Cupecoy Beach
Cupecoy is Dutch St. Maarten’s semi-official nude beach. Sandstone cliffs give Cupecoy beach a dramatic golden backdrop, unlike any other beach on the island. Protected from the wind, this beach is perfect for those who enjoy “baking” in the sun. Dipping in the Caribbean Sea often or just lying on the edge of the rolling surf is recommended.
Dawn Beach

This wide white sand beach, close to a mile long, is backdropped by the dramatic green mountains of Dutch St. Maarten. There’s plenty of room to toss a Frisbee or play some paddle ball. Its rolling waters are some of the best for snorkeling on St. Maarten. Coral reefs, burgeoning with exotic fish, are within an easy swim from shore.

 

If you just want to relax and work on your tan, it’s easy to find a place for a little peace and quiet. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided everywhere on the beach.

Great Bay
Stretching for two miles in front of the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, a myriad of cruiseships sail into her harbor daily. The thousands of cruiseship visitors that line Great Beach every day can keep an eye on their floating hotel and shopping in Philipsburg is always close at hand.
Guana Bay
Surfers, get out your boards! Guana Bay is awesome dudes! This is the best beach in St. Maarten/St. Martin for surfing enthusiasts, and is recommended for strong swimmers only, since there is usually a heavy undertow. If this sounds like its for you, bring your own picnic and cooler - there are no services. Beautiful breaking waves make great photographs. Bring a friend.
Kim Sha Beach

Conveniently close to the action of developing Simpson Bay with its resorts, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos, Kimsha Beach is one of the most central beaches on the island. Beach lounges and umbrellas can be rented and watersports toys are available for the active minded. Kimsha Beach can also turn into a night spot, with occasional concerts and beach parties. 

 

The surf is usually very calm, as a small reef protects the beach. Many yachts use the bay as an anchorage and provide an attractive foreground for the gorgeous sunsets, which can be observed from here.

Little Bay
Located on the southern coast of St Maarten, just around the corner from Great Bay, this small but pretty beach is well protected by the outcrop of Fort Amsterdam right on the edge of Philipsburg. For diving enthusiasts, it offers one of the rare beach dive locations, as the waters here are generally calm due to its ‘cove like’ nature and also the installation of solid rocky beach breaks. This makes it an ideal spot for children, and a selection of beach equipment from snorkeling gear to jet-skis means there is plenty to do for all the family.
Maho Beach

A great place to watch the sunset, this “little stretch of sand” is also just a few short yards from the runway of The Princess Juliana International Airport.

So, get out your camera! Nowhere else in the world will you get this close to a landing jumbo jet. You can lie on the beach, catch some rays, and photograph the underbelly of a 747 just a few yards above your head. What a rush!

Mullet Bay

Just down the road from Maho Beach, this is a surfer’s paradise, when the conditions are “right”. Mullet Bay Beach borders on the island’s only 18-hole golf course and is very popular with locals, especially on the weekends. At the southern end, seagrape trees provide pleasant shade for those who are sensitive to the sun’s rays and heat. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are also available. A little snack bar cooks up hamburgers and hotdogs and serves cold beers and soft drinks.

 

Mullet Bay Beach is also an ideal place to take a long stroll in search of free souvenirs. Make sure you take a little waterproof bag with you. Washed up onto the seashore are all types of tiny shells and little pieces of interestingly shaped coral that could grab your eye - great way to get a tan! - Good sunset beach.

Simpson Bay

At one time, this area was famous for its families who made their living by fishing. There are still a few fisherman who shove off, hours before dawn, in search of “the one that got away”. Today, residential and vacation homes dot this mile long beach, as well as a few small resort hotels.

 

Half of Simpson Bay Beach runs parallel with The Princess Juliana International Airport runway. This beach is never crowded and is perfect for watching planes and sunsets.