Guide to the Best Sint Maarten Beaches
The Caribbean Island of Sint Maarten is well-known for its outstanding beaches, amazing food, and friendly people. Every beach in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin (French Side) has a unique feeling, and finding your favorite will all depend on what you are looking for, the things you like to do, and the distance from where you are staying. The best thing? You can find a little bit of everything in St. Maarten! From hidden solitary gems to spend a relaxing day, to breezy beaches with lots of watersports options, and beautiful bays with high-end restaurants.
With 37 beaches to choose from, who’s better to guide you to the island’s best beaches than Elma and Ted from All Things Sint Maarten. Not only do they love Sint Maarten, but they love showing the world how unique and enchanting this island can be.
Maho Beach
Maho Beach in Sint Maarten is one of the island’s most captivating destinations, renowned for its tranquil beauty and pristine white sands. This unique beach offers the perfect spot for relaxation, with restaurant services just a few steps away. What sets Maho Beach apart is its location at the end of an airport runway, providing an exhilarating experience as planes land and take off right overhead. Despite the proximity to the runway, the beach is heavily secured, ensuring the safety of all visitors. Beachgoers can enjoy watching various international planes from airlines like American Airlines and Air France, making each visit a thrilling experience.
Adjacent to Maho Beach is the famous Sunset Beach Bar, known for serving some of the best burgers on the island and hosting vibrant events. Whether you are listening to live performances by DJs or local bands, the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. Maho Beach truly offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining the serene beauty of a tropical beach with the excitement of close-up plane spotting and dynamic entertainment options.
Kim Sha Beach
Kim Sha Beach in Sint Maarten is one of the island’s most enchanting spots, attracting visitors with its clear waters and refreshing ocean breeze. Recognized by BrightPath Caribbean as one of the best beaches in Sint Maarten, Kim Sha offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities like jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing with different water sports providers. Kim Sha Beach is also a culinary haven, home to some of the island’s top restaurants. Enjoy a delicious meal at Buccaneer Beach Bar, The Green House, or Captain’s Rib Shack, among others. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, partake in thrilling watersports, or savor a variety of local and international cuisine, Kim Sha Beach offers an unforgettable experience for all.
Little Bay Beach
Little Bay Beach in Sint Maarten is a stunning destination, offering one of the most picturesque settings on the island. Despite its name, Little Bay is a sprawling beach, perfectly positioned to provide breathtaking views of the island. One of its unique features is the hill overlooking the beach, which offers a glimpse into history with the remains of Fort Amsterdam. Visitors can explore this historical site with guided tours that delve into the fort’s rich past.
The beach is nestled within the magnificent Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, which provides a wealth of amenities, dining options, and activities that can keep visitors entertained for days. Whether you are relaxing on the beautiful sands, exploring historical landmarks, or enjoying the luxury of the resort, Little Bay Beach promises a memorable and enriching experience for all. Little Bay offers one of the best spots for snorkeling, with underwater sculptures, lots of fish, turtles, and the remains of a sunken helicopter.
Baie Rouge
If the previous beaches did not catch your interest, Baie Rouge in Sint Maarten surely will. Offering a classic and traditional beach experience, Baie Rouge is a serene escape with no restaurants or official activities—just pure sand and ocean. The colorful entrance sets a welcoming tone for beachgoers seeking tranquility. Baie Rouge is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. Its simplicity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the beach, making it an ideal spot to sit down on the sand and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves. Just remember to bring a towel and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this beautiful, unspoiled beach.
Orient Bay
Orient Bay on the French side of Sint Maarten is a quintessential tropical experience that combines natural beauty with vibrant culture. This expansive beach is not only famous for its stunning views and turquoise waters but also for its lively and welcoming atmosphere. Stretching over a long, picturesque shoreline, Orient Bay features a diverse array of restaurants and beach bars that serve world-renowned cuisine, offering everything from gourmet French dishes to fresh, local seafood.
The beach’s consistent winds create perfect conditions for a variety of watersports, making it a hotspot for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking to catch the waves or a foodie eager to sample some of the finest dining options the island has to offer, Orient Bay caters to all interests. The combination of its scenic beauty, culinary delights, and adventurous spirit makes Orient Bay a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sint Maarten. Relax on the sandy shores, enjoy the lively beach scene, and take in the breathtaking views that this tropical paradise offers.
Mullet Bay
Nestled on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, Mullet Bay Beach is sprawling with life, a beautiful haven that shows visitors its pristine, clear waters and stunning scenery. Located just past the Maho area and adjacent to Mullet Bay’s Golf Course, the beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural wonder. The best way to spend your day at Mullet Bay is by renting a chair and umbrella while you get snacks and drinks from nearby restaurants.
As you relax on the soft, sandy shores, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of beautifully constructed buildings and the thrilling sight of planes descending towards the nearby airport. For those who love marine life, the small rocky area on one side of the beach is a vibrant underwater ecosystem, teeming with fascinating sea creatures. Mullet Bay Beach is not just a destination; it’s an unforgettable experience, combining leisure, adventure, and breathtaking vistas.
Are you considering living in Sint Maarten?
Yes, it’s possible!
At BrightPath Caribbean we have seen throughout over 12 years of business, so many people falling in love with Sint Maarten, the lifestyle, the beaches, the food, and all the things the island has to offer, that they decide to make Sint Maarten their home and apply for legal residency with the assistance of BrightPath. You might be wondering, what’s the process like? What documents do I need? Read our informative blogs on the process and book a consultation with our team to find out how to move forward and make it happen.
Pictures courtesy of All Things Sint Maarten.
FAQ’s
- What makes Maho Beach a unique destination in Sint Maarten?
Maho Beach is unique due to its location at the end of an airport runway, offering the exhilarating experience of planes landing and taking off overhead. It also features the famous Sunset Beach Bar and a lively atmosphere with events and live performances.
- What activities and amenities can visitors expect at Kim Sha Beach?
Visitors to Kim Sha Beach can enjoy a range of water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing. The beach also boasts several top restaurants, including Buccaneer Beach Bar, The Green House, and Captain’s Rib Shack, providing a blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Why is Little Bay Beach considered a notable destination in Sint Maarten?
Little Bay Beach is notable for its picturesque setting, historical significance with the nearby Fort Amsterdam, and the amenities offered by the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, explore historical landmarks, and take advantage of the resort’s dining and activity options.
Do you have additional questions?
Contact us today for a free consultation!