A family vacation to Sint Maarten is a dream come true but keeping everyone safe and healthy is the foundation upon which wonderful memories are built. The island is generally very safe for tourists, but a proactive approach ensures that minor issues don’t derail your fun. Here are the top 10 tips for ensuring your family stays safe and healthy while enjoying all Sint Maarten family getaways have to offer.
1. Sun and Heat: Your Number One Adversary
The Caribbean sun is intensely strong, and overexposure is the fastest way to turn a fun day into a miserable one of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
- Strategy: Make “sun-smart” a family habit. Apply a high-SPF, reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Hydration is non-negotiable; carry reusable water bottles for everyone and drink consistently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Schedule a “siesta” during the peak heat of the day (1-3 PM) in your air-conditioned room or villa to let everyone cool down and recharge.
2. Master Water Safety: Beyond the Pool
The ocean, while beautiful, demands respect. Conditions can vary dramatically from one beach to another.
- Strategy: Always swim at beaches with lifeguards present when possible, like the main sections of Orient Bay. Heed all warning flags. Teach children to never turn their back on the ocean, as waves can surprise them. For beaches with stronger waves like Mullet Bay, use a boogie board only with a leash and direct adult supervision. If you’re on a boat tour, children must wear US Coast-Guard-approved life jackets at all times.
3. Practice Vigilant Food and Water Hygiene
“Traveler’s Tummy” can easily be avoided with a few simple precautions, so your family can enjoy the incredible local cuisine without worry.
- Strategy: Stick to bottled or purified water for drinking. It’s safe to use tap water for brushing teeth, but avoid swallowing it. When eating out, choose busy establishments with a high turnover of customers, which ensures food is fresh. The lolos (local grills) are generally excellent as the food is cooked fresh and served immediately. Be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits that you cannot peel yourself. Enjoying street food is part of the adventure, but ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and served hot.
4. Fortify Against Insects
Mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue and Chikungunya are present in the Caribbean, so protection is key, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Strategy: Pack and consistently use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Apply it after sunscreen. For added protection, especially in the evenings, dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Ensure your accommodation has screens on windows and doors or functional air conditioning.
5. Navigate Roads with Extreme Caution
Driving is on the right-hand side, but the real challenge is navigating narrow, sometimes poorly lit roads, and sharing them with other drivers, scooters, and pedestrians.
- Strategy: If you rent a car, choose a smaller vehicle that’s easier to maneuver and park. Be extra cautious on roundabouts; traffic already in the circle has the right of way. Avoid driving at night when possible, as road lighting is limited and hazards are harder to see. Always use your seatbelts and ensure car seats for young children are properly installed.
6. Secure Your Belongings and Stay Aware
Petty theft, like anywhere, can occur, especially on busy beaches and in crowded areas. A moment of vigilance prevents a major headache.
- Strategy: Never leave valuables unattended on the beach. If you are swimming as a family, take turns watching your bags or use a waterproof pouch for essentials like keys and cash. Use the hotel safe for passports, extra cash, and expensive jewelry. When in Philipsburg or at crowded markets, keep wallets in front pockets and purses zipped and held securely.
7. Build a Comprehensive Travel Health Kit
A well-stocked kit allows you to handle minor ailments instantly, without wasting vacation time searching for a pharmacy.
- What to Include:
- First-Aid: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape.
- Medications: Child-appropriate pain/fever reliever, antihistamines for allergies, anti-diarrheal medication, motion sickness pills for boat trips, and a course of any prescription medications.
- Preventatives: Your high-SPF sunscreen, aloe vera gel for burns, and insect repellent.
- Extras: Hydration powder packets, tweezers (for splinters), and a digital thermometer.
8. Understand and Respect Ocean and Wildlife
The natural environment is beautiful but needs to be respected to ensure safety for both your family and the ecosystem.
- Strategy: Do not touch the marine life. This includes coral, which can cause cuts and be damaged by touch, as well as fish, sea turtles, and stingrays, which can bite or sting if provoked. At Maho Beach, the number one safety rule is to NEVER stand directly behind the engines of a departing aircraft. The jet blast is powerful enough to propel people and objects into the sea. Observe from the sides.
9. Prepare for the Unexpected with Travel Insurance
This is not an optional extra; it is an essential part of your family’s safety net. A medical emergency or a canceled flight can be financially devastating without it.
- Strategy: Purchase a policy that includes comprehensive medical coverage, medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost luggage. Ensure it covers all planned activities, such as water sports. Keep a digital copy of the policy and the emergency contact number on your phone.
10. Establish a Clear Family Emergency Plan
A simple plan ensures that everyone, even younger children, knows what to do if they get separated from the group.
- Strategy: As soon as you arrive at a new location (a beach, a market, your resort), designate a clear, easy-to-find meeting spot. Ensure every child, and any accompanying adults, has a card with the name, address, and phone number of your hotel. For older children with phones, establish a check-in time if they split off. Teach them to identify and approach a safe person for help, such as a police officer, a lifeguard, or a staff member at a established shop or restaurant.
By following these proactive strategies, you are not building a fortress of worry but rather creating a framework of confidence. This preparation, alongside your St Martin Sint Maarten luxury vacation rentals allows you to relax and fully immerse your family in the joy, adventure, and unparalleled beauty of Sint Maarten, secure in the knowledge that you’ve taken thoughtful steps to protect what matters most.