Saint Martin Beaches |

Choose Your Coast

Saint Martin and Sint Maarten share one small Caribbean island, yet each side has its own character. The French north is known for peaceful coves, stylish beach restaurants and a laid-back feel, while the Dutch south offers lively resorts, watersports and plenty of choice for an easy beach holiday.

Wherever you stay, you are never far from warm sand and bright blue sea. The island’s compact size makes it simple to explore several beaches in one day, so you can enjoy a quiet morning swim, a long lunch by the water and a sunset stroll without spending hours travelling.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Beaches, Orient Bay Beach in Saint Martin with sun loungers, windsurfing, turquoise water and hills in the background

Relax at Orient Bay

Orient Bay is one of the island’s best-known beaches and a popular choice for a classic Caribbean holiday. Its broad sweep of sand gives you room to find your ideal spot, whether that means hiring a sun lounger, trying a watersport or simply settling down with a good book.

The water is usually inviting and there are restaurants and beach bars close by, making the day wonderfully easy. Families can enjoy the open beach and gentle swimming conditions, while couples may prefer a leisurely lunch followed by a walk along the shore as the light softens.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Beaches, Maho Beach in Sint Maarten with visitors watching a passenger aeroplane flying low over the beach, tropical sea and sunny sky

See Maho Beach

For something more energetic, head to Maho Beach on the Dutch side. This small but famous beach sits beside the airport runway, and watching aircraft pass low overhead has become one of Sint Maarten’s most memorable experiences.

It is an exciting place for a short visit, especially if you enjoy photography or want to add something unusual to your beach holiday. Nearby bars and restaurants make it easy to combine the spectacle with a cool drink, although the waves and occasional strong currents mean you should take local safety advice before swimming.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Beaches, A quiet secluded Caribbean cove on Saint Martin with calm clear water, rocky headland, green vegetation and a couple relaxing on the sand

Find a Quiet Cove

If your idea of a perfect beach is a little more private, explore coves such as Anse Marcel, Friar’s Bay or Happy Bay. These beaches feel more secluded and are ideal for slowing down, swimming in clear water and enjoying the island’s natural scenery away from the busier resort areas.

Some quieter beaches have limited facilities, so take water, sun protection and anything else you may need for the afternoon. That small amount of planning is well worth it when you are sitting beside the sea with only the sound of the waves and the breeze through the palms.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Beaches, A colourful seaside restaurant on Saint Martin serving fresh seafood beside a sandy Caribbean beach at sunset

Enjoy Island Flavours

A beach holiday here is not only about sunbathing. Saint Martin is famous for its food, with French-inspired cooking in the north and a lively mix of Caribbean flavours in the south. Fresh seafood, grilled specialities and local rum cocktails are easy to find, often with a view across the water.

Choose a casual beach bar for lunch in flip-flops, then dress up slightly for an evening meal overlooking the bay. With warm weather, friendly service and beaches close at hand, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten make it easy to enjoy a relaxed Caribbean escape at your own pace.