French-Side Beaches











Baie Longue is one of the longest beaches on the island, stretching for nearly
two kilometers. Bordered by the luxury La Samanna hotel, it offers breathtaking
views of the Caribbean Sea. The sand is fine and golden, and the water crystal
clear. It’s a favorite spot for romantic sunset strolls. The beach is generally
calm, ideal for relaxation.
Located in the Terres Basses
region, Baie aux Prunes is a
tranquil beach, popular with
locals and surfers. Its golden sand
and turquoise waters make it
ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
Less crowded, it offers a peaceful
atmosphere. Surrounded by
private villas, it boasts an exclusive
character. It’s a perfect spot for
those seeking tranquility.
for relaxation
Renowned for its slightly reddish sand, Baie Rouge is a picturesque beach also
located within the Terres Basses area. Its clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming
and snorkeling. The beach is accessible via a small footpath, making it less crowded.
Rock formations at either end add to the natural charm of the place. It’s an ideal
spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
Nestled between Nettle Bay and Pointe du Bluff, this small, tranquil beach faces
Marigot Bay. It’s relatively unknown to tourists, making it an ideal spot for relaxing
in complete privacy. Its golden sand and calm waters make it a great place for
swimming. The lack of infrastructure adds to its wild charm. It’s also an excellent
vantage point for watching the sunset
Located near Marigot, Nettle Bay is lined with tourist residences. Nettle Bay
is unique because on one side it overlooks the Caribbean Sea, with a sandy
beach offering magnificent views of Anguilla, and on the other side it borders
the Simpson Bay lagoon, with calm waters often used for water sports such as
paddleboarding or kayaking.
Grand Ilet is a small, unspoiled island located east of the Bay of the Mouth, facing
the Atlantic coast of Saint Martin. Accessible only by boat or kayak, it is sparsely
populated and offers a truly natural atmosphere. Its beaches are small, often
bordered by rocks, but the area is popular for snorkeling and seabird watching. The
lack of infrastructure reinforces the island’s pristine character. It’s an ideal getaway
for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Located just minutes from downtown Marigot, Galisbay Beach backs onto the port
area. Despite its proximity to the harbor, it maintains a tranquil atmosphere, offering
beautiful views of Marigot Bay and the island of Anguilla. Its light gray sand and calm
waters make it a great place to relax during the week. It’s rarely crowded, making it
a secluded beach for locals. While not the most touristy beach, it possesses a simple
and authentic charm.
Lovers’ Beach is the smallest beach on the island, nestled among the rocks.
It is accessible only by boat or via a challenging hike. Its seclusion makes it a
perfect spot for couples seeking privacy. The sand is fine, and the water crystal
clear. It’s a true hidden gem for a romantic getaway
Friar’s Bay is a family-friendly beach located
between Marigot and Grand Case. It offers calm
waters, ideal for swimming. Beach restaurants
serve local cuisine and refreshing drinks. The
beach is also the starting point for a short hike to
the secluded Happy Bay beach. It’s a welcoming
place to spend a day with family or friends.
Accessible only on foot from Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay is a secluded and unspoiled
beach. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it offers a peaceful atmosphere. The sand is
fine, and the water clear, perfect for swimming. It’s a popular spot for those seeking
tranquility and nature. Occasionally, musical events are held there, adding a festive
touch.
Grand Case Bay refers to the long, curved stretch of sand that borders
the village of Grand Case on the northwest coast of Saint Martin, on the
French side. This long beach borders the charming village of Grand Case,
renowned for its Creole and French cuisine. The sand is fine, the water clear,
and the atmosphere both local and welcoming. The bay is sheltered, ideal
for swimming and snorkeling. From the beach, there is a beautiful view of the
island of Anguilla. At the end of the day, the atmosphere becomes festive,
with restaurants and lively «lolos» (local eateries) along the waterfront.
