Aerial views of Little Bay Beach, St. Maarten
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Little Bay Beach

4.5
ยท72 reviewsยท, Sint Maarten

A picturesque bay in St. Maarten and Sydney, offering serene beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and unique underwater attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters and good visibility

CrowdMedium
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Aerial views of Little Bay Beach, St. Maarten

Little Bay Beach

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters and good visibility

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque bay in St. Maarten and Sydney, offering serene beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and unique underwater attractions.

4.5
(72 reviews)

"My favorite beach/snorkel site! Calm water, fine white sand and decent snorkeling right off the shore."

Vertical photo
TIP

๐Ÿฅพ Water Shoes Recommended

Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading.

๐Ÿ  Bring Your Snorkel Gear

While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Sculpture Park

Underwater Sculpture Park

Offshore snorkeling platform

Explore a unique underwater world with sunken statues, cannons, and a helicopter. Great for snorkelers!

Vibrant Marine Life

Vibrant Marine Life

Nearshore snorkeling areas

Spot sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish. Excellent visibility often makes for incredible sightings.

Secluded Serenity

Secluded Serenity

The beach itself

Enjoy a peaceful escape with fine sand and clear blue waters, away from the usual crowds.

Scenic Rock Formations

Scenic Rock Formations

Beach headlands

These natural formations offer stunning photo opportunities and add to the beach's picturesque charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Little Bay Beach

While Little Bay Beach is publicly accessible, the most straightforward entry is often through the Divi Little Bay Resort. Inform security you're heading to the beach or a resort restaurant to gain access. Parking is available within the resort grounds.

Best Gear for Little Bay

Water shoes are recommended due to rocks underfoot. Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best experience, though rentals are available at the Divi Resort. Consider a waterproof phone case for underwater photos.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters and good visibility
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
During summer patrol hours
Why
Lifeguard presence for safety
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Philipsburg has all the good deals for sure ๐Ÿ˜ #philipsburg #dutyfreeshopping #dutyfreeshop #philipsburgstmaarten #greatbaybeach #thingstodoinstmaarten #sxm #stmaartentiktok #stmartin #travelvlog #travelcontentcreator #ayo_dtraveller #ayo_dele #thevacationconnection #frenchcroissant #stmaartentourism #stmaartentravel #islandtour
@thetravellingwomantt
7.9K likes โ€ข 251.8K views

๐Ÿฅพ Water Shoes Recommended

Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading. Reddit

๐Ÿ  Bring Your Snorkel Gear

While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience. Reddit

Weโ€™ll take Sydneyโ€™s stunning secluded beaches over packed Europe beaches every time. ๐Ÿคฉ Little Bay Beach, in particular, has left us completely in awe. ย  Thanks for sharing your #feelnewsydney moment @anurag_kakara
sydney
9.3K likes โ€ข 171.7K views
Snorkelling in Little Bay today ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ ๐ŸŸ Snorkelling spots in Sydney; Little Bay Malabar Gordonโ€™s bay Clovelly Shelly beach Manly #sydney #snorkelling #thingstodo
lostandfoundinsydney
237 likes โ€ข 17.8K views

๐Ÿš— Access via Divi Resort

Inform security at Divi Little Bay Resort you're visiting the beach for entry. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Ops Galore

Rock headlands offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. Instagram

Know before you go ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ Summer is here and one of our favourite summer activities is finding new beaches and swim spots to explore. This stunning beach in Sydneyโ€™s east is like a little slice of The Mediterranean and itโ€™s perfect for your next family beach day. ๐Ÿ“Little Bay Beach ๐Ÿ›Ÿ This beach is only patrolled during summer (everyday from 9am - 5pm) ๐Ÿ” There are a couple of cafes as you enter Pine ...
onesydneymum
521 likes โ€ข 69.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿฅพ Water Shoes Recommended

Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading. Reddit

๐Ÿ  Bring Your Snorkel Gear

While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience. Reddit

๐Ÿš— Access via Divi Resort

Inform security at Divi Little Bay Resort you're visiting the beach for entry. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Ops Galore

Rock headlands offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. Instagram

โ˜€๏ธ Summer Lifeguard Patrol

Lifeguards patrol daily during summer for your safety. Swim between the flags! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Little Bay Beach for its stunning natural beauty, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, particularly the unique underwater sculpture park. While access through the Divi Little Bay Resort is common, many appreciate the beach's public accessibility and the chance to spot diverse marine life. Some note the rocky seabed requires water shoes and that direct beach facilities are limited.

