Beaches:

There are 37 different beaches on both sides of the island to choose from, each with its own distinctive attractions. Those on the French side tend to be more secluded and offer more privacy.

Many of the hotels have their own stretch of beach, but the ones that are more difficult to get to are especially worth exploring. Rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes hug some of the beaches, while palm trees gently shade others.

Anse Marcel: As you drive over the mountain from French Cul de Sac to Anse Marcel, you will find breathtaking panoramic views. Nestled between the northern peaks of St. Martin, this secluded beachfront valley is home to the 5 star hotel, Le Meridien St.Martin.

Baie Rouge: is a short ride from Marigot and hotels located on Baie Nettle. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for your convenience. Snorkeling gear can be rented, in order to explore the rocks at the Northern end of the beach. If you’re hungry there is a shack waiting to serve you a local fare of ribs, chicken, and burgers. If privacy is more your liking, take a short walk down the beach and you will enjoy solitude and clothing is optional.

Baie Lounge: is the beach to the rich and famous. Placed on the most southern end of Baie Longue is St. Maarten/St. Martin's most exclusive 5 star hotel, Hotel La Samanna. The rest of Baie Longue's 2-mile beach is beachfront to some of the most expensive real estate on the island. The beach is never crowded and is well suited for the sunbather who prefers privacy and quiet. It’s also perfect for a romantic afternoon picnic with your significant other.

Great Bay Beach: Stretching for two miles in front of the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, a myriad of cruise ships sail into her harbor daily. The thousands of cruise ship visitors that line Great Beach every day can keep an eye on their floating hotel and shopping in Philipsburg is always close at hand.

Guana Bay Beach: This is the best beach in St. Maarten/St. Martin for surfing enthusiasts, and is recommended for strong swimmers only, since there is usually a heavy undertow. If this sounds like it’s for you, bring your own picnic and cooler - there are no services. Beautiful breaking waves make great photographs.

Kim Sha Beach: Conveniently close to the action of developing Simpson Bay with its resorts, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos, Kimsha Beach is one of the most central beaches on the island. Beach lounges and umbrellas can be rented and water sports toys are available for the active minded. Kimsha Beach can also turn into a nightspot, with occasional concerts and beach parties.

Divi Little Bay Beach: Located on the southern coast of St Maarten, just around the corner from Great Bay, this small but pretty beach is well protected by the outcrop of Fort Amsterdam right on the edge of Philipsburg. It serves the two hotels of Bel Air Beach Resort and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort but is also open to the public. For diving enthusiasts, it offers one of the rare beach dive locations, as the waters here are generally calm. This makes it an ideal spot for children, and a selection of beach equipment from snorkeling gear to jet-skis means there is plenty to do for the entire family.

Maho Beach: A great place to watch the sunset, and home to St. Maarten's largest hotel The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and its neighbors, The Royal Islander Club and La Terrasse Suite Hotel . This "little stretch of sand" is also just a few short yards from the runway of The Princess Juliana International Airport.

Cupecoy Beach: Cupecoy is Dutch St. Maarten's semi-official nude beach. Sandstone cliffs give Cupecoy beach a dramatic golden backdrop, unlike any other beach on the island. Protected from the wind, this beach is perfect for those who enjoy "baking" in the sun.

Dawn Beach: This wide white sand beach is close to a mile long back dropped by the dramatic green mountains of Dutch St. Maarten. There's plenty of room to toss a Frisbee or play some paddleball. Its rolling waters are some of the best for snorkeling on St. Maarten. Coral reefs, burgeoning with exotic fish, are within an easy swim from shore.

Mullet Beach: Just down the road from Maho Beach, this is a surfer’s paradise, when the conditions are "right". Mullet Bay Beach borders on the island's only 18-hole golf course and is very popular with locals, especially on the weekends. At the southern end, seagrape trees provide pleasant shade for those who are sensitive to the sun's rays and heat. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are also available. It is also a Good sunset beach.

Simpson bay Beach: At one time, this area was famous for its families who made their living by fishing. Today, residential and vacation homes dot this mile long beach, as well as a few small resort hotels. Half of Simpson bay Beach runs parallel with The Princess Juliana International Airport runway. This beach is never crowded and is perfect for watching planes and sunsets.

Orient Beach: Orient Beach is St. Martin's flagship beach and is often referred to as the "French Riviera of the Caribbean". This expansive one-mile beach is home to numerous beach bar/restaurants, who offer various menus. Bikini Beach, Coco Beach, Kakao Beach, Wakiki Beach and Kontiki Beach are the most established beach restaurants with great food, great service and even greater ambiance. On the southern end of Orient Beach you'll find Club Orient, the most famous nudist resort in the Caribbean. You can swim and sunbathe unencumbered; it is "clothing optional".

Le Gallion: This half moon shaped bay on the Windward side of the island is protected by a great snorkeling reef and is very popular for all types of surfing. A mile of undeveloped park like beach with shallow waters ideal for children, makes Le Gallion a favorite for families. Fantastic trails and bareback swimming in the sea make this a wonderful experience for all. Le Galion is a great 'hang-out' spot for meeting like-minded water sports enthusiasts and its friendly island ambience complements the beautiful surroundings.

Friars Bay One of St. Martin's Since this beautiful bay is well protected from the wind and heavy surf, it is ideal for the whole family.

Nettle Bay Beach is on the French side of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Since the water is so flat here, it's ideal for many water sports, especially skiing. Nettle Bay is home to a number of excellent full service hotels and is a short distance from the French side capital of Marigot. Beach lounge chairs and umbrellas are supplied for you to work on that tan.

Grand Case Beach St. Martin's gastronomic capital at night, Grand Case Beach is a pleasant "town beach" while the sun is up. Several small to midsize resorts are nestled between numerous bars, restaurants and private homes. A number of local establishments offer lunch and refreshments. We recommend sunbathing in style, at the Grand Case Beach Club. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are provided.

Happy Bay might just be the most beautiful beach on St Martin, and its seclusion adds to the charm. There is presently no road leading to Happy Bay and all visitors must leave their cars at Friars Bay and hike for about 15 minutes on a trail.This beach is popular on weekends with locals ‘in the know’, but offers almost at any time privacy.