St. Martin/St. Maarten - Orient Bay (French side) Attractions

This lovely boutique in Orient Bay is right behind the Beach La Playa. They specialize in beach wear, women's clothing and unique sea shell jewelry.

Coralita Beach provides a nice view of St. Barts and Tintamarre but you won't find any rentals, restaurants or services. Usually pretty deserted, this beach is peaceful and a great spot for families and honeymooners. Just be sure to bring your own snacks and beverages.

Le Galion is part of St Martin´s Nature Marine Reserve. It's sometimes called "Baby Beach" and "Coconut Grove". Le Galion is surrounded by a coral reef, making the shallow water calm and good for snorkeling. Locals flock to this beach claiming the north end to be the most clear water... (more)

Le Galion is part of St Martin´s Nature Marine Reserve. It's sometimes called "Baby Beach" and "Coconut Grove". Le Galion is surrounded by a coral reef, making the shallow water calm and good for snorkeling. Locals flock to this beach claiming the north end to be the most clear water on the whole island. Trade winds swooping across the Atlantic make this a popular spot for surfing, kite-boarding and windsurfing. There are loungers for rent. You'll also find picnic tables, restaurants and shops along the beach. (close)

Orient Bay is the most developed and popular beach on St. Martin. The bay stretches for 2 miles and divided into 5 main beaches all side-by-side -- Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini Beach, Waikiki and Coco Beach (named for their respective bars). Recognized as a marine reserve, and protected by Atlantic winds,... (more)

Orient Bay is the most developed and popular beach on St. Martin. The bay stretches for 2 miles and divided into 5 main beaches all side-by-side -- Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini Beach, Waikiki and Coco Beach (named for their respective bars). Recognized as a marine reserve, and protected by Atlantic winds, Orient Bay is a fabulous spot for snorkeling. You can also go parasailing, waterskiing or just rent a beach chair and soak up the sun. You'll see some topless sunbathers. There are a bunch of restaurants, live music and local hangouts. Another attraction is the nude beach and St. Martin's only naturist resort at the south end of Orient Bay. (close)

This is a deserted island off the coast of Orient Beach where you can pick your lobster out of the fresh water, and they grill right there for you. The end of the road at French Cul de Sac opens onto a wide sandy area... (more)

This is a deserted island off the coast of Orient Beach where you can pick your lobster out of the fresh water, and they grill right there for you. The end of the road at French Cul de Sac opens onto a wide sandy area where there is a small wooden dock. Vendors and small ferryboats are waiting there to run you over to the islet for a fee of five dollars. It is possible to swim over, especially with snorkel gear. There are no cars, no electricity, etc., but you will find two small beach bars/restaurants. Between these two bars, hidden in the seagrape there is the Paradise Gift shop (Tom´s Place), a treasure chest of Caribbean colors and unusual gifts. As a lot of beaches are here, this is a clothing optional beach. (close)

Plantation Mont Vernon is located at 2 Main Road, Cul-De-Sac. This plantation is a two-acre paradise of tropical vegetation in a colonial setting. Here you can explore a renovated 1786 cotton plantation, an old-fashioned rum distillery at a unique outdoor history and eco-museum. ... (more)

Plantation Mont Vernon is located at 2 Main Road, Cul-De-Sac. This plantation is a two-acre paradise of tropical vegetation in a colonial setting. Here you can explore a renovated 1786 cotton plantation, an old-fashioned rum distillery at a unique outdoor history and eco-museum. Paths are marked with bilingual signs and give detailed explanations of the island's agricultural history when its economy was dependent on salt, rum, coffee, sugar, and indigo. Stop at the complimentary coffee bar along the way, and visit a delightful gift shop at the entrance. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily. (close)