St. Maartenszee
North Holland, Netherlands: Excellent water quality
St. Maartenszee sits 2.78 km from Petten along the Netherlands coastline. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The beach is open throughout its designated season, though swimmers should exercise appropriate caution.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to St. Maartenszee
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is St. Maartenszee?
St. Maartenszee sits 2.78 km from Petten along the Netherlands coastline. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The beach is open throughout its designated season, though swimmers should exercise appropriate caution.
Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August draw the largest crowds. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the beach maintains consistent quality standards year to year.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in North Holland, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Netherlands certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Feb | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Mar | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 13°C | 10°C | Med |
| Jun | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| Jul | 18°C | 15°C | High |
| Aug | 18°C | 15°C | High |
| Sep | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| Oct | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
The best time to visit St. Maartenszee is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 17.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 14.7°C in July.
How crowded does St. Maartenszee get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Netherlands, St. Maartenszee sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is St. Maartenszee open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at St. Maartenszee
Is St. Maartenszee safe to swim?St. Maartenszee is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at St. Maartenszee?Peak water temperature at St. Maartenszee reaches around 14.7°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5°C.
What is the beach like at St. Maartenszee?St. Maartenszee on the North Holland coast of Netherlands. Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August draw the largest crowds. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the beach maintains consistent quality standards year to year.
Does St. Maartenszee have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, St. Maartenszee meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
St. Maartenszee sits on the North Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the North Sea.
Transport
Getting to St. Maartenszee
How do I get to St. Maartenszee by car?St. Maartenszee is approximately 2.78 km from Petten. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to St. Maartenszee?The nearest airport is De Kooy Airport (DHR) (DHR), approximately 16.2 km away.
Can I get to St. Maartenszee by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Petten.
Nearby
Near St. Maartenszee
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of St. Maartenszee. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near St. Maartenszee
- Strandpaviljoen 'Zuid' Restaurant 86 m
Parking near St. Maartenszee
- Parking Parking 79 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 52.7930°N, 4.6721°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Netherlands |
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Maartenszee FAQ
Is St. Maartenszee suitable for children?
St. Maartenszee is Blue Flag certified in Netherlands, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is St. Maartenszee free to access?
Access to St. Maartenszee is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in North Holland, Netherlands, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit St. Maartenszee?
The best time to visit St. Maartenszee is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 14.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at St. Maartenszee?
St. Maartenszee is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to St. Maartenszee?
St. Maartenszee is located in North Holland, Netherlands. It is approximately 2.78 km from Petten. The nearest airport is De Kooy Airport (DHR) (DHR), 16.2 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near St. Maartenszee?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near St. Maartenszee, including Strandpaviljoen 'Zuid' (86 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near St. Maartenszee?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 79 m from St. Maartenszee. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Netherlands, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore NetherlandsWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for St. Maartenszee
- ANWB
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.