St Maarten vs Aruba: Which Island Is the Best Destination?
Trying to choose between St. Maarten vs. Aruba for your next tropical getaway? It’s a tough decision—both islands boast stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable adventures. But whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a luxury traveler, or someone who just wants to sip cocktails on the sand, one island might be a better fit for you.
I’ve personally visited both destinations and spoken with other travelers to bring you this head-to-head comparison, packed with real experiences and practical insights to help you decide.
Click the Play button below to listen to our podcast:
Table of Contents
Island Size & Accessibility
If you want an easy-to-navigate island, Aruba wins. It’s 69.5 square miles and has well-marked roads, making renting a car stress-free. In contrast, St. Maarten (37 square miles) is compact but comes with winding coastal roads and occasional traffic jams. That said, the ability to explore both the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and French (Saint-Martin) sides in one trip makes it uniquely appealing.
Flight availability: Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport welcomes over 1.2 million tourists annually, with direct flights from major hubs like New York, Miami, and Amsterdam. St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport is world-famous for its low-approach landings at Maho Beach, but has fewer direct flight options.
💡 Personal Insight: Driving in Aruba is a breeze. The roads are smooth, and even in peak season, I never experienced frustrating traffic. St. Maarten, on the other hand, has stunning coastal drives but expect occasional congestion near Philipsburg.
🏆 Winner: Aruba (Better infrastructure and more direct flights)
Beaches & Water Activities
If you’re dreaming of powdery white sand and calm, postcard-perfect waters, Aruba is your spot. Eagle Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches, while Baby Beach is a shallow, serene lagoon perfect for families.
St. Maarten, however, offers more variety. Maho Beach is an adrenaline rush, with airplanes soaring just overhead. For watersports, Orient Bay Beach is lively with jet skiing, parasailing, and beach bars. And if snorkeling is your thing, Creole Rock is a must-visit, teeming with marine life.
💡 Did You Know? Aruba’s Antilla Wreck is one of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, an eerie but beautiful sunken German freighter from World War II.
🏆 Winner: Aruba (Best for relaxing beachgoers)
Nightlife & Entertainment
If you love partying until dawn, St. Maarten will blow you away. The island’s nightlife is electric, especially in Maho Village, where beach bars, casinos, and nightclubs keep the energy going. Some spots, like Sunset Bar & Grill, offer an unbeatable view of planes landing just feet away.
Aruba, by contrast, has a more laid-back nightlife scene. Think beach bars like MooMba Beach Bar and the quirky Kukoo Kunuku party bus, which takes you bar-hopping in a neon-colored school bus.
💡 First-Hand Experience: I spent one night at Bliss Nightclub in St. Maarten and danced until 4 a.m. The mix of tourists and locals made it a wild but welcoming scene.
🏆 Winner: St. Maarten (More vibrant nightlife)
Resorts & Accommodations
If luxury resorts are what you crave, Aruba dominates. The island’s high-end beachfront resorts—like Ritz-Carlton Aruba and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort—cater to those seeking premium service and world-class amenities.
St. Maarten leans toward boutique hotels and villas, which means a more intimate, European-inspired stay. If you want charm over mega-resorts, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel offers a five-star experience.
💡 Traveler Tip: St. Maarten’s French side has boutique hotels with European flair at lower prices than Aruba’s luxury resorts.
🏆 Winner: Aruba (Best for all-inclusive luxury)
Cost & Budget Considerations
Aruba is more expensive across the board—hotels, dining, and activities all come with a premium price tag. Expect a beachfront meal to cost $40–$60 per person.
St. Maarten is far more budget-friendly, with affordable guesthouses, Creole and French-Caribbean cuisine for $15–$25 per meal, and duty-free shopping in Philipsburg.
💡 Budget Insight: The best cheap eats in St. Maarten? Head to Lolo’s in Grand Case for grilled seafood at local prices.
🏆 Winner: St. Maarten (Better for budget travelers)
Weather & Climate
Aruba’s weather is near-perfect year-round. It’s outside the hurricane belt and receives only 20 inches of rain annually, compared to 45 inches in St. Maarten.
💡 Weather Fact: Aruba’s trade winds keep things cool, but they can be strong—be prepared for sandy beach towels!
🏆 Winner: Aruba (More reliable weather)
Outdoor Adventures & Activities
St. Maarten wins for adventure seekers. Zip-line down the Flying Dutchman (the steepest zipline in the world), sail to Anguilla, or hike Pic Paradis for jaw-dropping views.
Aruba excels in water sports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing. The desert-like terrain of Arikok National Park makes for a unique contrast to its pristine beaches.
💡 Personal Experience: The Flying Dutchman zipline in St. Maarten was hands-down one of the most exhilarating things I’ve done in the Caribbean.
🏆 Winner: St. Maarten (More diverse outdoor adventures)
Shopping & Local Markets
St. Maarten is duty-free shopping heaven. You can find luxury brands, jewelry, and electronics at lower prices on Front Street in Philipsburg.
Aruba has high-end malls like Renaissance Mall, but prices tend to be higher.
💡 Insider Tip: Marigot Market in St. Maarten is the best spot for spices, handmade crafts, and local rum.
🏆 Winner: St. Maarten (Best for duty-free shopping)
Final Verdict: Which Island Should You Visit?
✅ Choose Aruba if you want:
- White-sand beaches and calm waters
- Luxury resorts and all-inclusive experiences
- A safe, easy-to-navigate destination
✅ Choose St. Maarten if you want:
- Lively nightlife and adventure activities
- A budget-friendly, culturally rich experience
- Unique two-nation exploration
No matter where you go, both islands offer an unforgettable Caribbean escape!
How This Was Researched
This comparison is based on first-hand experiences, traveler testimonials, and tourism data. I’ve visited both islands multiple times, researched costs from hotel and airline websites, and gathered insights from fellow travelers.
So, which island is calling your name? 🌴☀️
Related Post: St Maarten vs St Kitts (Which Island Is Better To Visit?)
Some images created using PicLumen.
