15 (Fifteen) Best Beaches in Sint Maarten / Saint Martin

For some people, the Best Beach means secluded, clean beach with leaning palm trees. Others consider the Best as the beach with transparent shallow waters and white sand. Some would say the Best Beach is where lots of people to look at, music and food to enjoy and various activities happening all day. We used all these criterias, and based on our judjing below is what we got. Please note – all these beaches are not in particular order of preference. We just started from North and ended in Southern part of the island.

#1 Anse Marcel Beach located on the North West tip of the French side of the island. This beach is located at the base of the Port Lonvilliers Resort, sheltered and well developed. The water here is calm which make it popular with families. The proximity of resort and marina offers shopping and dining.

#2 Grand Case Beach is located just at the middle of the busy village Grand Case in French St. Martin also called the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean”. The water is usually calm and clear, for diving and snorkeling visit Creole Rock close by. After day in the sun you will enjoy the wonderful dinner or lunch in one of the gourmet restaurants or small traditional eateries… If you plan to spend there a day keep in mind that every Tuesday after 6 pm there is a “Mardis De Grand Case” filled with band music and local food, sort of street party…

#4 La Samanna and Baie Longue Beach (or Long Bay) on French Side located in the heart of the Low Lands on the western coast of the island. Long Bay is one of Saint Martin’s quietest beaches you can hear only the gentle sound of the waves rubbing on the white sand and occasinal pelicans… The bar at La Samanna’s restaurant is the perfect place to view the beautiful sunset.

#5 Ilet de Pinel Beach located on the small paradise island off the east coast of St. Martin at the heart of nature reserve. Name after buccaneer Pinel who as per legend attempted to capture Saba, but failed and set back on this island. The part of the Pinel facing St. Martin offeres white sandy strip with quiet and clear shallow water popular with families. There are couple beachside cafes. The other side of the island is less attractive, the beach is stony and not developed. To get to Ilet de Pinel take a taxi boat from the pontoon at Cul-de-Sac.

#6 Maho Beach – top visited for its unique location right at the end of the  Princess Juliana Airport runway.
Crowds gather to watch jumbo jets take off and land. Sunset Beach Bar offers drinks and pizza… always busy place!  Don’t forget to check for the beach condition before visiting!

#7 Orient Beach (Baie Orientale) located in the north-eastern part of the island. It is one of the largest and very popular, also known as “Saint Tropez of the Caribbean”. The beach has full range of amenities as part of Club Orient – nearby you will find lots of restaurants, hotels and shops, and watersport activities. To the south end of the beach you will see a sign “Clothing optional”…

#8 Friars Bay Beach is a very scenic, family friendly beach. The beach is nicely sheltered with calm Caribbean waters and pure sand. Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe and Kali’s Beach Bar offer freshly made food from lunch to dinner… when the sun goes down Friar’s Bay Beach filles up with sounds of rock and reggae – don’t miss the legendary Full Moon parties at Kali’s Beach Bar.

#9 Happy Bay Beach (approachable by boat or 10 minutes hike from Friars Beach)  is very quiet tropical setting of coconut trees and white sand. It is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches which has managed to preserve its unique charm…

#10 Le Galion Beach – one of the best for families with young children due to extended shallow waters. Also popular for the surfing lessons for all ages, snorkeling and paddling. The beach well sheltered and protected from the ocean by coral reef. Here you will find a beach bar that is open from lunch and offering freshly made food and drinks.

#11 Sandy Ground Beach is known as quiet and clean beach, protected by small coral reefs. Turquoise waters usually are calm and clear with few people around.

#12 Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Great Bay Beach is located right in the heart of Philipsburg and is lined with the bars and restaurants that spill out onto Front Street. The famous boardwalk runs along most of its length…

Sint Maarten Philipsburg Great Bay Beach

#13 Mullet Beach . The Beach is well known for clear waters, and clean sand. It is very quiet. On weekends it is crowded with local people.

#14 Cupecoy Beach

#15 Dawn Beach

And the Best one… – Oh, well… we’ll let you judge!

The island has 36 known beaches, we mentioned only the ones we think you should definetely visit. May be you’ll discover more!

And if so, let us know!