The Most Beautiful Spots On Saint Martin
![Red Bay](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Baie_Rouge_3331266239.webp)
Divided into two sides, French and Dutch, Saint Martin is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. Visitors can enjoy seemingly countless breathtaking beaches, coves, and resorts. The island’s sparking blue, crystal-like waters ripple under the bight Caribbean sun, making Saint Martin the quintessential destination for gorgeous sights, landscapes, and relaxing destinations. From stunning beaches to luxurious spas, we take a look at its top must-see spots.
Red Bay
Saint Martin’s popular Red Bay is named after its slightly red-tinted sand. Making this beach even more unique is a large rock arch, which is quite a sight to see. Here, visitors can soak up the sun on the red sand, wade through the warm waters, and even swim under the arch to find another, smaller private beach area on the other side. Hopefully, this works up an appetite, as there are also many delicious restaurants lining Red Bay.
![St Martin’s cliffs](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4813993810_737e6af346_o.webp)
1. Restaurant le Soleil
Restaurant, French, European
Maho Beach
Often pictured on St. Martin’s souvenir postcards, Maho Beach is well known for its extremely close location to the Princess Juliana Airport. Located on the Dutch side of the island, Maho Beach is unique in that patient visitors are able to get an up-close-and-personal view of the planes taking off and landing into the runways. Beware though, visitors should make sure to hold on tight to their belongings, the planes fly so close to the beach that items are often blown away!
![Maho Beach](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/American_757_on_final_approach_at_St_Maarten_Airport.webp)
Friar’s Bay
Saint Martin’s locals typically visit this beach. This makes the bay feel lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track for tourists. Friar’s Bay is known for its calm waters free of seaweed with shallow sand bars extending far into the sea. It’s the perfect location for snorkeling. Previous snorkelers have reported seeing a great deal of colorful fish amongst the bright sand and clear blue water. After snorkeling, make sure to grab a drink at one of the beach’s relaxing bars.
![Friar’s Bay](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6543962903_9fffc543d8_b.webp)
Pinel Island
Just off of coast of the main island is Pinel Island, situated in Orient Bay. There are frequent water taxis running to and from the French side of the main island at Cul de Sac. Make sure to plan enough time on the island though, as the last boat leaves at 4pm. Once on the island, visitors can visit the central beach or hike to more secluded ones. There are also three excellent restaurants on the small island, including Le Karabuni, which specializes in lobster.
![Bar on Pinel Island](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4426173010_d9e74e607f_b.webp)