St. Maarten - St. Martin beaches are considered to be among the best of the Caribbean. It's easy to hype up the fantastic beaches of Sint Maarten - Saint Martin. However, let's take a different approach and create a reverse list: What are the worst beaches on our Caribbean island? These kinds of assessments are entirely subjective, so we encourage your comments! We’re interested in hearing which beaches you found less attractive and where your opinions differ from ours.
Sandy Ground - Nettle Bay
This area features two types of beaches: on the lagoon side of the narrow strip of land that makes up Nettle Bay, the shores are quite appealing. However, the ocean side is not suitable for swimming. At first glance, the beach seems inviting with its white sand, but upon closer inspection, swimming is impossible due to a rocky reef with sharp stones that begins at the water's edge. This reef extends all the way to Marigot, reaching as far as Le Beach Hotel, which can mislead visitors with its name.
Galis Bay, across Le Grand St Martin - The Worst of St. Maarten - St. Martin Beaches
The beach on the outer edge of Marigot is unappealing and lacks beauty.
Little Bay
Little Bay Beach is home to two excellent accommodation options: the Little Divi Resort and the Belair Beach Hotel. Unfortunately, the beach itself does not meet St. Maarten's high standards. The sand is grey and coarse, making it visually less appealing.
Pelican Key - Missing the Charm of Classic St. Maarten - St. Martin Beaches
While the sand is white and the water is beautiful and clear, the resorts along this beach exhibit unimaginative, utilitarian architecture, reminiscent of a provincial airport hotel. This beach feels sterile and lacks the vibrant atmosphere that St. Maarten is known for.
Kimsha Beach - Water Quality Concerns
Located in the heart of the Simpson Bay entertainment district, Kimsha Beach may look appealing at first glance, but the conditions are concerning. I wouldn’t allow my dogs to swim in this water due to a circular current that brings in debris and contaminants from the lagoon, which connects to this beach via the yacht channel.
Maho Beach
Including Maho Beach on this list may surprise some SXM fans. However, when discussing the beach experience, it often fails to deliver (mainly due to the landing and departing airplanes at St. Maarten's International Airport). Unfortunately, Maho Beach is not the best choice; frequently, there is no sand, just rocks, and at times, the surf can be quite dangerous. Additionally, on cruise ship days, the beach becomes so crowded that finding space for your beach towel is a challenge.
