TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Elusive Happy Bay

On our first trip to St. Martin we made it to Happy Bay by some crazy ridiculous way by parking up a hill in a fancy development and then taking what I am sure is some other folks private path down the hill through some brush and eventually to Happy Bay. We had a fabulous/peaceful time under the one little tree/bush there. I'd like to go again, but perhaps taking a more legitimate route - can folks help me with proper directions/where to park? Thank you!

We parked at Friars Beach Club and took a path from there. It was marked with a sign so I guess it is legit.

Thank you, so it sounds like we should go to Friar's Beach and park there. Looking at the map there is a Rue de Friar's Bay and then further up a Rue de Friar's Bay voie 2 which is off of Rue de Happy Bay (the route I think we took last time). Do you know which we take?

Take Rue de Friar's Bay Voie 2. It will take you to the Friar's Bay parking lot and beach. Walk to the end of Friar's beach and take the path up the hill, which will lead you to Happy Beach. Don't try this in sandals. It is worth the effort. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Off hand I'd say you did the same thing we did our first try. You followed the paved road on up the hill into the villa area. After the gate shortly in from the main road (left turn here) you need to angle off onto the sand/rock/pothole road that heads straight toward the beach. It may look nasty but go slow and you will not get stuck. When you arrive at the bar parking lot watch for signs that may say customer parkiing only. At times it may be necessary to park just a tad back the way you came in. The trail starts within feet of the north end of the parking lot. Going in on the north entrance saves the effort of slogging thru the sand from the south end. It is amazing, for as small as Friar's beach is, how far a drive it is from the south entrance to the north entrance. If by-chance you pass tennis/basketball courts on your left, main road, you have gone to far towards Grand Case.
Say hi to Danny, buy a lunch or two from him.

Agree with Cincinnati Kid. Wear good walking shoes. It isn't a hard hike but the path is uneven, great views though. The food and view is great at Friars as well so it is convenient parking there.

...and you most likely will have some friends hanging out with you

We love Happy Bay but we're never seen a yacht that close to shore or a cow on the beach.

I did encounter a large herd of cattle as I was driving out from Friar's Beach, two years ago. The cattle blocked the road for several minutes. It was a cool experience! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

We went 5 times over 2 weeks and 4 of those visits were shared with the bovine families. They usually hang out in the shade a few feet off the beach but sometimes get a little curious...usually groups of 10-15 with most being of the younger variety

Yikes, that's a curious cow!

Don't fall asleep, right?! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

You could be caught udderly unaware. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Oh, Leona! Groan, groan...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />