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Meridiela.

Cupecoy Beach

A beach under soft sandstone cliffs on the west coast, changed by every storm.

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Typebeach
WhereCupecoy
Nearest cityPhilipsburg
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn the west coast near the French border; road then steps down
EntryFree

Cupecoy sits under low cliffs of soft sandstone at the western end of the Dutch side, and the sand there comes and goes: storms strip it and rebuild it, and the cliffs themselves are visibly eroding, with caves and overhangs cut into them. Access is by steps down from the road. It faces west, which makes it the standard place on this side to watch the sun go down.

What you actually see

  • The sandstone cliffs - soft rock cut into caves and overhangs.
  • The changing sand - a beach stripped and rebuilt by each storm season.
  • The overhangs - the sheltered pockets under the rock.
  • The western aspect - the beach facing the evening sun.

When to go

December to April is the dry high season. Sand cover varies enormously with the storm season. Surf is strongest in winter.

Honest expectations

The cliffs are unstable and the overhangs collapse; do not sit under them. There is no beach at all after some storm seasons. Surf and undertow can be strong and there is no lifeguard.

Nearby

Mullet Bay is east, and the French border is west.

What to pack for Cupecoy Beach

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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