
Little Bay Beach
A picturesque bay in St. Maarten and Sydney, offering serene beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and unique underwater attractions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters and good visibility

Little Bay Beach
Best Time
Calm waters and good visibility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque bay in St. Maarten and Sydney, offering serene beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and unique underwater attractions.
"My favorite beach/snorkel site! Calm water, fine white sand and decent snorkeling right off the shore."

๐ฅพ Water Shoes Recommended
Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading.
๐ Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Sculpture Park
Offshore snorkeling platform
Explore a unique underwater world with sunken statues, cannons, and a helicopter. Great for snorkelers!

Vibrant Marine Life
Nearshore snorkeling areas
Spot sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish. Excellent visibility often makes for incredible sightings.

Secluded Serenity
The beach itself
Enjoy a peaceful escape with fine sand and clear blue waters, away from the usual crowds.

Scenic Rock Formations
Beach headlands
These natural formations offer stunning photo opportunities and add to the beach's picturesque charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Little Bay Beach
Best Gear for Little Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ฅพ Water Shoes Recommended
Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading.
๐ Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience.
๐ Access via Divi Resort
Inform security at Divi Little Bay Resort you're visiting the beach for entry.
๐ธ Photo Ops Galore
Rock headlands offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ฅพ Water Shoes Recommended
Rocks underfoot mean water shoes are a must for comfortable wading.
๐ Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a great snorkeling experience.
๐ Access via Divi Resort
Inform security at Divi Little Bay Resort you're visiting the beach for entry.
๐ธ Photo Ops Galore
Rock headlands offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos.
โ๏ธ Summer Lifeguard Patrol
Lifeguards patrol daily during summer for your safety. Swim between the flags!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Little Bay Beach for its stunning natural beauty, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, particularly the unique underwater sculpture park. While access through the Divi Little Bay Resort is common, many appreciate the beach's public accessibility and the chance to spot diverse marine life. Some note the rocky seabed requires water shoes and that direct beach facilities are limited.
"Family Fun day at the beach - it is publicly accessible, you do not have to stay at Divi, but the hotel offers restaurant options on the beach. $15 umbrella and 2 chairs, we had some surf when we went, current is pretty strong nut kids enjoyed the sand and water, plenty of room to run around. Gorgeous gorgeous setting."
Julie J. Gravel
"Beautiful beach that we visited multiple times while staying nearby in an Airbnb. The beach is not owned by the Divi resort, so if asked at the entrance, you can mention that youโre heading to one of the restaurants on the beach, and the guard will let you in. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean!"
Alena S
"My favorite beach/snorkel site!
Out of all the beaches we visited, the Little Bay bech this and Anse Marcel beach my two favorite ones. Calm water, fine white sand and decent snorkeling right off the shore. Tons of fishes, helicopter and submarine near the snorkeling platform in front of the rocky brach. The SXM underwater concrete statutes garden is also a really cool site if the visibility is good."
Roksolana Bobyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Little Bay Beach is accessible via the Divi Little Bay Resort. Inform the gate security that you are heading to the beach or one of the resort's restaurants, and they will allow you to enter. Parking is available within the resort.
There are multiple Little Bay Beaches. The one described here, known for its snorkeling and proximity to Fort Amsterdam, is in St. Maarten. Another popular Little Bay Beach is located in Sydney, Australia.
Yes, you can drive to Little Bay Beach. The most common access point is through the Divi Little Bay Resort. Ensure you communicate your destination to the security guard at the entrance.
Coming from Philipsburg, turn into the Divi Little Bay Resort off Octavius L. Richardson Road. This turn is easier from the Philipsburg direction.
While specific public transport routes directly to the beach entrance might be limited, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in St. Maarten and can drop you near the Divi Little Bay Resort entrance.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Little Bay Beach is publicly accessible and does not require an entrance fee. However, if you plan to use amenities like chairs and umbrellas, there will be a rental cost.
While you can access the beach, using the resort's private facilities like pools may require you to be a guest. However, you can rent chairs and umbrellas and dine at the beachside restaurants.
The beach itself is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, lifeguard services are only available during specific summer patrol hours.
