Mullet Bay Beach — The Locals' Favorite Beach
White sand, turquoise water, and the island's best sunset.
Why Go
Mullet Bay Beach on the Dutch side is consistently voted the island's most beautiful beach by locals — a wide crescent of white sand with calm, turquoise water backed by the remains of a once-grand resort. Where Maho Beach is about planes and Orient Beach is about scene, Mullet Bay is simply about the beach.
The Experience
Mullet Bay Beach is what you picture when you imagine a Caribbean beach. The sand is white and soft, the water graduates from pale turquoise to deep blue, and the bay is naturally sheltered, creating calm swimming conditions most days. Behind the beach, the abandoned Mullet Bay Resort — once the island's most prestigious hotel before Hurricane Luis in 1995 — adds an atmospheric backdrop of overgrown concrete and tropical vegetation reclaiming man-made structures. The beach draws a mix of residents (especially on weekends), visitors from the nearby Maho resorts, and anyone who has been told by a local to skip the tourist beaches. A few food vendors set up near the parking area, but the beach itself is refreshingly low on commercial infrastructure.
What to Try
Swim in the calm, protected bay — the water is consistently some of the clearest on the Dutch side. Snorkel along the rocky edges where fish congregate. Walk the full length of the crescent for the best angles. Catch the sunset — Mullet Bay faces west and the evening light is spectacular. Buy a cold drink from Rosie's snack bar near the entrance.
Insider Tip
Mullet Bay gets busy on weekends when local families claim their spots early. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning. The far ends of the beach are less crowded than the center near the parking area. There is no shade, so bring an umbrella or arrive early enough to catch the morning shadow from the hills.
The Practical Stuff
Located in the Mullet Bay area on the Dutch side, near the golf course and Maho. Free beach access. Limited parking near the beach entrance — arrive early on busy days. No lounge chair rental officially, though vendors sometimes appear. Bring your own supplies: water, snacks, umbrella, snorkel gear. No lifeguards.
Pair It With
- Maho Beach Guide — The famous plane-watching beach is a short drive away — different experience, same coastline
- Rosie's Snack Bar at Mullet Bay Beach Guide — Beachside food vendor at the Mullet Bay entrance