Data Shows that St. Maarten is the Primary Gateway to St. Barthélemy
By St. Martin Sotheby’s International Realty · February 19, 2025 · Updated November 10, 2026
market-analysis
According to the Observatoire du Tourisme, a comprehensive 59-page report on St. Barths' tourism, in 2023, Gustaf III Airport a.k.a. Rémy de Haenen Airport (SBH) in St. Barths recorded 203,754 arrivals, with 58.98% of these passengers arriving via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. An additional 13.15% of passengers arrived via Grand Case L'Espérance Airport (SFG) in St. Martin, making for a total of 72.13% of passengers coming from the island as a whole.
Winair plays a significant role in facilitating travel between St. Maarten and St. Barths, handling 45% of passenger traffic to the island. SXM Airways maintains a steady contribution of approximately 3%. In 2024, Winair introduced day trips to St. Barths priced at $99.
For those enchanted by the pristine beaches and luxurious lifestyle of St. Barths, owning property there may seem like the ultimate dream. However, a more practical and cost-effective alternative exists just a short ferry or flight away. The island of St. Maarten and St. Martin offer the perfect balance of accessibility, affordability, and convenience while allowing effortless travel to St. Barths whenever desired. There are so many reasons why owning property in St. Maarten or St. Martin makes far more sense than buying in St. Barths.
St. Barths is synonymous with exclusivity, but that exclusivity comes at a significant cost. Real estate prices on the island are among the highest in the Caribbean, making homeownership a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy. In contrast, St. Maarten and St. Martin offer a wide range of high-end real estate options at more reasonable prices. From waterfront villas to luxury resort residences, buyers can acquire stunning properties with world-class amenities at a fraction of the cost of similar properties in St. Barths.
Beyond real estate prices, the cost of living in St. Barths is substantially higher due to the island’s remote nature and limited resources. Everything from groceries to dining and daily necessities is more expensive than in St. Maarten or St. Martin, where a well-developed infrastructure provides more competitive pricing and greater convenience.
One of the biggest advantages of owning property in St. Maarten or St. Martin is easy global connectivity. As noted above, Princess Juliana International Airport serves as the main gateway to St. Barths, offering direct flights from major cities worldwide, including New York, Miami, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Paris. St. Martin's Grand Case L'Espérance Airport further adds to this connectivity.
In contrast, St. Barths’ small airstrip, Rémy de Haenen Airport, can not even accommodate private jets and only accommodate small regional aircraft. This means that nearly all international visitors to St. Barths must transit through St. Maarten before continuing on a short commuter flight or ferry ride. By owning property in St. Maarten or St. Martin, residents enjoy seamless access to international travel without the added inconvenience and cost of additional transfers.
For those who love St. Barths, living in St. Maarten or St. Martin doesn’t mean giving up the opportunity to experience its charm. On the contrary, it makes visiting even easier. The island is just a 10-minute flight or a 45-minute ferry ride away, making it possible to take day trips or weekend getaways without the commitment and expense of homeownership there.
With multiple daily flights from SXM and ferry departures from both the Dutch and French sides, traveling to St. Barths from St. Maarten and St. Martin is convenient and stress-free. Many residents of St. Maarten and St. Martin make regular trips to St. Barths for dining, shopping, or enjoying its iconic beaches, all while avoiding the high costs and logistical challenges of living there full-time.
St. Maarten and St. Martin offer an incredibly diverse and vibrant lifestyle. The island is a unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, with an extensive selection of fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment options. Residents enjoy world-class marinas, duty-free shopping, and a thriving expatriate community, creating a dynamic environment with far more variety than the quieter, more exclusive nature of St. Barths.
For those who appreciate luxury and convenience, high-end resorts and private villas offer a lifestyle comparable to St. Barths while providing access to a broader range of services and amenities. Whether it’s golfing, sailing, or experiencing world-class dining, St. Maarten and St. Martin offer it all at a more accessible price point.
While St. Barths remains a coveted destination, the reality is that homeownership there comes with high costs and logistical challenges. Owning in St. Maarten or St. Martin provides all the benefits of Caribbean luxury living while maintaining easy access to St. Barths whenever desired. With significantly more affordable real estate, direct global air connectivity, and a vibrant local lifestyle, it’s the perfect option for those who want the best of both worlds.
Rather than investing millions in a property on a remote island, buyers can enjoy the flexibility, convenience, and superior value of owning in St. Maarten or St. Martin—while making effortless trips to St. Barths whenever the mood strikes.
Contact us today to find the Saint Martin or Sint Maarten property that's right for you.