St Martin beaches rise to the occasion whether you're looking for a quiet, off the beat oasis or a full service beach. I started to comb each and every beach back in the early nineties and have seen the ever increase in traffic grow over the years.

I've specifically taken the time to do various excursions in an attempt to catch the true ambiance of these fun filled tropical pockets of hidden treasures.

Apart from just visiting these locations and gathering information, I've been captivated by the history attached to many of these beaches. The scenery is simply breathtaking and simply warrants a subsequent visit to many St Martin beaches.

As I continue to add pages to this site, I constantly pay attention to the so called "off the beat" phenomena that allows me to dig ever deeper into the cultural aspect of the St Maarten day to day local life. With a keen eye, the beaches eventually reveal to me the true essence of these wonderful St Martin beaches..

Here in this series of stories I've presented the beaches as true and real as they are. They range from simple quiet get aways, to full service commercial board walk type beaches.

Maybe the following beaches will let you dream of your wedding on St Maarten. Or maybe you've got an interest in beaches as a hobby and passion of yours.

What ever the case may be, you'll enjoy filling your diary with memories that will last for an eternity.

= French Beaches. = Dutch Beaches.

Orient Beach - Complete service all in one spot

The orient beach sits on the French side and on the north eastern shoreline. It attracts people from all walks of life due to is clothing optional facilities.

It's about two miles long and to my knowledge is one of the longest beaches here on the French side.

I've been to the orient dozens of times. In fact it's my favorite beach on the island.

The Orient is complete with restaurants, watersports, chairs, umbrellas and much more. Orient Beach continued...

Simpson Bay Beach - Still a secret

Unlike most St Martin beaches, Simpson Bay is unbelievably quiet. This mile long beach offers pure tranquility from start to finish. It is accessible from the Simpson Bay neighborhood at three different points.

This is probably one of the Island's best guarded secrets. If you're the type looking for absolutely no crowds then this beach is the place for you.

For some unknown reason Simpson Bay beach seems to have done something mystical to keep away the hoards of people looking for beautiful beaches. I'm sure that the residents of this area would love to keep it that way for many years. However, since it is a public beach, I think I'm safe in introducing you to this spot. Simpson Bay Beach continued...

Great Bay Beach - The heart of Philipsburg

Great Bay is a beautiful St Martin beach stretching the entire length of Philipsburg (the capital of Dutch St Maarten) from the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula all the way to the neighborhood of Point Blanche.

I've watched this area transform from what was once considered an abandoned beach front to what is known today as one of the Islands top attractions called the board walk.

I'll tell you about that later but first a bit of history wont hurt. The Island changed hands between the Dutch, French, Spanish and the British until the French and Dutch signed The Treaty Of Concordia on March 23rd 1648. The famous partition agreement was signed on Mount des Accords on the French side of St Martin. Great Bay Beach continued...

Friars Bay Beach - Home of the moonlight party

Friars bay is yet another spot that enhances the beauty of this twin flag island. Located on the west end of the Island and on the French side it offers a sense of ownership.

On your way there the road meanders in from the main highway and offers a glimpse of some of the local residences at the Cripple Gate Village.

Though not a very big beach, Friars Bay attracts a modest crowd especially on Saturdays and Sundays when the locals get a break from their daily routine.

I especially like this St Martin beach because I get to sharpen my French. I don't go there too often but reserve it for when I need to feel as though I've gone off the island or something. I'm a picnic guy so I almost always walk with my cooler and grill to all the beaches. Friars Bay Beach continued...

Maho Beach - Watch the aircraft come and go

Just mention the name Maho and the party animals come to life. Its located on the west coast of the Island. That's the area where everything seems to happen.

In the day the Maho beach attracts visitors and locals alike. With a beach of only about 200 meters long, this simple beach located next to the Maho and Royal Islander hotels beacons even the non enthusiast to its domain.

This beach has a mind of its own. At certain times of the year it suffers massive erosion to the extent that the only thing to be seen is the remaining boulders.

While at other times the sand re-deposits to create a beach of almost 50 feet out. So if you plan to visit this one make a note of that. Make sure to walk with your camera at all times. This is a haven for sunset watchers. You couldn't ask for better pictures than on this beach. Maho Beach continued...

