If you speak with those familiar with St. Martin, most say that the most popular of the beaches is Orient Beach, and while it is the hotspot for water sports, sunbathing and swimming, it is not the only great beach. For those who want the same high quality, white sands, excellent conditions and even amenities, you don’t have to jostle with the crowds at Orient.
While Orient, in general, is an absolute “must” for visitors to the island of St. Martin, the following beaches can offer a welcome respite from crowds while still providing some of the most impressive experiences possible.
Green Cay
An small island tucked surprisingly close to Orient Bay, this is the perfect beach for those who want the proximity of the best amenities on St. Martin, but who prefer to enjoy solitude and complete privacy. It is found on the island just offshore and is easily reached by boat, kayak, or even paddleboard.
Cupecoy Beach
A hit or miss beach depending on beach and wave conditions. When full of sand, Cupecoy beach is the most scenic beach on the island with a sandstone cliff backdrop and fabulous sunset views. The beach is highly convenient and undeveloped except for the Shore Pointe villas on the on the western end of the beach.
Mullet Bay
Considered one of the best beaches if not the best beach on the island, conditions tend to be ideal with calm and crystal clear waters with occasional swells. The beach has limited amenities but 2 lolos that serve good food and drinks. An ideal spot for a casual lunch. Be sure to enjoy a barbeque rib platter and a Presidente.
Long Bay Beach
If you envision yourself sipping cocktails while gazing out over a Caribbean sunset, you can do so at Long Bay. The white sands, many local pelicans, and the lapping of the waters are the epitome of the island experience, and yet this beach is one of the quietest and relaxing imaginable. The bar at La Samanna looks out over the beach, and is just a short walk from the sands.
Lovers’ Beach
Noted by locals as very challenging to find but well worth the effort, it is near Pointe Arago and is also the smallest beach on the entire island. Sized perfectly for two people, it offers an exclusive hideaway.
Baie Rouge
Though often as heavily visited as Orient, Baie Rouge or Red Bay is considered by locals, world travelers, and experts alike as the most beautiful beach on the island. It has restaurants surrounding it, some charming natural features, and even a hidden beach for those who are hearty enough to do a bit of hiking.
Happy Bay
Within minutes of Grand Case, this picturesque and idyllic beach requires a ten-minute hike, but is well worth the effort. It is noted as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, one of the least visited, and it remains pristine and untouched because of this. Bring a picnic and a camera as the coconut palms that line the sands offer an iconic image of paradise.
Petite Cayes
After just thirty minutes of gentle hiking you discover a breathtaking sight – the deserted sands of one of the most picture-perfect beaches in the region. Usually lapped by gentle waves, it can be a good spot for surfers when there are swells. However, it is usually a place of peace, quiet, and one in which you feel you have discovered your own, private paradise.
Maho Beach
This is on the Dutch side of the island, but fun to list here because of its rare position. Set at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, it is a great spot for photography buffs who want to snap truly iconic images of the many planes heading out of the islands. It is close to the Sunset Beach bar that also provides great views of the airplanes as well as the sun dipping slowly into the sea each evening.
There are certainly other beaches to explore, but if you are searching for spots that feel more like your own private paradise than a popular and busy beach, those on this list are sure to please. Don’t forget to pack a hamper, bring good hiking/walking shoes, and to prepare to just sit back, breathe in the sea breezes, and enjoy!