How many attractions to see: Four to six attractions over a stay of about five days is the right number. The island is small enough that you can see too much, and heat, traffic and sea time eat afternoons. Blocks of one main stop in the morning and a beach in the afternoon work better than a checklist.
Prioritizing by travel style: On a tight budget, put
free beaches, village streets and lookout points first, since they cost nothing. If you like activity, choose one boat trip or snorkeling outing and one hike. If you care about culture, spend time on the French side markets and the Dutch side historic sites. Skip duplicate beach clubs, because minimum spends there often exceed the value.
Budget and costs that catch people out: Plan on US$60 to 110 a day for attractions, food and local transport, …
read more 👉 How many attractions to see: Four to six attractions over a stay of about five days is the right number. The island is small enough that you can see too much, and heat, traffic and sea time eat afternoons. Blocks of one main stop in the morning and a beach in the afternoon work better than a checklist.Prioritizing by travel style: On a tight budget, put free beaches, village streets and lookout points first, since they cost nothing. If you like activity, choose one boat trip or snorkeling outing and one hike. If you care about culture, spend time on the French side markets and the Dutch side historic sites. Skip duplicate beach clubs, because minimum spends there often exceed the value.Budget and costs that catch people out: Plan on US$60 to 110 a day for attractions, food and local transport, excluding lodging. Entry fees to museums and reserves run about US$5 to 15. Sunbed and umbrella rental on a beach costs US$10 to 25 a day, and some clubs add a food minimum, so read the terms before sitting down. Boat and snorkeling trips run US$50 to 120. A rental car costs US$40 to 70 a day and often beats taxis, which charge fixed fares of roughly US$15 to 40 per ride, so confirm the fare before getting in. Minibuses cost US$2 to 3 but stop running early in the evening.Safety and cultural considerations: Do not leave belongings in a parked car or on the sand, since break-ins at beach car parks and viewpoints are the island’s most common tourist crime. Avoid walking isolated stretches after dark. Currents on the Atlantic-facing beaches can be strong, so swim where lifeguards or other swimmers are present. Nude sunbathing is accepted at Orient Bay, but not elsewhere. On the French side, greet shopkeepers with a bonjour. Cover up when leaving the beach, and carry reef-safe sunscreen, since several marine areas restrict anchoring and sunscreen use. Check weather and ferry status the evening before any sea trip.