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Orient Bay

Saint Martin's most famous beach: 2 km of golden sand facing the Atlantic, constant Caribbean trade winds, colourful lolos lined along the coast (Bikini, Waikiki, Kakao, Kontiki), kitesurf and windsurf spots, and the historic naturist end of Club Orient.

★ 4.60Partie nord-est (Orient Bay, Anse Marcel)

Orient Bay is Saint Martin's most iconic beach — a long 2 km bay facing the Atlantic, lined with green hills, nicknamed the 'Saint-Tropez of the Antilles' in reference to its festive atmosphere and international success. It's one of the most famous beach spots in the French Caribbean and a must on any Saint Martin stay.

The beach unrolls its golden sand over 2 km, bathed in turquoise water that takes on shades of deep green. It is protected 400-500 m from the shore by a coral reef that creates a peaceful lagoon (generally calm sea on the north side) while the south side, more exposed, can offer more marked waves. The Caribbean trade winds blow constantly (15-25 knots), making it a world-class spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing — Orient Bay hosts several IKO-certified schools (Kite-Saint-Martin, Wind-Adventures, Saint Barth Kitesurf School).

The animation is guaranteed all day by the colourful lolos lined along the coast — beach restaurant-bars set up in painted cabins (blue, yellow, green, pink) that are Orient Bay's visual trademark. The institutions: Bikini Beach (south of the beach, festive atmosphere, music, popular Sunday brunches), Waikiki Beach (elegant, refined cuisine, good wine list), Kakao Beach (south end, quieter atmosphere, international cuisine), Kontiki Beach (Hawaiian, creative cocktails, sushi-bar), Aloha Beach, Coco Beach. All offer sun lounger rental (€15-25/day, often included with a meal), umbrellas, and beach meals (€25-45/person).

The southern end of the beach, toward Hibiscus Point, has historically been naturist since the 1970s — the legendary Club Orient (naturist hotel founded in 1970) was located there. Hurricane Irma (2017) destroyed Club Orient at 95 % — the establishment has only partially reopened since. A quieter and more discreet atmosphere persists on this southern zone, frequented by naturism enthusiasts and a more mature audience.

Water sports make Orient Bay's reputation. Kitesurfing: beginner lessons €80-150 per session, equipment rental €50-80/day, ideal conditions November-June. Windsurfing: €35-55/hour. Jet-ski: €80-150/30 min. Parasailing: €60-90/person. Beach catamaran: €40-80/hour. Excursions from Orient Bay to Pinel (from Cul-de-Sac 5 min away) and Tintamarre (full-day catamaran, €130-180/person).

What we love

  • ✅2 km of iconic beach: golden sand, turquoise sea, Caribbean trade winds
  • ✅Colourful lolos: Bikini Beach, Waikiki, Kakao, Kontiki — festive atmosphere and comfort
  • ✅World-class kitesurf and windsurf spot — constant trade winds at 20 knots
  • ✅Excursions to Pinel (5 min via Cul-de-Sac) and Tintamarre (catamaran)
  • ✅Sunset and sunrise both beautiful (east-facing)

What to know

  • ❌Very busy between 10 am and 4 pm in high season — sun loungers taken from 9 am
  • ❌Sargassum (brown algae) recurring May to October, peak July-August
  • ❌Saturated parking at midday
  • ❌High lolo rates (sun loungers, meals) in high season
When to go
Climate and best seasons.
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Budget
Cost of living and tips.
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Things to do
Activities and must-sees.
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Situation

Où se situe Orient Bay ?

