Best Beaches in St Maarten / St Martin: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

By Kerry Biddle on 28th April, 2026

The Caribbean island of St. Maarten / St. Martin is home to 37 stunning beaches, each offering something unique—from lively beach bars and water sports to secluded coves and untouched natural beauty.

What makes this destination truly special is its dual identity. The island is divided into two distinct sides: the Dutch side, St. Maarten, known for its vibrant atmosphere and resort lifestyle, and the French side, St. Martin, celebrated for its relaxed charm and natural elegance.

Whether you’re chasing adventure or tranquility, this guide to the best beaches in St. Maarten and St. Martin will help you find your perfect stretch of sand.

Best Beaches in St. Maarten (Dutch Side)

The Dutch side of the island is known for its lively beach scene, easy access to amenities, and a mix of social hotspots and scenic stretches of sand. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, dining, and entertainment.

Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg

Great Bay Beach stretches along the bustling boardwalk of Philipsburg, making it one of the most accessible beaches in St. Maarten. The calm Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming, while the lively promenade creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.

Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, the boardwalk allows visitors to move seamlessly between beach time and exploring the town. With cruise ships often anchored offshore, it’s also a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the island’s energy.

Kim Sha Beach, Simpson Bay

Kim Sha Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike thanks to its relaxed, social atmosphere. Located in Simpson Bay, it offers calm waters and soft sand, making it ideal for a laid-back afternoon by the sea.

As the day progresses, the beach becomes one of the island’s best sunset spots. Beach bars and restaurants create a lively but welcoming vibe, particularly on weekends and Friday evenings.

Simpson Bay Beach

Simpson Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in St. Maarten, offering plenty of space to escape the crowds. Stretching alongside the airport runway, it provides a unique setting while maintaining a peaceful, uncrowded feel.

Its length makes it perfect for long walks or jogging, and there are a few well-placed beach bars where you can stop for refreshments without disrupting the tranquility.

Maho Beach

Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, located at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s best known for the dramatic sight of planes flying low overhead as they land.

Although relatively small, the beach is always buzzing with visitors eager to capture the experience. Nearby bars and restaurants display flight schedules, allowing you to time your visit perfectly. It’s a unique combination of beach relaxation and aviation spectacle.

Mullet Bay Beach

Mullet Bay is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Maarten. Its wide stretch of white sand and clear turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

When the swell increases, it also becomes a popular spot for surfers. Despite its popularity, the beach is spacious enough to find a quieter area, making it a great all-around option.

Dawn Beach

Located near Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach offers a more peaceful setting with beautiful ocean views. Facing the Atlantic, it’s known for its refreshing breezes and is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunrise.

The clear waters make it a good spot for snorkeling, while nearby resorts provide convenient access to food, drinks, and water sports.

Guana Bay

Guana Bay offers a more rugged and natural beach experience. With stronger waves and fewer facilities, it’s less suited to casual swimming but popular with bodyboarders and those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path location.

Its undeveloped setting makes it ideal for visitors looking to experience the island’s raw beauty.

Cupecoy Beach

Cupecoy Beach is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and a series of smaller coves. Its west-facing location makes it one of the best places in St. Maarten to watch the sunset.

The atmosphere here is quieter and more intimate, although conditions can become rough when the swell is strong. It’s particularly popular with couples and photographers.

Best Beaches in St. Martin (French Side)

The French side of the island offers a more relaxed and refined beach experience. Known for its natural beauty and culinary scene, it’s perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and scenic surroundings.

Orient Bay

Orient Bay is one of the most popular beaches in St. Martin and is often compared to the French Riviera for its lively yet stylish atmosphere. Located on the Atlantic side, it’s ideal for water sports such as kiteboarding and parasailing.

The long stretch of sand is lined with beach clubs and restaurants, creating a vibrant environment. It also features a well-known clothing-optional section at its southern end.

Grand Case Beach

Grand Case Beach offers calm waters and a relaxed setting alongside one of the island’s most famous culinary destinations. The village of Grand Case is known for its gourmet restaurants and traditional beachfront eateries.

This makes it the perfect place to combine a day at the beach with an exceptional dining experience.

Anse Marcel

Anse Marcel is a more secluded beach located on the northern coast. Sheltered and calm, it’s ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

Surrounded by hills and upscale developments, it has a more exclusive feel. A small marina and nearby restaurants provide everything needed for a comfortable and peaceful day.

Pinel Island

Pinel Island is a short ferry ride from Cul-de-Sac and offers a laid-back escape with shallow, clear waters ideal for snorkeling.

The island’s relaxed atmosphere and beachside restaurants make it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the natural surroundings.

Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre is part of a protected marine reserve and offers a completely unspoiled beach experience. Known for its white sand and clear waters, it’s popular for snorkeling and exploring.

There are no facilities on the island, so visitors should come prepared with food and water.

Le Galion (Baby Beach)

Le Galion is one of the calmest beaches on the island, thanks to a protective reef. Its shallow waters make it ideal for families and beginners learning water sports.

The relaxed environment and safe swimming conditions make it a popular choice for a stress-free beach day.

Baie Rouge

Baie Rouge is known for its distinctive reddish sand and scenic surroundings. It offers a quieter alternative to more popular beaches, with plenty of space to relax.

Rock formations and natural features make it a favorite for photography, while a small beach café provides refreshments.

Nettle Bay

Nettle Bay offers a unique experience, with the lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The lagoon side is calm and peaceful, while the ocean side is more natural and less developed.

This contrast makes it a versatile option for different types of beachgoers.

Friar’s Bay

Friar’s Bay is a sheltered beach with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Beach bars provide food and drinks throughout the day, making it easy to settle in for a few hours.

It’s also known for its Full Moon parties, which bring a livelier energy to the area in the evenings.

Grand Cayes

Grand Cayes is a quieter, less developed beach that’s ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. With shallow waters and good snorkeling conditions, it’s perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.

As there are no facilities, visitors should plan ahead.

St. Maarten vs. St. Martin Beaches: Which Is Better?

The answer depends on your travel style.

St. Maarten (Dutch side) is best for lively beaches, beach bars, and easy access to restaurants and entertainment.
St. Martin (French side) offers quieter, more scenic beaches with a focus on nature and dining.

Most visitors choose to explore both sides to experience the full diversity of the island.

Final Thoughts

St. Maarten / St. Martin offers one of the most diverse beach experiences in the Caribbean. From lively, social hotspots to untouched natural escapes, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re relaxing on Mullet Bay, watching planes land at Maho Beach, or discovering hidden gems like Tintamarre, these beaches are what make the island truly unforgettable.