St. Maarten Beach and Visitor Information
St Maarten, or St Martin, depending on which side of the island you are referring to, is an island in the Caribbean. Comprised of 37 square miles, the island is actually owned by two separate countries – France, and the Netherlands Antilles. There is a ‘French Side’ and a ‘Dutch Side’, and you will literally cross the border between the two when driving on the roads.
While many people conjure up images of a beautiful St Maarten beach when they first imagine this island, there is certainly more to it than that. St Martin boasts vibrant nightlife, shopping, boating, dining, and more.
St Maarten is a beautiful island, with steep, rugged mountains running right across the center. They provide a picturesque background to the turquoise sea and white beaches. The terrain is largely undeveloped so it still has a very natural feel to it. There is also a large lagoon located in the western side of the island, the largest in all of the Caribbean. The lagoon is connected to the sea by two draw bridges, providing a perfect location for the many large yachts and other boats to anchor.
What kinds of activities can one expect to find on St. Martin? Just about anything you can imagine. Of course many of them center around the water and the beaches of the island. Windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, surfing, wake-boarding, jet-skiing, kite-surfing, and more. There are all manner of boats available to charter, so whether power boating or sailing is your thing you can surely find what you’re looking for on St. Maarten.
What about activities that don’t involve hitting the beaches of St. Martin? The mountainous terrain is perfect for hiking and climbing. You can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, or even skydiving. If those are a little too adventurous for you, you can always go for a walk in or out of town, or visit any of the historical sites found on the island. There are many shops you can browse as well, with all manner of products being offered, especially jewelry.
Never overlook the simplest of pleasures: spending a day on a flawless St. Maarten beach. With so many different beaches to choose from on the island, surely one will have exactly what you are looking for. From the popular, crowded beaches laden with entertainment and dining options to the almost totally secluded and empty, St. Martin has it all. Make sure to do your research so you find a beach with exactly what you’re looking for.
For surfers of all varieties, check out Guana Bay or Mullet Bay.
Looking to do some Snorkeling? Check out Dawn Beach, Little Bay, or Le Gallion.
If you’re just looking for somewhere quiet to catch some rays, consider Baie Longue, Nettle Bay, or Cupecoy Beach.
For an action spot you’ll want to hit Orient Beach or Great Bay.