Best Beaches on Sint Maarten, The Dutch side
1. Maho Beach | A Bucket-List destination “With over 1 million visitors per year the #1 Beach in Sint Maarten and the Caribbean!!!
Maho Beach is a must-visit destination for any bucket-list traveler. This Caribbean beach is world-renowned for its unique plane-spotting experience, where visitors can watch incoming planes descend just meters above their heads. With over a million annual visitors and 12million webcam views, Maho Beach is undeniably the most famous beach in the world for this thrilling spectacle.
Located just steps away from Princess Juliana International Airport, it offers a unique and exhilarating experience that you won’t find anywhere else. As planes come in for a landing, they fly incredibly low over the beach, creating an adrenaline-pumping spectacle that you’ll never forget. It’s the perfect place to capture that Instagram-worthy shot of a massive jumbo jet passing overhead. It is recommended to check the cruise-ship schedule and visit on days with fewer or no ships to avoid overcrowding.
But Maho Beach isn’t just for plane spotters. The beach itself is a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing with a cold drink in hand. The warm Caribbean sun and gentle sea breezes make for the perfect beach day. For a quieter experience, visitors can walk to nearby restaurants like Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant, which offers international cuisine with a Caribbean twist or Sandbar.
Check plane landing schedules for larger planes, such as KLM, Air France, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, or Spirit, for an even more - trilling spotting experience at Maho Beach.
You can find the cruise-ship schedule here: Port Sint Maarten Cruise ship schedule https://gls.portstmaarten.sx/sxm/MainMenu.aspx?ShipScheduleType=2
You can find the Airport arrival schedule here: Princess Juliana Airport Flight info
https://www.sxmairport.com/flights-info.php
2. Mullet Bay Beach - the best beach in St Maarten!”
This stunning stretch of white sand beach is the perfect spot to soak up the Caribbean sunshine and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Located just a short 5-minute drive from the popular Maho area, Mullet Bay Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for a beach day to remember.
Once you get there, you’ll have your pick between three beach bars – local BBQ snack shack Rosie’s, local restaurant Da Waterhole, or elegant French Caribbean Restaurant Kalatua. All offer delicious Caribbean or Caribbean/French cuisine and unbeatable views of the beach and the surrounding area.
But the real star of the show is the beach itself. Mullet Bay Beach is considered one of the nicest beaches on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, and it’s not hard to see why.
With its long stretch of soft white sand and boats bobbing in the turquoise water, it’s a picture-perfect paradise.
If you’re feeling active, you can bring your own snorkeling gear, and explore the vibrant underwater world just off the shore. And for the adrenaline junkies there is the hole you can jump off the cliffs to get the blood pumping.
But really, the best part of Mullet Bay is the relaxed and carefree vibe.
Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, indulge in some delicious food and drinks, or just take a stroll along the beach, Mullet Bay is the perfect destination. So pack your sunscreen, grab your shades, and get ready for serious fun in the sun!
Where to park when visiting Mullet Bay Beach
3. Simpson Bay Beach , located in the Simpson Bay is one of the largest island beaches.
Stretching from Princess Juliana Airport towards the Royal Palm resort, for nearly two miles, offering plenty space for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing. The beach is known for its soft, powdery sand and calm, turquoise waters.
Best Beaches on Saint Martin, The French side
1. Orient Bay - A Beach lover’s dream
Orient Beach, located on the French side of Saint Martin, is a paradise for beach lovers, with its unique blend of French and Caribbean culture, making it a must-visit destination for tourists. The beach is the largest and most popular on Saint Martin, and it is often referred to as the “Cannes of the Caribbean. ”Stretching over 1.5 miles of white sand, Orient Beach never feels overcrowded, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. At the south end of the beach, visitors can find the famous nude beach, which is a popular attraction for those seeking a full-body tan.
The beach is surrounded by colorful houses and buildings that blend perfectly with the Caribbean vibe, creating a stunning view.
In addition to its natural beauty, Orient Bay boasts chic high-end beach bars and restaurants that are perfect for vacationers who enjoy the finer things in life.
After a long day at the beach, visitors can head to Orient Village, where they can enjoy unauthentic French dinner at any of the area’s romantic and cozy restaurants. The village is a charming area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops, all of which add to the unique charm of this beach destination.
Whether you’re looking to relax, party, or soak up the sun, Orient Beach has something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, chic atmosphere, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean.
2. Grand Case -Shopping, Good Food, Drinks and BEACH!!!
Grand Case is a true foodie’s paradise, with its world-renowned street of restaurants serving up mouth-watering dishes that will leave you craving more. From savory BBQ to gourmet French cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy every palate, offer a front-row seat to the crystal-clear waters of this one-mile beach.
During the day, you can relax at some of the island’s best beach bars and restaurants, like Captain Frenchy’s, La Plage, Java and Rainbow Café. Each spot caters to a different age group, so you can find the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and soak up the Caribbean vibes.
Grand Case Beach at night - Beach Bars, Restaurants, Nightlife, Captain Frenchy, Rainbow Cafe, Blue Martini, Temps des Cerises, Ocean 82, Le Cottage
One must-visit spot is the Lolo’s, where you can enjoy delicious BBQ ribs, chicken, lobster, crab backs, Acra, and much more. And if you’re looking for anight out on the town, the Grand Case strip is full of fine-dining options like Ocean 82, Spiga, Bistrot Caraibes, L’Auberge Gourmand and Le Cottage. Or, for amore lively atmosphere, check out Blue Martini, Rainbow Rooftop or Quai 58.
When you need a break from the sun and sand, stroll through the charming island boutiques like Voila, Sexy Fruits, and Sea You, where you’ll find unique souvenirs, hand-made products, and stylish island fashion.
With so much to see and do Grand Case is the perfect destinations for those looking for a tropical getaway that blends both luxury and culture. Whether you spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the island’s culinary and historical offerings, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.
3. Anse Marcel : Where paradise awaits!”
Nestled on the French side of the island, these coastal treasures promise awe-inspiring scenery and unparalleled relaxation.
Anse Marcel, cradled in a picturesque bay, allures with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Encircled by verdant hills, this unspoiled beach offers a sanctuary of tranquility, ideal for basking in the warmth of the Caribbean sun. For those who crave adventure, Anse Marcel does not disappoint. The bay’s calm, clear waters are ideal for a variety of water sports, offering endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the marine life.
Dive into the vibrant underwater world with scuba diving, glide across the surface on a kayak, or test your balance with paddle boarding. Each activity provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty.
Beyond the beach, the surrounding area of Anse Marcel is rich with lush greenery and scenic trails, perfect for hiking and discovering the local flora and fauna. The nearby marina adds a touch of elegance, with its selection of charming restaurants and boutiques, inviting you to savor the local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs.
4.Pinel Island - Secluded Paradise
Visit the secluded Pinel Island and find yourself in a tropical oasis . Pinel Island is located on the French side and only reachable by ferry.
Once on the island, you can rent a beach chair at Karibuni & YellowBeach or relax on your towel. On the other end of Pinel, there’s a little secluded beach where topless/nude is well accepted. Both beach bars &restaurants serve an amazing lunch and are known for their fresh seafood and lobster dishes (Pick your own lobster from the cage).
Pinel Island is a natural reserve, so another great thing to do is to hike around this small island; you will enjoy beautiful views and find lots of iguanas, land turtles, and hermit crabs.
And if you like to explore the underwater world, take your snorkeling gear, and on the left of Pinel is a protected coral reef set by buoys. You’re not allowed to go inside the buoys Pinel Island.
But snorkeling around it, you can admire many kinds of fish and sea life. Snorkel to the other end of the reef, where the ocean is wilder; you might find some Turtles hidden in the sea grass.
Be aware that Pinel Island is a Natural reserve, so please be respectful of nature and follow the rules and signs. There are large fines for violating any rights, such as snorkeling inside the buoys, fishing, abusing animals, or taking shells.
Direction: How to get to Pinel Island – Parking, Ferry, Kayak or Paddleboard:
The parking for the ferry to Pinel is located in-between Orient Bay and Grand Case.
Ferry Service times:
The ferry goes every 15 to 30 min between 10 am and 5 pm. On calm days the last ferry leaves at 4 pm. The price is $12 or €10 for two-ways.
A second option is to rent a Kayak or Paddleboard from Caribbean Paddling also leaving from here.
Yellow Beach & Le Karibuni – Restaurant information:
Both restaurants open based on the ferry service times which are usually 10am to 5 pm, on calm days 4 pm. We advise everyone to reserve beach chairs and a table for lunch in advance as both restaurants are fully booked on a daily basis. Furthermore, we recommend bringing cash as there are no credit card payments possible due to the bad internet on the island.
Karibuni Pinel: +590 690 39 67 00 / Yellow Beach: +590 690 33 88 33
Another great way to reach Pinel Island is by booking a trip with one of the many boat charters. Several shared boat charters are going to Pinel, or you can book a private charter and request to visit Pinel Island. Usually, the itinerary includes a visit to Tintamarre and Pinel Island.
