some time relaxing on Simpson Bay Beach or nearby Kim Sha Beach before enjoying dinner at one of the area's restaurants.
- Arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport
- Check in to your hotel, resort or villa
- Relax at Simpson Bay Beach or Kim Sha Beach
- Enjoy dinner and waterfront drinks in Simpson Bay
Arrange your airport transfer or rental car before arriving to make your first day easier.
Book Airport Transfers → Explore Car Rentals →
Want more ideas for this area? Explore our Simpson Bay travel guide for beaches, restaurants, hotels and nightlife.
Maho Beach, Mullet Bay & the Famous Airplane Landings
Start your second day with one of the island's most famous attractions: Maho Beach. Located beside Princess Juliana International Airport, this beach is internationally known for airplanes flying low overhead as they approach the runway.
Watch aircraft arrive from a safe location and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the area. Afterward, head to nearby Mullet Bay Beach, one of St. Maarten's most beautiful beaches.
Spend the afternoon swimming when conditions are suitable, relaxing on the sand or enjoying lunch at a nearby beach restaurant.
- Watch airplanes land at Maho Beach
- Enjoy the atmosphere around Maho
- Relax at beautiful Mullet Bay Beach
- Explore nearby restaurants and sunset spots
Discover Maho Beach and other island highlights on a guided sightseeing excursion.
Explore St. Maarten Island Tour →Never stand directly behind departing aircraft or hold onto the airport fence. Jet blast can cause serious injuries. Watch planes from safe public areas and follow all posted warnings.
For more details, visit our Maho Beach visitor guide .
Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling Adventure
No St. Maarten vacation is complete without exploring the island from the water. Day three is all about sailing, snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean coastline.
Join a catamaran snorkeling cruise and experience stunning coastal scenery, refreshing sea breezes and opportunities to discover marine life.
Depending on your chosen excursion, you may visit different snorkeling locations and scenic coastal areas. Always check the tour itinerary for exact stops and inclusions.
- Join a St. Maarten catamaran cruise
- Explore scenic coastal waters
- Enjoy a guided snorkeling experience
- Relax aboard and take in the Caribbean views
Discover the island by sea with our St. Maarten Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise.
View Catamaran Cruise & Book →
Bring reef-conscious sunscreen, swimwear, a towel and a waterproof bag. Snorkeling conditions and routes can change depending on the weather and sea.
Discover French Saint-Martin: Orient Bay, Pinel Island & Grand Case
Today, explore the French side of the island, known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages and excellent dining.
Start with Orient Bay, one of Saint-Martin's most famous beaches. Its long stretch of white sand, beach clubs and beautiful turquoise water make it a favorite for visitors.
Alternatively, spend the day at Pinel Island, a small offshore island reached by boat from the Cul-de-Sac area. Pinel is popular for its shallow turquoise waters, relaxed beach atmosphere and coastal scenery.
Option A: Orient Bay Beach
Spend the day relaxing at Orient Bay, enjoying beach clubs, restaurants and beautiful Caribbean scenery.
This is a great choice for visitors who prefer a comfortable beach day with nearby amenities.
Option B: Pinel Island
Take a boat across to Pinel Island for a laid-back tropical escape.
Enjoy beach time, shallow waters and island scenery before returning to mainland Saint-Martin.
Finish the Day in Grand Case
If you have time and energy, head to Grand Case for dinner. This charming French-side village is known for its restaurants, beachfront setting and French-Caribbean dining.
Our Santino Coastal Cruise is another way to experience the beautiful Saint-Martin coastline, with an itinerary featuring Grand Case, snorkeling, turtles and Pinel Island.
View Santino Coastal Cruise →Explore more beach clubs, hotels and activities in our Orient Bay travel guide .
Philipsburg, Shopping & Island Adventures
Spend day five discovering Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Located along beautiful Great Bay, Philipsburg offers a combination of shopping, history, restaurants and waterfront scenery.
Walk along Front Street, browse local shops and boutiques, explore the waterfront boardwalk and enjoy lunch overlooking Great Bay.
For travelers who prefer a more active afternoon, consider a guided 4x4 Jeep adventure or another island excursion.
- Explore Philipsburg and Front Street
- Walk along the Great Bay Boardwalk
- Browse shops and local boutiques
- Enjoy waterfront lunch or a beach break
- Consider an island adventure tour
Explore island highlights on a guided 4x4 Jeep Tour, including a beach break.
View 4x4 Jeep Tour →
Philipsburg can be especially lively on cruise ship days. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, check the cruise ship schedule and plan accordingly.
Island Hopping: Take a Day Trip to Anguilla
One of the biggest advantages of vacationing in St. Maarten is the opportunity to explore nearby Caribbean islands.
For day six, consider a trip to Anguilla, known for its spectacular white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed island atmosphere.
Travel by ferry or organized excursion, then spend the day discovering beautiful beaches and enjoying the island's coastal scenery.
- Travel from St. Maarten to Anguilla
- Relax on Anguilla's beautiful beaches
- Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant
- Return to St. Maarten in the afternoon or evening
Explore our Anguilla fast ferry shuttle with Funtime Charters.
View Anguilla Ferry & Book →Anguilla is a separate British Overseas Territory. Passport, visa and immigration requirements depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check entry requirements, ferry schedules and any applicable fees before booking.
Alternative: Visit St. Barthélemy
Prefer a different island experience? Consider a day trip to St. Barth, known for its beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, French-Caribbean atmosphere and charming capital, Gustavia.
Explore our St. Barts island-hopping guide for travel inspiration and options from St. Maarten.
Relax at the Beach & Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
After six days of exploring St. Maarten, it's time to slow down and enjoy your favorite parts of the island.
Spend the morning relaxing at your favorite beach, return to a restaurant you loved or enjoy some last-minute shopping.
