Hidden Bay Beach (French side): Easily reached via a fun hilly hike from Friar's Bay, Hidden Bay Beach tempts with some of the most off-the-radar sands on Saint Martin.
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VERDICT: If you want more calm and laid-back properties, stay on the French side. If you want convenience and easy access to nightlife, stay on the Dutch side.
Maarten in Philipsburg. You will need a passport to travel to and from St. Martin but rest assured that you can travel freely between the island's French and Dutch sides. A tourist visa is not required to enter the island, but a return ticket is required unless you are of Dutch or French nationality.
St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewellery, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
On the Dutch side there's an immense amount of Casinos and nightlife options to choose from. From Karaoke, Rock & Roll, and Piano to Caribbean Soca, Reggae, or even clubbing and Gentlemen's clubs. On the Dutch side of St. Maarten you get to start at 4 pm and end at 7 in the am.
Located on the island's southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border.
Simpson Bay – Once famous for the families who made their living from fishing, Simpson Bay is a long sandy beach just south of the airport on the west end. The sand is soft and the waves are generally calm. This beach is never crowded and offers a wonderful spot to watch the sunsets.
Galion BeachIt is the favorite family beach of Saint-Martin families because its water is calm and shallow. Remember to take masks and snorkels to enjoy the beautiful seabed.
Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. This beach's convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach.
For those after tranquility and serenity, try Dawn Beach, Oyster Bay Beach, or the stretched and beautiful Lowlands beaches of Baie Longue / Long Bay, Plum bay / Baie aux Prunes, Baie Rouge / Red Bay. Dutch side Sint Maarten's well known Mullet Bay Beach along its golf course also allows for a silent day in the sun.
Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more “Caribbean vibe”.
The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).
Martin's biggest beaches, Orient Beach. Measuring one and a half miles, this long stretch of white sand is a popular choice for a beach day. Home to many excellent restaurants, plenty of watersports, powdery soft sand and its famous nude beach area, there is so much to love about Orient Bay.