St Maarten Beach Guide
Offering advice on the best beaches on St Maarten St Martin
Mullet Bay Beach One of our favorite beaches. Mullet Bay beach located in the southwestern section of the island between Maho and Cupecoy offers a quarter mile crescent shaped beach with outstanding water quality and size. The beach was formerly part of the now ruined and defunct Mullet Bay Resort and was quite crowded at that time. Currently, the beach is not too crowded by tourists due to the surrounding ruins of the resort however the beach is a favorite for "in the know" tourists and locals. Mullet Bay's popularity is rising fast so parking on some days may get crowded but there is plenty of space on the beach. The beach offers a great barbecue stand called Rosie's Shack that is outstanding. Try the ribs and BBQ chicken with the Caribbean jambalaya. The water quality and conditions are near perfect on most days. The conditions can be rough at times depending on the current. During those days you will see the surfers out in force.
Orient Beach By far the best known beaches in all of the Caribbean and the most popular beach on St Martin St Maarten. The beach is located on the northwest corner of the island on the French side. This beach offers it all for the beachgoer with cutting edge water activities such as parasailing, kite boarding, jet skis. The beach has multiple Tiki huts that offer chair and umbrella rentals. Several restaurants are located on the long stretches of white sand beaches. Please note that this is a very active beach and nudists occupy the easternmost section of the beach. The nudists do tend to stroll the length of the beaches in full view. The beach tends to be crowded and does not offer that much solitude but the beach is the place to be for the active party.
Cupecoy The most beautiful beach on St Maarten known for it's scenic beauty, pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The beach in front of the Cliff Resort, Rainbow Beach Club and the Wyndham is exceptional as are the more isolated western parts of the beach. However, the western and undeveloped part of the beach is frequented by naturalists.
Simpson Bay (Kimsha Beach) Located on the south side of the island, the beach offers a variety of activity and quiet waters. The bay is the entry and exit point for the largest yachts in the world during the winter months and a convenient beach for guests staying in the lowlands. Water sports such as jet ski and wave runner rentals are active in these parts. There are numerous shops, restaurants and bars in this area to offer a quick break from the beach.
Maho Beach A beach at the end of the airport runway offering a thrilling experience of getting buzzed by large airliners. The beach is anchored by the Sonesta hotel on one end and the Sunset Beach Bar on the other. A good option if you like activity and noise with good refreshments and bar food. The beach has a steep incline and typically has rougher waters but well worth an hour for a visit especially for thrill seekers.
Grand Case A white sand beach with calm waters of the quaint fishing village of Grand Case. The beach and village are located in the northern section of the island. The quiet bay offers a beautiful view of Anguilla. The beach has paid parking in town and offers some great restaurants
Dawn Beach A nice beach with good snorkeling and other amenities. Located on the east side of the island, the beach offers great views of St Barths. The water can be rough at times but the waves break out on the reef so beach conditions tend to be spared. The ocean can have currents at times so please use caution. The new Westin resort is located on this part of the island. There is a winding road that starts out by Phillipsburg and takes about 10 minutes to get to. The beach offers local amenities but yields a sense of isolation. There are beach equipment rentals and restaurants on the beach. The beach is rising in popularity and can get crowded with limited parking options.
Pinel Island (Ilet Pinel) A spectacular triangle sand dune is located on this small island in Orient Bay on the northeastern corner of St Maarten. The beach is widely photographed and well recognized. The beach is a great day trip and requires a quick five minute paid water shuttle to get to. The embarkation point is located near Orient Beach on the way to Anse Marcel. The beach is scenic and quite popular so get there early. The lobster at the local restaurant is highly recommended.
Baie Rouge A stunning beach near Marigot located in the exclusive Terres Basse region of the southwestern quadrant of the island. The condition of the beach and water vary greatly and can be rough at times, but the sand quality of the beach is extraordinary. The beach offers solitude for those looking for a way to decompress. The beach is enshrouded by cliffs and offers minimal shade. The lack of commercialization and population on this beach offers a true getaway for the romantic couple. The beach restaurant Chez Raymond offers a fantastic fresh fish sandwich that is highly recommended but service can be painfully slow.
Le Gallion Beach Gallion Beach is the best beach for families offer the calmest bay on the island. The beach has a fantastic restaurant "chez Pat' that offers great prices, food and ambience.
Friers Bay Beach This beach is known for it's snorkeling and tor the famous Full Moon party. Friers Bay offers the best snorkeling on the island. Two restaurants are located on this beach. Kalis the local restaurant has good services and the restaurant holds the renowned Kalis Beach Full moon party held once a month when the full moon appears. The party is highly sought after and if you are fortunate to be on the island during the full moon, then this is one party not to miss. The party features a great bonfire and live music under the full moon and stars.
Baie Longue (Long Bay) Long Bay offers one of the longest and the most beautiful beach on St Martin. Located in the exclusive Terres Basse region. The beach offers a quiet and relaxing day. The water current can be strong and the beach offers little shade so you will need to bring your own beach chairs, umbrella and cooler.
Baie au Prune (Plum Bay) A nearly always deserted and romantic beach favored by villa owners on Terres Basse, The secluded beach offers a quiet destination. Perfect for the romantic couple or guests seeking to get away from the crowds. The beach can have strong water currents and it is advisable to bring your own beach chairs, umbrella and cooler.
Great Bay Beach Located in Phillipsburg, this beach offers a great beach to relax after a hard days shopping. Beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent, and a multitude of restaurants to choose from. Talola Mangos is highly recommended. |
