Where did we go?
Maho Beach 6/10
If you like looking at beautiful or interesting beaches then you’ve probably heard about Maho Beach in Sint Maarten. If you haven't, well lemme tell you all about it….
Maho Beach is 0.67 km of sparkling sand attached to that somewhat blue Instagramable water. Right in front of the Princess Juliana International Airport’s landing strip, meaning yes! It’s true those planes fly right by as you’re eating or swimming (at your own risk, of course)! I won’t lie and say that I wasn’t in awe watching a mega metal sky bird land on the tiniest of targets but…. It gets old. I think if you’re looking into visiting Sint Maarten definitely visit Maho Beach, hands down. Go at least one time and make sure to look up the plane’s landing schedule. Have a nice meal at the restaurants in the area and get a good photo or video. But if you’re not that into close planes, loud noises, or rough water; only go to Maho once. The food’s pretty good and the prices are fair but the beach is too tiny, too packed for a leisurely day at the beach with friends or family.
Great Bay 8/10
- Small and private
- Beautiful views
- Plenty of shops
- Good restaurants and bars
- Bright blue water (when applicable)
- Jet ski rentals
- Free beach showers
- Most places are closed if a cruise ships are docked
From the moment I saw this water, I knew I had to dive right in. Imagine you're sitting down eating lunch after walking all day and you’re finally drinking water, then boom: you see the most delightful looking water.
Beaming blue and beautiful, so bright and just calling out to you, you can’t help but want to dive in. Not many people were laying out, even though the shopping district was bustling. Sat in the heart of Sint Maarten, gently nestled in its capital of Phillipsburg, lies Great Bay beach. This beach boasts 2.25 km of dazzling sand just a few minutes walk from all of the affordable shops located nearby. You can meet friendly locals who remember your name and smile and wave as you walk by. I will be frank though, someone is always going to try to sell you something or get you ro rent their chairs and not others or negotiate with them on price. Don’t be afraid and stay stern if you don’t want to do something or go somewhere. The locals are used to it, just be polite and enjoy your time splashing in the waves or buying souvenirs. The water is calm and the sand is warm, perfect for cooling down after picking up all you wanted at the shops. Be warned, when I had the pleasure of returning to this beautiful beach, mother nature had struck! Due to the previous night’s rainstorm, the beach was covered in seaweed and that clear water turned brown and murky. This can happen at any moment as islands are at the mercy of nature’s laws. However, there are still so many things you can do in Phillipsburg if this does occur. There are lovely restaurants and bars sprinkled throughout the area, so don’t be discouraged and head to Great Bay ASAP!
Cupecoy Beach 7/10
- Can be dangerous to walk on
- Beautiful sandstone formations
- Stunning sunset views
- Close to Port Cupecoy
- Private
- Close by condos which can be awkward
- Some people suntan nude
- Rocky water not for swimming
If you’re looking for a perfect beach to catch the sunset then you’ve found it.
There is a bar up top so you can grab your vice of choice and find a spot to sit on gorgeous sandstone formations. However, this beach is NOT for swimming. The massive waves and rocky terrain that make this inlet so beautiful are also why it’s not a good beach for regular beach activities. Nestled in a cove that’s right across from Port Cupecoy is where you can find this neat little spot. You will need to be careful when scaling down to the beach as the stairs end and the rocks continue down to the small sandy area. You can grab a lovely dinner at the restaurants in Port Cupecoy and then make your way across the road to catch a breathtaking sunset. Now, there are some places to shop near this beach but they are PRICEY and don’t carry many sizes (like a lot of places on this island) but they do have some cute and trendy pieces. The area is great for window shopping and good vibes. The Cupecoy area is quaint but lively and there are many options for every member of your group; a bakery, an Italian place, a Mediterranean place… Again, Port Cupecoy can be a bit over budget but I would definitely say go ahead and splurge on a lovely dinner and an even lovelier sunset. Cupecoy beach has excellent photo spots and friendly people. Like I said, the view is worth it. Grab your things, a drink and find a spot on smooth sandstone to watch as the sun falls asleep right there at Cupecoy beach.
Truly, the beaches in Sint Maarten are like no other. Stunning and vibrant blue hues of rolling waves coupled with gorgeous views. Like many places, these beaches all serve different purposes and they can give you different vibes. For the coolest overhead plane landing head over to Maho Beach. For a great meal and shockingly clear blue water make sure to head to Great Bay Beach. And for the most awe inspiring sunset views you have to go to Cupecoy Beach! When in Sint Maarten don’t walk, RUN to these incredible locations and make sure you get lots of photos because you’ll want to remember this.
That's all for now and we hope to see you on our friendly little island of Sint Maarten!
Other awesome beaches in Sint Maarten include but aren’t limited to:
- Mullet Bay Beach
- Simpson Bay Beach
- Grand Case beach
