10 Best Beaches in St. Maarten/St. Martin

Saint Martin has it all: immaculate beaches, French, Caribbean and fusion cuisine, designer shopping, history, and plenty of nightlife. The island features 37 distinct beaches and secluded coves on its 37 square miles of land, so you can walk from one beach to another, experiencing something new each time. But get ready for some serious time away from metropolitan life—it's way out towards the Atlantic, located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea together with the Dutch constituent country Sint Maarten.

From world-famous plane-watching spots to secluded pink-sand paradises, here are ten of the best beaches you must visit on your trip to Saint Martin.

There aren't many places in the world where a jet passes as close over your head as on Maho Bay Beach—touchdown is about 40 to 100 yards behind the beach. The beach's close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport's runway is a big reason for its attraction and subsequent amazing YouTube clips. Planes fly so closely over the beach that you feel hot air from the propellers and sand blowing around.

Once you've had your fill of planes and sunshine, munch on an appropriately named "Lay Over Pizza" at the Sunset Beach Bar—it has an airplane-themed menu and even features a schedule of arriving and departing airplanes!

This two-mile-long stretch of sand on the northeastern side of St. Martin is known as the "Saint Tropez of the Caribbean". Its celebrity sightings and beautiful views make it a beach with something for everyone.

Orient Bay Beach has a gradual slope perfect for wading in the water and its reef protects the cove from the harsh Atlantic surf. In addition to amazing snorkeling on the protected reef, you can book jetskiing, sailing and paragliding adventures. The beach has recovered beautifully since Hurricane Irma, with vibrant beach clubs and water sports operators back in full swing.

The center of the beach offers a hotspot of bars and restaurants. Relax and sip a mudslide at the clothing optional Perch Bar & Grill or head over to Alamanda Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and pool parties! The north part of the island offers less crowds and more serenity. The main attraction is the nudist beach for naturist travelers, with Club Orient (a nudist club) right around the corner.

If you're an early riser, Dawn Beach on the eastern coast of Sint Maarten is your paradise. True to its name, this beach offers some of the island's most spectacular sunrises—imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun paints the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks over the Atlantic.

The beach itself is a crescent of powdery white sand with calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for families with young children. The snorkeling here is exceptional, especially around the rocks on the southern end where you'll spot colorful tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle. After a morning in the water, grab lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants like Buccaneer Beach Bar, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with your toes in the sand.

Dawn Beach strikes that perfect balance between amenities and natural beauty—it's well-maintained with beach chair rentals and water sports available, but never feels overcrowded or commercialized.

Baie Rouge is where you go when you want to feel like you've stumbled upon a secret Caribbean hideaway. This stunning beach on the French side gets its name from the reddish tint of its sand, created by crushed coral and shells mixed with the white sand. The result is a gorgeous pink-hued shoreline.

The beach is framed by dramatic red cliffs on one end and offers calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There's a casual beach bar serving cold drinks and light bites, but Baie Rouge maintains a laid-back, unspoiled vibe that keeps visitors coming back. The southern end of the beach is clothing-optional, so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.

On clear days, you can see the neighboring island of Anguilla on the horizon. The sunset views here are legendary—stick around in the late afternoon and you'll understand why locals consider this one of the island's most romantic beaches.

For those who prefer a quieter vacation, consider the serenity of Mullet Bay Beach on the island's southern side. Mullet Bay is known for its soft sand and remarkably clear blue and calm waters, although it has strong rip currents at times. There are fewer facilities here than at the bustling Orient Bay Beach, but the nearby Sapphire Beach Club Resort offers comfortable suites and villas after a long day in the sun! Also consider the award-winning boutique hotel Azure Hotels & Art Studio a mile away, which houses its very own Organic Food restaurant.

On the left side of the beach, you'll find a few "Lolo's" (snack bars) for food and drinks and the many shaded areas offer a perfect spot for cover or a nice picnic. There's also volleyball, live music and parties over the weekend.