Little Bay Beach - Off the beat snorkeling

Secluded is the word that comes to mind when you think of Little Bay. This not so well known beach is hidden away in its own special spot out of the easy reach of residents and visitors to the Island.

Of course as your insider guide, my job is to push it to the limits in an effort reveal all the available sweetness of the island. Now I know the beauty of all St Martin beaches, but at the same time every one has their own requirements.

The location itself gives way to the thought of being special and not bombarded. The 400 meter or so long beach is shared by two hotels.

Its crystal aqua blue waters sucks you into trance as you immediately forget about returning home. Their guests enjoy the Idea of having a beach just outside their door. Little Bay continued...

Pinel Island Beach - A six minute boat ride

Pinel Island can be considered as one of the unique spots on the Island in the sense that you need to cross the water. It’s about 5 minutes by boat.

You'll need some sort of transportation to get to the dock on the French side of the Island, where the small fishing boats will whisk you across in record time.

I try to clock in at about nine AM in order to get my full days worth.

As you may already know I'm a picnic guy and therefore need to get in and stay in that rhythm for the entire day. The last boat departs from the Island at about 4 PM and then after that you're swimming. Pinel Island continued...

Mullet Bay- Jump into the Shark Hole

A real family spot, Mullet Bay is one of my more frequently visited St Martin beaches. There is often quite a bit of activity both in the high and low season.

Mullet bay sits on the western shores of the island and offers almost every thing a vacationer can dream of.

Its mangroves and palm trees line the area providing shade and picnic space for those who'd prefer to stay out of the sun. Huuummmm... That sounds like me... The west coasts of the Eastern Caribbean Islands are generally calm.

However, at certain times of the year mullet bay seems to be transformed into a surfer’s paradise. This attracts even the total novice to try this popular water sport at least once. Mullet Bay Beach continued...

Happy Bay Beach- Nice and secluded

Of all the St Martin beaches, Happy bay poses the greatest challenge to get to. It is located just around the corner from the popular Friars Bay which is known for its full moon parties.

The easiest way to get there is via the trails, which are always kept clear by the frequent visitors to its almost unknown terrain.

These trails lead from the end of the Friars bay beach and meander through the hill side for about fifteen minutes walk. Any local will be more than willing to direct you.

It's worth the hike to get to this hideaway. Happy Bay Beach continued...

Le Galion Beach - Shallow waters

Le Galion Beach, better known as (coconut grove) is an extremely calm place to be especially if you're traveling with kids.

It sits on the east coast of the Island but just like Pinel Island this beautiful long white sand beach is protected by the small rock peninsula that blocks the rage of the Atlantic Ocean.

I like the idea of being able to walk knee high for quite some meters into the ocean. Because of the water level, the temperature of the water gets to be noticeably warm.

I've been asked on numerous occasions if there is a volcanic feed or even an electricity plant near by. Le galion continued...

Tintamarre Island - The popular mud baths

07 June 2008 - Hi there again. Here I am sitting on the beach peering through the Anguilla channel and wondering if I meet my visitors' needs to the best of my ability.

Its a clear day with a 20% cloud cover and absolutely no rain. I suppose that's all you need to hear. This is Tintamarre Island.

With its busy yacht schedule and a sea grape fence, Tintamarre beach brings an 'Augh' to the lips of visitors and a dreamy sensation that allows any one forget about the job.

This one stands high among the other St Martin beaches and is owned by the French. It is one of the many nature reserves on the Island.

Its white sand beach stretches for about 200 meters straight into the iron oxide, tinted rocks that stick out at the end allowing it to be classified as a bay. Tintamarre Island continued...

Grand Case Beach - Access Grand Case Town

While at Grand Case beach, besides relaxing on its beautiful white sands, you'll have the opportunity to see the numerous small craft flying right over your head and down onto the runway of the Grand Case airport.

This ancient fishing location also is the window to the beautiful Island of Anguilla and the Popular Creole rock that's known for outstanding snorkeling. Creole rock is a National reserve.

Grand case beach is also home to the much talked about Beach Club and Le Pitit Plage Cove among many other lodgings.

Grand Case Beach continued...