Beaches & Coastline

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Beach

Orient Bay Beach

French side, St. Martin

Largest beach in St. Martin with 2 miles of white sand. Water sports, beach clubs, restaurants. Lively Caribbean atmosphere. Clothing-optional sections available. Excellent swimming.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Orient Bay early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid the cruise ship crowds that descend between 10 AM and 3 PM. The beach is practically empty at sunrise, and you'll have the best pick of beach chairs and umbrellas without the premium 'reservation' fees that some operators charge during peak hours.
Walk to the far right end of the beach (toward the clothed section) where local vendors sell cold drinks and snacks at half the price of the main beach club restaurants. The same Presidente beer that costs $8 at Kontiki costs $4 from these beach walkers, and they often throw in free plantain chips or local fruit.
Beach

Maho Beach

Dutch side, St. Maarten

Famous beach where planes land just overhead at Princess Juliana Airport. Thrilling experience watching low-flying aircraft. Beach bars and restaurants. Unique photo opportunity.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Maho Beach between 2-4 PM on weekdays when most cruise ship passengers have departed and before the evening plane spotters arrive. You'll have the best beach space and can actually hear the planes approaching without fighting crowds for prime viewing spots near the runway fence.
Never hold onto the airport fence during jet takeoffs, especially when larger aircraft like A340s or 747s depart. The jet blast can literally knock you down and cause serious injuries - several tourists get hurt each year. Stand at least 50 feet back from the fence and brace yourself against something solid when big planes take off.
Beach

Mullet Bay Beach

Dutch side, St. Maarten

Beautiful crescent beach with white sand and turquoise water. Popular with locals and bodyboarders. Relatively calm water with occasional waves. Free public beach. Golf course nearby.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Mullet Bay Beach on weekday mornings before 10 AM when the cruise ship passengers haven't arrived yet and the beach is practically empty. The afternoon trade winds also pick up around 2 PM making it perfect for bodysurfing, but most tourists don't realize this is when the waves get best.
The current at the far left side of Mullet Bay near the rocks can be surprisingly strong and pulls toward the cliff - locals always swim in the center section of the beach where it's much calmer. Also, don't leave valuables unattended as this beach has less security than the resort beaches.
Beach

Grand Case Beach

Grand Case, French side, St. Martin

Charming beach in culinary capital of Caribbean. Calm water perfect for swimming. Lined with excellent French and Creole restaurants. Great for sunset dining.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Grand Case Beach early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) when the cruise ship crowds have departed and the famous beachfront restaurants aren't yet busy. The beach is practically empty during these times, and you'll have the best chance to snag one of the free beach chairs without paying for restaurant service.
Skip the expensive beachfront restaurants for lunch and instead grab fresh local pastries and drinks from the small grocery store 'Match' just one block inland from the beach. You can enjoy your meal on the beach for a fraction of the cost, and locals often do this rather than paying tourist prices at the waterfront establishments.

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