
Friar's Bay
A tranquil, family-friendly beach on St. Maarten known for its calm waters, delicious food, and relaxed island vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded start

Friar's Bay
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded start

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, family-friendly beach on St. Maarten known for its calm waters, delicious food, and relaxed island vibe.
"This is one of the low key beaches, it feels more secluded and chill."

🚗 Drive Slow on Rough Roads
The road to Friar's Bay has potholes; drive slowly and carefully. You might see cows!
💰 Cash is King
Some beach cafes are cash-only, so bring enough for food and drinks.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm, Kid-Friendly Waters
Friar's Bay Beach
Gentle waves make this a perfect spot for families and relaxed swimming.

Marilyn's Delicious Cuisine
Friar's Bay Beach
Don't miss Marilyn's cooking; her food is described as 'to die for' and incredibly sweet.

Snorkeling Adventures
Near Pointe Nord de l'Anse Guichard
Explore vibrant marine life, including starfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.

Beach Bar Vibes
Friar's Bay Beach
Enjoy refreshing drinks and tasty lunch options at cozy beachside cafes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to Paradise
Beach Day Essentials & Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slow on Rough Roads
The road to Friar's Bay has potholes; drive slowly and carefully. You might see cows!
💰 Cash is King
Some beach cafes are cash-only, so bring enough for food and drinks.
☀️ Arrive Early for Serenity
Get there before 10 AM for a quiet, peaceful beach experience.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Snorkeling is great, but rentals aren't available, so pack your own.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slow on Rough Roads
The road to Friar's Bay has potholes; drive slowly and carefully. You might see cows!
💰 Cash is King
Some beach cafes are cash-only, so bring enough for food and drinks.
☀️ Arrive Early for Serenity
Get there before 10 AM for a quiet, peaceful beach experience.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Snorkeling is great, but rentals aren't available, so pack your own.
🍹 Enjoy Fresh Juices
Coconut and mango juices are highly recommended and incredibly refreshing.
⛱️ Chair Rentals
Chairs can be $10-$20, sometimes with a food/drink purchase requirement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Friar's Bay Beach is a beloved spot for its calm, clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a peaceful escape. While the road can be rough, visitors find the journey worthwhile for the serene beach experience and delicious food options, especially from local vendors like Marilyn. Some find chair rental costs and cash-only policies a minor inconvenience.
"My second favorite beach on the island. Beautiful and calm, great for kids. Road isn't as bad as people make it out to be, just drive slow and you'll be fine."
Kimberly DaCosta
"We arrived at Friars Bay Beach around 10 AM after a relaxing yoga class at our hotel. The beach was quiet and peaceful — not crowded at all, which was perfect for us. As the morning went on, the beach slowly started to come alive. One of the beach bars opened up and offered lounge beds for €20 per person, but since we weren’t planning to stay all day, we opted to sit at a table instead.
We started off with a coconut water, which was absolutely AMAZING — so fresh and refreshing. That led us to try the mango juice, and wow, it was just as incredible!
When lunchtime rolled around, we ordered food from Marilyn. If we could tell you just one thing about this beach: go see Marilyn! She was incredibly sweet and caring, and her food was to die for.
Highly recommend visiting this spot. The beach was clean, the water was beautiful, and the vibe was laid-back and relaxing. Would definitely come back!"
Jhon Alzate
"Went today 7/17/25 and it was nice. Wanted to sit at 978 but they do not allow outside food and we had brought sub sandwich’s and waters. The spot with the green chairs at the end was too rocky in the water. Ended up sitting in the first location with yellow chairs. Very windy and had to watch the umbrella. The umbrella next to us blew out and almost hit my 69 year old mother. The water was great and very clear. Chairs were 10 dollars each. The road leading up to the beach is rough and you must go slow. Overall was worth the trip to experience."
Jillian Vandal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The road leading to Friar's Bay Beach is known for its potholes, so it's advised to drive slowly and carefully. Some visitors have encountered stray cows on the way, as it's closer to farm areas. A car with good suspension is recommended, but patience will ensure you reach this beautiful spot.
While the road has many potholes, many travelers find it manageable by driving slowly and cautiously. It's not as bad as some make it out to be, especially if you're prepared.
Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Friar's Bay, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, be mindful of the road conditions.
Yes, drive very slowly and be aware of the uneven terrain and potholes. This will help protect your vehicle and ensure a smoother journey.
While taxis are available on the island, the rough road might make some drivers hesitant. It's best to confirm with your taxi service beforehand. Renting a car offers more flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Friar's Bay Beach itself. You only pay for services like chair rentals or food and drinks at the beach bars.
The beach is generally accessible throughout the day. However, the beach bars and cafes have their own operating hours, typically from late morning to early evening.
No advance booking is typically required for general beach access. However, if you plan to visit a specific popular beach cafe like Friar's Bay Beach Cafe, it's worth checking their availability, especially during peak season.
Some beach establishments, like @978club, may not allow outside food and drinks. It's always a good idea to check their policies before bringing your own provisions.
Beach chair rentals can range from $10 to $20, with some places offering a discount if you purchase food and drinks from their establishment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Friar's Bay offers swimming in calm waters, sunbathing, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can also enjoy water sports like kayak and paddleboarding.
Yes, Friar's Bay is highly recommended as a family-friendly beach due to its calm, shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere.
The water at Friar's Bay is generally calm, clear, and beautiful, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Absolutely! The waters near Pointe Nord de l'Anse Guichard offer excellent snorkeling with diverse marine life.
Friar's Bay is known for its low-key, secluded, chill, and relaxing vibe, offering a peaceful escape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several beach bars and restaurants, including Friar's Bay Beach Cafe and @978club. Marilyn is a highly recommended local vendor known for her delicious food.
While specific menus aren't detailed, beach cafes often offer fresh salads and fruit-based drinks. It's best to inquire directly with the establishments.
Fresh coconut water and mango juice are highly praised for being amazing and refreshing.
Some establishments, like Marilyn's, are cash-only. It's advisable to carry cash, as not all vendors may accept cards.
Expect delicious local cuisine, with generous portions. Many reviews highlight the quality and taste of the food served at the beach cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beach scenes, the vibrant blue waters, and the colorful beach bars. The red doorway of Friar's Bay Beach Cafe is also a unique photo opportunity.
Drone footage can capture the stunning expanse of the bay and its surroundings. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquility. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots.
Yes, if you're snorkeling, you can capture images of the diverse marine life, including starfish and turtles.
The contrast between the calm turquoise waters and the lush green hillsides provides a picturesque backdrop. The unique beach bar setups also offer interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are beach bars and cafes that offer kid-friendly food options and refreshing drinks. While some may require a purchase for chair rentals, the overall experience is very accommodating for families. Consider arriving earlier in the day to secure a good spot and enjoy the beach before it gets too busy.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (like May or October) when crowds are lower and prices for accommodations might be more favorable. The main expense will likely be transportation to the beach, so if you're renting a car, factor that into your budget.
couples
Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the most tranquil experience. The beach bars offer a cozy ambiance for enjoying a meal or cocktails together. The opportunity for snorkeling also provides a fun, shared activity to explore the underwater world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Friar's Bay Beach Cafe
While the cafe itself is a draw, the surrounding beach is equally appealing. The cafe offers chair rentals, often with a condition of purchasing food and drinks, making it a convenient option for a comfortable beach day. The food and drinks are consistently praised for their quality and taste, making it a worthwhile experience.
Beyond the cafe, the beach offers a serene escape. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the laid-back vibe encourages relaxation. It's a place that captures the essence of a tropical getaway, blending good food, beautiful scenery, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Navigating the Road and Arrival
Despite the road conditions, the destination is widely considered worth the effort. Once you arrive, the beach offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, a stark contrast to the sometimes challenging journey. Arriving early, particularly before 10 AM, is recommended to fully appreciate the tranquility before the beach becomes more lively. This early arrival allows for a more serene experience, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.
When planning your arrival, consider the time of day. While early mornings are quiet, the beach does come alive as the day progresses, with beach bars opening and a more social atmosphere emerging. This offers a different, yet equally enjoyable, experience.
Marine Life and Snorkeling at Friar's Bay
Beyond the fish, the seabed is home to interesting invertebrates like Sand diver lizard fish, damselfish, and social feather duster worms. Magnificent feather duster worms and various corals and sponges also contribute to the vibrant underwater ecosystem. The presence of green turtles has also been noted, offering a truly special sighting for lucky snorkelers. It's a testament to the health and biodiversity of the reef system in this area.
While snorkeling is a highlight, it's important to note that rental gear is not available at the beach. Therefore, bringing your own snorkeling equipment is essential to take full advantage of these underwater wonders. The clear, calm waters make it an accessible and enjoyable activity for most skill levels.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit