St Maarten vs Aruba (Which Island Is Better To Visit?)

There are many Caribbean islands to choose from, and many factors can influence your decision. Whether you’re looking for something more active or a place to just relax, this article will help you decide which island is best for you. St Maarten vs Aruba: Which Island Is Better? In this article, we will explore these two beautiful islands. 

St Maarten vs Aruba

Many things need to be taken into consideration when choosing a place for a vacation. Some people may prefer beaches with crystal clear water, while others might want to explore a new culture. Here is a comparison of two Caribbean islands that offer both: St. Maarten vs Aruba.

St. Maarten is home to the famous Maho Beach, where planes fly right over visitors’ heads as they land at the airport. The island also has a Dutch side and a French side, each with its own unique culture. Aruba is known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs. It is also one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations.

So, which island should you choose for your next vacation? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an island with interesting history and culture, go to St. Maarten.

When it comes to picking a destination for your next vacation, the two islands of St. Maarten and Aruba are both great choices. Both have beautiful beaches, interesting culture, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. How can you decide which one would be best for you?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing between St. Maarten and Aruba: When it comes to the Caribbean island destinations, there are endless possibilities for where to go and what to do. But if you’re looking for two islands that offer the best of everything, it’s hard to beat St. Maarten and Aruba.

Here’s a look at 11 things that make these two islands so special:

1. Size: St. Maarten is much smaller than Aruba, with only 37 square miles compared to Aruba’s 69.5 square miles. Depends what you need. This can be positive or a negative depending on what you demand. A smaller island means that you’ll see more of it in a shorter time, but there may not be as many activities available as on Aruba.

2. Stunning beaches: Both St. Maarten and Aruba boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand and crystal clear waters. For those looking for some serious beach time, Aruba is the clear winner.

With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to spend a lazy day lounging in the sun. St. Maarten has beaches too, but they’re not quite as idyllic as Aruba’s.

3. Vibrant nightlife: To start with, St. Maarten has a more diverse nightlife scene. You can find everything from rowdy clubs to romantic restaurants on the island. Aruba, on the other hand, is more focused on family-friendly activities and has a limited nightlife scene.

St. Maarten is also home to world-famous casinos, while Aruba does not have any gambling establishments. If you’re looking for some excitement after dark, then St. Maarten is the better choice.

4. World-class resorts – From luxurious beachfront resorts to all-inclusive properties, you’ll find something to suit your taste on both islands. St. Maarten is a bit smaller than Aruba and has more of a Caribbean feel to it. This means that there is more focus on beaches and natural beauty, with less developed resorts. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, St. Maarten is the better choice. Aruba is larger and has more resort development, making it better if you’re looking for all-inclusive options.​​

5. Cost: Another consideration is cost: Aruba is generally more expensive than St. Maarten. So if you’re on a budget, St. Maarten might be a better match for you.

6. Weather: One important thing to consider is the weather. Aruba tends to be a little warmer and drier than St. Maarten. If you’re looking for a sunny getaway, Aruba is probably the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more diverse experience with both sun and rain, St. Maarten is a better option. 

Temperatures on St. Maarten vary more than on Aruba. The average temperature on Aruba is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature on St. Maarten ranges from the high 70s to the low 90s. If you’re looking for a warm getaway, Aruba is a better choice than St. Maarten.

7. Shopping: Both offer beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. However, there are a few key differences that may make one island more appealing to you than the other.

St. Maarten is a Dutch territory, meaning that you can enjoy both Dutch and French culture while on the island. The island is also home to some of the best shopping in the Caribbean, with a wide variety of stores to choose from.

8. Activities: In Aruba, you can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and parasailing on the calm waters around the island. There are also several golf courses for those who want to hit the links, and plenty of casinos for those who want to try their luck.

St. Maarten is known for its kiteboarding and windsurfing, which draw enthusiasts from all over the world. The island also has some great diving spots, including coral reefs and shipwrecks.

9. Language Spoken:  St. Maarten is ethnically diverse, with a rich mix of cultures from all over the world. This is due in part to the island’s location – it’s just a short distance from both Europe and South America.

