Located in the heart of Terres Basses on the western coast of the island, Long Bay is the first beach you come across on St. Martin’s French side when coming north from the Dutch side. One of the longest beaches on the island, Long Bay stretches from the resort at La Samanna on the left to Pointe du Canonnier on the right. It is also one of St. Martin’s quietest beaches—only the gentle lapping of the waves stir the stillness. The sunset from La Samanna's restaurant bar is unforgettable.

Few tourists know about the rarely visited beach at Plum Bay, situated Between Pointe du Canonnier and Falaise aux Oiseaux in Terres Basses. With golden sand and water in every shade of blue under the sun, Plum Bay is peaceful and serene. This magnificent beach is quite wild and has two distinct characteristics. In calmer weather, it’s the perfect setting for snorkeling into the deep blue. And with a good swell, it becomes an adventurous playground for experienced surfers.

Red Bay gets its name from the reddish tint of the sand. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, and most popular, beaches on St. Martin. The beach is lively with a pleasant atmosphere, and it doesn’t get overcrowded because it is so expansive. Parking is available and easily accessible from the entrance to the Terres Basses.

Petite Baie beach, which lies across from Marigot Bay, is rarely visited because it is largely exposed to the elements. But when the climate is calm, there’s an open view of Marigot Bay and a lot of space for nature lovers to explore. To the left, between Red Bay and Pointe du Bluff, find Trou David, also known as Devil’s Hole, a natural 24 m-deep opening in the rock, which offers a magnificent show. It gets its name from the waves exploding skyward as they crash into the rock opening.

Several resorts along the waterfront maintain this long stretch of sandy beaches. Rocky edges and strong currents make swimming difficult here, however light breezes make this little frequented spot quite pleasant. Once a month, the beach comes alive with electronic music, cocktails, and a light show—all you need for a successful full moon party, hosted by a restaurant-bar called Boho.

Located at the heart of the picturesque fishing village, Grand Case Bay forms a long beach lined with well-known gourmet restaurants and smaller traditional favorites, known as lolos. Grand Case Bay is protected from the winds and swell, making for calm and clear Caribbean blue waters.

To get to Petites Cayes, take a roughly 30-minute walk from Anse Marcel. Discover a splendid, unspoiled beach, most often deserted. It’s ideal for natural lovers and much appreciated by surfers when the swell is good.

Nicknamed the "Saint Tropez of the Caribbean," Orient Bay beach, on the northeastern coast of St. Martin, is one of the biggest and most popular beaches on the island. It offers a full range of tourist amenities, including beach restaurants, hotels, shops, and watersports. There is also a nude beach at the westernmost end.

South of Le Galion beach, the Atlantic Ocean meets a mangrove marsh where many species of birds come to nest. As the tides rise and fall, water fills the marsh by way of a natural estuary filled with pure, clean sand. Translucent waters border a distant beach—the perfect place for lovers who want to be alone.