Mullet Bay is the beach that people who live on the Dutch side go to on their day off. It is a broad, gently curving bay of soft white sand and vividly blue water, backed by sea-grape trees and the fairways of the island’s only golf course, a few minutes’ walk west of Maho.
There is no village and no resort on the sand — the large hotel that once stood here was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1990s and never rebuilt — just a car park, a few beach shacks selling ribs, johnny cakes and cold beer, and people renting chairs and umbrellas. On weekdays it is peaceful; on Sunday afternoons it turns into a local beach party.
Top things to do: Mullet Bay
Swim and bodysurf
In summer the bay is often as flat as a pool. From roughly November to April, northerly swells can bring proper waves, to the delight of bodysurfers and the few local surfers. The swell also creates a shore-break and occasional rip currents, so watch the water for a few minutes before going in, and keep small children close.
Rent a chair under the sea grapes
Vendors along the beach rent loungers and umbrellas for the day; prices are per set and usually paid in cash. The shade under the trees at the back of the beach is free.
Eat at a beach shack
The little bars at the entrance grill ribs and chicken, fry fish and mix rum punch. It is simple, inexpensive by island standards and very good after a morning in the water.
Snorkel the rocky ends
When the sea is calm there is modest snorkelling around the rocks at either end of the bay — small reef fish rather than coral gardens. On rough days leave the mask in the bag.
Combine with Maho and Cupecoy
Mullet Bay sits between the two: watch the midday arrivals at Maho, swim here in the afternoon and finish with sunset at Cupecoy, all within a couple of kilometres.
How to get to Mullet Bay
- From Maho: about ten minutes on foot past the roundabout, or two minutes by car.
- From the cruise port / Philipsburg: 30–45 minutes by taxi. Several beach-hopping tours include Mullet Bay with transport from Philipsburg.
- By minibus: the Philipsburg–Maho–Mullet Bay buses terminate near here; ask the driver for Mullet Bay beach.
- Parking: free roadside and sandy car parks behind the beach. Leave nothing visible in the car.
Insider tips
- Come before 11:00 on cruise days for the best choice of spots; the beach is big enough to absorb a crowd but the chairs nearest the entrance go first.
- Bring cash in small US notes for chairs, food and drinks.
- There is little natural shade at the water’s edge. An umbrella or a spot under the trees matters at midday.
- If red flags are flying or the shore-break is dumping, paddle rather than swim — or drive round to calmer Simpson Bay.
Best tours for Mullet Bay
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Mullet Bay:
Beach tour from US$70 St Maarten Beaches Tour with Transfer
A guided beach-hop from Philipsburg that takes in Mullet Bay, Orient Beach and more, with some island history between swims.
- Mullet Bay and Orient Beach in one outing
- Transport from Philipsburg
- Local history on the way
ATV tour from US$135 ATV Island Highlights Tour
Four hours on an ATV or dune buggy with a guide, linking the island’s highlights and some of its lesser-known corners.
- Guided ride on ATVs or dune buggies
- The island’s landscapes from the saddle
- Lesser-known corners as well as the highlights