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Frequently asked questions

What's the best time to go to Orient Bay?+
In high season (December-April), arrive before 10 am to have a choice of sun loungers (lolos set up from 9 am, first come first served, or booking on arrival). The morning from 8 to 10 am is magical: calm beach, east sunrise, turquoise sea, peaceful atmosphere. From 10 am to 4 pm, the beach is very busy — best for those who love animation. From 4 to 6 pm, the beach regains its calm, perfect for a final swim and sunset. Outside high season (May-June, November), the beach is much quieter throughout the day.
What are the best lolos at Orient Bay?+
Orient Bay has about ten lolos on the beach, each with its character. Bikini Beach (south): festive atmosphere, music, Sunday brunch (legendary, €80-120/person, to book), young and international crowd. Waikiki Beach: the most elegant, refined cuisine, good wine list, more mature and refined crowd (€30-45/person). Kakao Beach (south end): quieter atmosphere, international cuisine, ideal for couples. Kontiki Beach: Hawaiian atmosphere, creative cocktails, sushi-bar, bohemian feel. Aloha Beach and Coco Beach: more accessible (€20-30/person). All often include sun loungers with a meal. Book in high season for sea-view tables.
Is there really sargassum at Orient Bay?+
Yes, it's a recurring problem since 2011. Sargassum (brown algae drifting from the tropical Atlantic) can affect Orient Bay from May to October, with a peak in July-August. Origin: proliferation linked to climate change and South American agricultural pollution. When sargassum arrives, the beach is partly covered with brown algae (dryness in the sun, unpleasant smell). The municipalities collect daily with bulldozers — beach quality remains decent. In high tourist season (December-April), Orient Bay is generally spared. If you travel in summer and sargassum is present, the western beaches (Baie Rouge, Friar's Bay, Happy Bay) generally remain clear (opposite current orientation). Check the Saint Martin sargassum bulletin before departure.
How to learn kitesurfing at Orient Bay?+
Orient Bay is one of the best Caribbean spots to learn kitesurfing — constant Caribbean trade winds (15-25 knots), shallow water, protected bay, sandy bottom without danger. Several IKO-certified schools (International Kiteboarding Organization) operate on the beach: Kite-Saint-Martin (the oldest), Wind-Adventures, Saint Barth Kitesurf School (also operating in Saint Barth). Beginner group lesson: €80-100 per 3h session. Private lesson: €120-180 per session. Complete beginner course (4-5 sessions): €400-600. Equipment rental (board, sail) after course: €50-80/day. Ideal conditions November to June, slightly weaker wind July-August. Busiest school period: January-March (book ahead).
Did Club Orient reopen after Irma?+
Club Orient, the legendary naturist establishment founded in 1970 at the southern end of Orient Bay, was 95 % destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Reconstruction has been partial — only a few bungalows have been rebuilt, the establishment now operates in reduced mode. The informal naturist zone persists however at the southern end of the beach (toward Hibiscus Point) — peaceful atmosphere, mature and seasoned audience, mutual respect. More broadly, this southern Orient Bay zone remains quieter and less frequented than the festive centre. The debate on Club Orient reconstruction and the maintenance of naturism at Orient Bay remains active locally (urban planning, tourist image questions). Inquire on site about the current situation.

Our verdict

Orient Bay is Saint Martin's must-visit beach — the island's beach icon, to be discovered at least one day during any stay. For a complete experience: arrive early (before 10 am for a good sun lounger), choose your lolo according to your atmosphere (Bikini for party, Waikiki for refinement, Kakao for calm), lunch by the sea (€25-45/person), practise water sports in the afternoon (kitesurf, paddle, jet-ski), and end with a sunset aperitif. To stay at Orient Bay, choose Esmeralda Resort or the Green Cay Villas residences (in high season, book 4-6 months ahead). Avoid sargassum season (July-October) or check local bulletins before departure. Combine with an excursion to Pinel (from neighbouring Cul-de-Sac) and a day in Grand-Case (gastronomic, 25 min).

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The Editors
The Editorsauteur principal✓ Verified

"Janvier à Orient Bay : conditions parfaites, alizés à 20 nœuds (kitesurf), plage très fréquentée midi."

Expert on Orient Bay · 1 contributions

Reviewed by :Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·Editor

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