1. Friars Bay, Happy Bay & Lovers Beach
Three gorgeous beaches on the west coast: one is very accessible, one more remote (nude beach) and the last one completely hidden.
* Friars Bay is a small, beautiful, quiet beach that locals tend to go to. It is a great family beach. If you choose to have a chair or umbrella service, one beach bars and two restaurants offer these services, or you can just set up your own.
Both restaurants and the beach bar are conveniently located right on the beach, so if you get hungry for food and drinks, it’s all right there. You can have a refreshment and BBQ at Kali’s Beach Bar, enjoy Caribbean fusion cuisine at 978Beach Lounge, or classic French at Friars Bay Beach Café, entering their famous“beach door”.
The beach and water are so clear and exceptionally clean, and the sand is incredibly soft and white. It is a quiet daytime place, but at night, it comes alive with full moon parties, bonfires, and reggae bands.
* Happy Bay Beach – A clothing optional paradise
Happy Bay Beach is one of the most private beaches on the entire island of Saint Martin. Located on the north-western coast between Friar’s Bay and Grand Case, this beach is only accessible via a hiking trail from Friars Bay. Happy Bay Beach is a secret gem on the island that most people do not even know exists.
Happy Bay Beach barely ever has any people, which is why it is known mainly as an “adult beach” experience. Beachgoers often practice toplessness and even full nudity. So, if you are feeling risky and hate tan lines, then by all means, join in on the fun. If sunbathing in the nude is not quite your speed,you can hike from Friar’s Bay to Happy Bay and back instead. Enjoy this scenic hike and take in all the natural surroundings that the bay is known for. This hike alone is worth the trip.
*Lovers Bay Beach – A beach just large enough for two people, Walking distance from Friars Bay Beach.
Lovers Bay a.k.a. Lover’s Beach is south of Friar’s Bay. The off-the-beaten-path secret spot is definitely hard to get to but well worth it.
To get there you go in the direction of Friar’s Bay, but instead of taking a right over the bridge you take a left and follow the dirt road toward the coast. Park your car and follow the trail through the tiny, rusted gate.
Then you have to choose your pathway to the left or right, although both lead you to the bay, but rumor has it the left is a little easier. They trek down a very steep cliff, but it is very doable.
As the name suggests, lovers often go here for the intimate secluded experience of this tiny little beach which really only has room for two. This is a fun spot but take note the beach can be exceedingly small to practically gone when there is high tide. But when the conditions are exactly right, it is truly a picturesque treat
2. Petites Cayes - For adventure seekers
This secluded beach requires a 30-minute hike through beautiful natural terrain. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and you'll often have the entire beach to yourself. Visit between 9 AM and 2 PM for optimal conditions, and don't forget your underwater camera!
Discover the secluded Petites Cayes, located on the island’s northeastern coast. Known as one of the top hidden beaches, Petit Bay boasts golden powdery sand and crystal-clear blue waters with stunning mountain views.
The rocky hike takes about an hour, adding to the charm of this hidden gem. Settle in and enjoy the scenery or continue your adventure.
3. Cupecoy Beach
A series of small coves bordered by dramatic limestone cliffs
Cupecoy offers stunning sunset views and natural caves to explore. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the sun creates magical light effects on the cliffs. Watch the tides, as some areas become inaccessible during high tide.
“Cupecoy Beach is famous for its exceptional rock formations, white sandy beaches, hidden caves, and secluded inlets, sculpted by time and ocean waters. If you’re looking for a beach that’s quiet but not completely secluded, this is the best of both. Cupecoy Beach is so picturesque and straight out of a postcard.
Its white sands are backed by low sandstone cliffs that have been eroded so that they formed into caves.
This beach is another clothing-optional spot. Key word being optional. One side on the left houses the more free-spirited bunch, as the opposite side offers a more intimate vibe where you can sit peacefully and enjoy refreshing drinks or authentic Caribbean dishes at Dany’s Beach Bar & Grill.
The Cupecoy Cave is a postcard worthy location with amazing sunsets in front.
Depending on the time of year you visit, the waves can be non-existent or surfer-style quality, which also influences the size of the beach. During some weeks, there are meters of sandy beach between the cliff and the ocean; on others, there’s hardly any sand left.
On the calmer days, this is an excellent area to snorkel or visit the famous cave, as you must walk past the cliffs to get there. This is a beach where the cliffs provide phenomenal shade, but it is advised to come with some chairs and a cooler because there are no vendors on the left side of the beach. This is the place to go when you want to kick back with a cold drink, lounge in the shade with a good book, and maybe, just maybe, tan a little skin that a bathing suit would usually cover.
How to get down to Cupecoy Beach? To get to Cupecoy Beach, park in the sandbox lot across from the former Blue Mall and follow the path that leads you to a carved stone staircase leading down to the beach.
An alternate solution would be to leave your vehicle at Dany’s beach bar located at the far end of Cupecoy Beach just before Porto Cupecoy. Once there, head towards the right side of the beach to locate the beach bar and some available beach chairs for rental.
4. Guana Bay Beach
Located on the eastern coast, this untamed beach is perfect for those seeking a more rugged Caribbean experience. Strong Atlantic waves make it less suitable for swimming but ideal for beachcombing and photography. Morning visits offer the best conditions for walking the shoreline and collecting unique shells.
5. David's Hole A local secret
The David’s Hole - a natural wonder of St. Martin is an 80 foot in diameter sinkhole between Baie Rouge and Pointe du Bluffe. The highest peak is around 33 feet.
This small cove near Oyster Pond provides excellent snorkeling opportunities and a quiet spot for picnicking. The protected waters make it perfect for families, and the nearby rocks create natural pools during low tide. Visit during weekday mornings for the most serene experience.
This environment must be preserved and shared respectfully, because these kinds of secret spots are shared in a spirit of mindfulness and humility.
Pro Tips from Your Local Hosts:
-Always bring water, sunscreen, and basic supplies as some of these beaches don't have facilities
-Download offline maps before heading out, as some locations have limited cell service
-Consider packing water shoes for rocky areas
-The best time for beach exploration is typically between 8 AM and 11 AM before the peak heat
-Some beaches are more secluded during cruise ship days
Remember, these beaches are special precisely because they're off the beaten path. We encourage all visitors to practice responsible tourism: pack out what you pack in, respect the natural environment, and help us preserve these beautiful locations for future visitors.
