Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the island of St. Maarten is a prime vacation spot known for being home to 37 gorgeous beaches with crystal blue water, powdery white sand, and breathtaking sunsets.
Each beach that lies on the 70 km coastline offers a unique experience, from the quiet and more tranquil beaches in French Saint Martin to the more lively tourist-filled beaches in Dutch Sint Maarten. Each beach on St. Maarten is special and has something amazing to offer to each traveler. The beaches that stand out as the best beaches on the island of St. Maarten are listed below.
- Orient Beach
- Mullet Bay
- Tintamarre Island
- Grand Case Beach
- Cupecoy Beach
- Dawn Beach
- Little Bay Beach
- Kim Sha Beach
- Friar’s Bay Beach
- Indigo Bay Beach
- Great Bay Beach
- Guana Bay Beach
- Burgeaux Beach
- Pinel Island
- Happy Bay Beach
- Baie Rouge
- Maho Beach
- Geneve Bay Beach
- Simpson Bay Beach
1. Orient Beach
Located on the northeastern coast of French Saint Martin, Orient Bay, also known as Baie Orientale, is nicknamed the “Saint Tropez of the Caribbean”. Known for its crystal blue water and fluffy white sand, this tourist hotspot is one of the biggest and most popular beaches in St. Martin and is great for those looking for a fun and action-packed day or night out.
Along the Orient Beach, you will find many beach clubs, bars, hotels, and incredible restaurants. Entry onto the beach is free and beachgoers are given the option to rent umbrellas and beach chairs for $25 for the day. There are also water sports that are available for beachgoers such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating. Depending on the time you decide to visit, the water can be a bit rough. For calmer water, the best time to visit Orient Beach is between the months of April and September.
Although Orient Beach is not considered a nudist beach, there is a nudist resort located on the southernmost part of the beach called Club Orient. Those with families might find this beach unsuitable for this reason.
2. Mullet Bay
Located 1.4 km west of the famous Maho Beach, Mullet Bay is a quieter and less crowded beach situated near the popular Mullet Bay golf course and resort area. The waves on this beach are usually a little rougher than other beaches on the island. This makes it a popular location for tourists and locals who enjoy surfing or other water sports.
Entry onto the beach at Mullet Bay is free. You will find many local vendors on the beach selling refreshments such as coconuts, burgers, drinks, etc. The southern end of the beach is lined with sea grape trees that provide nice shade from the sun, there are also chair and umbrella rentals available for around $15 per day.
3. Tintamarre Island
Tintamarre Island, also known as île Tintarree is a secluded and uninhabited island lying off the coast of French St. Maarten. This small island with its rugged red cliffs and sparkling blue waters teeming with colorful marine life is a prime spot for snorkeling and hiking.
Tintamarre Island is located 4 km off the coast of St. Maarten. In order to reach the island, you will need to schedule a boat tour in advance. Usually, these tours cost around $130 per person. The boat tours will usually include an open bar, snacks, lunch, transport, and snorkel gear.
4. Grand Case Beach
Located in northern French Saint Martin in the culinary capital of the island, Grand Case Beach is home to many gourmet restaurants, beachfront bars and is known among tourists for its fantastic nightlife.
Grand Case Beach is protected from the winds and waves of the ocean making for some of the calmest waters on the island. The minimal waves make the beach very suitable for people and children who aren’t the best swimmers. A great place for a family beach day.
5. Cupecoy Beach
Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of St. Maarten and is very close to the French-Dutch border. Cupecoy Beach is a collective of 3 small beaches with golden sands that are surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs.
These are some of the most private beaches that you can find on the island, this makes it ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The seclusion of the beaches also makes it popular among tourists who prefer a clothing-optional beach experience.
Cupecoy Beach is known for its gorgeous sunsets and its breathtaking views of the neighboring island, Saba. There are no food vendors, umbrellas, or chairs to rent on either of the three beaches, so be sure to bring all of your necessities for the day.
6. Dawn Beach
Located on the far eastern coast of Sint Maarten, close to the French border is Dawn Beach. This beach is framed by the lush green mountains and lined with luxurious homes, yacht clubs, and beach clubs.
Dawn Beach is known for and named after its stunning sunrises and views of Saint-Barthélemy island to the east. The waters can be a little rough and don’t offer the most ideal swimming conditions, because the eastern side of the island faces the waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Little Bay Beach
Located in the southern tip of the island near historical Fort Amsterdam is Little Bay beach. This kid-friendly beach is separated from Great Bay Beach by a peninsula, making it well-protected from the elements. It has perfect white sand and calm and clear waters with a great variety of fish.
Little Bay Beach is far less of a tourist attraction than other beaches on the island and is usually visited by guests from the nearby resorts and a few divers and snorkelers. This destination is known to be one of the safest beaches for kids on the island since the waters are current-free and there are a lot of aquatic and kid-friendly activities available. This makes it an ideal spot for families looking to do some underwater exploration.
8. Kim Sha Beach
Kim Sha Beach is in the southwestern region of the island in Dutch Sint Maarten. This beach is famous for being packed with action and offers all types of activities for beachgoers including sailing, kayaking, and other water sports. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife and is a perfect spot for party-goers.
Kim Sha Beach is also a nice location to sunbathe while enjoying a refreshing cocktail and tasty food from one of the famous local beach bars such as “The Buccaneer Bar” or “The GreenHouse Restaurant”.
Entry onto the Kim Sha Beach is free and Beach chairs and umbrellas are also offered by the shore for free. The waters are known for being rough and not very swimmable. This makes Kim Sha beach a hotspot for tourists who enjoy water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and jet skiing.