Extending north from Grand Case Bay, Petite Plage offers calm, shallow waters, ideal
for swimming. It is bordered by rock formations, perfect for snorkeling. The beach is
less crowded, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Restaurants and shops are located
nearby. It’s a charming spot for a relaxing day out
Nestled in a secluded bay in the north of the island, Anse Marcel offers a peaceful
and sheltered setting. Surrounded by verdant hills, this beach is ideal for families
thanks to its calm, shallow waters. Hotels and a marina are located nearby, offering
upscale amenities. Access is via a winding road, adding to the secluded charm of
the location. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle.
Located at the northern tip of the island, Petites Cayes is a wild beach accessible
only by hiking. Surrounded by cliffs and dense vegetation, it offers an unspoiled
natural setting. The sand is white, and the turquoise water is ideal for snorkeling.
The beach is rarely crowded, guaranteeing absolute tranquility. It’s a true haven of
peace for nature lovers.
Near Cul-de-Sac, Grandes Cayes is a tranquil
beach bordered by a mangrove. It’s ideal for family
picnics and walks. The beach is also a starting point
for kayak excursions to Pinel Island. The waters are
calm, perfect for swimming. It’s a popular spot with
locals for its serenity.
Accessible only by boat, this uninhabited island is a natural gem off the east coast of
Saint Martin. Its main beach is wild, fringed with golden sand and shallow turquoise
waters. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, with the occasional chance to spot turtles.
The atmosphere is peaceful, perfect for escaping the tourist crowds. There are also a
few historical remains of a former airfield.
Pinel Island is a small, uninhabited island
located northeast of Saint Martin, accessible
by boat from Cul-de-Sac. It offers several
white sand beaches, ideal for swimming
and snorkeling. Beach restaurants serve
local specialties. Hiking trails allow visitors to
discover the island’s flora and fauna. It’s a
popular destination for a day trip.
Nicknamed the «Saint-Tropez of
the Caribbean,» Orient Bay is
one of Saint Martin’s most vibrant
beaches. It stretches along a
wide strip of white sand, lined with
colorful restaurants, bars, and
boutiques. The beach is popular for
water sports such as kitesurfing, jet
skiing, and windsurfing. A section
of the beach is also designated
for naturism. It’s an ideal spot for
those seeking both relaxation and
entertainment
Located a few hundred meters from Orient Bay, Caye Verte is a wild and
protected islet, accessible by kayak or paddleboard from the beach. It is
surrounded by a coral reef rich in biodiversity, offering an excellent snorkeling
spot for observing tropical fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles. Landing
is permitted only on the west beach, outside the strictly protected nature
reserve area. Anchoring is tolerated during the day on sandy bottoms, but
prohibited at night, and is not recommended in case of a northerly swell. It is a
peaceful destination, ideal for a nature getaway, far from the tourist crowds
Galion is a family-friendly beach located on the east coast of Saint Martin, protected
by a coral reef. Its shallow, calm waters make it ideal for children, paddleboarding,
and kayaking. Once bustling with activity, it now retains a more natural feel, with
few or no facilities. It’s also a great spot for observing the marine life close to the
shore. The natural setting, nestled between mangroves and coconut palms, lends it a
soothing charm.
Just north of Galion, Baie de l’Embouchure is a vast open space popular
for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The wind is more
consistent here, and access to the sea is more direct, attracting a
different clientele than Galion. The area is part of the Nature Reserve
and is also home to diverse wildlife, particularly in its mangroves. It’s not
a typical swimming beach, but rather a dynamic spot for watersports
enthusiasts. The view is magnificent, with the islet of Caye Verte as a
backdrop
Located in Oyster Pond, Lucas Bay is a peaceful beach, ideal for snorkeling thanks
to its clear waters and coral reefs. It is surrounded by verdant hills, offering a
picturesque setting. The beach is less crowded, guaranteeing a tranquil atmosphere.
