Orient Bay

Orient Bay, sweeping along the east coast of French Saint-Martin, is the island's most famous and vibrant beach, often called the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean for its lively, stylish atmosphere. A glorious two-kilometre arc of soft white sand curves along brilliant turquoise water, sheltered by an offshore islet and reef that make for calm swimming and superb snorkelling. Its shore is dotted with colourful beach clubs and restaurants serving cocktails and fresh seafood, and its warm, breezy waters are a playground for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and diving. The area was undeveloped until 1985, and a section at the south end of the beach is used by naturists. Backed by green hills and blessed with a sociable, sun-soaked buzz, Orient Bay perfectly captures the beach-loving, French-Caribbean glamour of Saint-Martin.

What you'll find

• The white beach - the glorious two-kilometre arc of sand.
• The turquoise water - the calm, clear reef-sheltered sea.
• The beach clubs - the colourful clubs and seafood restaurants.
• The watersports - the windsurfing, sailing and diving.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, brings the sunniest, calmest weather ideal for the beach and watersports, and the island's liveliest high season; the tropical climate is warm year-round, with quieter shoulder months. Calm, clear days are best for snorkelling and swimming.

Things to know

Orient Bay is lively and developed, lined with beach clubs and busy with watersports, so it is sociable and vibrant rather than secluded, and, like the island, has rebuilt after past storms. As a glorious arc of white sand and turquoise water with a stylish, sun-soaked atmosphere and superb watersports, though, Orient Bay is a genuinely beautiful and enjoyable beach.

Nearby

Marigot, the lagoon and the beaches of both sides of the island lie nearby.

Key facts