Caraibes Watersports — Anse Marcel's Only Beach Watersports Base
The first and only watersports center on one of St. Martin's most sheltered bays.
Why Go
Anse Marcel sits behind a narrow channel on St. Martin's northeast coast, opening into a calm crescent of sand backed by green hills. Caraibes Watersports is the sole watersports operator on this beach, which means no jockeying for space and direct launch access from a bay so protected it rarely sees swells.
The Experience
The setup is beach-level and casual. Walk up, pick your gear, and you are on the water within minutes. Jet ski tours follow the coastline past Anse Marcel's headlands toward Happy Bay and beyond, with guides who adjust the pace to the group. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards launch straight from the sand into water that stays flat most of the year thanks to the bay's horseshoe shape. Tubing runs pull riders across the bay at varying intensities — manageable for younger kids on the mellow setting, genuinely fast on full throttle. Boat rentals let you explore coves along the northeast coast at your own pace, and snorkeling gear is available if you want to check the rocks at the bay's edges where parrotfish and sergeant majors congregate.
What to Try
The guided jet ski tour is the standout. Anse Marcel's departure point puts you along a stretch of coast that most operators based in Simpson Bay or Philipsburg do not reach. If you prefer something quieter, a double kayak paddle across the bay to the far rocks takes about twenty minutes and offers decent snorkeling without a boat ride. Families with small children do well with the tubing at reduced speed — the calm bay keeps things predictable.
Insider Tip
Go in the morning. Anse Marcel's bay catches afternoon wind from the east, and while it is still calmer than most beaches, paddleboarding and kayaking are noticeably smoother before 11 AM. The beach itself is less crowded on weekdays when the resort crowd thins out.
The Practical Stuff
Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. Located on Anse Marcel Beach, French side. Pricing is mid-range for SXM watersports. No reservations required for rentals — walk up and go. For jet ski tours, calling ahead ensures availability during peak season. Parking is available at the beach access road.
Pair It With
- Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach Guide — Beachfront resort steps away, ideal base for a watersports day
- Anse Marcel Cove Suites Guide — Boutique accommodation within walking distance of the beach