rudy

We will be stopping off at St. Maarten on a Disney cruise with our kids. I have read that St Maarten does not require swimming attire on their beaches. Having two adolescence kids along, this Mom is a bit concerned on what to expect. <BR><BR>Any experiences to share out there?<BR><BR>

Beth

The French side is definitely the place for "free spirits" - and Orient Beach is especially well known as a clothing optional beach. But don't worry, Mom - the Dutch side of the island is much more modest, and C/O sunning generally isn't permitted. We thought the beach that is adjacent to the water taxi pier was very nice - it's close to the shopping area and Everyting' Cool... I'm sure others can give you more suggestions. Have a great time - it's a beautiful island!

Patty

On parts of Orient beach you will see full nudity (male and female). This is mostly concentrated toward the one end where the clothing optional resort is located. Other parts of the beach, you will generally see topless women. Beth may be right, if you're concerned perhaps it's best to stay on the Dutch side (although not having been to the Dutch side beaches, I can't confirm that there is no toplessness).

Cathy

Great Bay Beach is the beach right in Phillipsburg, the main town where most cruise ships dock. I have never seen nudity on this beach or toplessness. A number of cruise passengers seem to like this beach although there is a steep drop off 6 to 9 feet from shore. I have never used this beach because I don't know where the waste from Phillipsburg and all the ships in the harbor is being dumped relative to the beach.<BR><BR>Although you are less likely to see toplessness on the Dutch side, it is possible at any other beach except the one in town.<BR><BR>I think if you had small children, I may be a little more concerned about nudity. Since you have teenagers, I would not be as concerned. Orient beach is actually quite nice, much better than the beach at Phillipsburg, and the spot most taxi drivers will drop you off at has mostly cruise ship passengers, who are mostly in bathing suits. So you will NOT be seeing a wild, drunken, nude orgy!<BR><BR>When my sister-in-law and I were there in late July, we saw a couple of nude people and some topless French women. It was amusing but not really a big deal. A number of the nudes would have been better if they had kept their clothes on!!! There were plenty of families there enjoying the great water and the many activities. The kids seemed to ignore the naked and topless people, especially since there were not that many of them.<BR><BR>Your teens have probably seen more nudity on HBO or in movies such as American Pie than they will see on the beaches on the French side. So relax and have a good time!

Peter

I would second what Cathy has said. We have teenage daughters and we saw a few topless woman and one nude man - but the girls weren't embarrassed - mostly curious - besides, when we took them to Europe, all beaches had topless women. We had the taxi driver take us to Bikini Beach on Orient which is about a half mile from the point that separates the beach from nudist colony and "the rest".