37 beaches on 70 km of coastline, that makes the island the most attractive of all the West Indies. Pristine, calm and secluded seashores to activity filled lively party beaches, St. Martin accommodates the wishes for every beach lover. In general the beaches are easy to reach, but some of them might need more planning ahead. Both sides of the island promote sumptuous oceanfront with gorgeous views on sunrises or sunsets. The Atlantic side (east) is windier and has rougher seas, while the Caribbean side (west) provides much calmer waters.
The beach lover will find the perfect beach for his/her taste. Should it be an isolated cove, or activity filled, rocky shores for snorkeling, a white sandy beach, St. Martin is the place to be. Some of the beaches have restaurants with lounge chairs and umbrellas, offering all kind of amenities and water sport activities, others are just pure nature. Resorts are often located on the beaches.
The westernmost tip of the island, it is also the largest beach on St. Martin / Sint Maarten. It stretches from the Hotel La Samanna to the “Point du Cannonier’. Beautiful properties are lining the coast, the hotel La Samanna on the left; a passage for the public, attention there is no shadow and no amenities. Calm beach, invites for long romantic walks.
At the foot of a beautiful cliff, a series a little beaches, enjoy spectacular and breathtaking sunsets. The surf can be strong at certain times.
It is a very pretty and popular beach for locals and tourists. Located between the Golf course and the Caribbean Sea. Fringed with coconut trees, the swell can be quite impressive. 3 ‘Lolos’ (local restaurants), beach chairs and umbrellas. During the weekends this beach is very popular with students from the American school of Medicine, and regular Volleyball tournaments are organized between the crowds of the beach.
The center of attraction for all visitors! This beach is situated right at the take-off and landing strip of the Juliana airport. A thrill for everybody as you are standing or bathing just a couple of meters beneath a big jumbo flying in… Great shots guaranteed for photographers, but watch out to your belongings; the jet blast blows your belongings right into the sea.
A small stony cove where you can find shells and sea urchins. This beach is popular with surfers only, and only on days when there is a big swell.
This beautiful beach is situated behind the runway of Juliana airport, and the old village of Simpson Bay. Long and relatively deserted, it preserves its natural aspect. A beach restaurant has opened there recently, you will find as well a couple of small hotels nearby.
Very pretty but very small beach, it is protected form the swells. Many tourist amenities, as it is right at the foot of some hotel complexes.
This pretty cove is popular with mountain bikers, walkers and horse back riders. A huge hotel complex will be realized there, but it is reachable via a pleasant path from the village of Cape Bay. Discover some small natural swimming pools on your way.
This little bay is separated from Great Bay by the peninsula with the Fort Amsterdam. It is partly developed with hotels, and recently the Nature Foundation put up a protective program, and part of it has become a bird sanctuary.
A white sandy beach lining the seafront promenade of the center of Philipsburg. Cruise ship port in the background, many bars and restaurants, very popular with cruise ship guests and locals.
This exceptional little bay can be better described as natural pool in the rocks at Black Bay. You will find no shade and neither sand, but it is worth the effort of the one hour walk to reach it. Follow an unmarked path (but very obvious) at the southern end of Guana Bay.
A deserted beach facing St. Barth. Only for the good swimmer, as there are very strong currents and undertows! Popular with water sport fans on days of good Atlantic swell.
This Atlantic coast beach with its fine sands and coconut trees faces St. Barth and is very popular with guests of the surrounding hotels and beach resorts. Located just outside the Dutch part of the Oyster Pond Marina.
This beach is the fist beach on the French side. Because of its exposure to the Atlantic swells and strong winds, it is seldom frequented. Some people enjoy the good snorkeling though around the coral heads.
A coral reef and the rocky islands of Coconut Grove protect this beach from the Atlantic swell. A long strip of beautiful white sand, lined with mangroves, it is placed under the protection of the Nature Reserve. Perfect conditions for windsurfing all year round.
Located between the remains of the past Orient salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is very pleasant for families for its shallow waters. You will find a restaurant and amenities there, together with a surf and windsurf club.
Just a few hundred meters from the coast, opposite the lively Orient beach, the small island of Green Cay offers depending on the season a small strip of beautiful white beach. It is completely deserted, for those wanting to enjoy some solitude.
