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St. Maarten, a charming island blending Dutch and French influences in the Eastern Caribbean, is a true beach lover’s paradise. With nearly 40 breathtaking beaches scattered along its coastline, there’s a perfect spot for everyone—from small, tucked-away coves to vibrant, bustling shorelines and everything in between. No matter your style, your ideal patch of sand is waiting to welcome you.
In this article, brought to you by Shore Excursions Group, we’ll highlight the best beaches St. Maarten has to offer. Come dive into a world of turquoise waters, soft sands, and unforgettable seaside experiences, perfect for cruisers looking to make the most of their time in port.
Maho Beach: A Thrill-Seeker’s Haven
Maho Beach, also known as Airport Beach, is undeniably one of St. Maarten’s most thrilling spots. Located at the end of a runway at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of the island, visitors can experience the unique thrill of overhead jet landings, making it a globally renowned beach destination for aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
This beach offers the ultimate adventure for plane spotters, delivering an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s a rare chance to get so close to a flying aircraft, especially during takeoff. Grab your belongings and brace yourself as the jet blast whips up the sand, sending an exhilarating gust through the crowd, almost nudging you toward the sea!
The surrounding area is equipped with the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill, where beachgoers can listen to live air traffic communications, adding to the overall experience. This sandy stretch is also a good choice for those who enjoy vibrant scenes and a lively crowd.
Orient Bay: The Island’s Most Popular Beach
Orient Bay, a two-mile long stretch of white-powdered sand, is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, making it St. Maarten’s busiest beach. The largest one on the island, Orient Bay offers something for everyone, from water sports and sun lounging to beach bars and dining options.
Orient Bay is renowned for its lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for families, groups of friends, and couples alike. (Please note that the southern section of the beach is clothing-optional, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re visiting with children!) With convenient amenities like restrooms, showers, and a variety of on-site dining options, this beach ensures a comfortable and enjoyable beach day for all.
The clear, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, making it a must-visit location for sea lovers. The beach is also a mecca for water sports, especially kite surfing. Hop between beach bars and bistros serving up live music alongside succulent dishes, a good complement to the people-watching along this sandy expanse commonly referred to as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean.
Little Bay Beach: A Serene Escape
Nestled on the Dutch side of the island, Little Bay Beach offers a more serene escape compared to the bustling Maho and Orient Bay. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming, especially for families with children.
The Divi Little Bay Beach Resort nearby enhances the beach experience, offering visitors access to various amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment. The beach’s gentle waves and stunning backdrop provide a picturesque setting for a relaxing day by the sea.
Adventure seekers can climb up to the ruins of Fort Amsterdam to see ancient walls, strategically placed cannons, and panoramic views for miles. This 17th century fort changed hands several times between the Dutch Republic, Spain, England, and France; today, it is a nesting colony of brown pelicans.
Great Bay Beach: The Heart of Philipsburg
Located along the Great Bay, this beach is a stone’s throw away from Philipsburg, the beachside Dutch capital, allowing visitors to combine a beach day with some shopping and dining in the city. It is also the closest beach to the St. Maarten Cruise Port.
Great Bay Beach is known for its golden sands, calm waters, and laid-back vibe. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, making it easy to spend the entire day soaking up the sun. The proximity to the city’s amenities, including numerous cafes and shops, makes this beloved beach a favorite for those who want convenience at their fingertips.
Take a leisurely stroll along the mile-long boardwalk, and don’t miss the palm-lined Front Street — renowned as the Caribbean’s most iconic shopping destination. Here, you can marvel at glittering jewelry and browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. With colorful storefronts and unbeatable deals, it’s a paradise for shopaholics.
Pinel Island: A Quiet Retreat
For those seeking a quieter retreat, Pinel Island is the perfect choice. A short boat ride from the main island, this tiny islet is a protected nature reserve, offering unspoiled natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and soft sandy beaches.
Pinel Island offers some of the best snorkeling spots in St. Maarten for cruise passengers, with calm waters full of colorful fish, stingrays, and even the occasional sea turtle. Visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, with a few restaurants offering local cuisine and drinks. Pinel Island is ideal for those looking to escape the more crowded main beaches and enjoy a peaceful day in a natural setting.
