Suggestions for Orient beach paddle boarding

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are in St. Martin for the week, staying on the French side in Marigot. We’re planning on going to Orient beach in a day or two and were looking for some suggestions.

1. We’re interested in either paddle boarding or kayaking to Caye Verte for some snorkeling. What would be the best place to rent gear from? Does the surf tend to be rough at Orient?

2. We tend to pack our own stuff to the beach, would we head more towards the southeastern portion of the beach to set up towels? We’re completely fine with the c/o side and I was thinking in front of the old club orient wouldn’t be a bad spot?

3. How is the snorkeling around orient beach? How are the crowds on the c/o side?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! We’re here until Saturday

I can’t answer all your questions but we are on Orient now. There are plenty of places you can set up your towels on the CO section and several people do. They are past and/or behind the rental chairs. The surf has not been rough but is more rough the further north you go from the CO section. I don’t snorkel but a lot of people do near the CO section so I assume it’s adequate. Hope this helps.