Orient Bay Beach St Martin
A vibrant 2km stretch of white sand, Orient Bay Beach is the 'Caribbean's St. Tropez' offering water sports, lively beach clubs, and clothing-optional...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Orient Bay Beach St Martin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant 2km stretch of white sand, Orient Bay Beach is the 'Caribbean's St. Tropez' offering water sports, lively beach clubs, and clothing-optional zones.
"Orient Beach is a gorgeous 2km white-sand stretch on St. Martin, nicknamed "Caribbean's St. Tropez.""
Check for Sargassum Seaweed
Recent videos show seaweed can be an issue. Check conditions before you go! :sea_wave:
Bikini Beach is a Must-Visit
Highly recommended for food, drinks, and a great beach experience. :cocktail:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Beach Clubs
Along the main stretch
Experience the lively atmosphere with music, cocktails, and delicious food at popular spots like Bikini Beach.
Water Sports Galore
Windy sections of the beach
Harness the steady trade winds for thrilling kite surfing and other exciting water activities.
Clothing Optional Relaxation
Near Club Orient
Enjoy a more liberated beach experience in designated clothing-optional zones.
Snorkeling Opportunities
Rocky areas at either end
Discover tropical fish and marine life in the clear waters around the rocky outcrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vibe: Clothing Optional & Beach Clubs
Sargassum Seaweed: Be Prepared
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Sargassum Seaweed
Recent videos show seaweed can be an issue. Check conditions before you go! :sea_wave:
Bikini Beach is a Must-Visit
Highly recommended for food, drinks, and a great beach experience. :cocktail:
Explore Both Ends
Each end offers different vibes and snorkeling spots. :tropical_fish:
Enjoy Coconut Water
Look for the gentleman selling fresh coconut water and handmade straw hats. :coconut:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Sargassum Seaweed
Recent videos show seaweed can be an issue. Check conditions before you go! :sea_wave:
Bikini Beach is a Must-Visit
Highly recommended for food, drinks, and a great beach experience. :cocktail:
Explore Both Ends
Each end offers different vibes and snorkeling spots. :tropical_fish:
Enjoy Coconut Water
Look for the gentleman selling fresh coconut water and handmade straw hats. :coconut:
Beach Clubs Open Late
Some beach clubs, like Bikini Beach, offer after-work events with music and tapas. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Orient Bay Beach is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse activities, and beautiful scenery, often compared to a Caribbean St. Tropez. Visitors praise the lively beach clubs, water sports, and the option for clothing-optional relaxation. However, occasional issues with sargassum seaweed and the potential for rough waters in some areas are noted drawbacks.
"The beach looked nice, but there had been storms for a few days in a row so the beach wasn't in good shape. We did fine a nice bar (Bikini). Fully recommend going there if you are Orient besch."
Graham Burnett
"Fabulous area, everything close by, a lot within easy walking distance. The immediate beach area was pretty rough waters, other areas were much better beaches. Loved the enormous restaurant choices, all within easy walking."
Roeann Fulkerson Chrisope
"Beautiful beach! Food and drinks were top notch at Bikini Beach Bar and Restaurant!🥂"
Denise
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Orient Bay Beach from Marigot by taxi or by renting a car. The drive is relatively short, taking about 15-20 minutes. Public transportation options might be limited, so a taxi or rental car is often the most convenient.
Yes, there is generally easy, free parking available near Orient Bay Beach, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Many visitors find renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore Orient Bay and other parts of St. Martin. Taxis are also readily available.
If you are staying in the immediate Orient Bay area, walking to the beach is very feasible. Many condos and hotels are located within easy walking distance.
While not as common as taxis or car rentals, some hotels or tour operators might offer shuttle services. It's best to inquire with your accommodation provider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Orient Bay Beach itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. However, beach clubs and chair/umbrella rentals will have associated costs.
The beach is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Individual beach clubs and restaurants have their own operating hours, with some staying open into the evening.
For popular beach clubs, especially during peak season, it's advisable to book chairs and umbrellas in advance, though walk-ins are often accommodated.
Generally, you can bring your own towels and non-alcoholic beverages. However, it's always good to check with specific beach clubs if you plan to bring outside food or drinks.
