Discovering the Best of St. Maarten in 6 Days

• Day 1 - Exploring Philipsburg
  Spend your first day in the capital city of Philipsburg. Wander the charming streets filled with Dutch architecture and enjoy the pristine beaches. Stop by the Guavaberry Emporium and learn about the famous Guavaberry liquor made on the island. End your day with a breathtaking sunset at Great Bay Beach.
• Day 2 - Coastal beauty and local culture
  Start your day early and head to Orient Bay Beach for some morning beach yoga or boating. Afterward, visit the historic Fort Louis for stunning views of the island. Continue your cultural journey to the St. Maarten Museum and learn about the island's history. End your day with a delicious local seafood dinner at Simpson Bay.
• Day 3 - Island hopping
  Take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Anguilla and spend the day relaxing on the stunning Shoal Bay beach. Indulge in fresh Caribbean seafood for lunch and visit The Dune Preserve for some live music and drinks. Head back to St. Maarten in the evening for a sunset sail.
• Day 4 - Adventure day
  Start your day with a hike up to Pic Paradis for panoramic views of the island. Then, head to The Butterfly Farm and explore the tropical gardens surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies. In the afternoon, visit Mullet Bay Beach for some surfing or swimming.
• Day 5 - Shopping and nightlife
  Spend your day shopping at the famous Front Street and visit the local vendors for unique souvenirs. Relax in the afternoon at Maho Beach and spot some airplanes landing just a few feet above your head. End your night with fun at Casino Royale and enjoy some drinks at a beachfront bar.
• Day 6 - Final day
  Finish your trip with a relaxing day at Pinel Island. Take a snorkeling or kayaking tour and explore the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a beach picnic at Cul de Sac Beach before departing the island.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Guavaberry Emporium (1 hour, free admission)
• Great Bay Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• Orient Bay Beach (4 hours, free admission)
• Fort Louis (1 hour, free admission)
• St. Maarten Museum (2 hours, $8 admission fee)
• Simpson Bay Seafood Dinner (2 hours, $30 per person)
• Day trip to Anguilla (full day, $70 round trip ferry ticket)
• Shoal Bay Beach (4 hours, free admission)
• The Dune Preserve (2 hours, free admission)
• Pic Paradis Hike (2 hours, free admission)
• The Butterfly Farm (1 hour, $15 admission fee)
• Mullet Bay Beach (4 hours, free admission)
• Front Street Shopping (4 hours, free admission)
• Maho Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• Casino Royale (3 hours, free admission)
• Pinel Island Snorkeling/Kayaking (4 hours, $50 per person)
• Cul de Sac Beach Picnic (2 hours, $20 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: $223 per person

Transportation

Getting around St. Maarten is best done by renting a car or taking the local bus. Rental cars start at $35 per day and buses cost around $1-2 per ride. Taxis are also available but tend to be more expensive. Ferries to neighboring islands are available for day trips but require additional fees.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the French side of the island for even more culture and picturesque views. If you have less time, prioritize the must-see locations such as Orient Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, and Pinel Island. Don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray as the Caribbean heat can be intense. And as always, respect the local customs and culture to make the most of your St. Maarten experience.