Best Beaches in St Martin: An Island Guide

With two countries, two currencies, two languages, and one landmass, St Martin offers an exceptional 2-for-1 deal.

The small Caribbean island is a speck of land split in half: 60% of its area is a French overseas collectivity, while the other 40% is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The island boasts incredible beaches, a lively atmosphere, a wide mix of restaurants and accommodation options, and proximity to a host of alluring Caribbean islands.

 

Saint Martin Island

St Martin lies in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, between Anguilla, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

The world’s smallest landmass divided between two nations, the half-French, half-Dutch island blends European and African influences into a fascinating cultural mix. The northern part of the island (also called Saint Martin) is an Overseas Collectivity of France, while its southern shores (Sint Maarten) belong to the Netherlands. 

The island is a popular destination for both cruise passengers and independent travelers. It boasts a dazzling coastline with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

The sandy beaches of Saint Martin range from bustling tourist magnets to tranquil hidden bays and coves.

 

Dutch Sint Maarten

The Dutch side of St Martin, officially known as St Maarten, offers a a lively nightlife scene, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of accommodation options. Home to the Princess Juliana International Airport, the cruise docks, and infamous Maho Beach, St Maarten is both the island’s main gateway and its most touristy area.

Philipsburg, the capital, is known for duty-free shopping, colorful buildings, and a mix of restaurants, bars, and casinos. While you’ll find some Dutch colonial architecture in Philipsburg, the Dutch side of the island feels somewhat more Americanized than its French counterpart.

 

• Maho Beach

Maho Beach is St Maarten’s most famous attraction. This crowded stretch of sand is known for its close proximity to the island’s international airport. The beach itself is rather nondescript, but its location beside Princess Juliana Airport makes it a dream for aviation enthusiasts.

Watching airplanes take off and land from Maho Beach is a thrilling spectacle. From my vantage point at the water’s edge, I watched planes materialize out of thin air and descend just meters above my head. The landing aircraft came so close that I felt as though I could reach out and touch them.

And when they took off, the jet blasts left behind such a blinding and suffocating storm of swirling sand, that I was left temporarily gasping for breath.

I stayed at Maho Beach long enough to watch several small planes land, along with a JetBlue 737. I considered waiting to see one of Delta’s flights later in the day, but eventually dragged myself away from the crowds toward the bluer waters of Mullet Bay.

 

• Mullet Bay Beach

Flanked by a golf course and largely free of eyesore resorts, Mullet Bay is one of Sint Maarten’s most beautiful beaches. Compared to Maho Beach, its fine crescent is relatively quiet. With turquoise water and powdery sand, it felt more comparable to the idyllic beaches of Caribbean heavy hitters like Anguilla and St John. 

Mullet Bay is a perfect place to soak up the sun and wade in the crystal waters.

If you want to watch planes land but don’t feel like being bulldozed by jet blasts, it’s a great alternative to nearby Maho Beach.

I thoroughly enjoyed Mullet Bay on both of my visits to St Martin.

Swim, dry off, rinse, repeat. Over and over again. It was pure bliss.

 

• Kim Sha Beach

Situated just a short walk from Philipsburg, Kim Sha Beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand and calm waters. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports.

While I personally prefer nature-backed beaches with little development, I included Kim Sha on my list of the best beaches in St Martin because of its inviting sand and water. Its calm, shallow shoreline is especially appealing for families with young children.

 

• Cupecoy Beach

Cupecoy is known for the cliffs that frame its soft patches of tan-colored sand.

I would have loved to photograph the dramatic limestone coves and watch the waves crash against the rugged rocks. However, the sheltered beaches of Cupecoy are clothing-optional.

To respect the privacy of nude sunbathers, I tucked my camera out of sight and continued on my way.

 

French St Martin

Saint Martin, the French side of the island, is known for its laid-back, elegant atmosphere and European flair. It is a haven for food lovers, with some of the most celebrated restaurants in the Caribbean.

Although it is less commercially developed than the Dutch side, French Saint Martin has a more exclusive feel. Even its most popular beaches, such as Orient Bay and Grand Case, tend to be quieter than those on the Dutch side.

While reaching Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and Cupecoy from Philipsburg is easy using local transport, the best beaches on the French side are most easily accessed by renting a car.

 

• Orient Bay Beach

Saint Martin’s most popular beach is the sprawling Orient Bay. It is the prototypical Caribbean beach — a long crescent of sugary sand lined with bars, restaurants, umbrellas, and sunbathing tourists.

The beach is long and wide, with white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. A steady mix of swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts fills the shoreline.

