Which Caribbean island is right for you? Compare beaches, nightlife, shopping, cost, dining, travel convenience, and overall vibe.
Best beaches
Anguilla
Best nightlife
St. Martin
Best value range
St. Martin
Ferry distance
~25 min
Anguilla is the better pick if you want calm beaches, privacy, romantic resorts, and a slower pace. It has 33 beaches, a culinary scene that has earned it the reputation as the Caribbean's culinary capital, and no casinos or club-heavy nightlife. St. Martin — split between the French and Dutch sides — is better if you want direct international flights, nightlife (including 12+ casinos), duty-free shopping, more restaurants, and a wider range of budgets and activities.
Choose Anguilla
Anguilla is the better fit if your trip is built around calm water, soft sand, and quiet luxury. With 33 beaches and far fewer crowds, the beach experience is more consistent.
Choose St. Martin
St. Martin is better if you want casinos (12+), clubs, busy beach bars, shopping, and a more active evening scene — especially on the Dutch side around Simpson Bay and Maho.
Choose St. Martin
St. Martin gives you more price variety across hotels, restaurants, and activities. Anguilla runs premium across the board with limited budget options.
Do both
Many travelers do 4 nights in St. Martin and 3 in Anguilla, or the reverse. Most find it best to start in St. Martin and end in Anguilla — the calm of Anguilla is a perfect send-off.
Use this table to compare the biggest differences between the two islands before choosing where to stay.
Beaches, nightlife, shopping, cost, crowds, dining, safety, and travel convenience.
| Category | Anguilla 🇦🇮 | St. Martin 🇸🇽🇫🇷 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
Beaches | 33 beaches — powdery white sand, calm swimmable water, and consistently uncrowded even on popular stretches | 37 beaches across 34 sq miles — more variety in mood, from lively Orient Bay to quieter Baie Rouge, but generally busier | Anguilla |
Nightlife | Beach bars, live local music (reggae, soca), and relaxed evenings — no casinos on the island | Clubs, 12+ casinos, beach parties, and late-night energy, especially around Simpson Bay and Maho on the Dutch side | St. Martin |
Dining | Widely regarded as the Caribbean's culinary capital — celebrated restaurants, fresh local seafood, and live music most nights | Strong French-side dining scene around Grand Case; huge variety island-wide with Caribbean, French, Dutch, and international options | Tie |
Shopping | Limited shopping — mostly local boutiques, art, and island essentials | Duty-free shopping in Philipsburg, jewelry, fashion, electronics, and a wide range of souvenirs on both sides | St. Martin |
Cost | Premium and luxury-focused — limited budget options, but delivers excellent value for what it is | Wider budget range — from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, with more affordable everyday dining and activities | St. Martin |
Crowds | Quiet, private, and uncrowded — even popular beaches rarely feel busy | Busier, livelier, and sees significant cruise ship and tourism traffic, especially on the Dutch side | Anguilla |
Vibe | Distinctly Caribbean — relaxed, English-speaking, beach-first, with a genuine local culture and quiet evenings | Multicultural and lively — French side feels European and relaxed; Dutch side is busier with a resort-hub energy | Tie |
Activities | Ocean-focused — snorkeling, boat charters, paddleboarding, beach hopping, golf, and horseback riding | Broader mix — hillside viewpoints, zip lines, nature parks, boat tours, shopping streets, and easy day trips to St. Barts or Anguilla | St. Martin |
Safety | Consistently regarded as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean — very low crime, safe to walk around at all hours | Generally safe for tourists — US State Dept. Category 1 (exercise normal precautions); standard petty-crime vigilance advised at night in urban areas | Anguilla |
Getting There | Fly into SXM, then a ~25 min ferry or short flight to AXA — simple, but requires a connection | Direct international flights into SXM from the US, Canada, Europe, and across the Caribbean — the regional hub | St. Martin |
The best choice depends on whether you want quiet beach luxury or a busier island with more nightlife and convenience.
The islands are only about 25 minutes apart by ferry, so many travelers use St. Martin as the arrival hub for flights, shopping, and nightlife, then cross to Anguilla for quieter beaches, villas, and relaxed island days. A popular split is 4 nights on St. Martin and 3 on Anguilla — or the reverse.
Most experienced travelers recommend ending the trip in Anguilla — the calm and stillness of the island makes for a perfect final stretch before flying home, and you can take a morning ferry back to SXM for an afternoon departure.
St. Martin's Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) has direct flights from the US, Canada, Europe, and across the Caribbean — it is the natural gateway for Anguilla trips.
The ~25 min ferry makes Anguilla easy to add to any St. Martin itinerary. Ferries run throughout the day, making logistics straightforward.
Enjoy St. Martin's activity, nightlife, and French dining, then slow things down with Anguilla beach days and quiet evenings.
End in Anguilla for a calmer final stretch. A morning ferry gets you back to SXM in time for most afternoon flights home.
Use these guides to plan whether Anguilla, St. Martin, or a split stay makes the most sense.
If Anguilla feels like the better fit, compare how to get there, plan your ferry route from SXM, and choose your first beach before you arrive.
