The island is divided between Dutch St. Maarten in the south and French Saint-Martin in the north, but there is no physical border separating the two sides. Guests can choose between lively beach bars, quiet swimming coves, snorkeling spots and world-famous plane views at Maho Beach during a single visit.
For cruise guests arriving in Philipsburg, the best beach depends on how far you want to travel and what kind of day you have in mind. Great Bay is the most convenient, Mullet Bay offers a classic Caribbean beach experience and Orient Bay combines a long shoreline with restaurants and water sports.
Best St. Maarten Beaches at a Glance
- Best overall: Mullet Bay
- Closest to the cruise port: Great Bay Beach
- Best for plane spotting: Maho Beach
- Best for snorkeling: Little Bay
- Best for restaurants and water sports: Orient Bay
- Best for a relaxed, French-side experience: Friar’s Bay
- Best for dining by the water: Grand Case Beach
- Best for nearby amenities: Kim Sha Beach
- Best secluded beach: Happy Bay
1. Mullet Bay Beach
Best for: A classic Caribbean beach day
Mullet Bay is one of the best beaches in St. Maarten for combining soft sand, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. The crescent-shaped beach is backed by palms and sea grape trees, with vendors offering food, drinks and chair rentals.
The water is often suitable for swimming, although waves can become stronger, depending on the weather. Mullet Bay is an excellent choice for guests who want more natural scenery without traveling to the French side.
2. Great Bay Beach
Best for: Easy access from the Philipsburg cruise port
Great Bay Beach runs alongside the Philipsburg waterfront and is the most convenient beach for cruise guests. A water taxi connects the cruise area with downtown Philipsburg, where the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants are within easy reach.
This is a practical choice when you want to combine beach time with shopping or sightseeing. Chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks are readily available, although prices vary by vendor.
3. Maho Beach
Best for: Watching airplanes land
Maho Beach is famous for its close-up views of aircraft approaching Princess Juliana International Airport. Planes pass low over the sand before landing, creating one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable travel experiences.
Visiting Maho is typically an active beach day. The shoreline can become crowded, and waves or seasonal sand movement may limit swimming space. Make sure to stand away from aircraft preparing for takeoff, avoid airport fencing and adhere to posted guidance.
4. Little Bay Beach
Best for: Swimming and snorkeling near Philipsburg
Little Bay sits on a sheltered section of the Dutch side — a short drive from Philipsburg. Its protected setting provides calm conditions, making it popular for swimming and snorkeling when weather permits.
Rocky areas near the edges of the bay may attract fish, but visibility changes with waves and recent rainfall. Some facilities are connected with nearby resorts, so access to chairs, food or other amenities may require a fee.
5. Orient Bay Beach
Best for: Restaurants, beach clubs and water sports
Orient Bay is one of the largest and most developed beaches on the French side of St. Martin. Its long shoreline is lined with restaurants and beach clubs offering chair rentals, meals and water-based activities.
The open exposure can produce wind and waves, which appeals to active travelers, but may not be ideal for young children. The far southern end has traditionally been associated with clothing-optional sunbathing, while the main beach club areas generally have a more conventional atmosphere.
6. Grand Case Beach
Best for: Combining swimming with French-Caribbean dining
Grand Case Beach follows the waterfront of one of the island’s best-known dining villages. The bay is generally more sheltered than Orient Bay, and the beach provides access to restaurants serving French, Creole and Caribbean dishes.
Choose Grand Case if food is as important to your plans as the beach itself. The shoreline is narrower than Mullet Bay or Orient Bay, but the combination of water views and nearby dining gives it a distinctive character.
7. Kim Sha Beach
Best for: Amenities and a relaxed afternoon
Kim Sha Beach is located near Simpson Bay on the Dutch side and offers convenient access to restaurants, bars and water activities. It's a practical option for travelers who value nearby amenities over an isolated setting.
