Great Bay · Travel guide · Updated 2026

The Enchanting Shores of Great Bay, Sint Maarten

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Great Bay in Sint Maarten is a picturesque paradise known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Nestled between lush green hills and the vibrant capital city of Philipsburg, this beautiful bay offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Visitors can relax on the serene beach, enjoy water sports, or explore the bustling boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and casinos. The bay is also a popular spot for cruise ships, which means you can often see these massive vessels anchored nearby, adding to the lively atmosphere. The beach is well-maintained and offers facilities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and various eateries that serve delicious local and international cuisine. For those interested in history and culture, the nearby Fort Amsterdam and Sint Maarten Museum offer fascinating insights into the island’s rich past. Great Bay is also an ideal starting point for island tours, snorkeling adventures, and sailing trips. Whether you're looking to relax, shop, or explore, Great Bay has something for everyone.

Maho Beach

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Simpson Bay

Sunset Bar and Grill

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Mullet Bay Beach

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Cole Bay

Bell’s lookout point

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Philipsburg

Random Wind Charters, NV

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Simpson Bay Lagoon

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Cole Bay

Scuba Fun Dive Center

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Philipsburg

Diamond Casino SXM

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

Mullet Bay

Discover the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Great Bay, Sint Maarten. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and rich heritage awaits you.

When is the best time to go to Great Bay?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsApr–Nov
Longest daylightApr–Sep
Driest periodJan–Mar

Explore places in Great Bay

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Great Bay sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Port Of St. Maarten

    Experience the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean at the Port of St. Maarten, your gateway to adventure.

    Port Of St. Maarten

    Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

    Discover unparalleled luxury and excitement at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, where paradise meets adventure in Sint Maarten.

    Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

    Loterie Farm

    Experience the captivating beauty of Loterie Farm, a nature preserve in St. Martin offering outdoor adventures, delicious dining, and serene relaxation.

    Loterie Farm

    Buccaneer Beach Bar

    Experience the vibrant flavors and breathtaking views at Buccaneer Beach Bar in Sint Maarten, the ultimate beachside destination for food lovers.

    Buccaneer Beach Bar

    Rainforest Adventure St Maarten

    Discover the thrill of adventure and the beauty of nature at Rainforest Adventure St Maarten, a must-visit eco-park for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.

    Rainforest Adventure St Maarten

    Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities

    Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities, your gateway to the stunning sights and culture of Sint Maarten.

    Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities

    Topper's Rhum Distillery

    Explore the craftsmanship of rum-making at Topper's Rhum Distillery in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, where artisanal spirits and local flavors await.

    Topper's Rhum Distillery

    K Like Karakter - K Beach Club

    Discover the vibrant atmosphere of K Like Karakter Beach Club, where sun, sea, and exquisite cuisine meet on the shores of Simpson Bay.

    K Like Karakter - K Beach Club

    Pineapple Pete Restaurant

    Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Pineapple Pete Restaurant in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, where every meal is a celebration.

    Pineapple Pete Restaurant

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Plane watching from Maho Beach, St Maarten, Oct 2014 (15754703091).jpg  - Wikimedia Commons
    Destination guide

    More about Sint Maarten

    Discover Sint Maarten: A Caribbean paradise with a blend of Dutch and French cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable experiences.

    Tell me more about Sint Maarten
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    Explore Great Bay in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    Bestand:Philipsburg Boardwalk with Beach (6545932291).jpg - Wikipedia
    Bestand:St. Maarten, Karibik - Philipsburg – Great Bay Beach -  panoramio.jpg - Wikipedia
    Bestand:Sint Maarten - Fort Amsterdam - panoramio.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Palm Tree Lined Front Street Shops (6545978013).jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Guavaberry Emporium From Angle (6545980529).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:St. Maarten, Karibik - Philipsburg – Old Street - panoramio.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Sint Maarten Museum (49874501348).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby country regions around Great Bay, from connected city edges to neighbouring counties, coastlines, and countryside escapes.

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