Le Galion Beach
Grand Case, St Martin
One of St. Martin’s most family-friendly beaches, Le Galion Beach is the perfect beach day for visitors traveling with young children. The turquoise waters of the beach also known as L’Embouchure or Baby Beach are clear, mellow, and very shallow—even 300 feet (91 meters) from the shore. It’s also one of the few area beaches that discourages nude sunbathing.
The Basics
Travelers have many options to explore Le Galion Beach as part of a day of fun, which may include “Supsquatch” surfing—a huge inflatable surfboard that’s big enough to carry a group of friends over the calm Caribbean waves and slow enough to spot rays or sea turtles. Other organized water activities might include paddling in a Hawaiian-style outrigger canoe or kayaking through mangrove forests, while spotting iguanas, egrets, herons, and other wildlife.
Things to Know Before You Go
Families, especially those with small children, appreciate Le Galion Beach’s mellow, shallow water.
Some water sports tours have minimum ages for participation.
Remember sun protection, swimwear, and water for hydration.
The beach has a few restaurants for food and drink, along with facilities to rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and board rentals.
Le Galion is the only beach on the French side where nude sunbathing is discouraged.
How to Get There
Le Galion Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the airport in Grand Case, and about five minutes south of popular Orient Beach. Parking is available.
When to Get There
Beat the Le Galion Beach crowds by going to the beach in the late afternoon when the families leave for nap times. Time your vacation to your preference: Visit in the summer for the warmest weather, or visit in spring or fall for cheaper hotel rates and a lesser chance of rain. The weather in St. Martin is generally pleasant year-round.
The Butterfly Farm (La Ferme des Papillons)
About 10 minutes from Le Galion Beach by car, along Rue du Coconut Grove, is the Butterfly Farm where hundreds of exotic butterflies live amongst vibrant flowers and trees inside a glass-enclosed habitat. Learn about their evolutionary cycle from the local naturalists, and refresh yourself in the cafe.
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