Petites Cayes Beach
Petites Cayes, the wild beach at the end of the trail
Petites Cayes is one of Saint Martin's wildest beaches. Located on the northeast French side in a protected natural setting, it is reached on foot via the Froussards trail, either from Anse Marcel or from the Grandes Cayes area depending on the route you choose.
This is not a serviced beach: no restaurant, no loungers, no restrooms, no shower and very little shade. That is exactly the appeal. Come for raw scenery, dry coastal vegetation, hills, dark rocks and a remote feeling that is increasingly rare on such an accessible island.
Plan it as a short nature outing rather than a quick swim stop. Depending on your starting point and pace, allow about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, plus time on the beach. The trail is sun-exposed, sometimes rocky, and calls for proper shoes, plenty of water, sun protection and a charged phone.
Swimming depends heavily on conditions. In calm seas, Petites Cayes is beautiful for a refreshing dip in a preserved setting. In swell or northeast wind, waves and currents can make the water less safe, especially for children or less confident swimmers. There is no lifeguard.
Petites Cayes is best for hikers, active couples, photographers and independent travelers. Take all trash back with you, do not remove anything, stay on existing paths and avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Gallery
Practical Info
-
Location
Froussards trail, Anse Marcel / Grandes Cayes area, 97150 Saint Martin
-
Access
Foot access only via the Froussards trail from Anse Marcel or Grandes Cayes
-
Parking
Park before the trail depending on starting point; no beach parking
-
Amenities
No facilities: bring water, food, shoes, hat and a bag for trash
-
Safety
No lifeguard. Sun-exposed trail, variable sea and possible currents in swell
Heading to a wild beach?
Petites Cayes needs basic preparation: water, shoes, sun protection and taking all trash back.