St. Maarten Carnival 2026
Experience the ultimate Caribbean carnival with vibrant costumes, mas bands, and infectious soca beats.
Quick facts
- Vibe: Epic island vibes
- Crowd: Thousands of revelers
- Music: Soca, Calypso
- Highlights: J'ouvert, Grand Parade
- Costume: Mas packages from $150
- Best for: Soca lovers, party people
Key dates
- Apr 13: J'ouvert (4am start)
- Apr 30: Grand Parade
- May 5: Closing Parties
Getting there & where to stay
Fly from major European cities with KLM or Air France. Flights take about 9 hours. Stay near Philipsburg for easy access to events.
Budget snapshot
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight from Europe (return) | €700-€1200 |
| Mas Costume | $150-$500 |
| Accommodation/night | $150 |
| Fete tickets | $30-$100 |
| Food/day | $40 |
Book flights early to save big.