Eastern Caribbean - Beaches & Kids

[cdaystravel]

Well, you will get a kick out of my latest inquiry! Dutch & French side St. Maarten?? I really do not want to deal with this with my kids; not yet! ;)

Tell me where to avoid and BE HONEST!!:eek: :p

[teltrainer]

Hi,

 

The French side has topless and nude beach areas at Orient Beach. I don't believe the Dutch side has either of these.

 

I highly recommend Frommers "Caribbean Ports of Call" book which has family/ kid suggestions, restaurants, beach info. I've used this in the past with great success and it will answer other questions you might have.

[texancruzer]

Dutch side does have topless and nudity. so......AVOID: ALL BEACHES.

 

The island of St. Martin is very European in nature and they do not see anything wrong with it - in fact they can't figure us out - all over our media and yet we are "uptight Americans".

 

You will see topless everywhere...... nudity is pretty much at one end of Orient ( French side) altho some of them will walk the entire beach nude..... Cupecoy is known for nudity ( Dutch side) and is also known as gay/lesbian beach. There is even one bar at Maho (Dutch side where big planes come in) which advertises free drinks for topless women.

 

So unless you are willing to "take a chance" plan something else for the day.

 

I also recommend Frommers book and if I recall it tells you it is tolerated island-wide.