"Family Fun day at the beach - it is publicly accessible, you do not have to stay at Divi, but the hotel offers restaurant options on the beach. $15 umbrella and 2 chairs, we had some surf when we went, current is pretty strong nut kids enjoyed the sand and water, plenty of room to run around. Gorgeous gorgeous setting."

Julie J. Gravel

"Beautiful beach that we visited multiple times while staying nearby in an Airbnb. The beach is not owned by the Divi resort, so if asked at the entrance, you can mention that youโ€™re heading to one of the restaurants on the beach, and the guard will let you in. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean!"

Alena S

"My favorite beach/snorkel site!
Out of all the beaches we visited, the Little Bay bech this and Anse Marcel beach my two favorite ones. Calm water, fine white sand and decent snorkeling right off the shore. Tons of fishes, helicopter and submarine near the snorkeling platform in front of the rocky brach. The SXM underwater concrete statutes garden is also a really cool site if the visibility is good."

Roksolana Bobyk

What People Like

Excellent snorkeling
Beautiful clear waters
Unique underwater sculptures

What People Dislike

Rocky seabed
Limited direct facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

Little Bay Beach is accessible via the Divi Little Bay Resort. Inform the gate security that you are heading to the beach or one of the resort's restaurants, and they will allow you to enter. Parking is available within the resort. Reddit

There are multiple Little Bay Beaches. The one described here, known for its snorkeling and proximity to Fort Amsterdam, is in St. Maarten. Another popular Little Bay Beach is located in Sydney, Australia. Instagram+1

Yes, you can drive to Little Bay Beach. The most common access point is through the Divi Little Bay Resort. Ensure you communicate your destination to the security guard at the entrance. Reddit

Coming from Philipsburg, turn into the Divi Little Bay Resort off Octavius L. Richardson Road. This turn is easier from the Philipsburg direction. Reddit

While specific public transport routes directly to the beach entrance might be limited, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in St. Maarten and can drop you near the Divi Little Bay Resort entrance. TikTok

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

Little Bay Beach is publicly accessible and does not require an entrance fee. However, if you plan to use amenities like chairs and umbrellas, there will be a rental cost. Reddit

While you can access the beach, using the resort's private facilities like pools may require you to be a guest. However, you can rent chairs and umbrellas and dine at the beachside restaurants. Reddit

The beach itself is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, lifeguard services are only available during specific summer patrol hours. Instagram+1

Parking is available within the Divi Little Bay Resort. While not explicitly stated as free, it's often included when you inform security you're visiting the beach or resort amenities. Reddit

The main consideration is respecting the resort's property if you enter through their grounds. Otherwise, it's a public beach with standard rules for safety and cleanliness. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿ  Snorkeling & Activities

Yes, Little Bay Beach is highly regarded for its snorkeling. You can see a variety of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even an underwater sculpture park with a sunken helicopter and submarine. InstagramReddit

Expect to see green turtles, Caribbean whiptail stingrays, cushion sea stars, spotted eagle rays, and numerous fish species. Moon jellyfish have also been observed. Reddit

The area near the rocky parts of the beach and the offshore snorkeling platform is ideal. The SXM underwater concrete statues garden is also a cool site if visibility is good. Reddit

Yes, snorkeling gear can be rented from a vendor at the Divi Little Bay Resort. However, bringing your own is often recommended for comfort and availability. Reddit

Besides snorkeling and swimming, Little Bay Beach is great for relaxing on the sand, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views. The rock headlands are also popular for photography. Instagram

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beach Experience

Little Bay Beach features fine, white sand, making it pleasant for lounging and playing. Reddit

The water is generally calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, some surf and a strong current can occur at times. Reddit

There are limited public facilities directly on the beach, such as places to wash feet. Restrooms and showers are primarily available for guests of the Divi Little Bay Resort. Reddit