Accommodation and restaurants are located nearby. It’s a perfect place for a
relaxing day out
Dutch-Side Beaches
Dawn Beach is a white sand beach located on the east side of the island, known
for its magnificent sunrises. The water is clear, but sometimes choppy, which attracts
experienced snorkelers. It is less crowded, offering a peaceful setting. Hotels and villas
overlook the beach. It’s a good spot for those who want a quiet moment at dawn.
Guana Bay, a windswept beach on the east coast, is wild and uncrowded. Popular
with surfers but less suitable for swimming, it offers a spectacular natural setting with
views of Saint Barthélemy. Lacking amenities, it appeals to those seeking solitude and
unspoiled nature.
Neighboring Guana Bay, Geneva Bay is even wilder and accessible only on foot. It’s
known for its natural pool formed among the rocks, where you can swim. The place
is remote, perfect for adventurers. There are no tourist facilities. It’s a well-kept secret
among locals and hikers.
This beach is located on the edge of Philipsburg, the Dutch capital. Very
popular on cruise ship days, it’s bordered by a shopping promenade. The
sand is soft and the water calm, ideal for a quick dip between shopping trips.
You’ll find numerous restaurants and bars there. It’s a city beach, perfect for
combining shopping and relaxation.
Located near Philipsburg, Little Bay
is a sheltered beach nestled in a
bay, making it perfect for swimming
and snorkeling. The waters are
calm, and an artificial reef attracts
abundant marine life. It’s lined with
hotels, including the Divi Little Bay
Resort. The setting is ideal for families
or for a relaxing day out. You might
even spot some vintage underwater
cannons while snorkeling
Nestled between Philipsburg and Cole Bay, Cay Bay, also known as Indigo
Bay, is a secluded and uncrowded beach offering a pristine natural setting.
Access is via a private road through a residential area, but the beach itself
remains freely accessible to visitors. Its calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal
for swimming and snorkeling, with a rich marine life to discover. Surrounded
by verdant hills, the beach also offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, and
horseback riding. It’s the perfect place to relax in complete tranquility, far
from the tourist crowds.
Pelican Key is a residential area with
small, often narrow but very peaceful
public beaches. Perfect for snorkeling or
relaxing, they can sometimes be difficult
to find. An ideal option for getting away
from the larger tourist beaches.
Nearly 2 kilometers long, Simpson Bay is one
of the island’s largest beaches. Despite its
proximity to the airport and hotel zones, it
remains peaceful. Its fine sand and shallow
waters offer pleasant swimming, with a few
seaside restaurants. Popular with walkers
and those seeking tranquility.
A rocky beach located near Maho, perfect for sunsets and walks. Swimming is
possible but not recommended due to the waves. It is popular with locals for its
unspoiled character. Uncrowded, it offers a truly peaceful experience. It is also
a spot for occasional fishing.
Maho Beach is world-renowned for its
proximity to Princess Juliana Airport. Planes
fly just meters above beachgoers during
landing, creating a unique spectacle.
The beach boasts white sand with sparse
vegetation due to jet blast erosion. Bars
and restaurants, such as the famous Sunset
Bar and Grill, line the beach. It’s a must-see
for aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seeking
tourists.
Famous for its white sand and turquoise waters, Mullet Bay is one of Saint Martin’s
iconic beaches. Lined with palm trees and boasting generally calm seas, it offers a
picture-perfect setting and a friendly atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors
alike, it’s a place to swim, sunbathe, sip a cocktail, or enjoy the sunset. Balancing
lively activity with tranquility, Mullet Bay embodies the spirit of Saint Martin: authentic
and welcoming
Cupecoy is a series of small coves nestled
between golden sandstone cliffs, offering
a spectacular setting. The turquoise water
can be choppy depending on the season.
Prized for its secluded atmosphere, some
areas attract naturists. The sunsets are
magnificent. Ideal for those seeking privacy
and breathtaking scenery.











ESCAPE 2026
Escape, the Saint Martin guide – explore beaches, restaurants, activities, and boutiques handpicked for a full island experience.
See the 2026 edition!

