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The Beaches
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St. Martin / St. Maarten: The Beaches
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The island of St. Martin
offers you your choice of irresistible beaches. Some are lively with
beach-goers and plenty of action, while others provide a quiet escape
from the crowd.
Whichever type you prefer, and whether
you're there to relax or enjoy water sports, there's no doubt that
you'll want to spend hours enjoying the warm rays and cool waters.
The island's thirty-seven beaches range from short patches wedged between
rocky cliffs to seemingly endless stretches of velvety white sand.
Some are bordered by rows of rustling palms; others are surrounded by sea
grape trees with leaves resembling paper fans.
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Limestone cliffs overhang one narrow beach; a walk on a trail that winds
through a tropical forest reveals another. St. Maarten/St. Martin's shores
remain beautiful year-round; however, occasional tropical storms can alter
their appearance.
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Copyright ©
LukeTravels.com - Luke Handzlik - All Rights Reserved
Orient Beach on St. Martin
The following beaches are among the island's most popular. Should you decide to visit a
remote beach via taxi, remember to arrange a specified return time with your driver. Be
sure to take sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Cupecoy
This picture-postcard beach is lined with sandstone cliffs and caves. The surf is
sometimes strong, but the wind is blocked by the rocks. A clothing-optional area is on the
far end. How to get there: Just past the Ocean Club, turn left and park. Follow the path
down to the beach.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Dawn
Beach
The road to Dawn Beach is a challenge, but it's well worth the effort. Snorkelers consider
it the créme de la créme of undersea tropical beauty, and since the reefs are just
offshore, they're quite accessible. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear and
refreshments are available. How to get there: From Philipsburg, follow the road on the
northeast side of Salt Pond for about two miles and turn right. The road will ascend a
steep hill and then lead you down to the beach.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Guana Bay
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Here you'll find a sheltered beach in a
rugged, secluded setting. The Atlantic surf is heavy in this area,
however, so swimmers are urged to exercise caution. Teens enjoy riding the
waves on small surfboards, and a convenient beach bar makes it a great
place to spend the day.
Once you are there, you will enjoy a
fabulous view of St. Barth's in the distance, less than 15 miles away.
Guana Bay is a secluded beach, with only one restaurant/bar, which is
often closed. The area behind the beach is mostly residential.
How to get there: Take Sucker Garden Road to Guana Bay Road, turn right and drive
past the security gate. At the bottom of the hill, turn right and then left.
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St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Maho Bay
This small beach attracts a friendly crowd and is one of the most popular strands on the
island. Nestled between the Royal Islander Club Resort and the Sunset Beach Bar, Maho Bay
features sparkling white sands, craggy rocks and unusual entertainment: the beach borders
the airport's runway! Facilities are available at the Maho Beach Hotel and the
Caravanserai Hotel. How to get there: Follow the road past the airport the beach is at the
end of the runway.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Oyster
Pond
Many people consider this the best beach for bodysurfing because the waves roll up in
long, steady tubes. The surf is usually not heavy, though, and the sand is soft, white and
clean. How to get there: Same as the route to Dawn Beach.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Simpson
Bay
This long half-moon of sugar-white sand is one of the island's prettiest strands. How to
get there: Follow the airport road from Philipsburg. The beach will be on your left after
you cross the bridge.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Friar's
Bay Beach
This well-protected cove requires a short drive off the main road, but it's worth the
effort. Located at the inlet of Guichard Salt Pond, it is a photographer's favorite
because of the verdant setting. On any weekend, you'll find lots of local color at the two
beach bars, and volleyball games and family outings add to the excitement. How to get
there: From the main road between Marigot and Grand Case, take either of the two roads
leading west.
Photo
Copyright ©
LukeTravels.com - Luke Handzlik - All Rights Reserved
Philipsburg
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Grand
Case Beach
The waters on the northwest side of the island are usually calm, and this long
crescent-shaped beach, though narrow, is quiet and pristine. Terraces of Grand Case's
famous restaurants extend onto the beach, while some of the island's best snorkeling is at
Creole Rock, at the north end of the beach. How to get there: When the paved road through
Grand Case (from the north) turns to the right, take the dirt road that leads straight
ahead.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Long Bay
This is another of the island's great beaches, with long unbroken stretches of white sand
and thick foliage. There is considerable privacy here. How to get there: Take the road
past Cupecoy Beach, passing the border marker welcoming you to the French side of the
island. Make a left on the paved road, and turn right when you get to the entrance of La
Samanna Hotel. A dirt path leads to the beach.
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Orient
Beach
This is one of the most distinctive beaches on the island. A huge crescent of sand swings
around a turquoise cove, with low vegetation on one side and a terrific view of the sea on
the other. The bay is a designated underwater marine reserve whose coral reef provides
great snorkeling.
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Windsurfing is also a popular activity at clothing-optional Orient
Beach; in fact, this beach offers the island's greatest array of water sports. The stretch
has become home to numerous beach bars and restaurants, as well as stands selling
beachwear, jewelry and souvenirs. This beach has no natural shade, so
you'll have to rent an umbrella.
How to get there: Take the main road out of Grand Case
going toward the French Cul-de-Sac, and look for the turnoff labeled Baie Orientale. There
are several turn-offs with signs for restaurants and water-sports operators.
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St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Plum Bay
This small strip of sand is bordered on one side by a cliff and on the other by an
outstretched piece of land. The beach is quite secluded, and topless bathing is optional;
there are no facilities. How to get there: Follow the directions to Long Bay; Plum Bay is
a little over a mile to the north.
Photo
Copyright ©
LukeTravels.com - Luke Handzlik - All Rights Reserved
Marigot Area
St. Martin / St. Maarten Beaches: Baie
Rouge
Generally considered the most beautiful beach on the French side, Baie Rouge is an
expansive cove enhanced by rocks and foliage. The sand is clean and shimmering, and the
water is a breathtaking shade of turquoise.
You will often find makeshift
bars, some with barbecues, serving cool drinks and food. How to get there:
Continue past Plum Bay for about half a mile.
