Beaches

Beach Life

The quintessential image of a Caribbean island….crystal clear water, tranquil palm fringed coastlines, and the crowning glory of every tropical vacation…a pristine white sand beach. St Martin/St Maarten has no shortage of seductive strips of sand – 37 of them in fact. They range from deep golden to near-white swathes of natural beauty. We guarantee, there will be a beach for everyone’s tastes and challenge you to explore each and every one of them! Here are 10 of the island’s favorites.

1) MOST NON-STOP ACTION - ORIENT BAY:

One of the most famous and beloved beaches in the Caribbean also known as the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’. With 1.5 miles of immaculate white sand Orient is THE hip and happening beach throughout the year. Do note, the Southern end of the beach is naturist – just so you don’t arrive and get too much of a shock!

2) GREAT FOR KIDS & FAMILY - LE GALION: Nicknamed ‘baby beach’ this is the next bay around from Orient and is the perfect family beach with a protected bay, very calm water and plenty of activities for the entire family. It is also part of the French ‘Reserve Naturelle’ (Nature Reserve) so plenty of opportunity to spot fish and birdlife for nature lovers.

3) BEST SUNRISE - DAWN BEACH: Well, the name says it all really! Without doubt one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunrise. Calm, and great for snorkeling with its inshore coral reef.

4) BEST DANCING UNDER THE STARS – FRIAR’S BAY: A beautiful, tranquil "family beach" with 2 restaurants, Kali's, and Friar's Bay Cafe. Kali's offers delicious local food; the FBC serves authentic French fare. Monthly, try Kali's Full Moon Party - bands, bonfires, & dancing under the stars.

5) FEELING ROMANTIC? BAIE LONGUE & BAIE AUX PRUNES: Located in the exclusive French Lowlands, these are two of the most peaceful and romantic beaches on the island. No bars, restaurants or crowds to disturb you!

6) MOST EXCITING – MAHO BEACH: Listed in the Guiness Book of Records as ‘Bar closest to an airport runway’ Sunset Beach Bar sits on the edge of this little beach, from where you can feel your heart pound as the giant planes take off and literally blow bystanders off the beach into the ocean – be careful!

7) BEST BODYSURFING – MULLET BAY: An old favorite of locals and residents alike, this beautiful beach is home to a couple of local style beach bars and is great for body surfing when the waves are up.

8) SERIOUS SUNBATHING – PINEL ISLAND: A five minute ferry ride off the mainland, this pretty islet is great for catching the rays, indulging in fresh lobster and wallowing or snorkeling in the crystalline waters.

9) BEST SUNSET - GRAND CASE BEACH: At sunset, head to the beautiful and calm Grand Case Bay for a fabulous view – and you may even see the mysterious Green Flash! And then stay on to dine in the island’s gourmet capital.

10) FEELING SPORTY? – SIMPSON BAY BEACH: This beautiful expanse of beach is great for you sports people who want to pump up those leg muscles in the sand. Also some great restaurants and bars along the strip…and an annual turtle