Beaches Sint Maarten: your complete guide to the most beautiful Caribbean beaches
Sint Maarten is known for its breathtaking beaches that range from lively hotspots to hidden gems. With over 37 different beaches spread across the Dutch and French sides of the island, you’ll find the perfect spot for every taste and mood. Whether you’re looking for the famous Maho Beach where planes fly right overhead, the quiet bays of Happy Bay, or the luxurious beach clubs of Orient Bay – each beach has its own unique character and charm.
The diversity of beaches makes Sint Maarten particularly attractive. You can choose from family-friendly beaches with calm waters like Simpson Bay Beach, watersports adventure spots at Orient Bay, and romantic spots like Baie Rouge where you can watch the sunset. Many visitors are surprised by the contrasts: within a few minutes’ drive you can change from a bustling beach club area to a secluded natural beach surrounded by swaying palm trees.
What makes these beaches extra special is the combination of French and Dutch influences. On the French side (Saint-Martin) you will often find topless sunbathing and sophisticated beach restaurants, while the Dutch side is more focused on families and water sports activities.
The most popular beaches on the Dutch side
The Dutch side of Sint Maarten offers some of the most iconic beaches in the Caribbean. These beaches are perfectly accessible via Princess Juliana International Airport and offer excellent facilities for all types of travelers.
Maho Beach: the most famous beach in the world
Maho Beach is without a doubt the most photographed place in Sint Maarten. This beach is located right next to the runway of Juliana Airport, so you can see planes flying over your head just a few meters away. The jet blast of departing aircraft provides a unique experience that you will not experience anywhere else in the world.
The beach itself has several beach bars, including the famous Sunset Bar & Grill where you can check the flight times. Use the FlyTracker app to know exactly when the big planes land – usually between 14:00 and 16:00. Keep in mind that this beach can be crowded, especially when cruise ships dock in Philipsburg.
Mullet Bay: perfect combination of relaxation and activity
Mullet Bay Beach is often overlooked by tourists, but that’s what makes it so appealing. This wide beach with white sand offers plenty of space to find your spot, even during the high season. The water here is ideal for swimming and the waves are perfect for beginner surfers.
The infrastructure around Mullet Bay has recently been improved after Hurricane Irma in 2017. You will now find modern facilities and a varied range of water sports activities that perfectly match an active holiday on Sint Maarten.
Simpson Bay Beach: the family beach par excellence
For families with children, Simpson Bay Beach is often the best choice. The water here is calm and shallow, perfect for small swimmers. The palm trees provide natural shade and the many beach bars provide refreshments and local specialties.
What many visitors don’t know is that Simpson Bay Beach is one of the few beaches where you can see local fishermen in action. Early in the morning, you can watch them return with their catch – an authentic slice of Caribbean life that you won’t soon forget.
French Lace Gems: Luxury and Natural Beauty
The French side of the island, officially Saint-Martin, is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and natural beauty. These beaches often offer more privacy and are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Orient Bay: the Miami Beach of Sint Maarten
Orient Bay Beach is not called the “Miami Beach of Sint Maarten” for nothing. This 2 kilometer long beach combines beach clubs with natural sections where you have all the space you need. The northern part is clothing-optional, while the southern part is more focused on families and water sports.
The beach clubs here, such as Kontiki Beach and Bikini Beach, offer excellent service with comfortable sunbeds, umbrellas and restaurants. For the more adventurous visitors, windsurfing lessons are available and you can rent jet skis. The water activities at Orient Bay are some of the best on the island.
Grand Case Beach: culinary delights by the sea
Grand Case is known as the “culinary capital” of Sint Maarten, and Grand Case Beach is located in the middle of this gastronomic paradise. This small but charming beach offers access to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.
The special thing about this beach is the combination of relaxation and fine dining. During the day you can enjoy the calm waters and the shade of the palm trees, in the evening you can stroll to restaurants such as Le Temps des Cerises for an unforgettable culinary experience. The local lolos (small restaurants) serve authentic Creole cuisine at affordable prices.
Baie Rouge and Happy Bay: hidden gems
For those looking for peace and natural beauty, Baie Rouge and Happy Bay are absolute musts. These beaches are a bit remote and require a short walk, but the effort is amply rewarded.
Happy Bay Beach is only accessible on foot via a 10-minute walking path from Friar’s Bay. This effort ensures that the beach is never overcrowded. Its crystal clear waters and natural pools among the rocks make it a favorite spot for snorkelers and nature lovers.
Baie Rouge, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular sunsets. The red cliffs give the beach its name, creating a dramatic landscape that is perfect for romantic moments.
Original price was: € 155,00.€ 145,00Current price is: € 145,00.
Optimal beach choice for different holiday needs
The choice of the right beach on Sint Maarten depends very much on your holiday goals and personal preferences. Each beach has specific characteristics that contribute to different aspects of your well-being during the trip.
Beaches for physical activity and water sports
For active travelers who want to combine their vacation with sports and exercise, certain beaches offer excellent opportunities. Orient Bay Beach tops this list thanks to its consistent trade winds that are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Le Galion area, located on the east side of Orient Bay, is particularly popular among windsurfers due to its sheltered location and shallow waters.
