As local hosts with more than 15 years in St. Maarten hospitality, we love sharing our favorite hidden beaches. Maho Beach and Orient Bay get most of the attention, but these lesser-known spots offer quiet escapes and a more authentic Caribbean experience. Looking for the famous beaches instead? Read our guide to the best beaches in St. Maarten and St. Martin.
1. Friars Bay, Happy Bay and Lovers Beach
Three beautiful beaches on the west coast: one easy to reach, one more remote and one completely hidden.
Friars Bay: the locals' family beach
Friars Bay is a small, quiet beach where locals like to go. It's a great family beach with clear, clean water and soft white sand. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from the beach bar and restaurants, or bring your own.
Everything is right on the sand: drinks and BBQ at Kali's Beach Bar, Caribbean fusion at 978 Beach Lounge, or classic French food at Friars Bay Beach Café with its famous "beach door". It's peaceful by day, and at night it comes alive with full moon parties, bonfires and reggae bands.
Happy Bay: a clothing-optional paradise
Happy Bay is one of the most private beaches on the island. It sits on the northwest coast between Friars Bay and Grand Case and is reached by a scenic hiking trail from Friars Bay. Many visitors don't even know it exists.
Because it's so quiet, Happy Bay is known as a clothing-optional beach, and topless or nude sunbathing is common. Not your style? The hike from Friars Bay and back is worth the trip on its own. You can also arrive by water on our 3-hour mini speed boat tour with a beach stop.
Lovers Beach: just big enough for two
Lovers Beach is a secret spot just south of Friars Bay. It's hard to reach, but well worth it.
How to get there: drive toward Friars Bay, but instead of turning right over the bridge, turn left and follow the dirt road toward the coast. Park, then follow the trail through the small rusty gate. Both the left and right paths lead to the beach, but the left one is said to be a little easier. You trek down a steep cliff, but it's very doable.
As the name suggests, couples come here for privacy, since there's really only room for two. Note that the beach can almost disappear at high tide. When conditions are right, it's a picture-perfect treat.
2. Petites Cayes: for adventure seekers
Petites Cayes, on the island's northeastern coast, is one of St. Martin's best hidden beaches. It has golden powdery sand, crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views, and you'll often have it all to yourself.
Getting there is part of the fun: a rocky hike of roughly 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace. The clear water is perfect for snorkeling, so bring your underwater camera. Visit between 9 AM and 2 PM for the best light and conditions.
3. Cupecoy Beach: caves and sunsets
Cupecoy is a series of small coves framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs, carved into caves by time and the sea. It's quiet but not completely secluded, and straight out of a postcard. Come in the late afternoon, when the sun lights up the cliffs and the sunsets in front of the cave are spectacular.
The beach changes with the seasons. Some weeks there are meters of sand between the cliffs and the sea; other weeks there's hardly any. Waves range from flat calm to surfer quality. On calm days it's an excellent place to snorkel and walk to the famous cave. Watch the tide, as some areas can't be reached at high tide.
Cupecoy is also clothing-optional. The left side attracts the more free-spirited crowd, while the right side is calmer, with drinks and Caribbean dishes at Dany's Beach Bar & Grill. There are no vendors on the left side, so bring chairs and a cooler. The cliffs give great shade. You can also see the cliffs from the water on our 4-hour mini speed boat snorkeling tour.
How to get down to Cupecoy: park in the sandy lot across from the former Blue Mall and follow the path to a stone staircase carved into the cliff. Or park at Dany's Beach Bar at the far end of the beach, just before Porto Cupecoy, where you can also rent beach chairs.
4. Guana Bay: wild and untamed
On the east coast, Guana Bay is perfect if you want a more rugged Caribbean experience. Strong Atlantic waves make it less suitable for swimming, but ideal for beachcombing, photography and long walks. Mornings offer the best conditions for walking the shoreline and finding unique shells.
5. David's Hole: a local secret
David's Hole is a natural wonder: a sinkhole about 80 feet across in the rocky coast between Baie Rouge and Pointe du Bluff, with rock walls up to about 33 feet high. Waves surge in from the sea through an opening in the rocks, filling the hole with churning turquoise water.
It's best admired from the rocks above. Only consider swimming on very calm days, never alone, and stay away when the sea is rough. Please treat this place with care. Secret spots like this are shared in a spirit of respect.
Pro tips from your local hosts
- Bring water, sunscreen and snacks. Most of these beaches have no facilities.
- Download offline maps before you go, as some spots have weak cell service.
- Pack water shoes for rocky trails and entries.
- Go early: 8 to 11 AM is the best time to explore before the midday heat.
- Don't want to carry gear? We deliver beach chairs and umbrellas.
These beaches are special because they're off the beaten path. Please travel responsibly: take out everything you bring in, respect nature and help us keep these places beautiful for the next visitors.
