St. Martin has exciting water sport opportunities on both the French and Dutch sides of the island. French beaches, especially Orient Beach, generally attract a larger number of sunbathers because of their Riviera attitude concerning clothing. Orient Beach offers some of the best opportunities to enjoy water sports. Orient Beach is a long sandy strip off the island's northeast coast. Orient Beach is one of the best spots on St. Martin to interact with other guests of the Island. Tourists and residents all head for Orient Beach to take advantage of its liberal sunbathing regulations (or lack of) and exhilarating atmosphere. Orient Beach also provides seaside drink and lounge service, but Orient Beach water sports truly take the cake.

Orient Beach Water Sports:
Orient Beach snorkeling: Orient Beach offers a great opportunity for beginners and those seeking an advanced snorkeling expedition. There are many companies around Orient Beach that are able and licensed to instruct and guide as well as rent snorkel equipment. One of the major water sport providers on Orient Beach is able to organize a rental package to supply for underwater adventure starting around $25. Guests excited to snorkel must find their way to Orient Beach.

Orient Beach Parasailing and Orient Beach Windsurfing: Strong Caribbean breezes coupled with a group of willing young beachgoers makes Orient Beach ideal for the great sport of windsurfing. Orient Beach windsurfing clubs offer rentals and lessons at Orient Beach. Orient Beach can also be viewed from above while enjoying the thrills of parasailing (which is easily arranged with most of the Orient Beach water sports companies). Water-skiing can also be arranged at Orient Beach if you prefer the fast pace of on water activity.

Beaches in St. Martin:

French Side:
Orient Beach
The island's official nude beach but it is, also, famous for its spectacular crescent of sand that swings around a turquoise cove. Restaurants and water sports facilities are available. Orient Beach St. Martin is one of the best swimming beaches for St. Martin rental villa guests.

Baie Rouge:
An expansive cove located on the French side of St. Martin Island offering clean sand and shimmering turquoise water. Good snorkeling may be enjoyed over to the side by the rocks. At the main entrance to Baie Rouge Beach there is a concession area that rents lounges, umbrellas and serves cocktails, sodas and snacks.

Plum Bay Beach:
A small strip of sand on St. Martin that is bordered on one side by a cliff and offers a secluded area.

Baie Longue:
Off the beaten track and usually nearly deserted, it is a wonderful beach with a wide stretch of sand and a favorite of many St. Martin villa rental guests.

Grand Case Beach:
A narrow but pristine beach. Grand Case also affords wonderful gourmet restaurants and adds a charming European feel to St. Martin.

Dutch Side:
Cupecoy Beach
A picture postcard beach that is lined with rugged sandstone cliffs and caves.

Dawn Beach:
Excellent snorkeling in the reefs located just offshore.
 
Maho Beach:
Even though it is so close to the St. Martin airport, it offers a surprisingly good beach and great snorkeling. Offers sparkling white sand and rugged rocks.

Water Sports:
Whether a novice or an expert, you can pursue any water sport that you desire. Deep-sea fishing, diving and snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, jet skiing and more are easily accessible. Many are available at Orient Beach.

Boating in St. Martin:
Glass bottom boat tours are popular as well as theme cruises where passengers are able to swim, dance and party on the deck of a huge ship.

Deep-Sea Fishing/ Water Sports in St. Martin:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding St. Martin.
Several different companies on the island offer guided fishing excursions with a focus on big game fish like marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, barracuda and kingfish.