The following beaches are perfect for various water activities:
- Cupecoy Beach – excellent for snorkeling among the limestone rocks
- Dawn Beach – ideal for early morning swimming and fitness on the beach
- Gibbs Bay – lesser-known but perfect for paddleboarding
- Little Bay Beach – confined water, suitable for beginner kayakers
For diving enthusiasts, a trip to Creole Rock near Grand Case is an absolute must. This small island offers some of the best snorkeling spots in Sint Maarten, where you can spot tropical fish in crystal clear waters.
Relaxation and mental peace on Caribbean beaches
Certain beaches on Sint Maarten are specifically suitable for mental relaxation and stress reduction. Friar’s Bay Beach is known for its calming atmosphere, especially in the early morning hours when the sun rises over the tropical waters. The natural sounds of the waves and the whispers of the swaying palm trees create a meditative environment.
Anse Marcel is another gem for those looking for mental peace. Nestled among verdant hills, this sheltered cove offers a sense of seclusion that is hard to find on more popular beaches. The luxurious Hotel Bel Air nearby ensures high-end facilities without the hustle and bustle of large resort complexes.
The Baie Longue region, part of Les Terres Basses, offers a unique combination of luxury and tranquility. Here you will find exclusive villas and the famous La Samanna resort, where you can enjoy professional spa treatments overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Family-friendly beaches with natural play areas
Families with children have specific needs in terms of safety and entertainment. Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg combines safe bathing water with proximity to shops and restaurants. The Boardwalk along the beach offers shade and is perfect for stroller walks.
Kim Sha Beach is a lesser known option that is ideal for families. The beach features natural pools that become visible during low tide – a fascinating natural phenomenon that can captivate children for hours.
For a special family experience, you can take a boat trip to Pinel Island (also called L’îlet Pinel ). This small island off the coast of Orient Bay offers:
- Safe, shallow water perfect for kids
- Simple beach restaurants with local specialties
- Snorkeling opportunities for older children
- Iguanas that can often be seen on the beach
Culinary beach experiences and local culture
The gastronomic component of your visit to the beach contributes significantly to the total holiday experience. Grand Case Baie combines beach fun with world-class dining. Restaurants such as Le Temps de Cerises offer French haute cuisine just a few steps from the sand.
For a more authentic experience, visit Friar’s Beach, where Dany’s Beach Bar serves local specialties. The menu changes daily depending on the fresh catch from local fishermen. This combination of beach relaxation and culinary discovery makes for a complete sensory experience.
The full moon parties at various beach clubs, especially in the Orient Bay area, offer a unique blend of Caribbean culture, music and gastronomy. These events, popular with locals and tourists alike, will give you an insight into the real Caribbean vibe of the island.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which beach is best for families with children in Sint Maarten?
Simpson Bay Beach is ideal for families because it has calm, shallow waters that are safe for children. The beach offers natural shade under palm trees and has several beach bars for refreshments. Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg is also excellent due to its proximity to facilities and its sheltered location in the bay.
Can you sunbathe naked on the beaches of Sint Maarten?
On the French side of the island, topless sunbathing is widely accepted, especially at Orient Bay Beach. The northern part of Orient Bay is known as a clothing-optional area. This is less common on the Dutch side . Cupecoy Beach also has sections where naturism is tolerated, but always inquire locally about current regulations.
Which beaches are best accessible from Juliana Airport?
Maho Beach is located right next to Princess Juliana International Airport and can be reached within 5 minutes. Mullet Bay Beach and Cupecoy Beach are also close by, within a 10-15 minute drive. These beaches are perfect if you have a short layover or have just arrived and want to go straight to the beach.
Are there any beaches where you can snorkel well in Sint Maarten?
Creole Rock near Grand Case offers the best snorkeling with colorful coral formations and tropical fish. Dawn Beach on the east side also has good snorkeling spots, especially near the rocks. Little Bay Beach and the natural pools at Happy Bay are also excellent for snorkelers who prefer calm waters.
Which beaches have the best beach clubs and restaurants?
Orient Bay Beach has the most luxurious beach clubs such as Kontiki Beach, Bikini Beach and Kakao Beach. Grand Case Beach combines beach fun with world-class restaurants. The Sapphire Beach Club Resort and restaurants at La Samanna in Baie Longue also offer premium dining experiences right on the beach.
What are the most beautiful beaches for sunsets in Sint Maarten?
Baie Rouge is known for spectacular sunsets against the red cliffs. Mullet Bay Beach also offers beautiful evening colors over the Caribbean Sea. Cupecoy Bay with its dramatic rock formations creates a romantic setting for sunsets. Maho Bay Beach combines sunsets with the unique airplane spectacle.
Which beaches are the least crowded and offer more privacy?
Happy Bay Beach is only accessible on foot via a 10-minute hiking trail, so it is never overcrowded. Friar’s Bay Beach and Anse Marcel are more secluded and offer tranquility. Plum Bay and Baie Aux Prunes are lesser known beaches where you are often alone, especially during the week and outside the high season.
Which beaches are best for water sports activities?
Le Galion beach at Orient Bay is the center for windsurfing lessons due to the constant trade winds and shallow waters. Dawn Beach is popular for surfing and kite surfing. Orient Bay Beach offers jet ski rental, parasailing and water skiing. Simpson Bay Beach also has several water sports options in sheltered waters.
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