Saint Martin is blessed with 37 white, sandy beaches. All of them are beautiful and each has its own special charm and atmosphere. You can choose from isolated, romantic, little coves to long, expansive beaches where the action is going on day and night. You will find beaches with waves high enough for surfers and calmer ones for families with small kids. There are nude beaches where naturalists enjoy clothing optional beach life. There are busy beaches as well as deserted beaches. Tiny beaches snuggled between rocky cliffs and some with large stretches of white sand.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at the beach if you want to do more than relax in the sun. You can enjoy horseback riding, volleyball, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, surfing, jet skiing, body boarding, surfing, sailing...you name it! In general, the beaches to the east, or windward side, of the island have higher winds and the waters of the Atlantic are rougher. The leeward beaches to the west and southwest are calmer, facing the Caribbean Sea.

The beaches here are unparalleled in the Caribbean: They are clean, with white sand and crystal clear, warm aqua blue water. Whether you are vacationing on the island or are lucky enough to live here, try to enjoy the pristine waters of the island as much as you can!

Orient Beach is lined with colorful beach chairs, bars and restaurants. The sands of Orient are always full of action! Many compare Orient to the French Riviera with its pampering services and ambiance. This is one of the most developed and popular beaches in the Caribbean. From jet skiing to windsurfing, Orient offers the greatest variety of water sports. The surrounding aqua waters have been recognized as a marine reserve. The waters are calm, so this is an ideal spot to snorkel! At the south end it hosts the islands world famous naturist resort, Club Orient.

Friars Beach is known for its legendary "Full Moon" parties, Friars beach brings lots of color to its shores by day and by night. With three beach bar/restaurants, a day at Friars can be fun for all members of the family.

Happy Bay can be hard to find, but is worth it! It is picturesque, calm, and very private …this is the next beach over from Friars Beach.

Grand Case is lined with 35 of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. This beach has some nice snorkeling spots, and is also the perfect place for a sunset stroll. While enjoying your walk, you can also get a firsthand look at all the restaurants and make your dinner plans for the evening!

Baie Longue starts at La Samanna Hotel located in the French Lowlands, it continues on to the western end of the island. It is the longest white sand beach on the island. It is very secluded and there are no water sports or concessions so you will have no problem letting the natural charm of this beach keep you there all day.

Le Galion Beach is a super Caribbean beach for kids of all ages! Many local parents have rated Galion as the best beach for an afternoon of sun and fun for their children. Coral reef surrounds the shallow water of Galion. This serves as a protection, providing very calm waters throughout the day. This is also a very popular spot for the older kids who enjoy a good day of windsurfing! Rentals and instruction are available daily.

Mullet Bay... although the resort surrounding Mullet is closed, it has not affected its popularity! The white sands and active surf make this an attractive spot to local surfers and their friends on the weekend. Rocks line the shores of Mullet, providing its visitors with some nice snorkeling, and if you are up for a swim, there are some caves you can explore!

Dawn Beach is another famous spot for its sunrise and sunset views. This white sand beach is worth a visit! Surrounded by coral reef, the calm waters of Dawn beach make for some fabulous snorkeling. The new Westin Hotel and casino is located on Dawn Beach.

Maho Beach is a small, but its location is what attracts all of its visitors. Just off the touchdown point at Juliana Airport, this beach is the closest one could ever get to a 747 landing or take off! Bring your camera! The beach is lined with rocks and the waters can be rough at times.

Simpson Bay is a mile long white sandy beach. It has water sports, yet it is still a quiet and relaxing beach. The waters can be rough.

Cupecoy is a beautiful beach lined with cliffs and caves. As it has rough waters the amount of sand can vary, but the wind is blocked by the rocks.

Great Bay is another picture perfect beach located downtown Philipsburg and populated mostly by cruise ship passengers. Shop till you drop and have drink at one of the beach front restaurants.

Baie Rouge is one of the most breathtaking beaches on the island. It has calm waters which makes it great for swimming. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon! A local shack offers BBQ, cold drinks and beach chairs. If you are up for a challenge, take a swim to Devil's Hole - a steep hole in the middle of the cliffs that water flows through or walk the beach and see multi million dollar beach front St Martin villa estates.

Anse Marcel is a great family beach nestled in the Marina Port de Lonvilliers. It is a long white sandy beach with lots of shade and calm waters (ideal for children) near the port. The marina is lined with fine shopping, restaurants and hotels. You don't want to forget your camera for the breathtaking view at the hilltop above the Marina.

Island of Pinel is a barrier reef, located off the shores of French Cul de Sac, is a must see! The water is calm and shallow, creating beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. There are two restaurants on this island...you can pull your lobster for grilling directly from pots in the surf….this is paradise! Getting to and from Pinel: a ferryboat ($5) leaves frequently crossing from Cul de Sac to Pinel.

Petites Cayes is another secluded beach. The only way to this beach is by boat or a twenty minute walk along the coast.