St. Martin/Maarten has 37 different beaches on this small island. We have been to many but not all of them. Each one is a little different and has something special to offer. Some are very secluded and some are constantly going in the day time hours.

We are not going to try and list all the beaches here but will list many favorites.

As an extension of Europe, Dutch & French, topless beaches are common and nudity is not all that unusual. Topless sunbathing is accepted all over the island but the nudity is generally confined to Orient, Coconut Grove on the French side and the far end of Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side.

Please be aware that the sun on St. Martin/Maarten or any of the Caribbean islands for that matter is much stronger than what you are used to at home. An SPF 15 or higher sunscreen lotion is recommended by most doctors to insure some sun burn protection. The sun is strongest from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and it is recommended to seek shade during these times.

French side beaches :

Long Bay or Bay Long

Long stretch of sandy beach that sits on the South end of the Terres Basses on the west end of the island. There is a public parking area and one can walk onto the beach from here. This is the same beach that la Samana sits on. Please remember that all beaches are public on the island.

Bay Rouge

One of our favorites and sits on the north end of the Terres Basses on the French side. There is plenty of sandy areas to relax or spread out a towel. There is also a small beach bar that serves sandwiches, drinks and rents our beach chairs or umbrellas.

Plum Bay

Another undiscovered French favorite. This beach is used almost exclusively by the villa renters in the Terres Basses and is not used by the outsiders due to it's hidden away location. We have gone down here many times in the early morning and late afternoon and often been the only ones there.

Fryer's Well Bay

A special beach with powder-white sand on a cove that is accessible through Cripple Creek, Anse de Peres. There are two restaurants on the beach, which is a favorite of locals. Every full moon you'll find an all-night party here.  

Grand Case Beach

Perfect for sunning or strolling. The northern edge abuts Creole Rock, the island's premier snorkeling spot.  Grand Case beach is great for families because of the gentle slope in the water, easy access to reasonably price food and parking lots for the car.

Anse du Marcel

Beach borders Le Meridian Hotel and can be accessed through its tropical gardens. The horseshoe-shaped cove harbors yachts, racing boats and restaurants.  The water is fairly shallow and there are trees to catch the shade.

Orient Beach

St. Martin's famous clothing-optional beach. Orient beach is a long stretch of white sandy beach with waters sports a plenty including parasailing, water-skiing, jet boats and windsurfing. There are many restaurants and bars scattered along the beach as well as many places to rent chairs and umbrellas. There are also stores on the beach where once can buy everything from beachwear to souvenir boutiques.  

On the Dutch side:

Cupecoy Beach

A beach, most of the time, that sits in front of the Sapphire Club, Ocean Club and the Cupecoy beach club. On the far north west end is a clothing-optional area. There is public access to the beach just past the ocean club going west. A parking lot is provided and a path to the beach is available.  

Mullet Beach

Borders the golf course and is a long stretch of white sandy beach with easy access and plenty of shade for those fair skinned ones. Very popular with the the local people.

Maho Beach

A very popular beach by the Maho Plaza and airport. When the planes land, they fly right over it. Which brings up a few cautionary notes. Regardless of the others, when a big jet is landing, please stand to one side or the other of the runway. It is not unusual for someone to get hurt when the jet thrust kicks up a small rock or pebble as well as blasting sand at those that are in the way.

Simpson Bay

A long sandy beach just south of the airport on the west end. The sand is soft and the waves are generally not too rough. Shade is limited.

Great Bay

A long stretch of beach in Phillipsburg that has been recently widened. Due to it's protected location, the water is generally very calm and wave action is small. Great place for the kids.

Dawn Beach

A wide stretch of beach where snorkeling is great and a dazzling offshore reef is a swim away.