Can you keep a secret? If so, and you are planning a holiday to St. Martin this year, you are in for a real treat. That is because the island is home to 37 impressive St Maarten beaches, but some of them are truly underrated or even unknown to most travelers, and can become one of your best kept holiday secrets.
While it is impossible to point to any beach on the island as unworthy of a visit, after all, most of them are simply stunning, pleasant and appealing – and almost all are dotted with shops, bars, some of St Martin’s best restaurants and visitor services. Still, if you would be fine without all the amenities in exchange for a bit more privacy, quiet, and even seclusion, these most “underrated” or secret beaches are for you.
Happy Bay
This requires a 10-minute walk from either Friar’s ay or Grand Case. The trail is flat, and you may be surprised to encounter a few local (friendly) cows also wandering along the path. Once you get to the beach, you will begin to wonder why so few have found it. It is one of the most family-friendly (i.e. wading and splashing) beaches with its gorgeous golden sands and calm waters. There is great snorkeling at the edge of the bay and it is but a two-minute swim to reach some gorgeous underwater scenery. Because there are no services, you do need to pack in your supplies, but the hike is easy enough that this is not a problem. Arrive early to get a spot beneath the large shade trees at the edge of the sands.
Petit Cayes
This one is also described by islanders as the Wilderness because it requires you to take a, roughly, 30-minute hike to reach the beach. It is at the northernmost point of the island and the lovely hike brings you to an even lovelier destination. It is often nearly empty and features a cove with white sand, a forested perimeter for shady meals and leisurely naps out of the sun.
To get there, take the trail from Anse Marcel or the shorter and less strenuous walk from Transfer Station Road. The latter features a beautiful coral path that takes you up a cactus covered hillside and a gorgeous rock maze. The views are unprecedented and you will marvel at the bays and islands in the distance. You don’t see the beach until your last few steps, up and over a coral wall, and then, suddenly…a gorgeous, hidden beach of your own. Remember there are no services, so bring water, blankets and a good picnic basket.
Baie Blanche
Also known as Tintamarre, this is a beach that is actually on an island along the northeast coast of St. Martin. It is well worth the boat trip as it is an uninhabited destination with more than 80 acres of pristine land. The beach on the western shore is the best and offers everything from jolly sea turtles floating by to some of the calmest and shallowest waters imaginable. It is a nature preserve, so be sure you pack in and pack out. You can arrange your travel by a private charter and get the very best options for picnics, gear and services.
Though any beach in St. Martin is sure to delight, these underrated and lesser known destinations are sure to become your favorite St. Martin’s secrets. Remember that you will need to make plans for bringing all your own supplies and wear shoes suitable for the short hikes, but if you want to find some hidden gems, it will be well worth it.