SAINT MARTIN (ST. MARTIN / ST. MAARTEN)
Beaches

Saint Martin (St. Martin / St. Maarten) has a wealth of beautiful beaches with many of the finest ones on the French side of the island. Baie Longue, is a magnificent arc of white sand with calm, clear waters. It enjoys an isolated location in Terres Basses with the luxurious La Samanna hotel on its eastern end. Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay) on the far western edge of Terres Basses, reachable by walking west around Pointe du Canonnier, is small and shady with good surfing close to the rocks. Baie Rouge is a long, beautiful stretch of sand on the northern shore of Terres Basses with a snack bar and umbrella rental near the entrance. Nettlé Baie stretches from Terres Basses to Marigot Bay, with many access points from the seaside hotels, and offers quite a few watersports and dive operations.

Friar's Bay, just west of Grand Case, is pretty and very popular with St. Martin locals and divers attracted by the beauty of its coral reef. Grand Case, a magnificent arc of crystal-clear water and white sand, is very calm for swimming and snorkeling and offers great beachfront restaurants. Anse Marcel is calm and quiet, nicely shady, and great for kids with hotels nearby. Petites Cayes, the most isolated beach on St. Martin, can by accessed by boat or a 20 minute walk via a coastal trail from Cul-de-Sac. Cul-de-Sac is a scenic beach on the northeast coast, with boats shuttling back and forth to the offshore islets, Pinel Island and Tintamarre. Orient Beach is very long and very popular, with a clothing-optional section, numerous dining spots, beach shops and watersports. It can be quite windy at times. Baie de l'Embouchure protected by a coral barrier, is nice for sailing and windsurfing. Baie Lucas offers good diving from its isolated beach on the east coast.

All beaches on the French side of St. Martin / St. Maarten are public and topless sunbathing for women is generally acceptable.

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