The island of St. Maarten is home to 37 beaches, all of them stunning in their own way. The sheer variety of beauty on the island can be surprising, considering it’s only 34 square miles. These are some of the most unique beaches.
#1 Simpson Bay Beach
Photo credit Alljengi
Simpson Bay Beach is one of the longest and prettiest beaches on the island, with pure white sand and small waves. It offers great views of Saba and St. Eustatius, and on clear days, you can see all the way to St. Kitts. There are no water sports or resorts there, just the sound of water gently lapping at your feet.
#2 Maho Bay Beach
Photo credit Kara Phelps
Hands-down the most famous beach on St. Maarten, Maho is also one of the island’s most exciting beach locations. Swimmers splashing in the water can experience the unusual thrill of airplanes passing right overhead as they take off or land at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Bring your camera for some unforgettable shots, and expect strong gusts of wind from the jet blasts!
#3 Little Bay Beach
Little Bay Beach, home of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, is the perfect beach for families with its calm, clear waters. When you stay at Divi Little Bay, you’ll have easy access to its water sports rentals and beachside restaurants!
#4 Mullet Bay Beach
Photo credit Richie Diesterheft
Mullet Bay Beach is a picturesque beach with a long stretch of white sand, well-known for its fabulous snorkeling. It’s easy to spend a full day there.
#5 Cupecoy
Photo credit Bruce Tuten
Sandstone cliffs line the beach at Cupecoy, producing naturally beautiful coves and caves. Since this beach faces southwest, it also provides striking scenery at sunset. The surf can be strong, but the wind is blocked by the many rocks. Since this beach lies near the border with the French side of the island, its dress code is French-influenced and clothing is optional.
#6 Ilet de Pinel
Photo credit Alljengi
This uninhabited island offers some venues that are open during the day, and it is a great spot for snorkel trips and picnics. Located on the northeastern French side of the island, it’s a short ride in a beach taxi from Cul de Sac, or a bit longer from Orient Beach.
#7 Orient Beach
Photo credit Craig Stanfill
Despite being on the windward eastern coast, Orient Beach is one of the gentlest beaches on the island because of the protection afforded by the reef running from Green Cay to Pinel. The southern end of this beach is clothing-optional, and the reef running southeast from the start of the clothing-optional section is home to many fish.
#8 Dawn Beach
Photo credit Christine Warner Hawks
A beautiful beach that is well-protected, Dawn Beach offers a great location for snorkeling. If the surf’s up, there’s also good boogie boarding to be had.
Guests of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort can ask the Front Desk for details on any of these beaches. It’s also easy to rent a car to explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island. What’s your favorite beach on St. Maarten?