If you're staying overnight, finish your vacation with a memorable sunset cruise along the St. Maarten coastline.
Watching the Caribbean sunset from a catamaran is a wonderful way to celebrate an unforgettable week in paradise.
- Enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach
- Visit your favorite restaurant or shopping area
- Take memorable vacation photographs
- Enjoy a sunset cruise if your schedule allows
Experience the Caribbean sunset aboard the Lambada catamaran.
View Lambada Sunset Cruise →
If your flight leaves today, skip the sunset cruise and allow enough time to return your rental car, complete airport check-in and clear security. Consider taking the sunset cruise on an earlier day instead.
Book Your Island Experiences
Top St. Maarten Tours to Add to Your 7-Day Itinerary
Make the most of your week with some of St. Maarten's most memorable tours and excursions.
St. Maarten Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise
Explore the Caribbean coastline, enjoy beautiful sea views and discover snorkeling locations on a guided catamaran excursion.
View Tour & Book →
Anguilla Fast Ferry Shuttle
Travel to beautiful Anguilla and discover its white-sand beaches and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
View Ferry & Book →
St. Maarten Island Tour
Discover island highlights, scenic viewpoints and popular attractions with a guided sightseeing experience.
View Tour & Book →
Lambada Sunset Cruise
Enjoy an unforgettable Caribbean sunset aboard the Lambada catamaran.
View Tour & Book →Tour schedules, meeting points, routes and availability may vary. Check each tour page before booking.
Explore All St. Maarten Tours →Plan Your Stay
Where to Stay for a 7-Day St. Maarten Vacation
Choosing the right location can make your St. Maarten vacation even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer beachfront resorts, lively restaurants or a quieter atmosphere, the island offers accommodation for different travel styles.
Simpson Bay
Ideal for travelers who want restaurants, nightlife, beaches and convenient access to boat excursions.
Explore Simpson Bay →Maho & Mullet Bay
A convenient choice for visitors who enjoy beach activities, entertainment and proximity to the airport.
Explore Maho Beach →Orient Bay
A great option for travelers seeking a beautiful French-side beach, restaurants and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Explore Orient Bay →Getting Around St. Maarten During Your Week
St. Maarten is relatively small, but getting between beaches, restaurants and attractions takes planning, particularly during busy traffic periods.
Rental Car
A rental car gives you the flexibility to explore both the Dutch and French sides at your own pace.
Explore Car Rentals →Airport Transfers
Arrange transportation from Princess Juliana International Airport to your hotel or villa.
Explore Airport Transfers →Guided Island Tours
Prefer not to drive? Guided sightseeing tours can help you discover island highlights.
Browse Guided Tours →Traffic can be heavy around Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and major road connections, especially during peak travel periods. Allow extra time when heading to the airport or a scheduled excursion.
Helpful Tips for Planning One Week in St. Maarten
Book Popular Tours in Advance
Catamaran cruises, snorkeling trips and island-hopping excursions can fill up, especially during busy vacation periods.
Explore Both Sides of the Island
Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin offer different atmospheres, restaurants and beach experiences.
Plan Around the Weather
Boat excursions and beach activities depend on sea and weather conditions. Keep your itinerary flexible where possible.
Bring the Essentials
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat and any necessary travel documents.
Keep Some Free Time
Don't schedule every hour. Part of the beauty of St. Maarten is discovering a favorite beach or restaurant along the way.
Check Island-Hopping Requirements
Travel to Anguilla or St. Barth may involve separate immigration requirements, transportation fees and travel documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About a 7-Day St. Maarten Itinerary
Is 7 days enough to visit St. Maarten?
Yes. Seven days is a great amount of time to enjoy several beaches, explore both sides of the island, take a boat excursion and experience local restaurants.
What should I do during my first visit to St. Maarten?
Popular experiences include watching airplanes at Maho Beach, relaxing at Orient Bay, exploring Simpson Bay, visiting Philipsburg and taking a snorkeling cruise.
Do I need a rental car for one week in St. Maarten?
A rental car is helpful if you want to explore multiple beaches and attractions independently. Taxis, transfers and guided tours are alternatives.
What is the best area to stay in St. Maarten?
Simpson Bay is convenient for restaurants and nightlife. Maho is popular for entertainment and beach access, while Orient Bay offers a French-side beach atmosphere.
Can I visit Anguilla during a St. Maarten vacation?
Yes. Anguilla is a popular day-trip destination from St. Maarten. Check ferry schedules, entry requirements and applicable fees before traveling.
Can I visit St. Barth from St. Maarten?
Yes. St. Barth can be visited from St. Maarten by ferry or air service, subject to schedules, availability and travel requirements.
What are the best beaches to visit during one week in St. Maarten?
Popular choices include Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay Beach, Kim Sha Beach, Orient Bay and Pinel Island.
What are the best boat tours in St. Maarten?
Popular experiences include catamaran snorkeling cruises, coastal sightseeing excursions, private boat charters and sunset sailing trips.
Can I explore both the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten?
Yes. Visitors can generally travel between Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin by road. Always ensure your travel documents meet applicable entry requirements.
Should I book St. Maarten excursions before arriving?
Booking ahead is recommended for popular excursions, particularly during the winter travel season and holiday periods.
Explore More of the Island
More St. Maarten Travel Guides
Continue planning your vacation with our destination guides, featuring beaches, activities, restaurants and travel inspiration.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Week in St. Maarten?
From beautiful beaches and unforgettable snorkeling cruises to island-hopping adventures and spectacular sunsets, your Caribbean vacation starts here.
Discover and book exciting St. Maarten tours, activities and experiences with SintMaartenVacation.com.
Explore & Book St. Maarten Tours → Find Your Perfect Stay →