There are so many beaches on St. Martin and St. Maarten that it may be hard to choose which ones to visit

The shared Caribbean island of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten is filled with natural beauty. Whether you're interested in seeing the French side or the Dutch side (or a bit of both!) there are plenty of beautiful beaches to behold.

This tiny island is home to 36 beaches that run the gamut from tranquil to topless to toddler-friendly. Some of the island's most beautiful beaches are hard to reach, so travelers may want to plan ahead for their visit. But other equally beautiful shorelines don't require any extra effort.

Fortunately, neither side of the island has the monopoly on gorgeous vistas, powdery-white sands, or coral reefs. Similarly, surfing can be done on both sides of the island. This means that while you may want to visit both the French and Dutch portions, you won't miss much if you stick to the beaches of just one.

Beach Types

Beach activities are common, particularly on the more crowded beaches. Vacationers can try out windsurfing, snorkeling, and a number of other activities. Some beaches are known for their calm waters, while others are a bit more choppy. But the many bays that line the coasts offer plenty of calm, beautiful waters.

The eastern (windward) side of the island is subject to more wind and rougher waters because it faces the Atlantic. The opposite side of the island (leeward) offers visitors the much calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Families will find plenty to enjoy on the island. In fact, some beaches, such as Friar's Bay, are perfect for family travelers. Family-friendly beaches often offer a lot of activities, but they also tend to be more crowded than less family-friendly beaches. The most crowded beaches on the island tend to be home to a large hotel and will often have facilities and other activities nearby.

Clothing Choices

Clothing-optional beaches are found on both sides of the island, but are far more common on the French side. Perhaps the best-known clothing-optional beach is Orient Bay Beach, or Baie Orientale. Others include Baie Rouge (Rouge Bay) and Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the French portion, or Cupecoy Bay on the Dutch side.

Though most of the island's beaches are not clothing-optional, remember that the attitudes of the islanders are more reflective of the European cultures that took control of the island. Families and visitors who wish to steer clear of such beaches may want to take extra care when choosing a spot of sand.

Interesting Alternates

Oyster Pond is an interesting location that shares space on both the French and Dutch portions of the island. On the Dutch side, visit Dawn Beach. This is said to be the better of the two for beachgoers, featuring powdery-white sands and beautiful sunrise views. Still, the French Oyster Pond Beach is home to more activities and accommodations.

No matter what you choose to do on the island, be sure to visit one of its incredible beaches. Surfers, snorkelers, and sunbathers will all find beaches that are perfect for them. And if you're looking to have a whole beach to yourself, you just might find that on on St. Martin and St. Maarten as well.

Travelers in search of a little more guidance in their quest for their perfect beach can still learn a bit more. Detailed description pages for many beaches on St. Martin and St. Maarten are linked below.