Orient Bay Beach is in the Orient Bay taxi zone. See our overview of St. Maarten taxi rates to find pricing from this location to your place of departure.
ORIENT BAY BEACH
Orient Bay Beach: Watersports Center
Orient Bay Beach is one of the longest and most well known beaches on island. The beach lies opposite the stretched, uninhabited Caye Verte. It is best known for being one of the meccas for water-sports on island, clothing optional / nude beach and its large offer of restaurants. Pertaining to water sports, Orient Beach is known for the island’s best kitesurfing spots. Catamaran charters and boat rentals are available; as is wind surfing equipment. Last but definitely not least, Orient Bay Beach is known for many restaurants. Beach clubs dotted along the beach as well as dozens of restaurants on the towns central square provide opportunities to make your day a full Orient Bay day.
Nude Beach: Clothing Optional
Parts of Orient Beach are semi-clothing optional or nude beach; most of the beach is a beach like anywhere else. Though nudity is tolerated on Orient Beach near the Club Orient (south) section, people would still wear bathing suits on most of the beach. Club Orient itself, the nudism resort that made the area famous, has been closed for some years. That does not mean the clothing optional scene on the southern part of the beach has changed or diminished. Some other resorts like Adam & Eve have adapted the clothing optional formula.
For first timers, Orient Bay can be challenging to navigate by car. The center is Place de Ville (Town square). In this area a supermarket and many restaurants can be found. It also has many parking spots around the square with additional opportunities to park along the sand road near the beach right off the central square.
For more information about Orient Bay Beach clothing optional etiquette, see the beaches section of our Travel Information.
Things To Do in Orient Bay Beach
Apart from above attractions readily available on the beach and the central square, consider a cultural excursion to nearby Amuseum Naturalis. This museum charges no access, is open 24/7 and has great exhibitions about culture, architecture and nature of the island. Also, Pinel Island and Tintamarre are very close by for a day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Orient Bay Beach famous for water sports?
Orient Bay Beach is widely celebrated as a mecca for water sports and is best known for having the island’s premier kitesurfing spots. Visitors can easily find catamaran charters, boat rentals, and windsurfing equipment available right on the sand.
Are there a lot of dining options available?
Yes, Orient Bay Beach is beloved for its large offering of restaurants and beach clubs heavily dotted along the shoreline. Additionally, there are dozens of diverse restaurants located in the resort town’s central square to complete your day.
Is Orient Bay a nude beach?
A specific section at the southern end near Club Orient traditionally functions as a naturist or clothing-optional area where nudity is tolerated. However, the vast majority of this 2-kilometer beach is used traditionally, with visitors wearing normal bathing suits.
Is the water safe and calm for swimming?
The beach faces a sheltered bay that opens onto the Atlantic, actively keeping the waters relatively calm. With a gradual entry and shallow waters near the shore, it is excellently suited for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle sports.
What other activities are close to Orient Bay Beach?
Beyond the beach itself, visitors can easily take a quick day trip to nearby Pinel Island or Tintamarre. You can also take a cultural excursion to the nearby Amuseum Naturalis, which is open 24/7 and charges absolutely no admission fee.
Where to find Orient Bay Beach
Orient Bay Beach is in the Orient Bay area of St. Maarten / St. Martin. Though buses from Marigot pass by the main entrance of the resort town, it is quite a walk to the beach from the stop (10 – 20) minutes at a minimum depending where you need to be on this long beach. It is most common to reach the town by taxi, car rental or island tour. Orient Bay Beach is on the French (northern) Side of the island of St. Maarten / St. Martin.
Find Orient Bay Beach and other Beaches of St Maarten / St Martin on our Interactive Map or see the 360° video of the beach above!
Orient Bay Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Saint Martin, on the French side of the island. The beach stretches for about 2 km along a gently curving white‑sand shoreline, facing a sheltered bay that opens onto the Atlantic. Its waters are typically shallow near shore, with a gradual entry that makes it well suited for swimming, snorkeling, paddle‑sports, and various water‑sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beach is backed by a developed coastal area with multiple beach‑side restaurants, cafés, and rental spots for umbrellas, lounge chairs, and watersport equipment. One section at the southern (west) end traditionally functions as a naturist (clothing‑optional) area, while the remainder of the beach is used in the usual manner. The broad sand, range of amenities, and sheltered bay make Orient Bay Beach one of the island’s most popular and versatile beach destinations.
How to get to Orient Bay Beach?
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