Turquoise coral lagoon on the east coast of Tintamarre, Saint Martin Nature Reserve

Beach

Tintamarre Lagoon Beach

East coast of Tintamarre Island, National Nature Reserve (Saint Martin)

The coral lagoon, the calm flip side of Tintamarre

The Lagoon is the east-coast beach of Tintamarre Island, the exact opposite of Baie Blanche. A thin strip of sand fringed with limestone rock, closed offshore by a long coral reef that breaks the Atlantic swell and creates a true shallow turquoise lagoon - usually much calmer than expected for a windward coast.

Access is usually in two stages: boat trip from Saint Martin (Anse Marcel, Oyster Pond, Marigot) to Baie Blanche, then a short 10–15-minute walk across the islet's low scrub to reach the lagoon. Some catamarans anchor directly off the lagoon in calm weather; others drop passengers at Baie Blanche and run a land loop. No jetty, no signage: stick to existing paths.

For wildlife, the lagoon is an excellent snorkeling spot between the beach and the reef: turtle seagrass beds, long-spined sea urchins, southern stingrays and a good variety of reef fish (parrotfish, damselfish, sergeant-majors, occasional barracudas). Brown noddies and other protected seabirds nest on the nearby cliffs - watch from a distance and keep clear of the colonies.

Important: this is not a classic family swim beach. The sand is coarser than at Baie Blanche, rocks break the surface in places, and beyond the reef the current can be strong. Stay inside the lagoon, do not fin out past the reef, and do not touch corals or the seabed. Protected area: no fishing, no taking, no fire, pack out all trash.

No services on site. Bring mask & snorkel, water shoes, water, lunch, parasol and reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Best in the morning on a calm sea, and always keep an eye on your boat's return time.

Gallery

Reef and coastal vegetation of the Saint Martin Nature Reserve facing the Atlantic

Brown noddies on the rocks of Tintamarre lagoon, protected seabirds of the Reserve

Practical Info

Location

East coast of Tintamarre Island, National Nature Reserve, 97150 Saint Martin
Access

Boat to Baie Blanche, then 10–15-min trail across the island; or direct mooring in calm weather
Parking

No parking on the island; park at your departure port
Amenities

No services. No formal mooring on the lagoon side: use Baie Blanche buoys.
Safety

Sheltered close to shore, currents beyond the reef. Rocks, urchins, fragile seabed — water shoes recommended.