Yes, chairs and umbrellas can be rented from a vendor at the Divi Little Bay Resort. Expect to pay around $25 for two chairs and an umbrella. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy Little Bay Beach. Kids often enjoy the sand and water, and the calm conditions are generally good for them. However, water shoes are advised due to underwater rocks. InstagramReddit

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurant options available on the beach, often associated with the Divi Little Bay Resort. You can enjoy drinks and meals with a view of the ocean. Reddit

The restaurants typically offer a range of casual beach fare, including drinks, snacks, and light meals suitable for a day at the beach. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally courteous to patronize the local establishments if you are using their amenities like chairs and umbrellas. Reddit

Yes, there are bars available at the beach, often part of the Divi Little Bay Resort's offerings, where you can purchase beverages. Reddit

For a wider variety of dining experiences, you would need to travel back towards Philipsburg, which offers numerous restaurants and cafes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Families with Kids

Little Bay Beach in St. Maarten is a great option for families. The water is generally calm, making it suitable for children to play in. The fine sand is perfect for building sandcastles. However, be aware of the rocky seabed, so water shoes are a must for little ones to avoid discomfort. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, providing an added layer of safety. InstagramReddit+1

While direct facilities like restrooms are limited, you can access them through the Divi Little Bay Resort. The beachside restaurants offer convenient dining options for families. The underwater sculpture park, while primarily for snorkelers, can also be an exciting topic to discuss with older children about what lies beneath the waves. Reddit

๐Ÿ  Snorkel Enthusiasts

For snorkelers, Little Bay Beach is a top-tier destination. The clear waters and abundant marine life, including frequent sightings of sea turtles and rays, are a major draw. The underwater sculpture park is a unique highlight, offering a chance to see submerged art and historical artifacts like a helicopter and submarine. InstagramReddit

Bring your own gear for the best experience, though rentals are available. Focus your exploration around the rocky areas and the offshore platform for the richest marine encounters. The visibility is often excellent, allowing for detailed observation of the underwater world. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Photography Buffs

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Underwater World

Little Bay Beach in St. Maarten is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise, largely due to its unique underwater attractions. Beyond the natural marine life, the bay is home to the SXM Underwater Sculpture Garden. This fascinating site features a collection of concrete statues, including a sunken helicopter, cannons, a ship bell, and even a submarine, all staged for divers and visible to snorkelers with good visibility. Reddit

The marine life here is also abundant and diverse. Visitors frequently report sightings of green sea turtles, Caribbean whiptail stingrays, cushion sea stars, and spotted eagle rays, often in shallow waters where they can be easily observed. The variety of fish species adds to the vibrant underwater spectacle. Reddit

For the best experience, it's recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear, although rentals are available at the Divi Little Bay Resort. Water shoes are also a good idea as the seabed can be rocky in places. The clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore this submerged world. InstagramReddit

Access and Amenities: What to Expect

Accessing Little Bay Beach is generally straightforward, though it involves navigating through the Divi Little Bay Resort. When arriving by car, inform the security guard at the resort entrance that you are heading to the beach or one of the on-site restaurants. This will typically grant you access to the resort grounds and parking. Reddit

While the beach itself is public, amenities like restrooms and showers are primarily for resort guests. However, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from a vendor at the resort for a fee, often around $25 for two chairs and an umbrella. Dining options are also available at the beachside restaurants associated with the resort, offering a convenient way to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the scenery. Reddit

It's worth noting that the seabed can be rocky, so wearing water shoes is highly recommended for comfortable wading and exploring. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, typically from 9 am to 5 pm, adding an extra layer of safety for visitors. Instagram+1

Little Bay Beach: A Sydney Gem

In Sydney, Australia, Little Bay Beach offers a different, yet equally captivating, coastal experience. This picturesque beach is often described as a 'secret local beach' and a 'hidden gem,' located just under 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Its secluded nature makes it a perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful day by the sea, away from the more crowded tourist spots. Instagram

The beach is renowned for its clear blue waters and serene atmosphere, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding rock headlands provide stunning backdrops, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Instagram+1

During the summer, Little Bay Beach is patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring a safe environment for beachgoers. It's a favored spot for families looking for a beautiful and tranquil beach day, offering a slice of Mediterranean-like beauty within Sydney. Instagram

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