Oyster Pond
A quiet marina on the border, minutes from Dawn Beach and far from everything else
Oyster Pond wraps a protected harbor on the island's east coast, right where the Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin sides meet. The border runs through the pond itself, and which country the water belongs to has been argued over for years. It's a calm marina base within a short drive of Dawn Beach, and it trades convenience for quiet. Restaurants and nightlife are a real drive away, and a car is not optional.
Known for
- The marina and yacht harbor
- A short drive to Dawn Beach
- The disputed Dutch-French border line
- Quiet, low-key stays on the east coast
Should you stay here?
Best for
- Sailors and marina stays
- Couples who want quiet over nightlife
- Easy access to Dawn Beach
Know before you book
- It's isolated: budget a 20-minute-plus drive to Philipsburg or the airport, and a car is essential
- The east-facing shore catches sargassum seaweed in season, mainly spring through summer
- Parts of the marina and some of its restaurants never fully came back after Hurricane Irma
Getting there
About 25 minutes by car from Princess Juliana Airport along the island's east side. There's little useful bus service out here, so plan on a rental car or taxis for the whole stay.
More of Oyster Pond
Common questions
Is Oyster Pond a good place to stay in St. Maarten?
Oyster Pond is good for sailors and couples who want a quiet marina base near Dawn Beach and don't mind driving for everything else. Skip it if you want walkable dining or nightlife: it's isolated, needs a car, and the east coast gets sargassum seaweed in season.