Orient Bay
Orient Bay is St Martin's most popular surf spot—a beach break on the French side that picks up NE swells and draws the island's surf community. The wave is consistent and the scene is social.
Orient Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 240° - 300°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 2.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: French side St Martin. Main surf beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Orient Bay?
The Orient Bay profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.2m and 2.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Orient Bay?
The Orient Bay profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 240° to 300°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Orient Bay?
The Orient Bay scoring profile favors swell from NE (20° to 80°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Orient Bay?
The main season at Orient Bay is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Oct. Most popular St Martin spot.
How do I get to Orient Bay?
The spot profile lists SXM as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. French side St Martin. Main surf beach.
What kind of wave is Orient Bay?
Orient Bay is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Most popular St Martin spot.
Getting There
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