Petites Cayes
A remote beach on the northern coast reached only on foot, with nothing on it.
Updated 3 September 2026
Petites Cayes is a small beach on Saint Martin's northern coast with no road to it, reached on a walk of around forty minutes over the headland from Anse Marcel or along the coast from the Grand Case side, and there is nothing built on it at all. Pale sand between rocky points with the Atlantic coming in and Anguilla visible offshore. It is the emptiest beach on the island.
The landscape
- The emptiness - a beach with nothing built and usually nobody on it.
- The walk in - the only access, over the headland or along the coast.
- The rocky points - the headlands closing the bay at both ends.
- Anguilla - the neighbouring island visible across the water.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and best for the walk. Hurricane season runs June to November. Start early: there is no shade on the path.
Things to know
There is no road, no shade on the walk and no facilities whatsoever. Water must be carried. Currents on this coast are stronger than on the sheltered side.
Nearby
Anse Marcel is east, and Grand Case is southwest.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q27572616, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Petites Cayes
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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Where to start if Petites Cayes is going on the list.
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