Splash in the shallow, kid-friendly waters, wander along the rocky shoreline to spot resident iguanas and hermit crabs, or retreat from the sun with a refreshing cocktail while surveying this tropical haven.
Discover St. Maarten’s Best Beach Excursions
Shore Excursions Group offers a variety of excursions to some of the best beaches for cruisers in St. Maarten.
Whether you’re looking to feel the thrill of planes soaring overhead at Maho Beach, family-friendly beaches near Philipsburg, or prefer the tranquility of Little Bay, there’s an excursion tailored to every beach lover’s dream.
Experience Maho and Orient Bay Adventure
For those intrigued by Maho Beach’s unique plane-spotting experience combined with the lively atmosphere of Orient Bay, our Maho and Orient Beach Tour is a perfect choice. This excursion offers the best of both worlds, allowing guests to enjoy beach bars, aquatic sports, and stunning views.
Get to Maho Beach from the St. Maarten cruise port with your friendly guide, with a stop at Orient Beach along the way. Here, you’ll have the chance to rev up on a jet ski or simply relax on the soft, powdery sand.
Once at Maho Beach, check the iconic surfboard for flight schedules, then unwind at the Sunset Bar and Grill with a refreshing drink as you watch jumbo jets touch down in dramatic style. For an unforgettable thrill, dive into the crystal-clear water and capture incredible footage as these “big birds” soar just feet above your head!
“We were a group of 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. As aviation geeks we were excited to see the planes landing so closely and it didn’t disappoint. There were a good bit of small planes vs larger jets but the larger jets made it awesome! The beach at Orient was nice and there were chairs and umbrellas waiting for us when we got there. Very relaxing.” – Kristin M
Snorkel and Beach Adventure at Pinel Island
If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, our Pinel Island Snorkeling and Beach Adventure offers a memorable escape to one of the best snorkeling spots in St. Maarten. Enjoy a power boat ride out to the north side of St. Maarten to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life in crystal-clear waters.
This intimate and flexible snorkeling tour takes you to two hidden snorkeling gems, where you can enjoy uncrowded beaches and personalized attention both on land and in the water. Typical stops include a mix of Pinel Island, Creole Rock, Tintamarre, and Happy Bay, with the exact locations chosen depending on the day’s sea conditions. Every snorkeling adventure is unique, making each experience truly one of a kind.
New to snorkeling? Not a problem! We’ll teach you how to snorkel, and provide all the gear needed. Learn new skills — or build on your existing ones — as you discover tropical fish and swim with stingrays during your perfect St. Maarten beach day.
“Captain Allen and his son were awesome. I preferred this small group excursion over the large ones offered by the cruise line. It allowed us to have more time snorkeling and enjoying the activities. We went to 2 different snorkeling spots and then to a small beach/island for a snack/beverages. Would definitely recommend to others.” – Jill P
Relaxing Day at Little Bay
For a more relaxed pace, our Resort Beach Day at Little Bay Beach provides a lavish experience on one of the quieter beaches in St. Maarten, complete with beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment.
Escape the crowds as you indulge in the luxurious amenities of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort while soaking in the serene beauty of Little Bay. Lounge on a comfy beach chair, sip refreshing drinks, and treat your taste buds to delicious bites from the onsite cafe and bar.
Craving adventure? Glide across the water on a stand-up paddleboard or grab some snorkeling gear and dive into a stunning underwater world teeming with marine life just steps from the shore.
“A day at your own pace. Sone some snorkeling and sup-ing as well as relaxing on the beach with beautiful views 🙂 Have awesome memories as we got engaged there!” – Katja
Why Choose Shore Excursions Group
At Shore Excursions Group, we are committed to offering unforgettable experiences with a personal touch. Our small group sizes ensure a more intimate and enjoyable experience, setting us apart from the larger cruise line excursions. Explore St. Maarten’s beautiful beaches with us and discover why our expertly guided tours make all the difference.
Explore a wide range of thrilling excursions and unforgettable beach experiences on our St. Maarten Excursions Port Page. Discover the best of St. Maarten’s beaches and book your next adventure today!
