Sint Maarten / St. Martin is one of the most accessible destinations in the Caribbean, with excellent air, sea, and yacht connections that make reaching the island simple from almost anywhere. Whether you’re flying in from North America, Europe, or a neighboring island, arriving by cruise ship, or sailing in on your own yacht, getting here is part of the adventure — and the welcome begins the moment you touch down or dock.
By Air – The Caribbean’s Aviation Hub
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side is the primary gateway and ranks as one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Caribbean. Fresh from a major terminal and runway upgrade, it handles approximately 1.8 million passengers annually across more than 30 airlines serving 34+ direct destinations.
Major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United, and Southwest offer convenient non-stop flights from key gateways such as Miami, New York (JFK), Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, and more (with seasonal service to additional cities).
You’ll also find easy connections from Canada (Toronto and Montreal), Europe (Amsterdam with KLM and Paris with Air France), and the broader Caribbean and Latin America via Copa Airlines through Panama’s Hub of the Americas.
Regional Connections
Sint Maarten serves as a vital regional hub thanks to Winair (Windward Islands Airways), the island’s home carrier. Winair operates multiple daily flights from Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) to St. Barth’s (a quick 15-minute hop), as well as to Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Dominica, Montserrat, and further destinations across the Caribbean. These short, frequent flights make island-hopping effortless and affordable.
The smaller Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side is a specialist for ultra-short regional hops, with regular service to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and other French Caribbean islands. No border formalities exist once you clear customs, so you can move freely across the entire island.
By Cruise Ship
Sint Maarten is a cornerstone of Caribbean cruising and one of the region’s most popular ports. In recent years, Port St. Maarten in Philipsburg has welcomed nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers across hundreds of ship calls — often ranking among the top ports in the Eastern Caribbean.
The modern A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal sits right next to Philipsburg’s shops, restaurants, and Great Bay Beach, making it one of the easiest and most convenient stops in the entire region. Major lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian regularly include Sint Maarten on their itineraries, often as a full-day or overnight port.
By Yacht or Private Boat
The island is a favorite superyacht and cruising destination thanks to its protected Simpson Bay Lagoon and multiple full-service marinas. Popular berthing options include IGY Simpson Bay Marina, Bobby’s Marina, and others capable of handling vessels up to 200+ feet. Clear customs and immigration at designated ports of entry (usually Simpson Bay or Philipsburg on the Dutch side, or Marigot on the French side), and you’re free to explore both sides of the island.
Practical Tips
Complete the free online Sint Maarten Entry/Departure (ED) Card at entry.sx before air arrival.
Visit Destinito for the latest flight, cruise, and transport information, plus partner deals and loyalty rewards tied to your arrival.
No matter how you arrive — by plane over the famous Maho Beach runway, by cruise ship into bustling Philipsburg, or by yacht into the turquoise lagoon — Sint Maarten / St. Martin makes getting here effortless so you can start enjoying the island immediately.
