Long Beach
Golden sands, calm turquoise waters, blissfully low-key
About
Long Beach sits on the western tip of Saint-Martin's French side, tucked within the residential enclave of Les Terres Basses. About 350 metres of golden sand curve gently along the shoreline, lapped by calm, turquoise Caribbean water that rarely sees more than a handful of visitors on any given day. The vibe is unhurried — no beach bars, no jet-ski rentals, no hawkers — just the soft rhythm of the sea and the rustle of palms. Access runs through a gated community, which is precisely why it stays so quiet and well-kept.
How to get there
From Marigot, it's a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute taxi ride to the beach. The route passes through a gated community — stop at the security post and tell the guards you're heading to the beach; they'll wave you through. Free public parking is available inside the gate. Princess Juliana International Airport is just 3.6 km away, so arriving visitors can reach the beach with minimal fuss.
Who it's for
For couples
Long Beach rewards couples who want calm water and genuine solitude — no entertainment infrastructure, just golden sand, turquoise sea, and the kind of quiet that's increasingly hard to find in the Caribbean.
For families
The calm, shallow turquoise water and safe swimming conditions make this a confident pick for families with young children; the free parking and easy access from Marigot mean you're not wrestling logistics before you've even touched the sand.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Long Beach is one of those places that survives on obscurity, and the gated-community setup is its best protection. The golden sand is clean, the turquoise water is genuinely calm, and the 350-metre stretch rarely feels anything but peaceful. It's not a beach with facilities or atmosphere manufactured for tourists — and that's the whole point. Come between November and April for the driest, calmest conditions, and always stop at the security gate on the way in. If you want a Caribbean beach that still feels like it belongs to the island rather than to the travel industry, Long Beach delivers.
What to do
Four kilometres away, Maho Beach is worth a visit for its extraordinary spectacle: planes from Princess Juliana International Airport pass just metres overhead on their final approach, a sight unlike almost anywhere else in the Caribbean. History lovers can head to Fort St. Louis, about 6.3 km away, for sweeping views over Marigot Bay. Further afield, Loterie Farm — 11.8 km out — offers hiking, ziplining, and an eco-sanctuary experience that makes for a full half-day away from the sand.
The waterline at golden-hour offers the cleanest shot — turquoise water, golden sand, and almost no one in frame.
Pull back to include the palm fringe for a wider composition that shows the beach's unspoiled scale. The gated-community entrance, with its quiet residential backdrop, also makes an understated but distinctive establishing shot.
Where to eat
Loterie Farm, 8.8 km from the beach, earns consistently high praise and pairs well with a post-hike lunch in its shaded grounds. Closer to the Marigot side, Rainbow Café and Lolo's both sit around the 10 km mark and serve solid French-Caribbean plates. If you're willing to drive a little further, Coco Beach — 13.3 km away — is the highest-rated option on the list and worth the extra kilometres.
Where to stay
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, is the standout choice for proximity — just 0.6 km from Long Beach and rated 4.7/5 across nearly 510 reviews, it's as close to the sand as you'll get without sleeping on it. Nettle Bay Beach Club, 3.3 km away, offers another well-regarded option at the same 4.7/5 rating. For something further afield with a different atmosphere, Grand Case Beach Club sits 11 km north and holds the same top score.
Photography
Early morning is the best window — the low-angle light turns the golden sand warm amber and the turquoise water glows before any haze builds. Frame your shot from the waterline looking back toward the palms for a composition that captures the beach's quiet, residential character without intruding on private property.
Good to know
Always inform the security guards at the gate that you're accessing the beach — this is a residential area and that courtesy is non-negotiable. Respect the privacy of the homes along the shoreline; keep noise low and stay on the beach itself. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim within your comfort zone and check tide conditions before entering the water. September and October bring hurricane-season swells and unpredictable weather — avoid those months entirely.
Map
Nearby places
Loterie Farm
Rainbow Café
Lolo's
Océan 82
Coco Beach
Grand Case Beach Club
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin
Hommage Hotel & Residences
Anse Marcel Beach Resort
Nettle Bay Beach Club
Things to see around Saint-Martin
Maho Beach
Famous for proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport; planes fly low over beach before landing.
Marigot
Capital of French side with cultural food tours, markets, and French-Caribbean architecture.
Loterie Farm
Eco-tourism getaway and nature sanctuary with hiking, ziplining, and culinary experiences.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in France
Reviews of this beach
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Remy Gumbs (shady P) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — Remy Gumbs (shady P) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Remy Gumbs (shady P) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — maggieandcharles · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — 5chw4r7z · source · CC BY-SA 2.0