10 beaches have excellent water quality for swimming on French side
Each year, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) analyzes the quality of bathing waters in Saint Martin in accordance with the Public Health Code and a European directive. Based on 159 samples collected in 2025 at 12 sites in the French part of the island, the ARS states that 91.7% of them are “compliant”; one site could not be fully analyzed.
83.3% of the samples showed “excellent quality” bathing water at Baie Longue, Baie aux Prunes, Baie Rouge, Friar’s Bay, Petite Plage, Anse Marcel, Baie Orientale Nord and Sud, and Baie de l’Embouchure Nord and Sud. The waters at “Grand Case” are of “good quality” (8.3% of the samples). The waters at Pinel were not included due to “insufficient samples.” No site has bathing water of insufficient quality.
How the waters are analyzed
In the field, ARS agents first conduct “a visual inspection of the site to assess all factors that could influence water quality and pose a risk to swimmers.” In particular, they must check for the presence of foam, mineral oils or tar-like residues, debris and floating matter, and algae. They also observe the color and clarity of the water and assess whether weather and environmental conditions may have impacted water quality.
In addition, officials collect water samples, which are analyzed by an accredited laboratory. The goal is to detect two bacteria that indicate fecal contamination: Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. These bacteria are recognized indicators at the European level. Their presence indicates fecal contamination and may reveal the presence of other pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which can cause gastroenteritis, ENT infections, or skin irritations.
Based on all these results, the ARS assesses the health risk posed by bathing waters on a site-by-site basis and, if necessary, recommends corrective or preventive measures.
(illustration credit: ARS)
