Even in paradise, travel can, at times, be confusing.
But have you ever bounced between two countries on one island?
If not, then head down to a small island immediately south of Anguilla.
There you will find the luxurious French overseas territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch Sint Maarten.
Confusing? Technically, the country of St Maarten is situated on Saint Martin Island.
Whatever you call this South Caribbean treasure, it is a trove of naked (literally) beaches and stunningly blue waters.
The Lesser Antilles are best in late spring – May or June.
The winter is also a break from the summer’s humidity and the threat of tropical storms.
November and December are both perfect months to catch the humpback whales breaching on their trip south.
10 Best Beaches in Sint Maarten
1. Mullet Bay Beach
Mullet Bay Beach is all about aquamarine waters and clam-white-tinged shores.
Easy access for island surfers, its laid-back vibe belies some entertaining waves.
Swimming and snorkeling round out the water play.
And come-as-you-are beach shacks and bars pepper the palm-lined sands.
While the sands are free, chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
A public parking lot sits at the southern end of the elongated bay.
And Mullet Bay Beach is within walking distance of the island’s only 18-hole golf course.
2. Maho Bay
Dreaming of an isolated cove with rhythmic waves and gentle breezes?
Keep dreaming.
Yes, Maho Bay Beach is stunningly beautiful.
And it qualifies as a full-fledged contender for a quintessential Caribbean destination.
Unsurprisingly, everyone on the island knows it.
For many visitors, Maho Bay’s southwest shores are the first sands seen upon landing.
Maho is on a direct line-of-flight path to Princess Juliana International Airport and steps away from the landing strips.
It is flanked by upscale resorts and tiki bars. The international casino is within walking distance.
Maho is prime for selfie seekers and beach bunnies.
If you’re fresh off the plane, Maho Beach is a great place to let the kids run.
And you can start your island vacation with an obligatory sandy stroll.
3. Cupecoy Beach
Cupecoy Beach is as close to the French-Dutch as it gets.
Part of the central western coastline, Cupecoy Beach, combines several areas along Rhine Road.
These spots range from spectacular caves to limestone cliffs.
The energetic waters, however, are not for neophytes.
But the toasty sandy swaths are perfect for relaxing.
One of the best unkept secrets about this Dutch shore is its commitment to clothing-less sunbathing.
While it is assumed in the French beaches, it is optional in Sint Maarten.
If nothing else, visit Cupecoy Beach for its sunsets.
They’re some of the best on the island.
4. Divi Beach
Divi Beach professes all of the usual island spectaculars: transparent waters, breathtaking views, and barefoot shores.
It’s also unbeatable for snorkeling and shore diving. Parrotfish patrol the coral.
They keep a weather eye on the local reef sharks and sea turtles.
Further off-shore, anglers seek the challenge of large tuna and fiesty wahoo.
Yes, Divi is a water-infused playground, but it is a bit inclusive of the Divi Bay resort.
Surprisingly quiet, with minimal crowds, it is more of a local hangout.
5. Great Bay
At the island’s southern tip is a two-mile white-sand area.
It is one of St Maarten’s longest beaches.
And it stretches from St Maarten’s Cruise port up and west along Great Bay through to Little Bay.
Its weathered boardwalk connects island-causal grills and playful shops.
The footpath also provides a direct avenue for the local hotels and casinos.
Great Bay Beach, like all of Sint Maarten’s sands, is free for all.
And visitors will find most of the usual gear and facilities.
Most chairs and umbrellas are free; others require a small fee.
Great Bay Beach can be zen, but to get the heart pumping, watercraft, ferry launches, and area excursions abound.
6. Dawn Beach
Another gem located just south of the Dutch-French border is Dawn Beach.
Located on the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern side of the island, the name is well-earned.
Unsurprisingly, the small swath is one of the most spectacular places on the southwestern shore for sunsets.
And it is one of Sint Maarten’s best beaches – feisty waves and all.
Because of the currents and terrain, Dawn Beach has incomprehensibly clear water.
And it is often termed the St. Tropez of the Caribbean.
7. Kim Sha Beach
Kim Sha Beach rocks.
In this part of Sint Maarten, there is always something to do, day or night.
In fact, Kim Sha should be your first stop if you are looking for the time of your life.
Wayfarers can enjoy a peaceful sunrise run on its captivating sands or more adventurous water-infused excursions.
Or relax on the sands under the shade of shore umbrellas.
Don’t forget your reef-friendly suntan lotion, a requirement in the Caribbean.
After the brief respite for the obligatory beverage and Caribbean sunset, Kim Sha Beach once again comes alive at the local clubs and bars.
8. Burgeaux Beach
Burgeaux Beach is part of southwest central St Maarten.
It is situated in an intimate resort neighborhood with direct walking access to the beach.
Most agree this divine cove was undeniably made for surfers.
A thin sandy swath with a craggy coastline intimidates casual swimmers.
But the rocks feed the energetic waves making it an ideal spot for longboarders.
As the sand cools, enjoy the blood-orange sunset. Locals often recommend Burgeaux Beach as one of the best sites to end the day.
Resorts, clubs, and restaurants are within walking distance of Burgeaux Beach.
And just across the southern channel are the bucket-list-worthy shores of St Barthelemy Island (St. Barth’s) – a short 30-minute boat ride away.
9. Indigo Bay Beach
Indigo Bay Beach is another of Sint Maarten’s neighborhood beaches.
It lines the half-moon Cay Bay on the southern side of the island.
East of Pelican Key, this is a great family-friendly spot for ocean-styled fun.
Surrounded by short palms, visitors can drift in gentle waves or test their best UV protection.
The more energetic will find affordable kayaks and SUP board rentals for a longer look at Indigo Bay.
One of Indigo Bay Beach’s more distinctive features is the Pavillion and Arxh.
Restaurants and beach-upscale bars line the area and are within walking distance of the shore.
10. Little Bay Beach
Clamshell white sand, transparent waters, and unforgettable undersea adventure define Little Bay Beach.
It is a snorkeling destination as even novice swimmers enjoy the abundant marine life and vibrant colors below the surface.
West of the Great Bay Cove outcrop, Little Bay and Beach are touted as one of the safest kid-friendly stretches on the island.
Its protected waters encourage even the most hesitant to brave the waves.
The bay is also the site of Fort Amsterdam and several hotels and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Saint Martin or Sint Maarten?
“Tomato, toh-ma-to.”
Or is it?
The dual identity of the Lesser Antilles island is confusing.
Most misspeak its location, nationality, and, of course, the correct spelling of the name.
Simply put, Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This Dutch country occupies the southern half of the island of Saint Martin.
The island’s northern half, Saint Martin, is an overseas territory of France.
Residents in both countries total around 39,000.
And they speak a Dutch-French mashup.
English is also prevalent.
What is Sint Maarten's official currency?
The Antillean Guilder (ANG) is the local coin.
However, both American bills and coins are widely accepted on the island.
And bank machines can be found in restaurants, shopping areas, and hotels.
Should you tip in Sint Maarten?
If you travel, you have at some point ask the question.
In Sint Maarten, most restaurants add an extra 15% to the bill.
Unsuspecting travelers rarely check.
Often listed as a tax, it is their server charge.
Don’t tip extra unless your service or server is exceptional.
Which part of Saint Martin Island is more fun?
St Maarten is electrifying.
The island’s cruise port and bustling airport sit at the island’s southern tip.
This creates a steady stream of animated visitors.
And the bars and nightclubs are reported to be outstanding.
The island’s northern half, St Martin, is usually recommended for a relaxing respite with secluded sands.