Several restaurants and beach clubs sit directly on the sand at Orient Bay. You could easily spend hours swimming, strolling along the shore, and stopping for lunch or a drink without ever leaving the beach.

Orient Bay is a good choice if you want easy access to food and activities.

If you’re seeking quiet and seclusion, however, you’re better off heading to Long Beach.

 

• Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in St Martin. It is undeveloped and lacks typical tourist amenities — there are no public restrooms, beach bars, water sports rentals, umbrellas, or sunbeds — making it ideal for a self-sufficient beach day.

Sparkling turquoise water and an expansive shoreline make Long Beach perfect for walks, sunset views, swimming, and peaceful relaxation away from the crowds.

Be aware that there is very little natural shade. There are no clusters of trees, overhanging vegetation, or built-in shade structures along the beach.

Because the beach sits within a gated community, you may pass a security entrance. You’ll be allowed through by informing the guard that you’re heading to the beach, as all oceanfront land on St. Martin is public by law.

 

• Grand Case

Often referred to as the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean,” Grand Case is home to many of St Martin’s best restaurants. The dining options range from elegant French bistros to casual local seafood shacks.

The beach itself is a stunning crescent of soft white sand that slopes gently into the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. While it may not provide the same sense of seclusion as Anse Marcel, it is nonetheless lovely.

At one of the many beachfront restaurants and bars lining the shore, you can enjoy a cocktail or delicious meal while listening to the waves. If you’re looking to pair sunbathing with gastronomy, Grand Case is a clear winner.

Grand Case Beach also offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views on the island.

 

• Pinel Island
  

Pinel Island is one of St Martin’s best-kept secrets. This uninhabited islet lies off the northwest coast of French Saint Martin and is home to iguanas, crystal-clear water, and secluded beaches.

A $12 round-trip boat ride ferries passengers from the town of Cul-de-Sac to Pinel Island’s main beach.

The main beach is beautiful, with shallow turquoise waters that are warm and inviting. It offers lounge chairs and basic amenities.

Away from the main beach, you’ll find undeveloped stretches of sand that feel peaceful and secluded.

 

• Anse Marcel

Accessible via a winding road through green hills, Anse Marcel’s calm, glassy waters and white sand are among the island’s most inviting.

A few beach clubs and restaurants line the shore, offering amenities without overwhelming the beach’s natural beauty.

Anse Marcel is my top choice for swimming with young children. Its shallow, sheltered bay is blissfully calm and inviting.

 

Where to Stay in St Martin

On my first visit to St Martin, I traveled solo and on a tight budget. I stayed the night at a barebones little hostel in Philipsburg called Vicky’s Keys. The hostel sits nestled away in a residential neighborhood. It is the nice place to meet fellow travelers and get a taste of local island life. 

On my most recent visit, I stayed with my husband and toddler at the lovely Shamrock Orient Bay. The spacious apartment has a pool, ample outdoor space, clean rooms, and a prime location near Orient Bay.

Because we were traveling with a toddler, we specifically wanted an apartment-style setup, and Shamrock Orient Bay fit both our needs and budget.

However, if you’re wanting  a more classic hotel or resort experience, other good options include Baker’s Suites (budget), Holland House Beach Hotel (midrange), and the Morgan Resort and Spa (high end).

 

When to Visit Saint Martin

The best time to visit St Martin is generally between December and April, when the weather is warm and sunny with relatively low humidity.

Summer marks the Caribbean’s low season, bringing cheaper prices and fewer crowds. While that can be appealing, it also often means higher humidity, increased sargassum seaweed, and a greater risk of hurricanes.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk between August and October.

 

Island Hopping from St Martin

Saint Martin is one of the best Caribbean destinations for island hopping, with multiple nearby islands accessible by ferry.

On both of my trips, I took the opportunity to explore surrounding islands. During my first visit, I took day trips to Anguilla and Saba. On my second, I embarked on a DIY island-hopping adventure between St. Kitts, Sint Eustatius, Saba, and St Martin.

The Makana Ferry connects St. Kitts with St Martin several times a week via Saba and Sint Eustatius. You can find the ferry timetable online.

 

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Saint Martin offers a perfect introduction to the Caribbean. The island is friendly, safe, culturally vibrant, and filled with excellent dining and accommodation options.

With its stunning turquoise waters, vibrant blend of French and Dutch cultures, world-class cuisine, and laid-back island charm, St Martin truly offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker in search of adventure or a luxury traveler looking to unwind, this bustling Caribbean gem delivers two breathtaking destinations for the price and convenience of one.

 

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