Our Visit
Matt
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2023
Orient Beach is one of a few nude beaches in the Caribbean and is the island’s only official nude beach. However, it isn’t the only spot to strip down on Saint Martin or Sint Maarten (more on that later). Keep in mind it is common to be topless at beaches all over the island – European attitudes prevail here. But for a more ‘all over’ tan than Orient Beach is a great option. This place is a bustling spot filled with tourists from all over the world – a big of European and American couples mostly. You won’t find many locals here. The nude section is right next to the clothing section, so if you want more privacy you’ll need to walk further along the beach past Club Orient which used to be a massive clothing optional resort. The resort is currently under reconstruction after being damaged by a hurricane in 2017, but even without the resort this section of the beach is still popular.
Click to show more
The whole beach is beautiful soft white sand that has a gradual slope into the ocean. No seaweed, no rocks.. just white fluffy sand everywhere. We could see why Orient Beach regularly features in lists of the Top 10 nude beaches worldwide and gets rave reviews. Unfortunately the downside is the occasional trade winds which pick up in the afternoon and can make the stretch of sand a little windy.
We were surprised by how busy the clothed section of the beach is. It boasts a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and offers an extensive range of activities. Whether you’re interested in parasailing, kite surfing, boat rides, beach volleyball, and more – it’s all readily available. It gives off Cancun or Cabo beach vibes and there cocktail specials at every bar. Clearly, it’s a hotspot for fun and adventure. Obviously you’ll need to grab some clothes if you want to get a drink or some food from that end of the beach. It will be nice when Club Orient opens up and provides more options for everyone at the nude beach (plus some much needed nude accommodation!).
The Perch Bar and Grill is the only food and drink option in the nude section but it’s a great place to eat without having to get dressed. Happy hour is normally between 1.30pm and 3pm, attracting patrons who are keen for a chat and a good time. You’ll also find the occasional stray travelling couple from a cruise ship that drop in here for a few hours while their boat is in port. It is definitely vacation vibes on this beach. Two sunbeds will cost you around $25 USD for the day, but obviously you can lay anywhere on the beach for free if you want. Beware that bathroom facilities in the nude section are kinda basic for now, but they are clean enough and do the job.
Orient Beach isn’t the only spot to get an all over tan on the island. Cupecoy Beach is a well known secluded and quiet nude beach – you’ll find locals here also. It is a great beach to watch the sunset and has a different vibe to Orient. But Saint Martin is the kinda place where any remote beach is basically a nude beach. Visitors have reported hiking to remote beaches only to find several other couples skinny-dipping and tanning. The general rule seems to be – if it’s a weekday and the beach is empty, it’s probably ok to get naked (and you will likely see other couples doing the same). On the weekend it’s best to stick to Orient Beach unless you see other couples people in the buff elsewhere, but then again, it depends on your comfort level.
Overall Orient Beach is a popular nude beach and for good reason. You won’t be alone when you come here and hopefully it won’t be too crowded – either way you’ll have a great time and be guaranteed to be surrounded by others with the same mindset. Enjoy!
Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
Getting There
Once you reach the gates of Orient Bay Village from the main road, navigate your way to the central strip. You'll spot a selection of restaurants, a few stores, and ample parking spaces.
Proceed through the parking lot, heading towards the beach. Look out for a restaurant named Kontiki Beach - spotting this assures you're on the correct route!
Continue driving past Kontiki Beach to reach another sizable parking area. This spot marks the boundary of the former Club Orient and signifies the transition from the regular beach to the clothing-optional section.
From this point, walk towards the beach until you encounter a barrier of rocks. Beyond these rocks, you've reached the nudist beach! Enjoy!
By Car:
Hiring a car is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Orient Beach. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. From the airport, you head southeast following the signs to Marigot, then Grand Case, and finally to Orient Bay.
By Public Transport:
Minibuses are the much cheaper but slower option. From the airport, walk to the nearby roundabout on Airport Road. From there, take a minibus to Marigot, then transfer to another minibus heading to Orient Bay. The whole journey could take up to 2 hours, depending on wait times. The cost is quite affordable, usually around $2-$3 per trip, so expect to spend about $4-$6 each way.
Minibuses are cheaper and give a more local experience, but they're less convenient and take longer. Regardless of your choice, Orient Beach's clear waters and sandy shores are worth the journey!
Socials