Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, also called Le Galion Beach, is in the next bay south of Orient Beach. Unlike most of the beaches on St. Maarten, most of the beach is protected by a coral reef, resulting in extremely calm water all along the shore. In fact, the 'edge' of the water is so shallow for so long, you can literally walk 30 feet out and still only be up to your knee.
While it is part of St Martin´s Nature Marine Reserve, it is by no means a completely rustic beach. There is a watersports rental shop onsite offering snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boats, boards (kitesurfing and windsurfing), and even beach chairs and umbrellas. There are also picnic tables along the shore, but there are no grills so plan to bring something you can eat as is.
Snorkeling can be enjoyed all along the reef protecting the bay, with plenty of sea life beyond simply fish.