Saint Martin Beaches

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.
Le guide de Saint-Martin

ESCAPE 2026

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