As a result, English and Dutch are both official languages on St. Maarten, making it easy for visitors from either continent to get around. Aruba, on the other hand, is predominantly Catholic and Dutch-speaking.

10. History: St. Maarten has a longer history than Aruba, dating back to the early 1600s. The island was originally settled by the Dutch, who built fortifications and plantations. Today, St. Maarten is a mix of Dutch and French cultures, with Dutch being the official language and French Creole also spoken on the island.

Aruba is much newer than St. Maarten, having been discovered by Spanish explorers in 1499. The first inhabitants of Aruba were Arawak Indians, who were later replaced by African slaves brought over by the Dutch.

11. Safety: St. Maarten is a bit more dangerous than Aruba. There is more crime and violence on the island, so if safety is a concern, Aruba may be a better option. However, St. Maarten offers a wider range of activities and attractions than Aruba does, making it a more diverse destination.

St. Maarten Cupecoy Beach.
Photo by Braden Egli on Unsplash

Is St Maarten in Aruba?

Is St Maarten in Aruba? No, they are 600 miles away from each other. Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela, while Sint Maarten is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, about 233 miles east of Puerto Rico.

Is St. Maarten safe for tourists?

The island has seen its share of crime, and visitors should always take precautions to protect themselves. However, with a little common sense and caution, St. Maarten can be a very safe place to visit.

The most important thing to remember when traveling in St. Maarten is to always stay aware of your surroundings. Be cautious when walking around at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

There are plenty of safe areas to explore on the island, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.If you’re staying in a hotel, make sure that it is in a well-lit area, and that the doors are locked securely at night.​​​​​​​

Related Post: How Dangerous is St. Maarten? Read This Before You Go!

Are there casinos in St Maarten?

Yes, there are casinos in St Maarten. In fact, the island is home to many gambling establishments, including the popular Princess Casino and the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.

The casinos offer a variety of gaming options, including table games, slots, and poker​​​​​​​.If you’re looking to try your luck on the island, these are two great options. The casinos are open from 11am to 4am daily.

Related Post: Best Casino in St. Maarten to Play & Win

Is Aruba bigger than St Maarten?

The answer to this question is yes, Aruba is bigger than St Maarten. Aruba has a land area of 69.5 sq miles, while St Maarten has a land area of only 37 sq miles. This means that Aruba is over 4 times the size of St Maarten.

What is the difference between St Martin and St Maarten?

St Martin is known for its luxury resorts and its vibrant nightlife. St Maarten is known for its beaches, duty-free shopping, and casinos. Many people choose to visit both islands on the same trip in order to enjoy the best of both worlds.​​​​​​​

Is St Maarten and St Martin the same?

Is St Maarten and St Martin the same? It is a question that often comes up, and the answer is no – they are two different parts of the island. St Maarten is part of the Netherlands Antilles, while St Martin is a French territory. They both share the same name, but that’s about it.

The two islands have very different cultures. If you’re looking for Dutch culture, head to St Maarten. If you’re looking for French culture, head to St Martin. There are also big differences in the landscapes of the two islands.

St Maarten is hilly and lush, while St Martin is flat and dry. If you’re looking for a Caribbean vacation, both islands are worth considering. Just be sure to know which island you’re headed to!

Should I go to Aruba or St Lucia?

Both Aruba and St Lucia are beautiful Caribbean islands, but there are some key differences that may help you decide which one is right for you.

  • Aruba is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife. If you’re looking for a beach vacation with plenty of activities and opportunities to party, Aruba is the perfect choice.
  • Saint Lucia, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountain scenery and lush rainforest. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed and romantic getaway.

Related Post: St Maarten vs St Kitts (Which Island Is Better To Visit?)

Author

  • Karin K

    Meet Karin, the passionate author and founder of StMaartenAdventure.com. My love affair with St. Maarten began in 1994 during a memorable trip. The island's allure was so captivating that I decided to make it my permanent home. Since then, I've been committed to sharing the beauty and wonders of St. Maarten through my adventures and insights. Join me on this incredible journey!