It’s easy to think that the beach bar might have been invented on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. For some, legend has it that when St Maarten and St Martin was divided between the French and Dutch they did it by first getting inebriated at the beach in Oyster Pond then circumnavigating the island by walking the shoreline. The spot where they meet after rounding the island marked the dividing line. We’ll bet there was a beach bar or two along the way. Indeed, it there is no better or more accessible selection of beach bars than on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sunset Bar & Grill — Maho Beach
Nestled between the runway and sea, the Sunset Bar has perhaps the most photographed beach in the Caribbean. Once a quiet place to have a cocktail and watch planes come and go, the Sunset has become a scene over the past few years…The planes come and go on schedule but the bar tends to be less scheduled and more…unscripted.
Busby Beach Bar — Dawn Beach
Dawn Beach is one of St Maarten’s most beautiful beaches. Located on the beaches north end, tucked under palm trees and sea grapes, you will find Mr Busby’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. You’ll also find very good food and a good friendly vibe.
Karakter — Simpson Bay
Located right on Simpson Bay Beach on a quiet and calm stretch with soft sand just perfect for the whole family. The eclectic Karakter is open 9am-10pm and serves simply amazing food.
Bikini Beach — Orient Beach
This beach bar will celebrate a 22-year anniversary this July. The iconic beach bar has stood the test of time for good reasons: location, location, location! Orient Beach is like a ground zero for beach party goers. And it’s a must on a tour de bar of St Martin or the Caribbean.
Le Galion — Le Galion Beach
This one is located on one of the more beautiful bays and quiet beaches in St Martin. It’s a beach bar that is more like a restaurant, operated by Patrick Turner of Tropical Wave who also runs a great windsurfing and kayak facility from the site.
Karabuni on Pinel Island
Pinel Island is a small island just a short boat ride from shore with one of the most intriguing beaches in the Caribbean. As you sip your frozen rum drink and gaze back upon the mountains and beaches of St Martin you realize why you came and likely consider never going back.
Holland House — Philipsburg
Right in the middle of Philipsburg amid bustling duty free stores, restaurants and casinos sits the Holland House Hotel. And at the Holland House there’s a popular lobby bar that opens to a restaurant deck and a nice beach bar overlooking Great Bay and the boardwalk.
Dany’s Beach Bar — Cupecoy Beach
For those who know why, there is no better beach than Cupecoy. And when you say a beach bar is defined by the beach itself, theres no better place than Dany’s. It’s known for the island’s most friendly beach blanket service.