Friar's Bay
A small sheltered beach between Marigot and Grand Case, with beach bars on it.
Updated 3 September 2026
Friar's Bay sits in a cove between Marigot and Grand Case, a short beach with calm shallow water, sea grape along the back and a couple of beach bars on the sand. A path runs over the headland from it to Happy Bay, which has nothing at all on it. It is one of the more sheltered beaches on the French side and popular with families. The path over to Happy Bay takes around fifteen minutes and the beach at the other end has no facilities at all.
What you'll find
- The sheltered cove - calm shallow water between headlands.
- The beach bars - the places operating on the sand.
- The Happy Bay path - the walk over the headland to the empty beach next door.
- The sea grape - the vegetation along the back of the beach.
When to go
December to April is the high season. Hurricane season runs June to November. Weekends bring local crowds.
Practical notes
The beach is small and fills quickly. Beach bars have come and gone with hurricanes. Parking at the top of the track is limited.
Nearby
Happy Bay is over the headland, and Marigot is south.
What to pack for Friar's Bay
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
- Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon
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All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Friar's Bay is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
