Beaches are not created equal, and the beaches on the island of St Martin prove it. With its unique mix of French and Dutch influences, vibrant culture, gourmet cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, St Martin is a hidden Caribbean treasure.
From marveling at a plane’s shadow at Maho Beach to finding zen at Mullet Bay, exploring the secrets of Pinel Island, or reveling in the family-friendly energy of Simpson Bay… Here’s your ultimate guide to the best beaches in St. Martin. Ready to leave your footprints on these stunning shores? Let’s dive in!
Which side of Saint Maarten has the best beaches?
St. Maarten/St. Martin is unique as it’s divided into two nations—the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin)—and both sides boast stunning St Martin beaches. The “better” beaches depend on what you’re looking for.
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)
Best for: lively vibes and adventure.
The Dutch side is known for its vibrant, activity-filled beaches. If you’re looking for buzzing beach bars, water sports, and unique attractions like planes flying overhead at Maho Beach, this side is your perfect spot.
French Side (Saint Martin)
Best for: tranquility and nature.
The French side offers a more laid-back and sophisticated beach experience, often with quieter coves, calm waters, chic restaurants, and a European flair. Think tranquil beaches, perfect spots for families, and pristine white sand for a leisurely float.
Maho Beach — the famous St Maarten island SXM airport beach
If your idea of fun includes a rush of adrenaline paired with stunning seaside views, Maho Beach is your ultimate destination. Located at the very end of Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway, this spot is one of the quirkiest beaches in Saint Martin and even the Caribbean, where low-flying planes create unforgettable thrills just above the waves.
Picture this: as you bask on the soft sands or dip your toes into the crystal-clear sea, a plane soars mere feet above your head. For avgeeks, this is the holy grail of plane spotting, offering up-close views of aircraft taking off and landing—including Air Transat planes.
But it’s not just about the planes. The beach itself is a gem, with vibrant beach bars serving refreshing cocktails and Creole fare, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and live music.
Mullet Bay Beach
A short drive from Maho Beach, Mullet Bay Beach is a Caribbean dream on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. This crescent of powdery white sand, bordered by lush palm tree vegetation and intense turquoise waters, is postcard-perfect.
Book a beach chair or set up a beach umbrella, and let the laid-back vibe take over. On calm water days, snorkelers can mingle with the tropical fish, while occasional stronger waves attract surfers. Beachside shacks serve freshly grilled seafood, adding to the lively yet tranquil atmosphere.
Whether swimming, relaxing, or savoring island flavors, Mullet Bay is easily one of the best beaches on the island.
Pinel Island
For a more off-the-beaten-path St Martin adventure, Pinel Island offers a secluded paradise accessible only by boat (shuttles run every half hour), kayak, or paddleboard. Just a short ride from Cul de Sac, this tiny islet is part of a Nature Reserve making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the unspoiled beauty of St. Martin beaches.
Once on the island, you’re greeted by sheltered shores and shallow, calm waters that are ideal for swimming with kids, snorkeling and exploring the sea floor coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life, or simply a leisurely float. The main beach features a grand total of two cozy restaurants serving up delicious fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
And with just a 10-minute walk you’ll get to the quieter side of the island, which offers hiking trails, some of the wildest stony beaches of Saint Martin, shy hermit crabs, and hidden coves for explorers.
Orient Bay Beach
Known as the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean,” Orient Bay Beach is where chic style meets tropical bliss. Located on the French side, this is one of the best St Martin beaches for those seeking a lively and upscale experience.
The 1.2-mile-long stretch of white sand is lined with a quaint village made up of multicolored creole houses, and beach clubs renting comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas. You can sip on a cold drink while gazing at the sparkling Atlantic Ocean or indulge in fantastic upscale Caribbean cuisine served right on the beach.
The Atlantic-facing winds makes Orient Bay a great destination for water sports, including windsurfing and parasailing.
Cupecoy Beach — one of the best beach in Saint Martin
Cupecoy Beach is a legendary sunset spot where the cliffs are bathed in golden light. Its tranquil charm comes from a series of cosy, cave-like bays and coves nestled in dramatic limestone formations, offering privacy and beauty in equal measure. You can enjoy them either from the sea below or from the path above.
And for those who prefer a freer beach experience, Cupecoy is known to welcome visitors who prefer to skip the swimwear.
Simpson Bay Beach
As one of the longest and most dynamic beaches on the island, Simpson Bay Beach is where endless adventure meets tranquil escape. Nestled right along the airport tarmac, it offers a unique spectacle of arriving planes, blending human marvels with the island’s natural beauty.
Stretching for over a mile, its soft golden-white sands invite you to explore. Venture west, and the energy shifts—crowds thin, the sounds fade, and a serene calm takes over, offering the perfect warm sun retreat with an unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea.
Thrill-seekers can dive into water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling, while families with young children will love the gentle waves and wide, open spaces for swimming and sandcastle-building. As the day winds down, beautiful sunsets steal the show, casting the sea in fiery oranges and purples—a mesmerizing finale that captures the heart of Simpson Bay Beach.
