Happy Bay Beach

Spend a day enjoying one of St. Martin’s best off-the-beaten track beaches. Happy Bay Beach is a small, secluded stretch of white sand on the island’s northeast coast, and because it requires a short hike to get there, the crowds tend to go elsewhere. You won’t find any beach bars or sun chairs, but the peace and quiet is worth it. Do keep in mind, however, that Happy Bay Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors looking to swim and sunbathe in the nude, though there are often so few people here that the chances of finding your own private patch of sand are good.

Practical Info

To get to Happy Bay Beach, you can park near the trailhead in Friar’s Bay. There you’ll find painted arrows pointing the way along the trail. It’s a relatively easy hike that only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Kali’s Beach Bar in Friar’s Bay is a great spot for lunch or après-beach drinks.