Summary
St. Maarten, a stunning Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles, is a hidden gem for surfing enthusiasts. Divided into two territories, Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin, this island offers diverse surf conditions with access to both the Caribbean and Atlantic coastlines. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, St. Maarten’s surf scene caters to every skill level, with crystal-clear waters and welcoming beach vibes.
With popular surf spots like Mullet Bay, Guana Bay, and Simpson Bay, you’ll find a wide range of wave types, from mellow, beginner-friendly breaks to more challenging waves for experienced surfers. If you’re seeking an island getaway combined with top-tier surf, St. Maarten is your ideal destination.
When to go
The best time to surf St. Maarten and Saint-Martin is from November to April, while swells are more consistent and waves are bigger in size. During the summer months, waves tend to be flat and inconsistent.
Where to stay
A great place to stay on a surf trip to St. Maarten is Orient Bay due to its proximity to several surf spots exposed to the Atlantic swells. For instance, Galion Beach is right next to Orient Bay and the St. Maarten surf club is also located in Orient Bay.
Best surf hotels in St. Maarten
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Surf spots in St. Maarten and Saint-Martin
Kim Sha Beach (Simpson Bay)
Simpson Bay is a sheltered bay on the western side of the island that can produce some nice waves when the conditions are right. Waves come from the Caribbean Sea and will have a shorter period while not being as consistent as other surf spots exposed to the Atlantic.
- Wave Direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Sand
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Optimal Swell Direction: Caribbean
- Optimal Wind Direction: E
Mullet Bay
Mullet Bay is a popular spot for surfers in St. Maarten, with a long, right-hand point break that can produce some excellent waves. The surf here is generally best in the winter months, when the swells are larger. Mullet Bay is located just north of Simpson Bay.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand and reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : NE
Guana Bay
Guana Bay is another good spot for surfing in St. Maarten, with a mix of reef and beach breaks that can produce some fun waves. This spot is generally more sheltered than some of the other surf spots on the island, so it can be a good option when the winds are strong.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand and reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : E
- Optimal wind direction : W
Galion Beach
Right next to Orient Beach, Galion Beach is a consistent reef break that catches most swells coming from the east. It is a great place for surfers of all skill levels.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : E
- Optimal wind direction : SW