Orient Beach guide
Orient Beach, St Martin: the beach that defines the French side
There’s a reason people come back to Orient Beach every year.
The sand is wide and bright, the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue as your eyes drift toward the horizon — and at some point in the afternoon, the light changes everything. You don’t really notice it at first. And then you do.
I live here. This is my beach. I still stop and look.
Getting there
Where is Orient Beach — and how do you get there?
Orient Beach sits on the northeastern coast of St Martin, on the French side — about 20 minutes from Marigot and around 30 minutes from the airport.
Close enough to get there easily. Far enough that it already feels different.
Rent a car. Taxis work fine, but having your own wheels lets you arrive early, stay late, and drive through Grand Case on the way back. It makes a real difference.
Beach personality
What makes Orient Beach different from every other Caribbean beach?
Most Caribbean beaches force you to choose: beautiful and empty, or lively and crowded. Orient Beach gives you both — it just depends where you stop, and when.
The beach stretches for over a mile along the Atlantic side. Wide sand, a steady breeze, water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue as you look toward Tintamarre and St Barths on the horizon.
Up north, it’s alive — beach clubs, music, long lunches that turn into late afternoons. Walk a little, and it softens. Keep going, and you reach the quiet end — where the beach opens up and the only thing left is the sound of the sea.
It’s not one beach. Walk a little, and it becomes something else.
Beach clubs
The beach clubs at Orient Bay
One of the reasons people come back to Orient Beach is the rhythm of the beach clubs.
They line the sand, one after the other — loungers, long lunches, music drifting in the background. You arrive for a swim… and before you know it, the day settles around you.
Bikini Beach is usually the first one people notice. Lively, a little louder, good music, a beautiful setup right on the sand.
A few steps away, Kontiki feels different — more polished, a bit more refined. Comfortable beach beds, attentive service, and a restaurant that people actually come back for.
KKO sits somewhere in between. Relaxed, well-designed, with that easy atmosphere that makes you stay longer than you planned. It’s one of those places that works perfectly for a slow lunch with your feet in the sand.
And then there’s Coco Beach — probably the most elegant of the stretch. Clean lines, soft tones, a more curated feel. The kind of place where lunch turns into the whole afternoon without you really noticing.
They’re all different. But they share the same setting — soft sand, clear water, and that view across the bay that never really gets old.
The only real question is where you feel like settling.
Orient Beach is one of the easiest beaches on the island for a full beach-club day. Arrive for the water, stay for lunch, and let the afternoon stretch.
Dining by the beach
Dining on Orient Beach
Beyond its famous beach clubs, Orient Beach is also one of the best places in St Martin to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance of the beach.
Just behind the shoreline, the Place du Village in Orient Bay is a lively square where visitors will find around nine restaurants gathered around a small plaza. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes particularly pleasant as terraces fill with diners enjoying everything from French cuisine and Italian dishes to sushi and international flavors.
Along the boulevard of Orient Bay, a few more restaurants and casual spots add to the choices, making the area one of the most vibrant dining scenes on the French side of the island.
In addition, several restaurants are located inside the Parc de la Baie Orientale, the residential area just behind the beach. Altogether, visitors will find around fifteen restaurants within the Orient Bay area, offering plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, sunset drinks, or dinner.
Thanks to this concentration of restaurants and beachside dining, Orient Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in St Martin, but also one of the best places on the island to enjoy a meal by the sea.
I’ve put together a full guide to the best restaurants around Orient Bay, from casual beach lunches to dinner in the village.
Things to do
Parasailing in Orient Bay — because the view is worth it
Parasailing at Orient Bay starts right in front of Bikini Beach. You hop on a jet ski, ride out to the boat, get clipped in… and then you’re up.
Quietly, almost without realizing it.
A few seconds later, you’re 300 feet above the bay.
From up there, everything shifts. The full curve of Orient Beach below you, the coastline stretching toward Grand Case, and on a clear day, St Barths sitting on the horizon. The colors change. The noise disappears. It’s just you and the view.
It lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.
Long enough to take it in. Longer than you think.
People who’ve never done it try it. Kids love it. And the ones who say “I’m not sure” usually end up going anyway.
Parasailing at Orient Bay means 300 feet above the beach, St Barths on the horizon, and one of the best views on the French side. Launches from Bikini Beach. One of those things you don’t regret.
Good to know
Is Orient Beach a nude beach?
I get this question a lot — especially from parents wondering what to expect before coming here.
The short answer is no.
Orient Beach is not a nude beach. Most of it is completely normal — families, couples, beach clubs, restaurants, people enjoying the day like anywhere else in the Caribbean.
There is one clothing-optional section, at the far southern end near the former Club Orient area. It’s clearly separated from the main part of the beach, and you wouldn’t end up there unless you intentionally walked that far.
The areas where you’ll likely spend your day — Bikini, Kontiki, KKO, Coco — are entirely family-friendly and follow standard beach etiquette.
In reality, most people never even see the naturist section.
Orient Beach is simply a long stretch of sand where everyone finds their own space — whether that’s a lively beach club, a quiet spot by the water, or a walk toward the more secluded end.
If you’re coming with children or staying around the main beach clubs, Orient Beach feels like a regular Caribbean beach. The clothing-optional area is separate and easy to avoid.
Where to stay
Where to stay near Orient Beach
If you want to stay close to the beach, this is one of the easiest places to do it on the island.
Orient Bay is set up in a way that just works — you’re never far from anything. The beach is a few minutes away, restaurants are within walking distance, and everything feels relaxed without being isolated.
Most places to stay are tucked just behind the beach, inside the Parc de la Baie Orientale. A quiet residential area where you can walk to the sand in the morning, come back for lunch, and head out again in the evening without even needing the car.
You’ll find a bit of everything here — villas, small boutique hotels, apartments by the beach. Nothing overcomplicated. Just places that let you settle into the rhythm of the area.
And when you feel like moving, you’re well placed. Grand Case is about 20 minutes away for dinner, Marigot around 25 if you want something different.
For most people, it’s simply the easiest place to base yourself if you want to enjoy this side of the island without thinking too much about logistics.
Stay near Orient Beach
Find villas, condos and vacation rentals in Orient Bay
Browse handpicked places to stay around Orient Beach, from beach-close apartments to private villas inside the Parc de la Baie Orientale.
Browse Orient Bay vacation rentalsFAQ – Orient Beach St Martin
Is Orient Beach on the French or Dutch side of St Martin?
Orient Beach is on the French side of the island, in the area known as Orient Bay. It's about 20 minutes from Marigot and 30 minutes from Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side.
Is there an entrance fee for Orient Beach?
No. The beach itself is free to access. Beach clubs charge for sunbeds and umbrellas, but you can walk the entire stretch of sand without spending anything.
Is Orient Beach family-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. The beach clubs and main stretch of Orient Beach are completely suitable for families. The southern end near the former Club Orient is the clothing-optional section — the only part of the beach where nudity is commonly practiced.
What are the best beach clubs at Orient Beach?
Bikini Beach, Kontiki, KKO, and Coco Beach are the main ones. Each has its own atmosphere — from lively and social to genuinely refined. Walking the strip and choosing based on what you see is a perfectly valid strategy.
What water sports are available at Orient Beach?
Parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are all available directly from the beach. The parasailing operation launches from Bikini Beach and takes you up to 300 feet above Orient Bay — on a clear day you can see St Barths on the horizon.
How do I get to Orient Beach from the airport?
It's about 30 minutes by car from Princess Juliana Airport. Renting a car is the best option — it gives you the freedom to arrive early, stay late, and explore other beaches on the same trip without depending on taxi schedules.
Can you see St Barths from Orient Beach?
Yes, on a clear day. You can also see Tintamarre and the outline of Anguilla from certain angles along the beach. The view is particularly striking from the water — or from 300 feet up on the parasail.
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