Saint-Martin is an impressive island with breathtaking scenery and 110 km of coastline. What makes this island unique is that it is shared by two countries!
The island of Saint-Martin boasts 37 beaches, some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. You can enjoy a wide range of water sports, including swimming, snorkeling and deep-sea diving. You can spend your days at top-quality beach clubs and much more! Discover now the beaches that absolutely must be part of your travel plans.
Saint-Martin’s most beautiful beaches on the French side
There are several popular beaches on Saint-Martin that you should definitely explore. To help you decide which ones to choose, here’s an overview of those you’ll find on the French side.
1 Orient Bay Beach, also known as Plage de la Baie Orientale
Orient Beach is a very popular spot on the island, and for good reason. If you like the atmosphere and charm of Saint-Tropez, you’ll love Orient Bay, as this beach has a very similar ambience. Situated on the northeast coast of the island, it is protected from the wind by Green Key. Families with young children can swim here, as the waters are very calm and safe.
What’s more, this beach has all the facilities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable time. There are bars, cafés and restaurants where you can dine or enjoy a cocktail with a beautiful view of the sea and, at the end of the day, the sunset. You can even hire water sports equipment.
2.Happy Bay Beach
Happy Bay Beach is best known as an idyllic getaway for those who want to avoid the crowds. It’s one of Saint-Martin’s beaches that offers plenty of shade from the sun. Although this beach has a relaxed atmosphere, it’s also a popular place to party, especially when the Sunset Beach Bar SXM Festival takes place. The combination of live music and the breathtaking setting has established the reputation of this popular event.
This beach is underdeveloped, which means there aren’t many facilities available. You can rent a deckchair and umbrella, but that’s it. If you’re feeling hungry, there are also a few food stalls. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to spend a day with the family, Happy Bay Beach is clearly the place for you.
3.beach of Grand Case
Grand Case beach is another popular destination on the island. Located in the heart of the fishing village, it exudes a charming atmosphere. It’s a small beach lined with numerous restaurants. One of the main attractions of this tourist mecca is its calm, clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and admiring the colorful Caribbean fish. Take the time to go snorkeling and diving at Creole Rock. You’ll find plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles and a colony of seabirds.
Grand Case has many facilities to make your stay unforgettable. You’ll find boutiques, casinos and restaurants where you can enjoy local and international cuisine. Grand Case is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of Saint-Martin.
4 Baie Rouge Beach
Baie Rouge beach is also called “Red Bay” because of the reddish hue of the fine sand found here. One of the main attractions of this beach is that it’s vast, which means there’s plenty of space to make yourself comfortable in this long bay. It’s a popular destination because of the impressive views it offers. First, there’s Bird Cliff to the west. Then there’s Devil’s Hole to the east.
This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the region, especially around Devil’s Hole. Beware, however, of strong currents when you’re out in the open sea. Take advantage of the beach bar and sun loungers to enjoy this magnificent beach and its grilled fish.
5 Pinel Island
Pinel Island is another ideal place to visit during your stay in Saint-Martin. It is easily accessible by kayak, boat or paddle from the Cul-De-Sac pier. The first of the two beaches has a long bay facing Saint-Martin. One of the best things to do here is to put on your snorkeling fins and immerse yourself in a sublime turquoise lagoon. There are also two restaurants just a few steps from the beach.
Let’s explore the most beautiful beaches of Sint-Marteen, on the Dutch side of the island.
The beaches on the island of Sint-Marteen are equally impressive. Here are the ones you absolutely must see:
1.Simpson Bay beach, the most impressive swim!
Simpson Bay Beach is a long, crescent-shaped beach running alongside the ocean. Opposite, the Princess Juliana International Airport runway comes from Simpson Bay lagoon. This beach is ideal for tourists, as it is not very crowded. Nature lovers will fall under the spell of the surrounding green hills and magnificent sunsets.
2.Dawn Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches for its wild side
Dawn Beach has changed somewhat over the years due to ongoing development. The good news is that it remains uncrowded. This means you can enjoy the white sandy beaches without fear of bumping into other tourists. Palm trees line the beach, providing ample shade for sunbathing (without the risk of sunburn). As the beach faces east, you’ll always enjoy a spectacular sunrise.
Here, you can admire the coral reefs offshore. Beware, however, of strong currents near the reefs. Although the road leading here is a little rough, you’ll love the views.
3.Kim Sha Beach
Kim Sha Beach is a sort of extension of Simpson Bay Beach. It’s best known for its nightlife, with live music and bars that come alive at sunset.
On this beach, you can swim or practice water sports in calm waters, which means it’s perfect for a family day out. You can also take advantage of the guided tours and dive boats that visit the area. They’ll help you get to know the region’s marine life.
4.Mullet Bay Beach
One of the best places you can visit in Saint-Martin is Mullet Bay beach. It’s renowned as a popular surfing spot for locals and surfers from all over the world, thanks to the northerly swell. The best time to go is winter and spring, when the waves are high. In addition, Mullet Bay’s sunset is one of its main attractions. If you like to play golf, you won’t want to miss its ideal location so close to the sea.
5.Cupecoy Beach, Saint-Martin’s most spectacular beach
Cupecoy Beach is one of Saint-Martin’s most spectacular beaches. It may even be the most beautiful beach on Saint-Martin. You’ll find it impressive. It’s just south of the French-Dutch border. Its main beach is a sandy cove set with rocks, making it a good starting point for divers and snorkelers. The swell attracts experienced surfers, while the nearby reef is perfect for snorkeling.