Restrooms
Not AvailableNo
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
Not AvailableNo (parking nearby but requires walk)
Nudity Policy
OPTIONALNudity expected (unofficial but common)
The Good
- Secluded hidden gem: Happy Bay Beach is often described as one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Saint Martin. Ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the more popular beach spots, like nearby Orient Beach which can be very popular.
- Unspoiled natural environment: No businesses, no music, and no built-up areas, just nature. Visitors appreciate the pristine condition of the sand, the calm ambiance, and the clear views across the bay.
- Clothing-optional and respectful atmosphere: The right (western) side of the beach is commonly nudist, while clothed visitors tend to stay on the left. Everyone usually keeps to themselves and respects personal space.
- Excellent swimming and relaxation: Generally calm waters depending on season, though waves can become stronger. When conditions are favorable, it's perfect for swimming and lounging in the sun.
- Great snorkeling on bay edges: Best areas are near the rocky points, especially at the far right. Small natural tide pools form near the rocks. Marine life can be spotted closer to the tip.
The Bad
- Difficult access: Requires a 10–20 minute walk via an uneven path from Friar’s Bay or roadside parking. The trail can be rocky, hot, and at times slightly overgrown. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Bring good footwear.
- No amenities or services whatsoever: No restaurants, bars, toilets, showers, umbrellas, or rental chairs. Visitors must bring all essentials including water, food, sunscreen, towels, and shade gear.
- Variable wave conditions: While often calm, waves can become strong, making it unsuitable for children or inexperienced swimmers. Some seaweed may be present in the water, and beach breaks can be rough when landing from paddleboards or boats.
- Hot and limited shade: Aside from a few trees and bushes, there are very few places to escape the sun. The walk itself can be hot with little cover.
- Occasional crowd variations: While usually quiet, weekends may attract more local visitors with barbecues. During busier days, families with children may lessen the usual naturist frequency.
The Naked Truth
Happy Bay Beach is freedom by mutual understanding, not by signage or law. Once you make the walk in, the world drops away; no bars, no music, no sellers, just sand, sea, and people quietly doing their own thing. The right (western) side has long functioned as the naturist zone, and nudity there feels normal, unremarkable, and generally respected by everyone who knows the rhythm of the beach.
But this place gives you nothing for free. You earn it with the hot, uneven walk, the lack of shade, and the need to be fully self-sufficient. There’s no protection, no facilities, and no guarantees; on weekends, families and locals may shift the balance, and naturism can thin out. If you arrive early, walk far enough west, bring everything you need, and accept that this is an unofficial agreement rather than a right, Happy Bay can feel magical. If you expect comfort, certainty, or services, the trail alone will tell you this beach isn’t trying to please you; and that’s exactly why people love it. Locals say this is one of their favourite naturist beaches in Saint Martin.
Insider Tip
The west end offers more privacy and is preferred by naturists, arrive early to choose your spot. Keep an eye out for friendly island dogs, and if possible, bring them some water.
Who's Here
Quiet mix of naturists, relaxed beachgoers, couples, some locals (especially on weekends), and occasional visitors from boat excursions. Generally open-minded crowd.
Beach Surface
Soft, fine sand with some rock patches near the edges. Mostly flat and suitable for towel placement. Water clarity is typically excellent, with occasional seaweed.
Access Difficulty
Moderate: Requires a 10–20 minute walk depending on route, either via Friar’s Bay coastal trail or a more direct path past a white gate.
Photos
Our Visit
There's no real beach-side parking, but there are two ways to get there.
First, you can drive to Friar's Bay Beach and then go to the far end of the beach there and take the path up and over the hill down to Happy Bay Beach. It's not a difficult climb or anything, but the path is narrow and kind of rocky, so it's a bit of an ankle-roller. The nice thing about parking at Friar's Bay is that they have a good beach-side restaurant/bar there and also a place to rent equipment like snorkeling gear. Parking is free.
The other way to get there is to park outside the white gate at the intersection of "Rue Happy Bay" and "Rue de Friar's Bay Voie 2" (18.097889645849776, -63.066794957206916) (free) and walk around the gate and up and over the hill, keeping straight or to the left. You'll walk between two overgrown abandoned buildings before you make it to the beach.
Happy Bay Beach has a beach-side bar, but when we went in the off-season (October), it looked like it had been abandoned for some time. No idea what it's like during peak season.
There's no real beach-side parking, but there are two ways to get there.
First, you can drive to Friar's Bay Beach and then go to the far end of the beach there and take the path up and over the hill down to Happy Bay Beach. It's not a difficult climb or anything, but the path is narrow and kind of rocky, so it's a bit of an ankle-roller. The nice thing about parking at Friar's Bay is that they have a good beach-side restaurant/bar there and also a place to rent equipment like snorkeling gear. Parking is free.
The other way to get there is to park outside the white gate at the intersection of "Rue Happy Bay" and "Rue de Friar's Bay Voie 2" (18.097889645849776, -63.066794957206916) (free) and walk around the gate and up and over the hill, keeping straight or to the left. You'll walk between two overgrown abandoned buildings before you make it to the beach.
Happy Bay Beach has a beach-side bar, but when we went in the off-season (October), it looked like it had been abandoned for some time. No idea what it's like during peak season.
Map
Nude Accommodations
Getting There
Located on the northwest coast of Saint Martin, between Friar’s Bay and Anse des Péres.
By Car: From Marigot, drive toward Friar’s Bay Beach via Rue de Friar’s Bay. Continue following Google Maps directions to “Happy Bay Beach”. You will reach a white gate near an undeveloped road. Walk around the gate and follow the trail directly downhill for approximately 800 meters (10–15 minutes) until you reach the beach.
By Public Transport: There is no direct public transport to Happy Bay Beach. Visitors typically rent a car or take a taxi to Friar’s Bay area.
Recommended Accommodation
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