Rental car rates in St. Maarten are among the lowest in the region! This island is dramatically different from other Caribbean vacation destinations, and we feel that a rental car is a must to get the most out of your stay on St. Maarten – St. Martin. While other islands specialize in all-inclusive resorts and discourage guests to explore on their own, SXM is perfectly suited to roam freely and safely.
What to See on St. Maarten with a Rental Car?
Even though the island is small, only 37 square miles, the mountainous terrain allows room for several towns and villages, with an amazing variation of landscapes. The infrastructure is acceptable by Caribbean standards but doesn't compare to the quality of American or European road systems. Roads are built for slow to medium speeds, and 'sleeping policemen' (speed bumps) are widely used in residential areas. To experience the variety of beaches and to enjoy the incredible choice of first-rate restaurants, a rental car is a must.
What Car to Rent on St. Maarten - St. Martin
To find the most economical way to rent a car while getting reasonable comfort and good safety, you don't need to look for expensive, full-sized vehicles. There are very few roads where an SUV could be helpful: a few exclusive estates are high up in the hills and during rainy weather, a four-wheel-drive might have an advantage there. But otherwise an economy car will do: it offers four doors, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. No: you won't turn heads while cruising the Boulevard, but you wouldn't achieve this in a Ford Explorer at four times the rental rate either. To be noticed on St Maarten, think Porsche Cheyenne or Audi or Mercedes.
Some cute Japanese or Korean compact cars offered by many rental car companies on the island are not known in the US, but very popular in Europe. These are agile little vehicles, which might surprise you with their fun factor. Parking is very easy, the narrow roads are not intimidating anymore, and you can't beat the rates on St Maarten - they are among the lowest anywhere in the world.
Great cars are the Hyundai i10, Kia Picante or the Hyundai Getz. These little compacts can accommodate 4 adults and will give you perfectly adequate transportation during your stay. If your group consists of four plus-sized adults, you might want to go for an intermediate car, such as the Hyundai Elantra - about 20% more expensive than the smaller class.
Editor's Opinion (not shared by all): The Jeep Wrangler might fit the island image, but these cars are not the best choice to explore St Maarten/St Martin. The Wrangler is an off-road car - not because it handles the wilderness with great competence, but because even a regular, decent road 'feels' like you are off-road. The smallest bump - and the big ones we have here even more - cause great discomfort for the Jeep passengers and you might regret your choice of a rental car.
Renting Scooters or Motorcycles on St. Maarten
Scooters are available to rent as well, but they don't offer any price advantage over cars and are a safety concern. If you would like to explore the island on two wheels (and have the ability and experience), go for a real motorcycle: on St. Maarten, you can rent the latest models of Harleys!
