Best Beaches in Saint Martin, Sint Maarten

This beach is known worldwide for the insane photos of planes flying over the heads of its visitors. With Princess Juliana International Airport next door, visitors to this popular beach get more than they’ve bargained when relaxing on the soft-sand beaches. If you don’t mind crowds this could be a perfect place to take memorable holiday photos

A stunning beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs makes for a peaceful location. Protected from the wind, it’s an ideal spot for basking in the glorious Caribbean sun. Cupecoy Beach is made up of three separate coves and there is a beach bar for a cocktail at the end of the day. This is a LGBT friendly beach and it also has a clothing optional section.

This is one of the largest beaches on the island and a popular spot for families. Hotels and holiday homes line the 2-mile stretch of golden sand and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and activity vendors along the coast for people to enjoy.

Mullet Bay may be near the popular Maho Beach, but it’s a world away from the noise and crowds of Maho. Mullet Bay is a mile-long stretch of powdery white sand with natural shady spots thanks to the tall palm trees. The excellent beach break attracts surfers from all over the island. The best time to surf here is in winter and spring. While there are some options to buy snacks and drinks this is a much more “back to basics” beach with only a few amenities.

A small reef protects the shores of Kim Sha Beach making the sea calm and a wonderful spot for swimming. What’s great about Kim Sha Beach is that it’s super close to all the bars and restaurants in Simpson Bay. Additionally, it’s full of watersport vendors who supply lessons and equipment.

Great Bay Beach stretches for two miles next to the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg. Walk along the promenade admiring the tropical landscape and cruise ships or settle down on the beautiful white sandy shore. There’s plenty of food, drink and amenities within arms’ reach and lounge chairs available to rent.

Enjoy the picturesque natural beauty of pale soft sand and the glass-clear sea at Orient Bay. The northern side is more family-friendly - full of watersport companies where you can rent equipment and get lessons and plenty of restaurants for lunch.

Baie Rouge or Red Bay is named for the reddish tint of the sand. It is one of the longest beaches on the island and is a great place for snorkelling – check out the rocks on the north end of the beach. The beautiful, coloured sand and calm azure waters against a skyline of cliffs and verdant trees drew the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey as holiday makers.

A long stretch of golden sand with a shallow turquoise sea running along one side, and restaurants and beach huts on the other side Not only can Grand Case give you a day of fun and relaxation, but local food culture too. It’s family-friendly and a great spot to catch a stunning sunset.

Friar's Bay Beach is a peaceful beach often visited by locals as they escape the popular touristy beaches on the island. Relax on the sunny shore or swim in the calm sea against the backdrop of endless rows of trees. There are a couple of restaurants that serve delicious traditional cuisine and host live music on selected nights.