Our Family Trip to Sint Maarten: Sun, Sand & Strollers
In April, I turned 30. And after being cooped up in the Canadian winter since having a baby, I knew I only wanted to celebrate somewhere warm, with turquoise water, good food, and waves crashing. Plans changed at the last minute, so we had to pivot to Sint Maarten (SXM). But as long as I got to share the adventure with my little family, all was right in my world.
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This post is part itinerary, part practical guide, because travelling with a baby will absolutely change your travel style. For example, late nights out? Not so much. But more time lounging by the pool? Absolutely. And I’m not complaining. Here’s how our five days in Sint Maarten went:
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Day 1 - Touchdown
We flew in from Toronto with Air Transat (booked through Expedia), and after touching down and checking in, we just took in the island air and beauty that was our hotel pool.
Then, we grabbed dinner to-go from the famous Captain’s Rib Shack, and let me tell you, it hit all the right spots. This set the tone for our whole trip, and we leaned into the to-go dinner strategy every night as that was much easier with our baby’s nighttime routine.
Day 2 - Dutch Side, French Side & Bird Watching
One of the coolest things about SXM is that it’s one island that’s split between two countries, so there is a Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and there is a French side (Saint-Martin). More on how to pick what side to stay on below. We hired a driver to take us through both sides, learning a lot about the history, vibe, and people of this Caribbean gem. After, we visited Parrotville bird park, which I might have loved more than anything else I did on this trip. It costs $15 for adults, $7 for children and free for babies under 2. Our driver recommended Cynthia’s Talk of the Town for lunch, and it was chef’s kiss. It is in Grand Case, which is on the French side and quite popular for its restaurant row.Dinner was another to-go situation, this time from Fritay’s. The red snapper is worth the hype. Iykyk.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Anguilla
If you’re in SXM and you don’t visit a neighboring country, you’re missing a big part of the experience. Anguilla is just a 25-minute ferry ride away, and it is quieter, less touched, and somehow even more beautiful. Our first stop was the Anguilla sign overlooking the water, then the Anguilla Arch, before we settled in at Ocean Echo, where we ate WELL, and just lounged by the beach. Right by Ocean Echo was the infamous Savi Beach Club, where I received a little birthday surprise that made my heart full. This was exactly the kind of slow beach day a Caribbean trip is supposed to have.
Day 4 - Plane Spotting & Parasailing
We started the day at the legendary Maho Beach, where planes land so close overhead that it almost feels like you can touch it. It’s loud, busy, and absolutely worth it.
Then, for my “turning 30” moment, I went parasailing at Orient Bay beach. I’d been building up to this, and it completely delivered. Being up in the air was freeing in a way that’s hard to describe, and the views? Nothing comes close. Highly recommend doing something that scares you a little, especially on vacation. I also tried tubing for the first time, and it was absolute chaos in the best way. I seriously couldn’t stop laughing (and screaming). After such a busy day, we picked up food from Boca Seafood Restaurant, another solid to-go choice for dinner.
Day 5 - Sunrise & Sunsets
I woke up early to try to catch the sunrise by the hotel pool and it was genuinely stunning. The first half of the day was perfectly unscheduled, with us prioritizing rest. Then, we headed to Baie Rouge for a photoshoot in the golden hour light. A perfect ending to a perfect trip. If you’re in the area, absolutely book @esmeeblomphoto, you’ll be so glad you did.
Dutch Side or French Side: Which Should You Pick?
This is one of the first questions you’ll ask when planning SXM, and the honest answer is: it depends on what kind of trip you want. See my guide on how to pick what side to stay on. We stayed on the Dutch side, and it worked perfectly for us as a family. The good news? You can easily cross between both sides freely with no border drama.
Essential Travel Tips for Sint Maarten
Best Time to Visit: Mid-December to April, which is the dry season. Shoulder seasons like May and November can also be great.
What to pack: Waterproof SPF sunscreen, light layers, swimwear, motion sickness tablets (for the ferry to Anguilla) and if travelling with a baby, a lightweight stroller.
Currency & payments: USD is widely accepted on both side of the island. Cash is still handy for smaller local spots.
Getting around: Rideshare apps aren’t common so renting a car or getting a private driver gives you the most flexibility.
Perfect combo: Take a 25-minute ferry from Marigot on the French side to Anguilla, or a 40-minute ferry to St Barts.
Staying connected: skip the roaming fees by getting an eSIM. It works in both the Dutch and French sides.
SXM was everything, and then some. What a way to enter year 30, to kick off our adventures as a family of three. Cheers to all the trips still to come.
I shared moments from this trip all over on Instagram, so come follow along at @perfectpaths to see more realistic travel content for families and solo travelers.
Safe travels,
Joba