Mullet Bay Beach
St. Maarten

There is a reason why Mullet Bay gets crowded on weekends, and that’s simply because even the locals consider this stretch of sand the best beach to visit on the Dutch side of the island on their day off.

Mullet Bay Beach is located only 1.3 miles (2 kms) from Princess Juliana International Airport, between the famous plane-spotting Maho Beach and the island's sole 18-hole golf course. This picturesque spot boasts a wide, white sand stretch that comfortably accommodates everyone without feeling crowded, making it a prime location for students, locals and tourists alike.

The beach offers shaded areas for relaxation, beach volleyball, and a selection of beach bars and local Lolo’s serving up delicious Caribbean cuisine. Moreover, Mullet Bay Beach is celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets and clear views of neighboring Saba, enhancing its charm as a perfect Caribbean getaway.

This destination offers a serene alternative to more crowded spots like Maho Bay. It is a popular beach getaway for tourists arriving at the port of Philipsburg on a cruise ship. Expect lively days when ships are in port but don't let that deter you from enjoying one of Dutch side Sint Maarten's most beloved beaches.

How Hurricane Irma Affected the Beach in 2017

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, left a significant mark on Mullet Bay Beach in 2017. The beach has since undergone extensive restoration efforts, transforming it back into the idyllic paradise known to both locals and tourists.

Is Mullet Bay a Surfers' Paradise?

You may have read it on many other websites that Mullet Beach is a perfect surfing spot. Those articles are most probably written by people who have never been to St. Maarten. Trust me, I lived in St. Maarten for years but I had never seen anyone surfing in Mullet Bay. The best you can hope for is decent bodysurfing conditions.

From relaxing under the sun to engaging in exciting water activities, Mullet Bay offers something for everyone.

Beach Chair and Umbrella Rental

You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas near Da Waterhole shack for about $15 USD a day. Just make sure you come early as the loungers go fast on busy days.

Chill, Relax and Enjoy a Beach BBQ

Mullet Bay is the perfect spot to unwind or go for a swim. It’s wide enough to never feel crowded and the sea is usually quite. It’s a great place to set up your own transportable BBQ grill and enjoy some ice cold drinks from the nearby Maho Market.

Restaurants

If you don’t want to go too far, there are two beachfront restaurants in Mullet Bay called Da Waterhole and Rosie’s Snack Bar. They serve the usual beach food like hamburgers, BBQ ribs, hot dog and salads for a surprisingly reasonable price.

Beach volleyball

There is volleyball net available for anyone to use for free, you only need to bring your own ball.

Snorkeling

Although Mullet Bay has very clear water, it’s not the most famous snorkeling spot around St. Maarten. Still, if you want encounter some marine life, stick to the left side of beach and snorkel towards Maho Bay along the cliffs. You will likely spot some eels, lion fish and other tropical marine life. Snorkel gear rental in Mullet Bay is not available so bring your own.

Bodysurfing

For those looking for a bit of action, the gentle waves at Mullet Bay provide the perfect conditions for bodysurfing.

Golfing

Adjacent to the beach is the renowned 18-hole Mullet Bay Golf Course, offering golfers the chance to play their favorite sport in one of the most scenic settings on the island. For more information on the 18-hole golf terrain, prices and tee times, visit St. Maarten Golf Association’s website.

Cliff jumping

There are two places for cliff jumping near Mullet Bay. Explore the Cupecoy end of the beach where you will see the high cliffs. Alternatively, you can walk over to Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and let's hope that the security guard will let you in.

If you are planning your vacation to St. Maarten, Mullet Bay is an excellent choice to stay at. There are several resorts and hotels in near the beach as well as apartments for rent on Airbnb and Vrbo.

Sonesta Resort, Royal Islander, Rainbow Beach Club

Accommodations near Mullet Bay range from mid-range resorts like Sonesta Maho Beach and Casino and Royal Islander to the exclusive Rainbow Beach Club and the luxurious Sonesta Ocean Point, offering stunning ocean views and top-notch amenities.

Fourteen at Mullet Bay

Now that the construction of 14 in Mullet Bay is finally finished, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a serene experience at an excellent price per value ratio. You can rent these apartments for as low as $130 USD per night. And if you liked your stay, they offer condos for sale in Mullet Bay starting from $350 000 USD.

The beach is easily accessible by taxi and public transport from most parts of the island.

From Cruise Ship Terminal

Visitors arriving from the cruise ship terminal can easily reach Mullet Bay by taxi or local bus, enjoying scenic routes along the way.

From Oyster Pond

You will need to take a taxi or rent a car as there is no public bus to Mullet Bay Beach from Oyster Pond. Just follow the main road to Philipsburg then continue towards Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and after passing Maho, you will arrive to Mullet Bay.

From Orient Beach, Grand Case, and Marigot

Those coming from Orient Beach, Grand Case or Marigot need to take a taxi or drive as there is no public transport from there. It’s fairly easy to drive to Mullet Bay as St. Martin has only one main road going around the island so no matter which direction you go, eventually you will end up at Mullet Bay. When coming through Marigot, it is recommended to go through Nettle Bay and the lowlands of the French side of St. Martin.

From Maho Beach

There is no need to take a taxi or public transport, you can simply walk from Maho Beach to Mullet Bay Beach. Just follow the road through Maho Village and the golf course and you should arrive in 10 minutes. In case you want to go to the further end of Mullet Bay you can still hop into a bus at Maho Market roundabout heading towards Cupecoy.

Taxi Rate to Mullet Bay

Taking a cab to Mullet Bay Beach will set you back roughly $25 USD from Simpson Bay, $35 USD from Marigot, $40-50 USD from Philipsburg and the cruise ship terminal, and about $50-70 USD from the rest of the island like Oyster Pond or Orient Beach.

Sailing to Mullet Bay

There is no water taxi to Mullet Bay but there are several excursions that stop at the beach. Scroll to the top of this page for some ideas and booking.

Public Transport to Mullet Bay

St. Maarten's public transport system offers a cost-effective and convenient way to reach Mullet Bay, with buses running regularly from Marigot, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and Philipsburg. Sometimes you can catch a bus in Grand Case as well but that’s quite unpredictable.

When taking public transportation from the above neighborhoods look for a sign “Maho” or “Mullet” behind the windshield of the bus. When coming from Marigot, you might have to change bus in Cole Bay before the bus turns left to go Philipsburg. Just let the driver or other passengers know and they will tell you where to get off.

The bus to Mullet Bay Beach will cost you only a few dollars but make sure you have cash on you in small bills.

Parking

Usually there is ample parking available near Mullet Bay but it can get very busy in the weekends since this beach is a local favorite as well. Make sure to come early or park near Starz City Casino in Cupecoy.

Unfortunately the only webcam of Mullet Bay is very often disconnected but you can give it a try to catch a glimpse of the sandy beach. If you know a more reliable cam, please let us know so we can replace the link.

Mullet Bay Beach in St. Maarten is a must-visit destination that combines natural beauty, exciting activities, and the warm hospitality of the Caribbean. With this complete guide, you're now ready to experience all that Mullet Bay has to offer.