Yes, all beaches on both the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin) are public and free to access in 2026. Unlike some other Caribbean islands where resorts can "privatize" the sand, the law here ensures that the shoreline up to the high-water mark belongs to the public. While you can walk onto any of the island's 37 beaches for free, you may still have to pay for "amenities" like beach chairs, umbrellas, or parking at certain beach clubs (like those on Orient Bay). In some cases, to reach a beach through a luxury resort, you may need to pass a security gate; simply tell the guard you are going to the beach, and they are legally required to allow you through. This "open beach" policy makes the island a high-value destination for explorers. Whether you want to watch planes at Maho Beach or find the quiet turquoise waters of Baie Rouge, you have the peer-to-peer freedom to enjoy every inch of the island's coastline without paying an entry fee, making it one of the most traveler-friendly spots in the Caribbean.