Clothing Optional Beaches in St Martin St Maarten

The island of St Martin / Maarten is pretty relaxed about nudity and as you may already know it is one of the leading vacation destinations in the Caribbean for naturists, nudists and those looking into trying out the clothing optional life style. This is mostly due to the fact that the island holds one of the major Caribbean clothing optional resorts: The Club Orient on Orient Beach.

The part of Orient Bay the beach in front of the resort is really the only official clothing optional beach on the island, so this is where you will find most naturists. If you're not staying at the hotel you can still rent beach chairs and umbrellas for the day (around 15 euros for 2) and visit the resort's restaurant Papagayo or their beach bar and grill, the Perch Bar, all in the nude of course...

It can get busy there especially when the hotel is full and the island is busy. This may be what you're looking for if you like to party and be surrounded by other people. However, if you want something a bit quieter and not so busy then up the other end of Orient Bay, the beach bar Coco beach have a clothing optional section in front of their restaurant. They were recently given the permission to do this by island officials, so it is totally acceptable to be in the nude here. It's got barriers 'closing it off' a bit from the rest of the beach bar and making it a bit more private and secluded. There aren't ever too many people there, so may be easier for first time triers... just depends what you are looking for.

You used to be allowed to go naked on most of Orient Bay, but times have changed and now it is preferable to keep it to these 2 areas. If you want to walk the whole beach in the nude then it is recommended you do this before 8am.

Topless sunbathing is acceptable on all the beaches on St Martin, the French side; the same as in Europe.

Nudity is tolerated on a lot of the other beaches on the French side, although it is officially 'discouraged'. Therefore as these other beaches are not true naturist beaches you must be aware of other people, families with children and homes. It doesn't come across as very respectable to go and undress just anywhere on the beach, so look for a quiet area making sure you are not disturbing or embarrassing anyone. It's rare but it happens that people get annoyed so if this happens, show some respect, and move on to a quieter spot. the great thing about SXM is that there's plenty of space on all the beaches! We've heard that gendarmes (the French side police) have been visiting some of the beaches recently and asking those sunbathing in the nude to get dressed, so, we'd recommend you put some clothes on if you see anyone in uniform approaching... and if you don’t see them coming, no worries, just be polite and get the bathing costume on if they ask you too. Do not let this stress you out, it's very rare that the gendarmes are out looking for naked people and as we mentioned above, nudity is tolerated on many beaches on the French side.

You will find the guide SXM Uncovered: an insider's travel guide to St Martin St Maarten useful in finding out more about deserted beaches and hidden spots and where you can sunbathe and swim in the buff but also it will tell you what activities you can do on island completely naked!

Why put clothes on if you don't have to? Experience the real SXM, in the nude!