Shoal Bay West
A quiet western beach, distinct from the busier Shoal Bay East across the island.
Updated 3 September 2026
Shoal Bay West is on the opposite side of the island from its better known namesake, a quiet stretch of white sand on the southwestern coast with a couple of small resorts on it and very little else. Saint Martin sits across the channel. The water is calm and shallow and the beach is one of the emptier ones on an island where empty beaches are the norm rather than the exception.
What you'll find
- The quiet sand - a beach with only a couple of small properties on it.
- The Saint Martin view - the neighbouring island across the channel.
- The calm shallows - sheltered water running well out.
- The name confusion - the western namesake of the island's famous beach.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and high season. Hurricane season runs June to November. Weekdays are quietest.
Practical notes
It is regularly confused with Shoal Bay East, which is a different beach entirely. Facilities are limited to the small resorts. Sargassum affects it in some seasons.
Nearby
Cove Bay is east, and Maundays Bay is northwest.
What to pack for Shoal Bay West
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
- Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon
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Where to start if Shoal Bay West is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
