FREE THINGS IN ST. MAARTEN

  • 1. Orient Bay Beach – Regarded as one St-Martin’s most famous beaches, Orient Bay Beach enjoys the reputation of being the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean.” This stunning strip of white sand with clear turquoise waters is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants, and beach clubs to choose from, and a strong breeze makes for great parasailing, kitesurfing, and hand gliding. While Plage Naturiste at the southern end is the designated nudist stretch of the beach, you will find that many visitors adopt a clothing-optional mindset all the way along Orient Bay Beach.
  • 2. Maho Beach – This spot is a unique beach in St. Maarten, where travelers flock to experience the thrilling rush of airplanes flying extremely close overhead. The best time to go is in the early afternoon when the larger jumbo jets land. Travelers recommend Sunset Beach Bar for the best views. The beach also has a lively coral reef perfect for snorkeling and waves that are great for snorkeling. Visit the beach on a tour of St Maarten, which often includes other spots like Cole Bay Hill and Orient Beach. The beach gets busy, so visit during the off-season if you want fewer crowds.
  • 3. Mullet Bay – Secluded yet spacious, Mullet Bay is a peaceful and relaxing alternative to Maho Beach. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from the snack bars on the south side of the beach, or head up to the quieter northern end, which leads to a small promontory with amazing views of the bay. Book a sunset sail tour or a snorkeling tour out to the nearby coral reef, and cap off your day by walking inland to the lively bistros and bars. Just watch out for big waves from June through November—it’s hurricane season in the Caribbean.
  • 4. Great Bay Beach – A popular, two-mile long white sand beach located directly in front of the capital city, Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island. It’s known for its calm turquoise waters, easy access from cruise ships, a lively boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and casinos, making it a great choice for a mix of relaxation and urban exploration.
  • 5. Happy Bay Beach – Happy Bay can easily be accessed barefoot, and is the ultimate picture-perfect beach with its white sand, turquoise-blue waters and coconut trees. Its beauty is undeniable and is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the thirty-seven idyllic treasures on the island. On the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in this wild place, you’ll be able to see with your own eyes, the joys of exotic Robinsonades. Happy Bay is a natural treasure, sometimes battered by the swell. If you are a fan of surfing, bring your board and test out the waters, to discover other salty pleasures. Make sure you bring cold drinks to quench your thirst because there are no bars or beach shacks here – it really is as authentic as you can get.
  • 6. Little Bay Beach – This picture-postcard beach is a small piece of paradise for resort guests looking to relax. At this calm beach, you can lounge about on a beach chair with a beach umbrella, dine in exquisite restaurants, make use of hotel services and even free dive around the seabed.
  • 7. Baie Rouge – Baie Rouge is one of the longest beaches of St Maarten, situated in the Lowlands area. A great place for snorkeling – especially close to the rocks on the north end of the beach. For those snorkelers and swimmers who wander in this direction, might discover another, secluded beach right behind these rocks!
  • 8 – Tintamarre Island – Located 2 miles to the northeast of Saint Martin, Tintamarre is a magnificent natural haven of peace surrounded by ocean. It covers an area of nearly 250 acres.
  • 9 – Grand Case Beach – Grand Case St. Martin is famous for secluded, private beaches, snorkeling at Creole Rock, and nearby shops and European-style bistros.
  • 10 – Boardwalk – Shopping, Dinning, Cultural, Romantic Walk.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT