Le Galion Beach

Le Galion on Saint Martin's eastern coast sits behind a reef that takes the Atlantic swell, leaving water inside so shallow and calm that it is the island's family beach and, at the far end, its kitesurfing ground where the trade wind blows steadily across the flat lagoon. The nature reserve covers the water. Trees give shade along the back, which most eastern beaches lack. The reserve covering this water was created in 1998.

The landscape

• The reef - the barrier taking the Atlantic swell off the bay.
• The shallow lagoon - water calm and shallow a long way out.
• The kitesurfing - the flat water and trade wind at the far end.
• The shade trees - the cover along the back of the sand.

When to go

December to April is the high season and the windiest for kiting. Hurricane season runs June to November. Weekends bring local families.

Things to know

The water is very shallow, which suits children and frustrates swimmers. Facilities were destroyed by Irma and rebuilding has been partial. Sargassum affects this coast in some seasons.

Nearby

Orient Bay is north, and Quartier d'Orléans is south.