Happy Bay, St. Martin

A beautiful tropical beach really does make us happy, so when we heard about a beautiful beach on the french side of St. Martin called Happy Bay, we thought we really had to see it.

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copyright Rum Therapy
It’s a 15 minute hike to get to Happy Bay from Friar’s Bay, and the day we explored that side of the island we were in flip flops. We thought we’d attempt the hike anyway.

There’s parking for the trail in the lot behind Friar’s Bay and the path to Happy Bay which can be found on the north side of Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe.

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copyright Rum Therapy
There’s a section of trail that was a little rocky, but then it opens up to a nice meadow. Small signs painted on several rocks indicate where to go.

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copyright Rum Therapy
There are some nice views of Friar’s Bay and surrounding coves from the trail.

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A gate mid-way down the trail opens up to a beautiful meadow.

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Pass under the tree with the beautiful canopy to get to Happy Bay Beach.

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copyright Rum Therapy
We hear that Happy Bay is usually very quiet with very few people and although there were quite a few people playing in the water and enjoying the beautiful sand while we were there, there were still a lot of quiet spots to enjoy the sunshine and gentle surf. Currently there are no amenities available at Happy Bay, so be sure to bring in any snacks and drinks you might need.

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Or, just make a stop for lunch and some drinks at Friar’s Bay Beach Bar/Cafe or Kali’s Beach Bar when you get back to Friar’s Bay!

Even if you’re in your flip flops – if you like beautiful, less crowded beaches, the hike to Happy Bay is well worth it.

Have you been to Happy Bay?

Find Happy Bay on our St. Maarten/ St. Martin Map

To see more posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

 

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Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Le Galion Beach, St. Martin

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View of Le Galion from one of the floating platforms

Le Galion – this lovely, calm beach on the east side of St. Martin (French side), is just south of popular Orient Beach. Le Galion is sometimes called Baie de L´Embouchure. The beach is protected by a coral reef and is usually quite calm. It gets deeper very gradually and is shallow and crystal clear close to the shore.

Access: When heading north to Orient Beach, turn right on Ru Du Coconut Grove and follow the signs to the Butterfly Farm. Pass the Butterfly Farm and continue to the end of the road. There’s a large parking lot close to beach.

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View from the parking lot

Beach: Le Galion has a large stretch of soft, light colored sand with very gentle access and sandy bottom. There were a few patches of sea grass and we saw a few people snorkeling. There are two floating platforms in the water – one in a shallow area and one farther out that you can swim to.

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Looking east (from the beach chair area) at Le Galion Beach

Amenities: beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, food and drink available at the bar called Tropical Wave, restrooms, water-sports rental area, sand volleyball pit, picnic tables and some shade.

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Tropical Wave Bar & Grill and Water Sports Rental

Recommended for: those wanting a somewhat quieter beach than Orient (although Le Galion can get busy especially on weekends), beach is good for walking, picnicking, good place to learn SUP and kayaking, good beach for children.

Le-Galion 4 (600)
Looking west at Le Galion Beach

Find Le Galion on our St. Maarten/St. Martin Map

 Other Posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin that you might enjoy:

 Sunset Bar and Grill, St. Maarten

 Sint Maarten Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant

 Calmos Cafe, St. Martin

 Sarafina’s Bakery, Marigot St. Martin

 Karakter Beach Bar, St. Maarten

 Guy’s Driftwood Boat Bar, St. Maarten

To see more posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC