The beach experience is the heart of Orient Bay. Choose your lolo by atmosphere (Bikini for festive, Waikiki for refinement, Kakao for calm), settle in early (before 10 am for comfort), lunch by the beach (€25-45/person, sun loungers often included), enjoy swimming in the lagoon or waves on the south side.
Water sports are the great specialty. Kitesurfing: beginner lessons €80-150, rental €50-80/day, schools: Kite-Saint-Martin, Wind-Adventures, Saint Barth Kitesurf School. Windsurfing: €35-55/hour. Jet-ski: €80-150/30 min via Maison du Jet Ski. Parasailing: €60-90/person, parachute ascent towed by boat. Paddle: €15-25/hour (calm waters on north side). Beach catamaran: €40-80/hour (free rental or with instructor). Diving: PADI-certified centres Octopus Diving, Scuba Fun, try-dive €80-110, exploration €70-95/outing.
Excursion to Pinel Islet: from Cul-de-Sac (5 min by car north of Orient Bay), regular shuttle 9 am to 4:30 pm, €12 return, 5-10 min crossing. On site: shallow turquoise beach, swimming, snorkelling, beach restaurants (Karibuni, Yellow Beach, €30-50/person). Plan at least 4-5 hours.
Excursion to Tintamarre: full-day catamaran from Orient Bay (€130-180/person with Creole lunch). Snorkelling in the nature reserve (turtles, rays, juvenile lemon sharks). Often combined with Anse Mary's. Book 2-3 days ahead.
The sunset at Orient Bay is less iconic than Grand-Case's (east orientation, not direct facing sunset) but the golden light of late day is magnificent on the beach. Aperitif on the beach with ti-punch (€5-8) or cocktail (€10-15) in one of the lolos. In the evening, quieter atmosphere — Orient Bay does not have Dutch Sint Maarten's nightlife.
Read also
- North-east of Saint Martin — Orient Bay, Anse Marcel, Pinel, Tintamarre — the seaside east coast.
- Anse Marcel, protected bay — 10 min away: round bay, marina, discreet luxury (Le Domaine, Riu).
- Grand-Case, gastronomic capital — 25 min away: 30+ gastronomic restaurants on the beach.
- Saint Martin — Complete guide to the Franco-Dutch island.