Aside from forgetting your towel, there are a few faux pas to avoid when you're on a nude beach. Here are some things you should know.

Don’t photograph people without their permission.

This is common etiquette in any public place, but it’s especially sensitive when so much skin is involved. Just because someone is comfortable enough to let it all hang out doesn’t mean they don’t value their privacy. Take a quick photo for posterity if you must—of yourself, or of the beach itself—but then put your phone away and enjoy the view in the flesh.

Cover up—with sunscreen, that is.

This is your chance to get rid of those tan lines, but do it gradually and don’t skimp on the SPF. (The last thing you want is a sunburn on those, um, sensitive areas.) And though it might feel like a subtle transgression, it’s often acceptable to put your clothes back on without leaving the beach. We’ll even forgive the faux pas of wearing a top with no bottoms—just don’t start thinking you can get away with it at home.





1 / 8 Chevron Chevron Orient Beach St. Martin Part of this Caribbean island is technically part of France, and its residents seem to have adopted the French laissez-faire attitude to nudity. You’ll see bare sunbathers along the length of its most popular beach, although technically the nude area is limited to the southern end, where the clothing-optional Club Orient resort is located. When you’re done working on your tan, the beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and water sport companies offering paragliding, jet-skiing, and the like. Conversation starter: If you wander past a certain spot in front of the resort, you might get picked up by Club Orient’s live beach cam. We hope you’re not shy.

Don’t peer pressure the clothed.

We know, we know. It feels so liberating! This is how our bodies are meant to be! We need to stop feeling ashamed and embrace a positive self image! But resist the urge to evangelize, even to your own companions. How much you dare to bare is a very personal choice, and commenting on another person’s level of exposure is the surest way to make them feel uncomfortable.

Don’t be inappropriate.

For most people, choosing to strip down at the beach is not an erotic activity at all. It’s about enjoying nature in a natural state and feeling completely at ease with your body. Kissing, hugging, and regular PDAs are fine, but many nude beaches and resorts are family-friendly so behave as you would anywhere else. Staring is rude, even with clothes on, and those reflective Ray-Bans aren’t as surreptitious as you think.

Bring your own towel.

When you’re using shared facilities like benches, it’s common courtesy to keep a towel or sarong between you and the seat. It can also be useful for guys who need to cover up momentarily. The naturist community is generally relaxed about it as long as you’re not purposefully drawing attention to yourself. Stuff happens; if you don’t make it a big deal, neither will anyone else.