Yes, the northern end of Orient Bay Beach, near Club Orient, is known for its clothing-optional sections.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Orient Bay Beach is a hub for water sports like kite surfing and windsurfing due to steady trade winds. You can also relax at beach clubs, snorkel, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
While the water is generally clear and beautiful, the conditions can vary. Some areas might have rougher waters due to the wind, while others are calmer for swimming.
Yes, the rocky areas at both ends of the beach offer good opportunities for snorkeling, with plenty of tropical fish to see.
Orient Bay Beach is known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere, often described as the 'Caribbean's St. Tropez.' It's a mix of relaxation, water sports, and social beach clubs.
Most beach clubs and restaurants along Orient Bay Beach offer facilities like restrooms and showers for their patrons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of dining options, from casual beach bar fare and fresh seafood to more gourmet French-inspired cuisine at the numerous restaurants and beach clubs.
While some establishments can be pricey, you can find reasonably-priced food and drinks, especially at smaller bars or by opting for lunch specials. Bikini Beach is often cited for good value.
Absolutely! Beach clubs like Bikini Beach are famous for their delicious cocktails, perfect for sipping while enjoying the sun.
Yes, there is a small grocery store within walking distance of the beach, which can be convenient for picking up snacks or drinks.
Bikini Beach Bar and Restaurant is frequently recommended for its food and drinks. La Playa and KKÔ Beach are also popular choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant beach clubs, turquoise waters, and action shots of water sports. The clothing-optional areas also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Always be respectful and ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially in public spaces. Be mindful of privacy, particularly in clothing-optional areas.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. Midday provides bright, clear light for capturing the vibrant colors of the Caribbean.
Look for local vendors like the gentleman selling coconut water and making straw hats by hand for authentic island life shots.
Be aware of potential sargassum seaweed, which can affect the aesthetic. Also, be mindful of the diverse crowd and respect personal space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. While water sports are a big draw, simply building sandcastles and enjoying the Caribbean sun can be plenty of fun for younger children. Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be intense.
💸 Budget Travelers
Parking is generally free, which saves on transportation costs. Instead of renting chairs and umbrellas daily, consider bringing a beach blanket. Visiting during weekdays rather than weekends can also sometimes mean fewer crowds and potentially better deals at some establishments.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a condo with an ocean view for a truly special stay, offering direct access to the beach and stunning vistas. The variety of dining options means you can enjoy intimate dinners with your toes in the sand or at a table with a view.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Orient Bay Beach: A Traveler's Guide
The steady trade winds make Orient Bay a prime spot for water sports enthusiasts. Kite surfing and windsurfing are particularly popular here, with several operators offering lessons and rentals. Beyond the adrenaline rush, the beach is dotted with numerous beach clubs and restaurants, providing ample opportunities to unwind, enjoy cocktails, and savor diverse culinary delights.
While the beach offers a fantastic experience, it's worth noting that sargassum seaweed can occasionally affect its appearance. Checking recent conditions before your visit is advisable. Despite this, the combination of beautiful scenery, lively ambiance, and a wide range of activities makes Orient Bay Beach a must-visit destination.
Dining and Nightlife at Orient Bay
Beyond daytime dining, Orient Bay comes alive in the evenings, especially on Thursdays through Sundays. Several beach clubs, like Bikini Beach, host 'after-work' events featuring DJs, cocktails, and tapas, creating a vibrant nightlife scene. This offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the island's social side and enjoy music under the stars.
For those looking for a more authentic experience, keep an eye out for local vendors. One notable figure is a gentleman who sells fresh coconut water and crafts straw hats by hand, embodying the relaxed island lifestyle. The proximity of these establishments means you can easily hop between different venues to sample various offerings and soak in the diverse ambiance of Orient Bay.
Water Sports and Activities
Beyond the wind-powered sports, the clear turquoise waters also lend themselves to other aquatic adventures. Snorkeling is a rewarding activity, especially around the rocky areas found at either end of the beach. Here, visitors can discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with tropical fish.
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, simply swimming in the clear waters or lounging on the beach is a perfect way to spend the day. The beach clubs provide a comfortable base for enjoying the sun, sea, and sand, with options for chair and umbrella rentals readily available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit