St. Maarten/St. Martin Beaches
St. Maarten/St. Martin has over 37 different beaches and all of them are open to the general public. There are several vacationers would enjoy more than others, that is why we have listed here 21 of the most popular beaches on the island.
St. Maarten Beaches – Dutch Side
Note : Click here to find these beaches on the St. Maarten Map.
But first some advice on beach etiquette. Throughout most of Europe topless beaches are common and nudity is not unusual. In the U.S. these sights are practically nonexistent. St.Maarten is an extension of France and Holland, therefore topless sunbathing has become accepted just about everywhere on the island.
Nudity is usually confined to Orient Beach, Le Galion Beach and Tintamere or Flat Island on the French side and to some extent at the far end of Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side. Although you may encounter nude sunbathing on some of the more isolated beaches, it is adviseable to confine your experience to your private villa or the Orient Beach area.
The Caribbean sun is much more intense than what you are used to at home. There may be parts of your body that never have experienced intense sunlight. Many vacations have been ruined by sun poisoning and severe sunburn.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to use a sunscreen or block at all times. A 15-25 block is recommended by most doctors to insure proper protection. Also, a cool breeze or a cloudy sky does nothing to inhibit the suns damaging ultra violet rays. Play it safe and avoid the sun between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm.
PS: Make sure visit our Beach-On-A-Budget.com website.
PPS: Read about our Dawn Beach Fun & Snorkeling Excursion Tour.
St. Maarten Beaches - Dutch Side
Cupecoy Beach
Cupecoy is Dutch St. Maarten’s semi-official nude beach, featuring striking sandstone cliffs. Shielded from the wind, it’s ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the Caribbean Sea. If you’re nude, remember to apply ample sunscreen!
Great Bay
Stretching for two miles in front of the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, a myriad of cruiseships sail into her harbor daily. The thousands of cruiseship visitors that line Great Beach every day can keep an eye on their floating hotel and shopping in Philipsburg is always close at hand.
Kimsha Beach
Kimsha Beach, centrally located near the lively Simpson Bay resorts and nightlife, offers beach lounges, umbrellas, and watersports rentals. It transforms into a night spot with concerts and parties. The beach is sheltered by a small reef, ensuring calm surf, and the picturesque sunsets are enhanced by yachts anchored in the bay.
Maho Beach
Maho Beach is a prime sunset viewing spot located just yards from the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Capture unique photos of landing jumbo jets just above you as you relax on the sand. For a more laid-back experience, visit The Sunset Beach Bar at the other end of the beach to enjoy music and frozen mudslides while watching the planes take off and land.
Simpson Bay
Once renowned for its fishing families, this area now features a few early-morning anglers among residential and vacation homes, along with small resorts. Half of Simpson Bay Beach borders The Princess Juliana International Airport runway, offering a tranquil spot for plane watching and sunsets.
Dawn Beach
This nearly one-mile white sand beach, framed by the lush green mountains of Dutch St. Maarten, offers ample space for Frisbee and paddle ball. Its waters are ideal for snorkeling, with accessible coral reefs teeming with exotic fish nearby. For relaxation and sunbathing, beach chairs and umbrellas are readily available throughout the area.
Guana Bay
Surfers , get out your boards! Guana Bay is awesome dudes! This is the best beach in St. Maarten/St. Martin for surfing enthusiasts, and is recommended for strong swimmers only, since there is usually a heavy undertow. If this sounds like its for you, bring your own picnic and cooler – there are no services. Beautiful breaking waves make great photographs. Bring a friend.
Little Bay
Situated on St Maarten's southern coast near Great Bay, this charming beach is sheltered by Fort Amsterdam in Philipsburg. Its calm, cove-like waters provide a rare beach diving spot, making it suitable for children. With a range of beach equipment available, including snorkeling gear and jet-skis, there’s plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Mullet Bay
Mullet Bay Beach, near Maho Beach, is a surfer's paradise when conditions are right. It borders the island's only 18-hole golf course, attracting both tourists and locals. Seagrape trees offer shade, and lounge chairs and umbrellas are available. It's perfect for long strolls to collect unique shells and coral, making it a great spot for tanning and sunset views.
St. Martin Beaches – French Side
Anse Marcel
Bring your camera! The drive from French Cul-de-Sac to Anse Marcel offers stunning views that will impress any photographer. Don't miss this secluded beach valley, featuring a beautiful resort and marina, alongside the vibrant Caribbean waters leading to Anguilla.
Baie Longue
Baie Longue is the beach to the rich and famous.
Baie Longue’s 2 mile beach is beach front to some of the most expensive real estate on the island. Multi-million dollar homes overlook the picturesque view of this extra wide, white sand beach.
Baie Longue is never crowded and is well suited for the sun bather who prefers privacy and quiet. Its also perfect for a romantic afternoon picnicwith your significant other.
Grand Case Beach
At night, Grand Case Beach becomes St. Martin's gastronomic capital, while during the day, it serves as a charming "town beach" with stunning views of anchored sailboats. Between various bars, restaurants, and private homes, you'll find a selection of small to midsize resorts and local spots for lunch and refreshments.
Le Galion
Le Gallion Bay, a half-moon shaped area on the Windward side of the island, features a protective snorkeling reef and is popular for surfing. Its mile-long undeveloped beach, ideal for families with shallow waters, was once known as Coconut Grove. This Nature Marine Reserve offers horseback riding, fantastic trails, and bareback swimming. Visitors can enjoy windsurfing lessons, paddle boats, snorkeling trips, sailing charters, and beach amenities. The bay is a hub for watersports enthusiasts, offering a friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
Orient Bay Beach
Orient Beach, St. Martin’s premier beach, is known as the “French Riviera of the Caribbean.” This expansive mile-long stretch features numerous beach bar/restaurants serving everything from formal French dishes to pizzas and burgers. The atmosphere is lively, with established spots offering great food and service. It’s a “clothing optional” beach, perfect for those wanting to sunbathe without tan lines, but don’t worry—most visitors choose to wear swimwear. Remember to use plenty of sunscreen!
Baie Rouge
Baie Rouge is a quick trip from Marigot and nearby Baie Nettle hotels. Enjoy the stunning white sand beach without boots. For privacy, a short walk down the beach provides solitude with optional clothing. This area, Terres Basses, features many upscale vacation villas.
Friars Bay
One of St. Martin’s limited dirt roads, currently being upgraded, leads to family-friendly Friar’s Bay Beach, which is sheltered from wind and surf. To reach the secluded and stunning Happy Bay, park at Friar's Bay and walk 15 minutes along a trail.
Nettle Bay
Nettle Bay Beach is on the French side of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Since the water is so flat here, it’s ideal for many watersports, especially waterskiing.Nettle Bay is home to a number of excellent full service hotels and is a short distance from the French side capital of Marigot.
Beach lounge chairs and umbrellas are supplied for you to work on that tan.
Pinel Island
Every hour, colorful local ferries transport visitors from the mainland to Ilet Pinel, a picturesque tropical paradise. The island features several beautiful, private beaches perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling. Two beach restaurants serve fresh seafood, including grilled lobsters chosen from nearby traps. While there, explore a variety of sarongs and souvenirs. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear are readily available.
Plum Bay
Plum Bay Beach (or Baie aux Prunes in French) is like its neighbor Baie Longue beachfront to some of the most exclusive homes in St. Martin . This secluded stretch of sand is clothing optional and perfect for those who seek peace and quiet.
Bring your own chair; there are no facilities.
St. Maarten Beach Map
