🏖️ 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten / Martin With Hidden Gems #2023
It’s been a few years since Hurricane Irma hit the beaches of St. Maarten and the island has shown a quick, steady recovery. The nature has remained unchanged and is awaiting returning and first-time visitors with its stunning beaches. This half Dutch, half French island is the home of no less than 37 spectacular beaches, should you fancy a refreshing swim on a hot day. Use our guide to help you decide which one to hit up on your next beach adventure!
What are the best beaches in St Maarten?
St. Maarten beaches have something for everyone and for any occasion:
- Do you want a busy party beach with happy hour deals? Check ✔️
- Do you want to go to a calm kids friendly beach? Check ✔️
- Are you into watersports? Check ✔️
- Do you want to lose your tan lines and need a private nudist beach? Say no more... ✔️
We have spent years in Sint Maarten so you can trust our recommendations like we are locals. We hope this list of beaches in St. Maarten will help you find your own little paradise. Here is a quick summary if you don't want to read it all but we have detailed all of them below for more info:
🤿 Best beaches in St. Maarten for snorkeling
Pinel Island, Little Bay Beach, Anse Marcel, Creole Rock
👶 Family-friendly beaches in St. Maarten with calm waters
Galion Beach, Pinel Island, Little Bay Beach, Anse Marcel
🛥️ Secluded beaches in St. Maarten accessible by boat
Happy Bay, Pinel Island, Tintamarre Island
🏄 Top beaches in St. Maarten for water sports activities
Great Bay Beach, Kim Sha Beach, Orient Bay, Galion Beach, Grand Case
👀 Nudist-friendly beaches in St. Maarten for privacy
Orient Beach, Cupecoy Beach, Happy Bay
❤️ Romantic beaches in St. Maarten for couples
Happy Bay, Long Bay, Cupecoy Beach, Little Bay, Lover's Beach, Anse Marcel
😍 Scenic beaches in St. Maarten with stunning views
Simpson Bay, Long Bay, Happy Bay, Great Bay, Pinel Island, Tintamarre Island
🐶 Pet-friendly beaches in St. Maarten for dog owners
Pretty much all beaches are pet-friendly in SXM
🧘♀️ Relaxing beaches in St. Maarten for tranquility and serenity
Happy Bay, Long Bay, Simpson Bay
🌅 Best sunset views from beaches in St. Maarten
Happy Bay, Long Bay, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay, Grand Case Beach, Anse Marcel
🤙🏻 Off-the-beaten-path beaches in St. Maarten for adventure seekers
Baie Rouge Beach with the abandoned hotel, Guana Bay with the Natural Pool or Petite Cayes which can be accessed only by a scenic hike
👩🦼 Accessible beaches in St. Maarten for wheelchair users
Great Bay Beach, Simpson Bay Beach, Maho Beach, Anse Marcel
🏄 Surfing spots and beaches in St. Maarten
Le Galion Beach or Petite Cayes for professionals
🍽️ Best beachfront restaurants in St. Maarten
Grand Case
👰🏻 Beach wedding venues in St. Maarten for a dream destination wedding
Anse Marcel
🌺 Quiet and peaceful beaches in St. Maarten away from crowds
Long Bay, Simpson Bay
⛵ Day trips to remote beaches in St. Maarten
See below a few options
💲 Budget-friendly beaches in St. Maarten for frugal travelers
All beaches are free in Sint Maarten to the public and you can bring your own drinks and food.
🥾 Beaches in St. Maarten with nearby hiking trails
Pinel Island, Anse Marcel, Guana Bay
Maho Beach: Sint Maarten's top attraction
If you’ve only seen only one photo of St. Maarten, it most certainly was one of Maho Beach, as a plane is descending to the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) over the head of many sunbathers on the beach. This is undoubtedly the most popular beach on the island where you’ll find plenty of tourists with thousands of beach chairs and matching umbrellas. The plane landing is a must-see at the St. Maarten Maho Beach but be prepared for some serious jet blast as the planes fly above your head.
🌴 Beauty: 3/5
🏊 Swimming: 3/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 3/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: Very busy
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Planes landing over your head
Organized excursions that pass by Maho Beach
Grand Case: Best beachfront restaurants in St. Martin
Tranquility, a crescent of powdery white sand and amazing views to Anguilla – this is what you’ll find on the Grand Case Beach. Grand Case is a quaint little fishing village on the French side of the island that is the home of one of the most pristine beaches of the island. Plan a quiet day at this beach with a drink in your hand and watch the day go by as the waves hit the shore. Enjoy a dinner in one of the many restaurants and stay for an incredible sunset! For a truly unique local experience, try the Lolo's, which serves the best homemade-style food on the island.
🌴 Beauty: 5/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 1/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Can get busy in the weekends
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: You will get the best local food at the Lolo's
Happy Bay: The hidden gem
Happy Bay is so hidden, it’s only accessible by boat or hiking. There are two ways to reach this beach. The easier one is if you park your car at Friar's Bay and then walk to the end of the beach where the trail to Happy Bay starts. You can't really miss it, just walk along the cliff and in 10-15 minutes you will be in your personal hidden paradise. This is why you can find nature at its best: lush palm trees along the beach. The secluded location also means that clothing is optional. You won’t find many tourists there, but be prepared, that the ones you’ll find there will be taking it easy and might not worry so much about the dress code. Perfect choice for a little adventure!