The protected bay can provide comfortable swimming conditions, but boat traffic and water clarity vary. Kim Sha also serves as a departure point for some kayaking, sailing and snorkeling experiences.
8. Friar’s Bay Beach
Best for: A quieter French-side beach day
Friar’s Bay offers a relaxed atmosphere while still providing access to food, drinks and chair rentals. Its curved shoreline and relatively sheltered location make it popular with visitors looking for an unhurried beach day.
The atmosphere is generally casual, and the beach works well for couples or families who want fewer crowds than the island’s best-known shores.
9. Happy Bay Beach
Best for: Seclusion and natural scenery
Happy Bay is a quieter beach reached by a walking path from the Friar’s Bay area. The limited development creates a more secluded setting with palms, sand and fewer commercial facilities.
Happy Bay is better suited to independent, active visitors than families carrying extensive beach gear. Bring water and sun protection and make sure to allow enough time to return to the ship.
Dutch-Side Beaches vs. French-Side Beaches
Dutch-side St. Maarten beaches are generally more convenient for cruise guests arriving in Philipsburg. Great Bay, Little Bay, Kim Sha, Maho and Mullet Bay can be combined with shopping, plane spotting or other Dutch-side attractions.
French-side beaches such as Orient Bay, Grand Case, Friar’s Bay and Happy Bay tend to offer a more relaxed atmosphere and greater emphasis on waterfront dining. Reaching them requires more travel time, and traffic can affect the return to Philipsburg.
Choosing a St. Maarten Beach Excursion
An organized beach excursion can simplify transportation and help you select a beach that matches your interests.
For a Convenient Beach & Shopping Day
Great Bay is the strongest option when you want to remain close to Philipsburg.
- Reach the downtown waterfront by water taxi or organized transportation
- Combine beach time with Front Street shopping and the boardwalk
- Find restaurants, chairs and umbrellas close to the sand
For an Iconic St. Maarten Experience
Choose a tour that visits Maho Beach when plane spotting is your priority.
- Watch scheduled aircrafts approach the airport over the beach
- Combine Maho with another scenic stop or beach with swimming
- Avoid arranging your day around a specific aircraft, since schedules can change
For a Traditional Caribbean Beach Day
Mullet Bay and Orient Bay provide more space for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the shoreline.
- Choose Mullet Bay for natural scenery and a laid-back, Dutch-side atmosphere
- Choose Orient Bay for beach clubs, dining and water sports
- Check whether chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks are included in your excursion
For Snorkeling or Time on the Water
A boat, catamaran or snorkeling excursion can reach coves that are less practical to visit by road.
- Combine sailing with swimming or snorkeling stops
- View more of the island’s coastline during one excursion
- Review swimming requirements and equipment inclusions before booking
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Maarten Beaches
1. What is the best beach in St. Maarten?
Mullet Bay is one of the best all-around beaches in St. Maarten because it combines attractive scenery, swimming opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere. Great Bay is better for convenience, while Maho Beach is the top choice for plane spotting.
2. Which St. Maarten beach is closest to the cruise port?
Great Bay Beach is the closest and most convenient beach for cruise guests arriving in Philipsburg. The water taxi connects the cruise area with the downtown waterfront, placing visitors near the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants.
3. Are beaches in St. Maarten free?
Access to many St. Maarten and St. Martin beaches is free, but transportation, parking, chairs, umbrellas, food and activities generally cost extra. Beach clubs may require a purchase or rental to use their facilities.
4. Is St. Maarten the same as St. Martin?
St. Maarten is the Dutch territory on the southern part of the island, while St. Martin is the French territory in the north. Travelers often use “St. Martin” to refer to the entire island, but visitors can travel between the two sides without encountering a physical border.
5. Can you swim at St. Maarten beaches?
Yes, swimming is possible at many St. Maarten beaches, including Mullet Bay, Little Bay and Grand Case when conditions are favorable. Waves, currents, visibility and boat traffic vary by location, so inspect conditions and follow local guidance before entering the water.
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