Dutch side:
Cupecoy Beach
An unusual background of sandstone cliffs and caves paint an interesting scene for this beach. A clothing optional beach, this beach can have anywhere from a few hundred guests a day to only a hundred or less another because of the way the sand shifts on the beach. End your day right with a view of its famous sunset.
Burgeaux Bay
Want to get away from everyday life? This is the beach for you then. It never gets busy due to its few access paths. Because it avoids strong eastern winds, the water is rarely rough. The only obstacle can be a few random rocks in the water.
Dawn Beach
Hence its name, it's one of the primer spots to catch a sunrise. Because of its coral reef (located right off the shore), snorkeling is one of the best activities for this beach. However, this beach is not ideal for young children and for those who can't swim, the waves can be challenging.
Great Bay Beach
Being conveniently located near the harbor and its many attractions (bars, entertainment, shopping) are some of the few reasons to visit this beach. Front Street's newly renovated boardwalk is also a sight for sore eyes. While many come here to find bargains and lay out on the beach. To avoid crowds, check how many cruise ships are in port before you hit the stores. It's an excellent beach for those who are only going to be on the island for a short time (cruise ship passengers).
Guana Bay
Having surf fit for body boarders and surfing, this private, rugged beach is an attractive spot for adventurers. St. Barth's is located less than 15 miles away and can be seen from this beach. The beach is large and mostly deserted due to the rough roads leading you to the shore. Also, there are no bars, no amenities and no service on this beach. Guana Bay is a residential area, just a short drive from Philipsburg.
Kim Sha Beach
This beach has all of the amenities needed for a great day on the beach. From bars, lounge chairs, umbrellas to excursion boats and dive boats, this island is ideal for just about anyone. So whether you want to go parasailing or just relax on the beach, there is something for an array of interests.
Little Bay
To the west of Great Bay lies another perfect, white sand beach. Its calm water makes this beach ideal for young children and for those who can't swim. Accessible via the Divi Resort, Little Bay is a safe and sheltered, especially for young children. From its peninsula, enjoy divine views of Philipsburg and the islands of Statia, St. Kitts and Saba. Snorkelers and divers will also love the beach's shipwrecks and aquatic life. Restaurants are located on this beach as well.
Maho Beach
Watch the big planes land and take off at the beach, situated at the food of Juliana Airport 's runway. It's home to the famous Sunset Beach Bar, where there's a fun happy hour with live music every evening.
Mullet Bay
As one of the most popular beaches on the island, this is a beach with it all. Calm waters, snorkeling, beach chair and umbrella rentals are only a few of the reasons why this beach is so popular. Beach volleyball is the sport of choice with volleyball players battling it out daily.
Pelican Key
Known for its clear waters, this beach is popular spot for beach strollers, water sports and snorkeling.
Point Blanche
Though it is called a beach, there is no real beach to speak of. Though not much swimming is possible, this beach contains a great view, which is what attracts most visitors.
Simpson Bay
With its only draw back being a little airplane noise; this beach can also showcase the spectacular plane landings at Juliana Airport . The beach is quiet and has calm waters. Access to the beach is from Mary's Boon Beach Plantation and off Airport Road . Kayaks can be rented at Tri-Sport next to Simpson Bay Bridge. |
French side:
Anse Marcel:
Take your camera for the ride to this beach is through St. Maarten's magnificent mountains. But be prepared to walk 5 minutes from the beach parking lot. The shallow water offers an ideal place for young children and families. The beach rests in the harbor Marina Port de Lonvilliers, which offers fine dining, shopping, hotels, restaurants and more.
Baie Rouge/Bay Rouge/Rouge Bay
Located in the French Lowlands, this beautiful beach possesses an adventurer's dream. Swim along the point, and you'll find a private beach and cave you can swim through. Climb over some rocks to view Devil's Hole, a steep hole in the center of other flooded cliffs. Near the entrance of the beach, beach goers still wear their suits while traveling farther west, people are more inclined consider the beach clothing optional. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, food and drinks are available everyday.
Friar's Bay
Hidden down a bumpy road, Friar's Bay Beach is nestled near neighboring island Anguilla . Its calm water makes this beach an excellent choice for children or for those who would rather wade in water. Beach chairs, umbrellas and food are available on the beach. Not many frequent this beach, especially on weekdays. Yet since it is located on the west side of the island, it is an excellent spot for sunsets.
Grand Case/Baie de Grand Case:
With breathtaking views of Anguilla and Créole Rock, this beach is the perfect place for a stroll along the sun-kissed ocean, dining at restaurants which provide panoramic view of the Bay of Grand Case or simply relaxing by or in the refreshing water. Grand Case is better known for its cuisine rather than its water though. Some call the dining on the beach "The Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean ." After sampling the fine dining, snorkeling, water sports and ride the semi-submarine "Seaworld Explorer" for an amazing view of the ocean floor.
Happy Bay:
This beach is somewhat unknown and undiscovered due to its inaccessibility. Magnificent palm trees cool you after the 10-15 minute walk to this location, but the scenery is well-worth the trip. The fine, sandy white beach is mostly deserted and is a great place for romantics.
Le Gallion/Baie L'Embourchure
This sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay sits between Orient Beach and Oyster Pond. An outer reef creates a nice wave for surfers and shelters the bay, creating great conditions for beginning wind surfers. When the winds pick up, kite surfers and wind surfers fly across the skies and waves. The shallow waters are perfect for children, making it a great family beach too.
Long/Bay/Baie Longe
As one of St. Maarten's longest beaches, this beach stretches over a mile along the southern part of the French Terrest Basses/French Lowlands. There are no amenities or water sports on this beach, only the exclusive 5-star La Samana Resort and private luxury villas, which makes this beach intimate and relaxed.
Nettle Bay/Baie Nettle
It has been long since this long and flat shore was brought life. Nearly 20 years ago, this beach was undeveloped but has since emerged into a commercial area with restaurants, hotels and bars along its coast. Now, it has an active atmosphere with wake boarding, water skiing and kite surfing being its sports of choice.
Orient Beach
Known for being the longest and most popular beach on St. Maarten, this beach offers water sports, numerous beach bars and shops. It is also the home to the island's only naturist resort Club Orient, which is open to the public.
Petities Cayes:
The only way to this beach is by boat or by a 20-minute walk along the coast, which is why this beach is secluded. Romantics come to this island by jet ski to relax and dine at this nearly untouched piece of paradise.
Plum Bay/Baie aux Prunes
It is said to be one of the most beautiful and romantic beaches on the island, but to find out, you'll have to see it for yourself. There are a few rocks and coral is just off the coast so watch out when wading in the water. Going topless is common on this beach. And bring whatever you'll need for your stay on this beach, there are no amenities.
Oyster Pond
On the boarder, this harbor cradles beach goers against the rough Atlantic Ocean waves. Home to sailboat and charters, the marina has a few restaurants and a few popular bars. The marina's scenery is postcard-like among the world's most amazing tropic foliage.
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