St Maarten Triple Beach Tour: Maho, Mullet & Orient Bay Day Trip

Summary

Best Beaches in St Maarten: A Local’s Day Out

You’ll get to see St Maarten through local eyes—watch planes land at Maho Beach, relax at Mullet Bay, try watersports at Orient Bay, and end with shopping or swimming in Philipsburg. It’s an easy way to pack all the island’s best beaches into one day without missing those little moments that make travel feel real.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our morning at Mr. Bell’s lookout, where the breeze carried a hint of salt from Simpson Bay below. There’s this statue—Mr. Bell himself—right by the edge. Folks line up for photos here, especially when the sun hits the water just right. You can spot Ingo Bay Resort in the distance, and if it’s clear, even a couple of neighboring islands peek out on the horizon. Our guide shared a quick story about how locals use this spot to check the weather before heading out fishing.

Maho Beach was next. I’d heard about the planes before, but nothing really prepares you for that first low-flying jet roaring overhead. The sand vibrates under your feet and everyone cheers or ducks—it’s wild. There’s always music playing from the bars nearby, and you’ll see people with GoPros trying to catch the perfect shot as a plane lands almost right above their heads. We grabbed a cold drink from a beach shack (the bartender recommended the guavaberry rum punch) and just soaked up the energy.

Just around the bend is Mullet Bay Beach. It’s got this easygoing vibe—less crowded than Maho, with locals playing dominoes under palm trees and kids splashing in shallow water. The waves are gentle most days, but you’ll still see surfers out if there’s a swell. I tried a fresh coconut from a vendor who sets up near the parking lot—he’ll slice it open right in front of you and hand you a straw. If you’re into people-watching or just want to float for a while, this is the spot.

After that, we crossed over to Orient Bay on the French side. The sand feels softer here somehow, and there are rows of colorful umbrellas stretching down the shore. You’ll hear French and English mixed together as folks order parasailing rides or rent jet skis—there’s always something happening. We joined a quick volleyball game with some locals (I’m not great, but nobody seemed to mind). Lunch was grilled fish with spicy sauce from one of the beachfront cafés—simple but so good.

On our way back, we stopped at Philipsburg Beach for one last swim. Cruise ships were anchored offshore, and you could hear steel drums drifting from somewhere up the boardwalk. Some of us wandered off for souvenirs; others just watched the sunset paint everything gold before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St.Maarten Beach Highlights

• Mr.Bells Photo Shoot
• Visit Maho Beach for airplane landings
• Relax at Mullet Bay Beach
• Enjoy activities at Orient Bay Beach
• Swim and shop at Phillipsburg Beach

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, families join all the time! There are activities for all ages at each beach, plus specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to bring my own drinks or snacks?

No need—soda, alcoholic beverages, and water are included on tour days. You’ll also find plenty of local vendors for snacks along the way.

How long do we spend at each beach?

It varies based on group interest and traffic, but usually about an hour at each main stop so you can swim, explore, or just relax.

Is there shade available on the beaches?

Yes! Most beaches have umbrellas for rent or shaded areas by bars and cafés. Feel free to bring your own hat or cover-up too.

What’s included

Your day covers all transport between beaches, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (like local rum punch), plus friendly guides who know all the best photo spots and hidden gems along each stop.