Mullet Bay Beach offers some of St. Martin's most unforgettable sunsets. On a clear day, you can even see the nearby island of Saba.

Baie Longue lives up to its name with nearly two miles of pristine, powdery white sand stretching along the western coast. This beach is the definition of Caribbean luxury—it's home to the famous La Samanna resort, where A-listers and honeymooners come to escape the crowds.

What makes Baie Longue special is its unspoiled beauty. There are no jet skis, no beach vendors, no loud music—just you, the gentle waves, and that impossibly blue water. The beach is perfect for long walks, especially at sunset when the sky explodes in shades of pink and orange. The swimming is excellent, with calm waters most of the year, though the surf can pick up during winter months.

Pack a picnic and claim a spot under one of the sea grape trees for natural shade, or splurge on lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. Either way, Baie Longue offers a taste of the high life without the high attitude.

Situated in the "gastronomic capital of the Caribbean," Grand Case Beach is where foodies and beach lovers unite. This mile-long stretch of golden sand runs right through the charming village of Grand Case, putting you within steps of some of the island's best restaurants.

The beach itself is calm and family-friendly, with shallow waters that make it perfect for young children. Local fishermen still pull their colorful boats up on the sand, adding authentic Caribbean charm to your beach day. You'll find beach chair and umbrella rentals, and the snorkeling on the reef at the northern end is surprisingly good.

But the real draw here is the food scene. When you've had enough sun, wander into town for lunch at one of the many French bistros, Creole restaurants, or casual "Lolos" serving local specialties like ribs, fresh fish, and johnnycakes. Spend the day alternating between the beach and the restaurants, and you'll understand why Grand Case has such a devoted following.

As you travel the island, don't forget to visit Guana Bay Beach on Dutch Sint Maarten near the town of Philipsburg. Guana Bay is a secluded, wide bay that is so quiet that a few visitors wandering along the beach would constitute a busy day. The surf gets a bit stronger on windy days, as the beach faces the Atlantic, making it perfect for bodyboarding and surfing. Like to snorkel? Gorgeous rocks and numerous reefs line the beach, making for a great underwater experience.

For those who love to stay away from the currents, the natural pools are a delight. This beach is so secluded that there are no bars or Lolo's around, so be sure to bring your own provisions like a beach umbrella and cooler.

Don't let the short hike fool you—Happy Bay Beach is worth every step. This secluded gem on the French side requires a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area, which means you'll share the pristine white sand with far fewer people than at the more accessible beaches.

The reward for your mini-trek is one of the island's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Happy Bay is a horseshoe-shaped cove with calm, crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is completely undeveloped—no restaurants, no shops, no umbrellas for rent—just pure, natural Caribbean beauty. Many visitors consider this the island's most photogenic beach, and it's easy to see why.

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen since there are no facilities. The beach is clothing-optional, particularly on the far left side. Arrive early for the best experience, as word has gotten out about this little slice of paradise.

Hidden somewhere between Galisbay and Friar's Bay on the northwest coast of French St. Martin is the elusive, rocky Lover's Beach. It's difficult to find, but the privacy makes it worth it. Sometimes the tide gets so high that the beach gets completely covered, so be sure to check the surf and tides before setting out.

The beach itself has no facilities, but the area around Lover's Beach offers amenities and fun. For those interested in St. Martin's rich colonial history, there is the Musée de Saint-Martin nearby, with numerous Arawak and European relics and some of the oldest clay figurines discovered in the Antilles. Or if you like more of an up-close-and-personal approach to history, consider visiting the area's local landmarks, like the historic Durat Bridge just a mile away. If you wander a bit further, you can also see the historical Fort Louis and Spring Sugar Mill—it produced rum and sugar in the early 1900s.

Don't forget to pay a visit to the O Plongeoir Restaurant about a mile away from the beach for Asian, Creole and French cuisine—and don't worry about the dress code, it's casual!