🌴 Beauty: 5/5
🏊 Swimming: 3/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 2/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: Secluded, you can only reach it by hiking
🚻 Facilities: Nothing
🌟 Best: Arguably the most beautiful beach in St. Martin
Visit Happy Bay with the Rhino Safari Mini Speedboat Excursion!
Go on a guided snorkeling adventure that takes you to the most secluded beach on the island!
Orient Bay: The most popular beach on the French side
Orient Bay is a little coastal community on the French side that has become very popular with tourists, which also means you can find all the services you might be looking for on a beach day from fun activities to the most convenient amenities. Highly recommended for a fun day at the beach with the family and watersport lovers!
If you're feeling adventurous and comfortable with your body, head to the further end of Orient Bay Beach to the clothing optional section. This secluded beach offers a unique experience and stunning views of the ocean. However, be sure to respect the boundaries and privacy of others around you.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 3/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 1/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Very busy
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: The clothing optional nudist beach at the end
Island tours that pass by Orient Beach
Mullet Bay: Always a good choice
Located just after Maho and within a walking distance to the Sonesta and Royal Islander resorts, Mullet Bay Beach features a large strip of white sand, filled with palm trees and seagrapes. One of the best beaches on St. Maarten for swimming because of the excellent conditions of the crystalline waters, Mullet Bay is popular with tourists and locals alike. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are also available. A little snack bar cooks up hamburgers and hotdogs and serves cold beers and soft drinks. If you want a scenic view like in the photo from your room, book your vacation at the Fourteen at Mullet Bay apartment building on Airbnb.
🌴 Beauty: 5/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 3/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: Quite popular
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Toilet
🌟 Best: Beautiful beach to watch the sunset
Great Bay: All in one place
Great Bay Beach is located right in the heart of Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch side Sint Maarten. and is lined with the bars and restaurants that spill out onto Front Street. The beach is accessed via a promenade that runs most of the way across its length. At the eastern end one can enjoy the view of cruise ships in port. Great Bay Beach is broad and well kept, the sea water clean and refreshing. It is the perfect spot if you only have a few hours on Sint Maarten and want to mix shopping with some relaxation on the sun. If you come on a cruise ship you can either walk there in 15 minutes from the cruise ship terminal or take a water taxi. Great Bay, however, is not a great place to snorkel. If you are looking to discover the underwater world, go a little bit further to Little Bay that features excellent snorkeling.
🌴 Beauty: 5/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 1/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Very busy especially on cruise ship days
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Beautiful white sand and lively beach bars
Little Bay: Great snorkeling close to downtown
Little Bay is probably one of the best beaches for snorkeling in St. Maarten. The beach is cut off from Great Bay by the Fort Amsterdam peninsula and is therefore fairly well protected. The Nature Foundation group has recently initiated a program to replant the site, which is rapidly becoming a haven for bird life.
There is a sunken helicopter and submarine just at the tip of the peninsula which makes it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Sint Maarten. It is only a short taxi ride from the cruise ship terminal and it hosts the newly rebuilt Divi Little Bay Resort if you are looking to stay longer. You will find the remains of Fort Amsterdam and some cannons on the top of the hill. Little Bay was voted the 19th best beach in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 5/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 5/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Mostly Divi Little Bay hotel guests but anyone can come in
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Great snorkeling around the Tiki Hut with a sunken helicopter
Snorkeling excursions to Little Bay and hotel day pass
Le Galion: For both families and watersport lovers
For those who prefer a quieter and less-developed place, Galion beach on the French side is a perfect choice. It is also an excellent family destination with food, chairs, umbrellas, and watersports equipment. Sheltered from the ocean swell by a coral reef, the warm blue waters are ideal for snorkeling, windsurfing, sea kayaking, and paddle boarding. Many paths also offer scenic strolls. You can rent surf and kite boards or take lessons at the surf shop open seven days a week.
If you are looking for family-friendly beaches in St. Maarten with calm waters then this should be your perfect choice as it has some very shallow areas with lots of sea turtles and conchs.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 5/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 2/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Usually quite
🚻 Facilities: Restaurants, Bars, Toilet
🌟 Best: The only place to surf for beginners in St. Martin
Watersport activities at Le Galion
Pinel Island: A compact little paradise
Pinel Island is located on North East of St. Martin island. It can be accessed by a short ferry ride that leaves from French Cul-de-Sac. It is hands down one of the most popular spot to spend the day among locals and for a very good reason. It sits in the heart of the French Marine Reserve and is considered one of the best snorkeling locations in St Maarten. It is a paradise for kayakers and stand up paddle board lovers alike.
On the left side of the main beach of Pinel Island there is an exotic little restaurant known for its fantastic Caribbean cuisine. If you haven’t had a fresh lobster at the Karibuni restaurant, you haven’t tasted paradise yet! At the right side of the beach you can eat, chill and relax at Yellow Beach restaurant. There is also a small gift shop and an iguana farm on the island. For excellent panoramic views of St. Martin, take a stroll around the island.
