Guana Bay Beach
A secluded Atlantic-facing beach on St. Maarten known for its powerful waves, ideal for experienced surfers and sunrise walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for sunrise walks
Guana Bay Beach
Best Time
Perfect for sunrise walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded Atlantic-facing beach on St. Maarten known for its powerful waves, ideal for experienced surfers and sunrise walks.
"A quiet, private beach with a constant breeze, perfect for a sunrise walk or experienced surfers."
🚗 Parking via Canoe Shell Drive
Use Canoe Shell Drive for parking; a short path leads to the beach. Room for a few cars.
🌊 Strong Waves - Swim with Caution
Waves are powerful. Great for experienced surfers, but be cautious if swimming.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Atlantic Waves
Guana Bay Beach
Experience the raw power of the Atlantic with consistent, strong waves perfect for experienced surfers.
Secluded Sunrise Walks
Guana Bay Beach
Enjoy a peaceful, private beach experience with a constant breeze, ideal for an early morning stroll.
Rocky Shoreline Formations
Geneve Bay (near Guana Bay)
Discover unique geological formations and brown pelicans on this rugged, rocky shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Guana Bay Beach
Embrace the Wild Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking via Canoe Shell Drive
Use Canoe Shell Drive for parking; a short path leads to the beach. Room for a few cars.
🌊 Strong Waves - Swim with Caution
Waves are powerful. Great for experienced surfers, but be cautious if swimming.
☀️ No Natural Shade
Bring your own shade if you plan to stay for a while.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Site
Guana Bay is a nesting site for green turtles; observe from a distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking via Canoe Shell Drive
Use Canoe Shell Drive for parking; a short path leads to the beach. Room for a few cars.
🌊 Strong Waves - Swim with Caution
Waves are powerful. Great for experienced surfers, but be cautious if swimming.
☀️ No Natural Shade
Bring your own shade if you plan to stay for a while.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Site
Guana Bay is a nesting site for green turtles; observe from a distance.
🚶♀️ Hike to Geneve Bay
An hour's hike from Guana Bay leads to Geneve Bay's unique rocky shore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guana Bay Beach is praised for its privacy, consistent waves ideal for experienced surfers, and beautiful sunrise views. However, visitors note the strong currents make swimming difficult, there's no natural shade, and access can be challenging with limited parking.
"Difficult to get to and to park anywhere next to it, quite big waves and lots of sea weeds, however we were alone when we reached it, even though there are houses all over it."
Maciej Polakowski
"Fun spot to play in the surf if you are a strong swimmer. No shade, but would be a nice beach for a sunrise walk."
Anne Zenisek
"Beautiful beach, but the waves are very strong and there is no shade. Also no direct access."
Roksolana Bobyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing Guana Bay Beach can be a bit challenging. While Google Maps might show routes to Fig Shell Drive, it's often gated. Travelers recommend using Canoe Shell Drive, where there's space for a few cars, and a short path leads directly to the beach.
It can be tricky. Some roads might appear private. Following advice to use Canoe Shell Drive is your best bet for direct access.
The most reliable parking is at the end of Canoe Shell Drive, which offers space for a few vehicles and a short walk to the beach.
Yes, you can hike to Guana Bay Beach. Some visitors have also hiked from Pointe Blanche, though this can be challenging and may encounter seaweed.
Guana Bay Beach is located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, near Philipsburg.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Guana Bay Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry.
There are no admission fees for Guana Bay Beach itself. Parking is also generally free.
As a natural beach, Guana Bay Beach is accessible at all hours. However, for safety and enjoyment, visiting during daylight is recommended.
Guana Bay Beach is known for being very quiet and private, especially compared to other popular beaches on the island.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of facilities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The water at Guana Bay Beach features strong, consistent Atlantic waves, making it excellent for experienced surfers but potentially rough for casual swimming.
Due to the strong waves, swimming at Guana Bay Beach is best suited for strong swimmers. Casual swimmers might find it challenging.
There are no direct facilities like restrooms or concessions at Guana Bay Beach. It's a natural, undeveloped beach.
No, Guana Bay Beach offers no natural shade. Visitors should bring their own umbrellas or seek shade from nearby structures if available.
Guana Bay Beach features a mix of sand and rocky areas, with some sections having a darker, more rugged appearance due to its Atlantic exposure.
📸 📸 Photography
Guana Bay Beach offers stunning opportunities for sunrise photography, dramatic wave shots, and capturing the rugged coastline. The nearby Geneve Bay also provides unique rocky formations for photos. 
Yes, drone shots of Guana Bay Beach can capture its expansive coastline, powerful waves, and the surrounding landscape beautifully.
Sunrise is highly recommended for photography at Guana Bay Beach, offering beautiful light and a serene atmosphere.
You might spot brown pelicans near Geneve Bay, and Guana Bay Beach is a known nesting site for green turtles, offering unique wildlife photography opportunities if you're lucky and respectful.
The end of Canoe Shell Drive offers a good vantage point, and exploring the rocky areas near Geneve Bay provides dramatic photographic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, if your family enjoys watching powerful waves or if you have older children who are strong swimmers and experienced with ocean conditions, it can be an interesting spot to visit. It's also a great place for a sunrise walk, but remember there's no shade, so plan accordingly. Consider bringing beach toys for sand play if the waves are too much.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Adventurers
Beyond surfing, the hike to Geneve Bay offers a different kind of adventure, showcasing unique rock formations and coastal flora.
If you enjoy exploring rugged coastlines and embracing the raw power of nature, Guana Bay and its surroundings will not disappoint.📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
The rugged coastline and the contrast between the sand and the Atlantic Ocean provide stunning visual opportunities. Drone photography is also highly recommended here to capture the expansive views. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wild, natural beauty of the beach and the potential to spot wildlife. Guana Bay is a known nesting site for green turtles, and the nearby Geneve Bay boasts unique geological formations and birdlife.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Water Activities
While swimming might be difficult for some due to the strong currents and waves, it can be fun for strong swimmers who enjoy playing in the surf. Always be aware of your limits and the ocean conditions. The beach is also a known nesting ground for green turtles, so observing these creatures from a safe distance is a unique possibility.
Access and Privacy
The beach itself is often described as quiet and private, with a constant breeze that makes it pleasant even on warm days. This seclusion, combined with the dramatic waves, makes Guana Bay a destination for those seeking a more natural and less commercialized beach experience.
Exploring Nearby Geneve Bay
The hike itself can be an adventure, passing through evergreen shrub land. The reward is a photogenic and unique coastal environment that contrasts with the sandy stretches of Guana Bay. It's an excellent option for nature lovers and photographers seeking diverse scenery on the island.
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