Where is Friar's Bay beach in St Martin?

On the north-west coast of the French side, between Marigot and Grand Case. From the main road, follow the signs down to the beach. It's about 10 minutes from Marigot and 5 minutes from Grand Case by car.

Is Friar's Bay good for families with young children?

Yes. The bay is sheltered, the water is usually calm, the entry is gentle and parking is right behind the sand. The beach restaurants make the day even easier.

What restaurants are at Friar's Bay?

Friars Bay Beach Café, Kali's Beach Bar and 978 Beach Lounge. Each has its own mood: a long French beach lunch, a Caribbean beach bar, and a more refined beach lounge.

Is Friar's Bay Beach Club the same as Friars Bay Beach Café?

Yes. Many visitors call it Friar's Bay Beach Club, but the restaurant's name is Friars Bay Beach Café. It's the long French beach lunch spot in the middle of the bay.

Can you walk to Happy Bay from Friar's Bay?

Yes. The path starts at the far right end of the beach when you face the sea, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Wear sandals or sneakers rather than going barefoot.

Is there parking at Friar's Bay?

Yes, directly behind the beach. On weekends and holidays, arrive earlier.

Is Friar's Bay a nude beach?

No. Friar's Bay is a family beach. Happy Bay, a short walk away, is where clothing-optional sunbathing is sometimes seen.

Where to stay near Friar's Bay?

Most rentals are on the hills of Mont Choisy and Happy Bay, a few minutes' walk from the beach: apartments for couples, villas with pools for families and friends, and a few luxury villas facing Anguilla. Grand Case, five minutes away, has the nearest hotels.

Can you snorkel at Friar's Bay?

The water is calm and clear, but the main beach isn't the best spot. The rocks toward Happy Bay are more interesting, and Creole Rock near Grand Case is better for serious snorkeling.

What is the best time to visit Friar's Bay?

Morning for calm water and quiet, late afternoon for the light and sunset drinks.

Friar's Bay Beach St Martin: Calm Water, Beach Café & Kali's

Beach restaurants

Three places to eat, three ways to spend the afternoon

This is one of the reasons I like sending people to Friar's Bay: you can pick the atmosphere that suits you. A long French lunch, a laid-back Caribbean beach bar or a more polished day on a lounger. Same stretch of sand, three very different afternoons.

The long French beach lunch

Friars Bay Beach Café

Often called Friar’s Bay Beach Club

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Friars Bay Beach Café has never needed to reinvent itself for Instagram. It has its own personality: relaxed, very French, occasionally a little rock'n'roll, and absolutely part of the bay's story. That's exactly what I like about it.

Come here when lunch is an important part of the day, not something to grab between swims. Order fish, a good salad or whatever catches your eye, settle in with a drink and don't be in a hurry. It's the kind of place where the table can become your afternoon plan.

The older Caribbean soul

Kali’s Beach Bar

Kali's is a different side of Friar's Bay altogether. There's music, grilled food, cold drinks and that easygoing Caribbean atmosphere you can't create with matching cushions. Its legendary full-moon parties are part of the bay's history, but there's still a reason to stop by on an ordinary afternoon.

This is where I'd go for a beer, grilled fish or ribs and a rum punch, without making much more of an occasion of it. Sometimes that's exactly what a beach day needs.

The chic end of the bay

978 Beach Lounge

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978 brings a more dressed-up touch to Friar's Bay, without asking you to leave the beach behind. Think comfortable loungers, cocktails, a leisurely lunch and a little more attention to the details.

I'd look here for a day with friends or a couple's lunch that turns into the afternoon. Swim, come back to the table, order something else and enjoy the fact that you don't have anywhere urgent to be.