Sometimes planning a Caribbean vacation can feel overwhelming. You scroll through endless photos, hear mixed reviews, and wonder which beaches are actually worth your time. If you’re heading to the Dutch side of St. Maarten, you probably just want someone to tell you where the best spots are — whether you’re looking for calm waters, lively vibes, or a picture-perfect place to relax.
That’s exactly what this guide is here for. In this post, you’ll discover the Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten, with clear details on what makes each one special, who it’s best for, and how to enjoy it to the fullest. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go without second-guessing your choice. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Understanding St. Maarten’s Dutch Side Beaches
The Island’s Geography in Simple Terms
St. Maarten (or Sint Maarten, when referring to the Dutch territory) makes up the southern part of the island. Unlike the quieter French side, the Dutch side leans into entertainment — casinos, nightlife, shopping, and cruise ship tourism. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss The beaches here reflect that personality: vibrant, diverse, and easy to reach.
Why Focus on the Dutch Side?
- Accessibility: Princess Juliana International Airport is located here, making arrival and beach-hopping effortless.
- Variety: From world-famous aviation spots to quiet family-friendly bays, you’ll find all types of beaches.
- Amenities: Dutch-side beaches tend to have more restaurants, bars, rental chairs, and water sports facilities. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten
1. Maho Beach – The World-Famous Aviation Attraction
Let’s start with the most iconic. Maho Beach is world-renowned because it sits directly under the flight path of Princess Juliana International Airport. Planes roar overhead so low you can almost touch them, creating a surreal experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Best for: Thrill-seekers, photographers, aviation fans.
- What to do: Watch landings and take-offs, swim, enjoy beach bars like Sunset Beach Bar.
- Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot; check flight schedules for the best times.
2. Great Bay Beach – Heart of Philipsburg
If you’re docking on a cruise ship, this will likely be your first beach stop. Great Bay Beach stretches along the capital city, Philipsburg, with its boardwalk packed with shops, casinos, and restaurants.
- Best for: Cruise passengers, shopping and beach combo days.
- What to do: Rent a lounger, stroll the boardwalk, enjoy duty-free shopping.
- Tips: It gets crowded when cruise ships are in port, so go early or late in the day.
3. Simpson Bay Beach – Long and Laid-Back
Simpson Bay is one of the island’s longest beaches, offering over a mile of powdery sand. Despite its length, it’s often quieter than Maho or Great Bay.
- Best for: Long walks, quieter vibes, couples.
- What to do: Relax, swim, or watch boats entering Simpson Bay Lagoon.
- Tips: Limited shade, so bring an umbrella or rent one from a local vendor.
4. Mullet Bay Beach – The Local Favorite
Ask locals about their favorite beach, and chances are they’ll say Mullet Bay. This beach has calm turquoise water most days, soft sand, and a relaxed but lively vibe. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
- Best for: Families, snorkeling, mingling with locals.
- What to do: Swim, snorkel near the rocky edges, grab snacks from beach vendors.
- Tips: Popular on weekends with locals, so weekdays are quieter.
5. Cupecoy Beach – Cliffs and Sunsets
Cupecoy Beach is a collection of small coves hidden under limestone cliffs. It’s famous for its golden sunsets and is one of the more romantic spots on the Dutch side.
- Best for: Couples, photography, sunset lovers.
- What to do: Explore the coves, swim in calm waters (depending on the season), enjoy the scenic cliffs.
- Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for climbing, and bring your own supplies as amenities are limited.
6. Little Bay Beach – Family-Friendly Calm
Nestled between two peninsulas, Little Bay Beach is protected from strong waves, making it one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Dutch side. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
- Best for: Families, kids, beginner snorkelers.
- What to do: Rent kayaks, snorkel over the underwater trail, enjoy beach resort facilities.
- Tips: Consider a day pass at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort for added comfort.
7. Dawn Beach – Sunrise Glory
Though technically close to the French border, Dawn Beach lies on the Dutch side and lives up to its name. It’s the place to catch a spectacular sunrise.
- Best for: Early risers, photographers, quiet mornings.
- What to do: Watch the sunrise, snorkel in offshore reefs, enjoy nearby resorts.
- Tips: Arrive early to experience its magic; afternoons can bring stronger surf.
Choosing the Right Beach for You
For Families with Kids
- Little Bay Beach
- Mullet Bay Beach
For Adventure Seekers
- Maho Beach (planes)
- Cupecoy Beach (cliffs)
For Romance and Quiet
- Cupecoy Beach
- Simpson Bay
For Cruise Ship Visitors
- Great Bay Beach
For Snorkelers
- Mullet Bay (reefs)
- Little Bay (underwater trail)
Tips for Visiting Beaches on the Dutch Side
Parking and Accessibility
Some beaches have free parking, but spots fill quickly near popular areas like Maho and Mullet. Renting a car is the best way to explore multiple beaches in a day.
Facilities and Rentals
Dutch-side beaches often have lounge chairs, umbrellas, and gear rentals available. However, quieter spots like Cupecoy may require you to bring your own supplies. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Food and Drinks
Expect a wide range: beach bars at Maho, local barbecue shacks at Mullet, or upscale restaurants at Simpson Bay. Always carry some cash, as not every vendor takes cards. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Safety Considerations
- Watch for strong currents, especially during winter months.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
- Keep valuables secure — theft is rare but possible in busy areas.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Only visiting Maho Beach: While it’s iconic, St. Maarten has much more variety.
- Not checking cruise schedules: Great Bay can feel overcrowded when ships dock.
- Skipping sunset at Cupecoy: It’s one of the most magical experiences on the island.
- Underestimating the sun: Caribbean rays are strong, so bring hats and sunscreen.
FAQs About Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten
Is the Dutch side better for beaches than the French side?
Not necessarily “better,” just different. The Dutch side has more developed, lively beaches, while the French side leans toward quieter, natural settings. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Are beaches free in St. Maarten?
Yes, all beaches are public, though you may pay for parking, chair rentals, or resort day passes.
What is the best beach for snorkeling on the Dutch side?
Little Bay and Mullet Bay are top picks for their clear water and easy access to reefs.
Can you walk to beaches from the cruise port?
Yes, Great Bay Beach is within walking distance. For others, taxis or rental cars are recommended.
Which beach has the calmest water?
Little Bay is the most consistently calm, making it ideal for kids and beginners.
Is nudity allowed on Dutch-side beaches?
Unlike some French-side beaches, nudity is not common or officially permitted on the Dutch side. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Beach
The beauty of the Dutch side of St. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss Maarten is its diversity. Whether you want the thrill of jets overhead at Maho, the serenity of a long walk on Simpson Bay, or the family-friendly calm of Little Bay, there’s a beach for every mood. The key is knowing what each beach offers and matching it to your travel style. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss
So instead of sticking to the obvious, explore beyond the famous names. Try a sunset at Cupecoy, a sunrise at Dawn, or a local afternoon at Mullet. That way, your trip to St. Maarten won’t just be about beaches — it will be about discovering the personality and rhythm of the island itself. Best Beaches on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten You Can’t Miss