This internationally known beach, often referred to as the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’, is the meeting point for the international jet set. Its white sandy beach is lined with prestigious restaurants, shops, water sport centers and provides all tourist activities. Very often it is the setting for trendy all night long parties. The more peaceful southeastern end is open to naturists.
A must. Take the ferryboat off the Pontoon in Cul de Sac; it brings you in just a couple of minutes to this spectacular little island. There are two beaches, the first one is a 10-minute walk from the pontoon on Pinel, is stony and faces the Atlantic. Expect some waves… The second beach is just another of those little gems! Crystal clear water and a beautiful white beach, you will find 3 restaurants with all facilities. Snorkel is pretty good here as well.
Part of the Marine Reserve, this island of 100 hectares is located 4 km off the northeast coast of St. Martin. The beach ‘Baie Blanche’ faces St. Martin, and the sea is just out of this world! There are no facilities and no restaurants and during high season you will not find a tiny little bit of a place under the trees to protect yourself from the sun – be prepared, bring food and drinks and umbrellas. Explore the island, you will find some traces of a cotton plantation, a rail track and an airstrip. Good snorkel grounds, ask your skipper.
A hidden treasure on the rocky coastline close to Cul de Sac! It is a favorite of locals for their Sunday barbeques on the beach, good snorkeling.
Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it needs an effort to reach it though. 30 minutes hiking in pure nature, starting off at Anse Marcel, or 25 minutes taking the trail on the coast departing from cul de sac. This unspoiled and deserted beach is very popular for surfers on days of swell.
This beautiful beach is well protected from the swell. It faces Anguilla and the reefs of Ilet Requin. Although there are two 4* resorts sharing this calm spot, visitors have free access to the beach via a small path. Facilities are for hotel guests only. A little Marina with shops and restaurants are nearby.
This extension of the Grand Case Bay is much calmer and better for swimming than the Grand Case Bay. Despite the hotel resort and its water sports center, is remains a very calm and relaxed beach.
Clear and calm waters, a fantastic white beach, overlooked by the most illustrious restaurants of the island, the beach stretches the entire Bay. It invites to long strolls for the sunset, and its lounges on the beaches are the perfect setting to enjoy your ‘sundowner’.
Paradise found. This spectacular beach is only reachable by a 10 minutes walk. It is often deserted, features white sand, coconut trees, black rocks and represents the perfect scenery for ‘real’ Caribbean photos.
The famous ‘Full Moon Parties’ are taking place here. The two restaurants on the beach are organizing regular parties and concerts during the night, but on day times this excellent and well-protected beach is family friendly and known for its calm and pristine waters.
The most private sandy beach on the island. It accommodates 2 people only, which is why it is called the Lover’s Beach. Hidden in the rocky coastline of Point Arago, not easy to find, but worth it.
Known as the town beach because of its proximity to Marigot. The road leading to Marigot lines this beach, and the desalination plant nearby does not really invite for swimming and sunbathing! The shipwreck in the bay is a result of hurricane Lenny passing by in 1999.
A small deserted beach on an island located in the middle of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Accessible only by boat, an ideal spot for picnics and late night parties.
Located 5 minutes after the center of Marigot, this long beach does not really invite for swimming, but is still a beautiful place to visit.
Hotel resorts created their beaches on the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Lined with coconut trees and well maintained they offer every comfort of resort life, restaurants, water sports and activities.
This little beach has a stunning view on the Bay of Marigot. It is deserted and not much frequented though, because of the swells and its exposure.
Named like this because of the slightly red color of its sand. This beach is classified as one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It is very popular with locals and visitors; you will find 2 local restaurants, sun beds and umbrellas at the entrance. Walking to your left facing the sea, it is almost untouched. Beautiful multi million dollar homes are overlooking the beach. Good swimmers can swim (when the sea is calm) through a rocky arch to a tiny deserted cove (Beach Number 36)
Located on the Low Lands, this quit but magnificent beach stays a hidden treasure. The white sandy beach invites to relax, and its Caribbean waters are worth it to be discovered snorkeling. On days with a swell, this ever so quiet beach becomes a wild spot for surfers.