St Martin/St Maarten / Beaches

There are 36 beaches on St Martin/St Maarten which vary from huge sweeps of dazzling sand that offer a full-on holiday experience to quieter coves only accessible by boat or on foot. There are very few places where you can expect to have the sands to yourself, and be aware that some parts of a beach may be given over to total nudism, while topless sunbathing takes place all over the island. Beach bars often woo customers with offers on drinks and the rental of loungers and sun umbrellas. Always take some cash as not all  bars and watersports centres accept credit cards. If you don't have a car, local buses pass by some of the popular beaches on the Dutch side, or take a taxi.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of St Martin/Maarten Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best St Martin & St Maarten beaches...

St Martin

Anse Marcel - In the far north of the island, reached via steep and winding roads, this is an invitingly sheltered sandy beach that is dominated by two large two hotels, Domaine de Lonvillers and the Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa. At its eastern end is a peaceful marina with a dive centre. The restaurant options here are limited so consider taking a picnic.

Baie de l'Embouchure - On the east coast, this thin curve of sand offers a more easygoing beach scene compared to the party strip of Orient Beach, just to the north. Also known as Le Galion and Coconut Grove, it forms part of the protected Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin with the Étang aux Poissons inland. There is a beach bar and windsurfing centre but little else. The shallow, reef-protected waters and nearby Butterfly Farm and Bayside Riding Club make this popular with families.

Friar's Bay (Anse de Pères) - On the west coast with views to Anguilla, Friar's Bay is reached by a rough road and has two contrasting beach bars – stop at the first, Kali's, if you want a party place. A path to the north leads over the cliffs to Anse Heureuse (Happy Bay), a smaller, quieter beach that is clothing-optional.

Grand-Case - Best known for its restaurants, nightclubs and small hotels, Grand-Case also has a long white sand beach that provides a gorgeous turquoise backdrop for diners enjoying a fine French lunch on the terrace. It gets busy with boats and trippers and offers great peoplewatching.

Long Bay (Baie Longue) - Out on the western tip of St Martin/St Maarten, this is one the best beaches on the island with a perfect union of white sand, blue sea and huge sky that stretches for over a mile (1.6 km). The cliffs at its eastern end are home to the luxury La Samanna resort which keeps the atmosphere calm and chic – further round the headland lies the more exposed, clothing-optional Baie aux Prunes.

Orient Beach - If you want a French Riviera moment, come to this spectacularly beautiful east coast beach. Adorned with some 20 bars offering a dazzling line-up of beach loungers, buckets of chilled beer, tempting tapas menus, watersports, live music and massages, it's one of the island's great sights. Note that nudity is par for the course at its southern end.

Pinel Island (Ilet Pinel) - Just off the northeast coast of St Martin/St Maarten is a small, low-lying island with sheltered sands and easygoing restaurants that is a good choice for families looking to spend some time on the beach. The atmosphere is lively and friendly and there is a snorkelling trail. Ferries depart from Cul-de-Sac on the hour from 9am with the last one back in the late afternoon. The crossing takes five minutes and there is a charge.

St Maarten

Cupecoy Beach - In the far west of the island, and just on the border with St Martin, lies this popular gay and nudist beach set beside cliffs. The sunsets are great but be careful if swimming as there is a strong swell. Take your own food and drink as there are few facilities.

Great Bay - Fans of the urban beach will enjoy taking a long walk round Great Bay, which forms the seafront for the Dutch capital, Philipsburg. Most of the action lies at its eastern end, where the cruise ships dock and there is a busy marina. On Friday nights from June to October a Boardwalk Fest takes place with live music and restaurants doing special offers.

Maho Beach - Set at the western end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho is the island's most famous beach. Standing here when a jumbo jet lands or takes off above your head is an experience that blows you away – almost literally. The nearby bars, casinos and nightclubs form the heart of St Maarten's party zone.

Mullet Bay Beach - There's a pleasantly relaxed vibe at Mullet Bay Beach, which offers a good curve of sand that nevers gets too crowded. Sundays are liveliest – inland lies a rather forlorn golf course and the derelict buildings of a resort that was destroyed in 1995 by Hurricane Luis.

Simpson Bay, Providing you can cope with the noise from Princess Juliana International Airport, which runs right beside it, Simpson Bay is an attractive beach with good sands and a bewitching blue sea. Motorised watersports are banned and there are no big resorts at its western end.