🌴 Beauty: 5/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 5/5
🏄 Watersports: Kayaking
👀 Privacy: The beach on the opposite side of the island is very quiet
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Very nice tropical vibes with hiking option
Excursions to Pinel Island from Sint Maarten
Tintamarre Island: Home of the turtles
A wonderful haven of peace and greenery covering 100 hectares in the middle of the ocean, the island of Tintamarre is located 4km off the northeast coast of Saint Martin. Taking a walk around this now uninhabited island, you will find the remains of an airstrip, a small railtrack and a cotton plantation The most accessible bay, "Baie Blanche", is situated on the west coast facing Saint Martin and has a delightful beach for swimming.
A second beach is located on the East part of the island just a few minutes away from the main one where everybody arrives. Wild and rocky is it not the best spot to swim but it remains the perfect nursery for numerous fish species. Tintamarre lies within the boundary of the Saint Martin Nature Reserve and is a fantastic place to snorkel. If you want to swim with turtles, this is the place to go. Keep in mind that there is nowhere to buy food or water on the island, so come well prepared. The only way to access Tintamarre island is by an organized day trip of chartering your own speedboat.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 4/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: Quiet
🚻 Facilities: Nothing
🌟 Best: Bring your own tent and camp overnight
Excursions to Tintamarre Island from Sint Maarten
Kim Sha Beach: Little party beach with all the amenities
Kim Sha Beach can be easily accessed and has a huge free parking lot. It is fairly busy with beach bars that serve up delicious cocktails and local cuisine to water sports activities like parasailing and jet skiing, there's always something to do at this beach. The new Roxxy Beach Bar and Restaurant often has parties that continue into the night. So if you feel young and wild, don't forget to add Kim Sha Beach to your list of beaches that you want to visit when in St. Maarten! On the other hand, this might not be the best beach in SXM for snorkeling or enjoying the sound of the ocean while relaxing under a palm tree.
🌴 Beauty: 2/5
🏊 Swimming: 1/5 (Not the cleanest water)
🤿 Snorkeling: 2/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Busy and loud
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Party into the night at Roxxy
Simpson Bay Beach: For romantic walks in the sunset
Simpson Bay Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike with miles of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for long walks, sunbathing, or swimming. The middle part of the beach offers some great bar and restaurant options making it convenient for a day out. Just be sure to bring your own sunscreen and other essentials as there aren't many vendors selling them on the beach. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of planes landing at the nearby Princess Juliana Airport, making for a unique and exciting experience.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 4/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 1/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: You can find privacy
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Toilet
🌟 Best: Long walks listening to your favorite Spotify playlist
Long Bay: Dotted by the most expensive villas
Long Bay is a hidden gem on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. If you are looking for quiet and peaceful beaches in St. Maarten away from crowds, this is the one for you. This secluded beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day on the sand. There are no facilities on the beach, so be sure to bring your own food and drinks. You will find the most expensive resorts and villas of St. Maarten along this beach. And guess who owns the most expensive house here? Former US president Donald Trump whose villa can now be rented on Airbnb!
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 3/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 1/5
🏄 Watersports: Only at La Samana Resort, which is the most expensive one on the island
👀 Privacy: Very private
🚻 Facilities: Only at La Samana Resort
🌟 Best: Cliff jumping at La Samana Resort
Excursions that stop at Long Bay
Anse Marcel: A peaceful cove with crystal-clear waters
Anse Marcel is a tranquil cove located on the French side of St. Martin. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and the water is crystal-clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are a few restaurants and shops in the area, but the beach remains relatively quiet and peaceful. If you're looking for a secluded spot to relax and soak up the sun, Anse Marcel is the perfect choice. Anse Marcel is perhaps one of the top beaches in St. Maarten with nearby hiking trails too,
Anse Marcel Beach is a popular choice for honeymooners as some of the finest hotels are situated here like the Riu Palace and Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa. There are also some budget accommodation options here like Blue Sail Hotel and Anse Marcel Beach Resort where you can get a room for only a little over 100 USD a night.
🌴 Beauty: 4/5
🏊 Swimming: 5/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 4/5
🏄 Watersports: Yes
👀 Privacy: Very private
🚻 Facilities: Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Toilet
🌟 Best: Hike to the top of the mountain for panoramic views
Cupecoy Beach: A stunning beach with unique rock formations
Cupecoy Beach is known for its stunning rock formations that make for a unique and picturesque backdrop. The beach is relatively small but remains popular with locals and tourists alike. This beach is popular among the LMBTQ community and has clothing optional sections. There are a few bars and restaurants in the area but not directly on the beach. Nevertheless, Cupecoy Beach is definitely worth a visit during your stay in St. Maarten!
🌴 Beauty: 3/5
🏊 Swimming: 2/5
🤿 Snorkeling: 3/5
🏄 Watersports: No
👀 Privacy: Usually private but can get busy
🚻 Facilities: Nothing directly on the beach
🌟 Best: Hide in one of the caves with your partner