Overview
Le Galion is a mostly-right beach break sitting outside Orient Beach on Sint Maarten, where a coral ridge shelters the main bay from swell. Rights are the main draw, with the occasional sneaky left. It breaks over dead coral, but the reef stays forgiving on small days.
When It Works
The break draws swell from north through east-northeast to southeast, with northeast (NE) the best direction. It's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and holds a consistent supply of waves.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind, and expect it to blow out easily when the trade winds are up. It works through most of the tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
This is a genuine beginner-friendly wave, and the coral won't put newer surfers off on smaller days. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet, and it's empty much of the time.
Access
You can paddle out to Le Galion, or let the local surf school boat you out instead. Jetskis can also run you to surrounding breaks like Pinel and Tintemarre outside the bay. Parking is free and roadside.
