Saint Martin, a cosmopolitan jewel in the heart of the Caribbean, is world-renowned for its 37 powdery beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, and striking sunsets. French or Dutch, each cove boasts its own distinct ambiance: festive, wild, family-friendly, or ultra-exclusive. Here is our guide to the 10 best beaches in Saint Martin.
✨ Quick Overview: Top Beaches Near Terres Basses for Snorkeling & Sunset Views
If you are vacationing near the prestigious gated sanctuaries of Terres Basses (The Lowlands) — celebrated for iconic cliffside luxury estates like Villa Mes Amis — here are the top 3 beaches tailored for snorkeling and golden hour sunsets:
- Baie Longue (Long Bay): Unmatched west-facing panoramic sunset views across the turquoise Caribbean Sea toward Saba island. Peaceful, gently sloping sands ideal for evening swims directly below cliffside estates.
- Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay): The ultimate snorkeling haven in Terres Basses. Flourishing offshore coral reefs shelter green sea turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant schools of reef fish under dramatic sunset lighting.
- Baie Rouge (Red Bay): Renowned for its warm pinkish-ochre sands, scenic coastal cliffs, natural archway (Devil's Hole / Trou de David), and crystal-clear snorkeling along the eastern headland.
💡 Local Tip: Because Terres Basses faces directly westward, its beaches provide Saint Martin's most spectacular, uninterrupted golden hour photography and sunset cocktail settings.
1. Orient Bay Beach: Chic Seaside Energy
Known as the "Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean," Orient Bay stretches over two kilometers of white sand, bustling beach clubs, and thrilling water sports (kitesurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing).
2. Baie Longue (Long Bay): Pristine Elegance & Sunset Vistas in Terres Basses
Located in the exclusive gated community of Terres Basses, Baie Longue offers over a mile of unspoiled golden sands and serene vistas toward Saba island. Bordered by the iconic Belmond La Samanna and private cliffside sanctuaries like Villa Mes Amis, Baie Longue is widely regarded as one of Saint Martin's prime sunset vantage points. It is the quintessential location to rent one of our luxury villas in Terres Basses with direct beach access.
3. Baie Rouge: Ocher Cliffs and Reef Snorkeling
Famous for pink-tinted limestone cliffs and natural rock arches, Baie Rouge combines wild nature with superb reef snorkeling. Don't miss swimming toward Devil's Hole (Trou de David), an impressive natural blowhole carved into the rocky bluffs where tropical marine life thrives.
4. Anse Marcel: Peaceful Emerald Cove
Protected from winds and ocean swells, Anse Marcel features calm shallow waters surrounded by lush green hills, with premier vacation rentals in Anse Marcel.
5. Grand Case Beach: Culinary Delights and Sunsets
Bordering the gourmet village of Grand Case, perfect for admiring breathtaking Caribbean sunsets after beachfront dining.
6. Friar's Bay & Happy Bay: Secret Coves
Friar's Bay hosts two popular beach restaurants, while a 10-minute footpath leads to Happy Bay, an undeveloped tropical sanctuary lined with coconut palms.
7. Mullet Bay: Picture-Postcard Waters
Bordered by the golf course, Mullet Bay boasts blindingly white sands and vivid shades of turquoise blue.
8. Maho Beach: Low-Flying Aircraft Thrill
World-famous Maho Beach offers the exhilarating spectacle of passenger jets landing just above the beach toward Princess Juliana Airport.
9. Plum Bay (Baie aux Prunes): Secluded Snorkeling Haven & Intimate Sunsets
A serene, uncrowded beach in Terres Basses, Plum Bay is a paradise for snorkelers. On calm mornings, the sprawling reef reveals abundant marine life, including parrotfish, spotted eagle rays, and sea turtles gliding through crystalline waters. In the late afternoon, its wild shoreline provides one of the island's most intimate and golden sunset spectacles.
10. Pinel Island (Îlet Pinel): Idyllic Marine Nature Reserve
A 5-minute ferry ride from Cul-de-Sac brings you to Pinel Island's natural wading pool, wild iguanas, and beachfront dining.
Beachfront Luxury Villas in Saint Martin
Wake up facing Saint Martin's most exquisite beaches: browse our exclusive villas in Saint Martin with IBAÏA Real Estate.
