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Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach #218004
02/18/2020 04:08 PM
02/18/2020 04:08 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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PMagistro Offline OP
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For the past 10+ years call us boring but we've only got to Orient Beach/Club O.

I knew of Happy Bay but honestly had no interest when I heard about the hike and lack of facilities.

I just read that Cupecoy is a CO beach as well. I was wondering if anyone could advise if this is true and whether there is parking, chairs, food/booze and thoughts on going there versus Orient.

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Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218008
02/18/2020 04:37 PM
02/18/2020 04:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
It's on the Dutch side so not officially CO but some do. There is parking, chairs, food/booze there also at Danys.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218013
02/18/2020 05:05 PM
02/18/2020 05:05 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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St Maarten
Look for the Cupecoy Beach Bar sign between Blue Mall and Porto Cupecoy, of course across the road. You'll find Dany and he will let you know which beach has sand as there is a series of 4 beaches there. Seldom crowded, $5 to park there by the bar but you can park next to the half demolished Ocean Club for free and walk in. As to bathroom facilities I share this comment from another travel forum

"I like the bathroom situation at Cupecoy Beach Bar. My wife had to go to the bathroom so I asked Dany. He looked me up and down and said, "For you?!" and I said "My wife" and he pointed to an outhouse kind of thing. Later I had to go too so I went to him again and he pointed to the bushes. I walked in there and he followed me and said "Not on my garden!!" and we were both laughing. He pointed me to a different spot and said, "Okay, that's good". I came out of the shrubs still laughing and he was too."


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218057
02/19/2020 07:55 AM
02/19/2020 07:55 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,040
falmouth,MA
wendyk Offline
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falmouth,MA
There now is an actual clean "port-a-potty with running water. Ask Dany for the key.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218078
02/19/2020 09:51 AM
02/19/2020 09:51 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
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foreversxm Online content
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Not sure if the nude side has much sand most of the time but still nice. Ask or the price of chair rental first. Sometimes the lady charges $7 a chair then then next time Danny says $10 for one chair which is expensive to me. To me Charging to park is anti good business if you want more customers. You don’t pay at any other beach. But still it’s a great spot.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: foreversxm] #218079
02/19/2020 09:59 AM
02/19/2020 09:59 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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Dany has to pay the landlord for the road and parking area so he is just recouping that cost. You don't have to park there, there is free parking elsewhere if you don't mind the walk.

There is no nude side, all the beaches there are CO


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218090
02/19/2020 11:08 AM
02/19/2020 11:08 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
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foreversxm Online content
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Yeah I heard that has to pay the landlord story before. Dany has done a great job there I just think he needs to recoup all his costs from his chair , food and bev sales not by charging a few. Almost Everyone drives there and to charge for parking to me is just a bad business idea when you have so much available. It does not keep me from going but I know others that will not pay it and go elsewhere. IMO

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: foreversxm] #218094
02/19/2020 11:22 AM
02/19/2020 11:22 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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It's not a story. Plenty folks don't pay and they still have a great day with Dany, so all is good.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: foreversxm] #218101
02/19/2020 12:21 PM
02/19/2020 12:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Originally Posted by foreversxm
Yeah I heard that has to pay the landlord story before. Dany has done a great job there I just think he needs to recoup all his costs from his chair , food and bev sales not by charging a few. Almost Everyone drives there and to charge for parking to me is just a bad business idea when you have so much available. It does not keep me from going but I know others that will not pay it and go elsewhere. IMO

I feel the same way. Cost of doing business. If you want to recoup then charge more for chairs etc.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218126
02/19/2020 05:23 PM
02/19/2020 05:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 368
Kansas City Missouri
kccouple Offline
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I think there is a lot more sand at cupecoy in the summer. Never have seen much sand in the winter

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: BillandElaine] #218171
02/20/2020 09:07 AM
02/20/2020 09:07 AM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
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lcote Online content
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Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Dany has to pay the landlord for the road and parking area so he is just recouping that cost. You don't have to park there, there is free parking elsewhere if you don't mind the walk.

There is no nude side, all the beaches there are CO



Um, no. Technically it isn't. It's on the Dutch side where there is no such thing as CO. Just people who prefer to treat it that way

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: lcote] #218172
02/20/2020 09:23 AM
02/20/2020 09:23 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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Has been used CO for decades, technically or not.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218179
02/20/2020 10:18 AM
02/20/2020 10:18 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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Uh - we made the first of our at least once annual visits in 1973 and the beaches at Cupecoy were known to be USED as clothing optional even way back then. But at the same time, we were always told it was not legally designated as such and if anyone wanted to make a fuss, the CO practitioners would be found to be in the wrong. I’ve read some of the owners of newer properties developed in the area along those beaches have complained vocally but I have never read the practices have been disallowed nor has anyone has been punished for doing so.

Does that help at all to further muddy the waters there.

IMPO, that’s a great spot for CO usage and I’m a firm believer in live and let live as long as you do no harm.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218233
02/20/2020 04:28 PM
02/20/2020 04:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,917
New England (home), St. Maarte...
jmbcomms Offline
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Been using it for decides and love it. Improves every year. Main beach and baby beach both used C/O, Good food, drink, chairs, and umbrellas. GO.


Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218247
02/20/2020 05:37 PM
02/20/2020 05:37 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
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SammyM Offline
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If Cupecoy is having a bad sand day, and you're still looking for an alternative to Orient Beach, don't totally rule out Happy Bay. I agree that the facilities there are almost non-existent, but IMO it's the most beautiful stretch of beach on St. Martin. Gorgeous white sand with no sea weed when I was there, and waves that were far less intimidating the those I have encountered on Orient. So, you have to pack a small cooler and bring along a portable beach umbrella but it's something everyone who visits St. Martin should experience at least once. The trail hike from Friar's isn't that daunting if you wear the correct footwear; just take your time and enjoy some of the views which are outstanding. An iguana or two will also greet you along the way! Once the path opens up and this beautiful beach appears the first thing that I noticed was that no one was on it, not a soul and I walked it back-and-forth. On the western end of the beach there are residual boulders and rock formations for those who may be seeking some privacy, but you can stroll this beach in your birthday suit and lay out wherever you desire. It's a nice place to reconnect with nature! And, you can park in the lot at Friar's without charge and even catch a bite there afterwards when you hike back. Just a suggestion.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: SammyM] #218338
02/21/2020 08:32 PM
02/21/2020 08:32 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 297
Ontario, Canada
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SURICK Offline
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Ontario, Canada
Only one correction to your suggestion Sammy .... you really cannot stroll this beach in your birthday suit on certain days. i.e Weekends as many locals come out with their families and open nudity is frowned on. We are guests to their island and should respect this. I will add that the "other" Danny at Happy Bay is quite a character. He does a pretty good job of taking care of lunch. Very "island" like , such as a can of mixed vegetables in his potato salad. I kid you not though it is terrific.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218392
02/22/2020 12:51 PM
02/22/2020 12:51 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
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When there is sand, Cupecoy is one of our favorite places to relax for a day. Dany is fantastic, and as far as business practice he has been there a long time and seems to be doing something right. Rent a chair or not, drink from his bar or not, eat his food or not, park in his maintained area or not. No hassle all good, but it certainly is not for everybody.
Smooth


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218394
02/22/2020 12:57 PM
02/22/2020 12:57 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
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SammyM Offline
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Good point, Surick. I've only been to Happy Bay on weekdays. Last time was a Thursday earlier this year and I essentially had the beach to myself. But, I do believe there still are remote areas as I mentioned above away from the main beach that would not be a problem if someone wanted to lay out without a suit on. Over where the high rocks are.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: PMagistro] #218695
02/25/2020 09:58 AM
02/25/2020 09:58 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
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Joecool Offline
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Kc couple is correct. Usually is more sand in spring and summer at Cupecoy. As for parking, yes there is a 5 dollar parking charge and of course Dany and his food and drinks. For those who wish to park for free, you can; depending on which direction you are coming from, park right after passing the Sapphire go off the road and bear left where I forget the name of the small hotel next to Sapphire is and park for free. You just have to walk about a 300 yards before you see Dani's set up. You will pass the baby beaches which are C/O to your left. There are stairs available to get there. Right past Dani is the big C/O beach. We were there in December and no sand. We sat on the rocks. Coming in from the French side, pass the Blue mall and as the road bears right, turn hard right off the road and into the lot for your free parking.
A nice alternative though no amenities is Baie Rouge. Go west for about 100 yards and you can go nude. Sad thing is though on Rouge the villas have been ravaged by the storm with no sign of being re-built. Hence the issues on the French side. You can see my previous post from December of the state the villas are in. A real shame!

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: Joecool] #218709
02/25/2020 11:54 AM
02/25/2020 11:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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You keep referring to it as C/O but in reality no beach on the Dutch side is officially C/O. It's just tolerated.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: SXMScubaman] #218767
02/25/2020 09:19 PM
02/25/2020 09:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
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It is referred to as a C/O beach because it is tolerated, allowed, welcomed, etc. Has been for more years than most of us have gone to the island, let it go, let it be.


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: Todd] #218775
02/26/2020 06:27 AM
02/26/2020 06:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Originally Posted by Todd
It is referred to as a C/O beach because it is tolerated, allowed, welcomed, etc. Has been for more years than most of us have gone to the island, let it go, let it be.

By tourists but local residents and traditional Dutch-side customs would not appreciate it.


J.D.
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: ruralcarrier] #218785
02/26/2020 08:41 AM
02/26/2020 08:41 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Many of the people who frequent that beach, including Dany, who operates the concessions there, are local residents. As Todd says, it's been accepted as a clothing optional beach for decades.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: GaKaye] #218793
02/26/2020 09:46 AM
02/26/2020 09:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Originally Posted by GaKaye
Many of the people who frequent that beach, including Dany, who operates the concessions there, are local residents. As Todd says, it's been accepted as a clothing optional beach for decades.

And with Dany running a business there, I can see why he would accept it.


J.D.
Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: ruralcarrier] #218799
02/26/2020 10:57 AM
02/26/2020 10:57 AM
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Cobourg Ontario Canada
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jeepers Offline
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I'm always amazed at how the tourists like to force their nudity on others who might like to enjoy the beach that is not clothing optional.

Re: Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach [Re: jeepers] #218801
02/26/2020 11:16 AM
02/26/2020 11:16 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Cupecoy has always been used as a c/o beach, since we started coming to SXM in 1987. Regardless, neither side will convince the other on this one, so will close it here.


Carol Hill

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