Villa Hideaway
A private pool and sun deck, about a one-minute walk from Orient Bay Beach, with restaurants and the bakery close by.
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A beach day, your way
Beach clubs, watersports, restaurants and plenty of room to put down your towel. Here’s what to know before visiting Orient Beach.
Updated October 2026
Why visit Orient Beach?
Orient Beach is one of the best-known beaches on the French side of St Martin, and it’s easy to understand why. There’s plenty happening along the sand, whether you want lunch at a beach club, a watersports session or a simple afternoon by the sea.
You can spend the whole day here without getting back in the car. And if you’re staying in Orient Bay, the beach, village restaurants and shops are all close together.
Getting there
Orient Beach is on the northeastern coast of French St Martin, roughly 20 minutes from Marigot and 30 minutes from Princess Juliana Airport by car, depending on traffic.
The entrance to the beach is through Orient Bay, with parking areas close to the main beach clubs.
Victoria’s tip
Tip: A rental car is handy if you want to combine the beach with a stop in Grand Case or explore other parts of the island. See our car rental guide.
Beach personality
Orient Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand with quite a few different places to settle in. Around the main beach clubs, there are loungers, restaurants, music and watersports. Walk away from the busiest spots and you’ll find more space.
The beach runs for more than a mile along the Atlantic coast. The breeze is part of its appeal, although the sea can sometimes be choppy, so check conditions before swimming or heading out on the water.
If you want service and a long lunch, choose a beach club. Prefer to bring your own towel? You can enjoy the beach without renting a lounger.
What makes it different
You don’t have to spend your day the same way as everyone else. Pick the part of the beach that suits you.
Beach clubs
The beach clubs are a big part of Orient Bay. Most offer loungers and umbrellas, drinks and a restaurant, so it’s easy to settle in for the day.
The atmosphere and music vary from place to place. If you haven’t booked ahead, have a look at the menus and loungers before choosing.
Bikini Beach is a lively option, with music, food and a busy stretch of sand.
Kontiki offers a more polished beach-club setting, with comfortable loungers and a full restaurant.
KKO is another popular place to stop for lunch or spend the afternoon on the beach.
Coco Beach has a stylish, relaxed setting, appealing if you prefer a more refined beach-club atmosphere.
There’s no need to pick the “best” one for everyone. Check the menu, the music and the setup, and go with what you like.
For weekends and busy holiday periods, booking your loungers in advance is sensible.
Good to know
You can have lunch right on the sand, but you’re equally welcome to come for a swim and find your own spot on the public beach.
Bikini Beach, Orient Bay
Dining by the beach
There’s more to eating in Orient Bay than the beach clubs. The village behind the beach has a good selection of restaurants, especially for dinner.
At Place du Village, restaurant terraces surround a small square. You’ll find French, Italian and international choices, including sushi.
There are also cafés and casual places along the boulevard, plus additional restaurants around the Parc de la Baie Orientale.
That makes Orient Bay a convenient place to stay if you like going out for dinner without taking the car every evening.
For lunch with your feet in the sand, choose a beach club. For dinner, head into the village and see what takes your fancy.
Hungry after the beach?
See our dedicated restaurant guide for more places to eat around Orient Bay.
Things to do
Parasailing is one of the watersports available at Orient Beach. For the activity linked below, the operator arranges a transfer out to the boat, where you’re fitted with a harness before takeoff.
Once you’re in the air, you get a completely different view of Orient Bay and the coastline.
The operator advertises a flight above the bay; check the current height and flight duration when booking.
On a clear day, you can look out toward Tintamarre and St Barts. It’s a fun way to see the beach from another angle.
Flight times and conditions can vary, so check the details of the excursion before reserving.
If you’re nervous about heights, ask the operator what to expect before you book.
Places can be limited, especially on busy beach days.
Why people book it
A different view of Orient Beach, with departures arranged by the watersports operator. Check the latest inclusions, age limits and weather conditions before booking.
Free cancellation · Secure booking via GetYourGuide
Photo credit: Fly Addiction Parasail
Good to know
This is one of the most common questions about Orient Beach, especially from families visiting for the first time.
Most of Orient Beach is used as a regular public beach, with beach clubs, families and swimmers.
The southern end, near the former Club Orient property, is known for clothing-optional sunbathing. Nudity can also occasionally be seen elsewhere, so it’s better not to promise a completely nudity-free beach.
If you prefer the main beach-club atmosphere, stay around Bikini, Kontiki, KKO or Coco.
Those areas are the most convenient for lunch, loungers and watersports.
You don’t need to visit the clothing-optional area to enjoy the rest of Orient Beach.
The beach is open to everyone. Just choose the stretch where you feel comfortable.
Practical note
For a family beach day, the main beach-club area is generally the simplest place to settle in. Be aware of the naturist area farther south.
Where to stay
Orient Bay is a practical choice if you want the beach and restaurants within walking distance.
Many rentals sit just behind the sand, and the village has restaurants and a few shops. Depending on the property, you may barely use your car during a beach-focused stay.
The Parc de la Baie Orientale has villas, apartments and smaller hotels, with different budgets and levels of privacy.
Check the exact location before booking: “Orient Bay” doesn’t always mean a one-minute walk to the beach.
Grand Case and Marigot are a drive away, so you can easily explore more of the French side.
If your priority is spending time at Orient Beach, staying nearby makes the logistics easy.
A private pool and sun deck, about a one-minute walk from Orient Bay Beach, with restaurants and the bakery close by.
See the villa
A poolside studio at Alamanda, for couples who want Orient Bay Beach a few steps away.
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A two-bedroom duplex at Alamanda with a sea-view terrace, pool access and the beach steps away.
Check datesFrequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding and other watersports may be available at Orient Beach. Availability depends on the operator and weather conditions. Check flight duration, eligibility and inclusions when booking parasailing.
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.
Yes, on a clear day. You can also see Tintamarre just offshore. The view is particularly striking from the water — or from 300 feet up on the parasail.
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