St Maarten and St Martin´s, Secluded Beaches, Clothing Optional and Naturist Beaches
Orient Bay, or in French “Baie Orientale”, is the most developed, the most popular and the busiest beach on the island. It sweeps around a blue cove, facing northeast. The 2 mile long, white powdered sand beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, and the bottom has a very gradual slope.
The area has been recognized as a marine reserve, so snorkeling in the marine park is just incredible. The beach is reputed as much for its natural beauty and setting as it is for being the island´s foremost swimsuit optional beach.
The major attraction of Orient Bay is the nude beach and the world´s famous Club Orient (”Club O”), the island´s only naturist resort at the southern end of the beach. Clothing is optional in front of the Club, though the nude beach there is open to the public. The northern end of the beach, has more clothing, but in fact you may encounter nude sunbathers anywhere. The highest concentration of naked people however is at Club Orient. Orient Bay actually consists of five main beaches, called the “5 stars of Orient Bay” Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini Beach, Waikiki and Coco Beach, named after their respective beach bars and each next to another.
Legally, except for the Club Orient beach, none of the beaches is officially declared as a nudist beach. The French side widely tolerates nudity as long as it doesn’t have exhibitionist character. The Dutch side tolerance is more restrictive and somewhat accepted at Cupecoy beach.
Cupecoy Beach is a small, clothing optional beach located on the southwest of St Maarten. It is lined with beautiful rock formations and caves. The 10-20 feet high, golden sandstone cliff serves as the backdrop for Cupecoy beach. This rich coral sand carpet is very popular, and if you´d like to find a cave for yourself only, you have to get there early. On the far end of the beach clothing is optional, and over the past years, it seems that Cupecoy Beach has developed into a meeting point for naturists.
There are no restaurants or bars on Cupecoy Beach, but you may see a local guy, type of Rastaman, come by from time to time with a cooler trying to sell you fresh soda or beer. Beach chairs, umbrellas and BBQ are also available. And bars, cafés and resorts of the Cupecoy area are not far away…such as the latest at “The Cliff”
There is a public parking lot on the water side of the road, passed Ocean Club, with stairs down to the beach, one heading to the west, the natural beach. Cupecoy may have a bit rough waters at times, the wind however is blocked by the rocks. The surf usually is a 2-3´ swell, so with pre-school kids, this beach won´t be your best choice. A good time to enjoy this beach is (late) afternoon to watch the sun go down. As Cupecoy beach faces Southwest, there a splendid views of the sunset and the surf.
Petites Cayes is an untouched, gorgeous tropical beach on the very northern shore of French Saint Martin. It is yet another secluded, deserted beach. The only way to this beach is by boat. Or a challenging 35-45 min. hike along the coast. Some romantic sun lovers come even over from Orient Bay by jetski or hobbie cat to relax at this peaceful tropical paradise, where also clothes can go off…
Amazingly, Happy Bay is still a rather unknown, almost undiscovered beach of St. Martin. This may have to do with the fact that the beach is not easily accessible. It can best be reached by driving to Friar’s Bay and walk from there in Northern direction on a small trail along the coast to Happy Bay. It is also accessible from the villas above Happy Bay beach. No bars, restaurants, beach chair rentals – just beach!
Happy Bay lies to the Northwest of the island, between Friar´s Bay and the Bay of Grand Case. And your walk would start at the last beach bar at Friar´s Bay. Your effort to get there will be honored with viewing one of the most breathtaking beaches of the island. If you stay at one of the few villas on Happy Bay, you can use the shortcut down to this great beach!
Secluded Plum Bay, or Baie aux Prunes in French, is just beside Long Bay and well known to surfers. The beach is very little visited during weekdays, although beautiful and without a doubt one of the most peaceful and romantic beaches on the island. At the northern end of the beach is the rock of Plum Bay, a rather pretty site that expands into the Falaise des Oiseaux (Birds´ Cliff). The road of “Falaise des Oiseaux” on the French side of Terres Basses is the access road to the beach. There is a lot of sand, and snorkeling is good, but when you wade into the water, watch out, as corals are just off the beach. If you want to get away from it all, this is one of the most beautifully intimate and calm beaches around the island. At the very western tip of the island, it is also a great romantic sunset spot. Plum Bay is as peaceful as it gets, but bring your own supplies as there are no amenities. There are only few people on the beach, all were wearing clothes…..
To access the Long Bay beach, look out for the entrance of La Samanna Hotel. Continue along the road next to the ponds, and you will see a parking lot on the left. There is also a fenced passage onto the western end of the beach. Starting from La Samanna, the beach continues all the way on to the very western end of St. Martin, where you´ll meet some rock formations as well.
Long Bay, also spelled Longue Bay, Long Beach, or Baie Longue in French, is in the southern part of French Terres Basses/The Lowlands. As the name implies, it is the longest stretch of white sand beach on the island. It is also one of the most quiet, intimate beaches, and the best for sun-worshippers. With its stunning turquoise waters and plenty of privacy, the natural charm of this secluded beach will amaze you. Long Bay is also great for snorkeling, although you won´t find too much coral. Remember that you will have to bring your own supplies to Long Bay beach. There are no watersport activities, no vendors, no amenities, so you can enjoy the privacy and beauty of the bay to the full extent.