Parking is available within the Divi Little Bay Resort. While not explicitly stated as free, it's often included when you inform security you're visiting the beach or resort amenities.
The main consideration is respecting the resort's property if you enter through their grounds. Otherwise, it's a public beach with standard rules for safety and cleanliness.
๐ซ ๐ Snorkeling & Activities
Yes, Little Bay Beach is highly regarded for its snorkeling. You can see a variety of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even an underwater sculpture park with a sunken helicopter and submarine.
Expect to see green turtles, Caribbean whiptail stingrays, cushion sea stars, spotted eagle rays, and numerous fish species. Moon jellyfish have also been observed.
The area near the rocky parts of the beach and the offshore snorkeling platform is ideal. The SXM underwater concrete statues garden is also a cool site if visibility is good.
Yes, snorkeling gear can be rented from a vendor at the Divi Little Bay Resort. However, bringing your own is often recommended for comfort and availability.
Besides snorkeling and swimming, Little Bay Beach is great for relaxing on the sand, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views. The rock headlands are also popular for photography.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Beach Experience
Little Bay Beach features fine, white sand, making it pleasant for lounging and playing.
The water is generally calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, some surf and a strong current can occur at times.
There are limited public facilities directly on the beach, such as places to wash feet. Restrooms and showers are primarily available for guests of the Divi Little Bay Resort.
Yes, chairs and umbrellas can be rented from a vendor at the Divi Little Bay Resort. Expect to pay around $25 for two chairs and an umbrella.
Yes, families can enjoy Little Bay Beach. Kids often enjoy the sand and water, and the calm conditions are generally good for them. However, water shoes are advised due to underwater rocks.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurant options available on the beach, often associated with the Divi Little Bay Resort. You can enjoy drinks and meals with a view of the ocean.
The restaurants typically offer a range of casual beach fare, including drinks, snacks, and light meals suitable for a day at the beach.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally courteous to patronize the local establishments if you are using their amenities like chairs and umbrellas.
Yes, there are bars available at the beach, often part of the Divi Little Bay Resort's offerings, where you can purchase beverages.
For a wider variety of dining experiences, you would need to travel back towards Philipsburg, which offers numerous restaurants and cafes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Kids
While direct facilities like restrooms are limited, you can access them through the Divi Little Bay Resort. The beachside restaurants offer convenient dining options for families. The underwater sculpture park, while primarily for snorkelers, can also be an exciting topic to discuss with older children about what lies beneath the waves.
๐ Snorkel Enthusiasts
Bring your own gear for the best experience, though rentals are available. Focus your exploration around the rocky areas and the offshore platform for the richest marine encounters. The visibility is often excellent, allowing for detailed observation of the underwater world.
๐ธ Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Underwater World
The marine life here is also abundant and diverse. Visitors frequently report sightings of green sea turtles, Caribbean whiptail stingrays, cushion sea stars, and spotted eagle rays, often in shallow waters where they can be easily observed. The variety of fish species adds to the vibrant underwater spectacle.
For the best experience, it's recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear, although rentals are available at the Divi Little Bay Resort. Water shoes are also a good idea as the seabed can be rocky in places. The clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore this submerged world.
Access and Amenities: What to Expect
While the beach itself is public, amenities like restrooms and showers are primarily for resort guests. However, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from a vendor at the resort for a fee, often around $25 for two chairs and an umbrella. Dining options are also available at the beachside restaurants associated with the resort, offering a convenient way to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the scenery.
It's worth noting that the seabed can be rocky, so wearing water shoes is highly recommended for comfortable wading and exploring. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, typically from 9 am to 5 pm, adding an extra layer of safety for visitors.
Little Bay Beach: A Sydney Gem
The beach is renowned for its clear blue waters and serene atmosphere, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding rock headlands provide stunning backdrops, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
During the summer, Little Bay Beach is patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring a safe environment for beachgoers. It's a favored spot for families looking for a beautiful and tranquil beach day, offering a slice of Mediterranean-like beauty within Sydney.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit