Maho Beach

Maho Beach is one of the island's most dramatic swimming spots. Swimmers enjoying a splash in the water can also experience the unusual thrill of airplanes passing right over their heads as they head for the nearby runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. The craggy rocks lining the white sand beach add another dramatic touch. There are also wet bikes available for rent.

Simpson Bay Beach

One of St. Maarten's more private beaches is Simpson Bay Beach, a long half-moon of white sand set between a picturesque fishing village and the murmuring sea. There are no water sports, no resorts, just the sound of water gently lapping at your feet. You can stroll, swim, or simply relax, all the while seeing barely another soul.

Cupecoy Beach

Cupecoy Beach is another unspoiled landscape with pure white sand, sandstone cliffs, and shoreline caves as a setting. The surf can be strong, but the wind is blocked by the rocks. Lying near the border with St. Martin, its dress code is influenced by that of the French beaches: clothing is optional.

Great Bay Beach

Stretching for two miles in front of the Dutch side capital of Philipsburg, Great Bay Beach is one of the longest and widest beaches on the island. With the expansion of the boardwalk it is a great place to hang out and party with the backdrop of a luscious tropical beach. Look for the myriad of cruise ships that sail into her harbor daily. With its proximity to the one of the greatest shopping experiences in all of the Caribbean, Great Bay Beach offers something for everyone.

Little Bay Beach

Little Bay Beach is located on the southern coast of St Maarten, just around the corner from Great Bay. This small but pretty beach is well protected by the outcrop of Fort Amsterdam right on the edge of Philipsburg. For diving enthusiasts, it offers one of the rare beach dive locations, as the waters here are generally calm due to its 'cove like' nature and also the installation of solid rocky beach breaks, making it an ideal spot for children. There is a wide selection of beach equipment from snorkeling gear to jet-skis so there is plenty to do for an active family.

Kim Sha Beach

Kim Sha Beach is the best place on earth for breathtaking sunsets. Many people say that Kim Sha Beach is a part of Simpson Beach, but actually it is located outside the lagoon, which makes it a perfect area for excursion and dive boats to start their trips. Drinks, chairs and umbrellas are available from the commercial establishments and in the center of the beach is Ocean Explorers Dive Center, a certified PADI dive shop.

Mullet Bay Beach

Mullet Bay Beach is the quintessential Caribbean beach with ample white sand and lush palm trees that dot the fringe of the waterfront, as well as scenic views of the volcanic mountains in the distance.

Dawn Beach

Dawn Beach, located to the east of Oyster-Pond Marina, is known for its powdery white sand and picturesque views of St. Barthelemy

Guana Bay Beach

Guana Bay Beach, located along the south east coast of the island, is one of St. Maarten's undiscovered treasures. Rarely visited this magnificent beach offered outstanding views of St. Barthelemy and is a perfect location for wind and kite surfing.

Geneve Bay

Geneve Bay is a beautiful natural swimming pool that is protected from the Atlantic swell making it a perfect destination for families.

Cove Bay

Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay, can be found at the end of a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill. This hidden gem is a favorite of hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.

Burgeaux Beach

Burgeaux Beach can be found just beyond Simpson Bay. This secluded beach is situated in a cove and offers the perfect location for shell connoisseurs and surfers alike as it features a strong current.

Baie Longue / Plum Baie

Two unspoiled beaches in the French Lowlands, deserted except for a relatively few intrepid surfers. This part of the island is so quiet you may have the beach to yourself. 

Baie Rouge

This is the busiest beach in the Lowlands but is perfect for snorkeling so take your gear and discover fun along the rocks and a little piece of heaven awaits you.

Nettle Baie

Nettle Baie opens on one side to the sea and the other towards the lagoon, with the main road seperating the two sides. There are hotels, restaurants and water sports lining the beach.

Friar's Bay

Friar's Bay faces the island of Anguilla. Well protected from the swells, this is a local favorite. Traditionally, once a month, the full Moon is celebrated at Friar's Bay. The Lovers' Beach Is a tiny sandy enclave hidden in the rocky coast of Pointe Arago, so small that it can only hold two people at a time. How to get there is still a mystery for a lot of people.

Happy Bay

Happy Bay is between Friar's Bay and Grand Case and is a bit off the beaten path. In fact you have to take a beaten path to get there!

Grand Case

Arguably, some of the best restaurants on the island are located by the bay of Grand Case. This is a place where you can get a good meal and also have a swim.

Anse Marcel

After Grand Case, go to the Anse Marcel. The view is magnificent from the drive in and though there is a large hotel on the beach it is normally sparsely populated.

Petite Caye

Accessible from Marcel Cove, Petite Cove is a haven for beach and nature lovers. This beach is 25 min walk to gain solitude and tranquility.

Pinel Island

A small piece of land that is accessible by a small ferry from Cul de Sac where you can lie on the beautiful beach or observe birds and other animals. It is part of the nature reserve and offers a beautiful diving spot, so bring your masks and snorkels.

Tintamarre Island

Also called Flat Island, you take the ferry further than Pinel, and in the heart of the nature reserve, enjoy the underwater world of nature. This is a true deserted island so bring your own food and water as there are no provisions for visitors.

East Bay

Also called Saint Tropez of the Caribbean or Little Cayes. The only access is by boat or a 20-minute walk along the coast. 

Orient Baie

One of the most popular beaches on the entire island, Orient is crowded with beach bars, restaurants and hotels. Beach chairs, umbrellas, watersports and more can be found here for a day of fun in the sun. Famously clothing-optional though the naturists typically stay near Club Orient on the southern end of the beach.

Galion

A favorite beach for families with small children as there are very few waves. Located at the southern end of Orient Baie.