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Happy Bay #81504
01/11/2016 05:52 PM
01/11/2016 05:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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Looking for an update on Happy Bay as we are returning to SXM in late February.
1) C/O still acceptable?
2) A few years ago we had trouble with 'bush wackers' lurking around. Last year was fine - just wondering if there have been any issues lately.
3) Any change or development at Happy Bay in the last year?

Thanks,
TCKj
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Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81505
01/11/2016 05:56 PM
01/11/2016 05:56 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 870
Boston, MA
iscrogr Offline
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Was there a month ago: Left side of the beach CO.
Didn't see any gawkers or bush lurkers.
Can't comment on developments, first time there.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: iscrogr] #81506
01/12/2016 12:35 PM
01/12/2016 12:35 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 25
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SXMCO12 Offline
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Is that to the left if you are facing the water? Also are you walking in from Friar's or through the deserted resort? Last time we went in JUL 2014 all the nudes were to the right if facing the water. We walked in from Friar's. Planning to visit HB again in June.

No bush lurkers other than a few cows smile Ribs, rice and rum punch were great.

On another note, we thought it ridiculous that the jet ski tour purposefully parked their tour right in front of the nude group when there was clearly another option.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: SXMCO12] #81507
01/12/2016 01:01 PM
01/12/2016 01:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 870
Boston, MA
iscrogr Offline
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Yes, facing the water, near the rocks to the left.
I walked in from Friar's Bay, not familiar enough with the alternate route.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: iscrogr] #81508
01/12/2016 03:19 PM
01/12/2016 03:19 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 48
rastamojo7 Offline
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When we went on a weekday last March I don't recall seeing anyone with clothes. As far as jet ski tours parking in front of nude group...are you honestly surprised? I'd be shocked if they didn't. If I take my clothes off in a public place I'm not going to judge someone for looking...not necessarily what I want but I accept it as human nature.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: rastamojo7] #81509
01/12/2016 04:01 PM
01/12/2016 04:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 25
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SXMCO12 Offline
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Not surprised at all. We waved smile

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81510
01/12/2016 04:23 PM
01/12/2016 04:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 368
Kansas City Missouri
kccouple Offline
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Kansas City Missouri
My wife has to have an umbrella.Are there chairs and umbrellas for rent? If so cost?

Re: Happy Bay [Re: kccouple] #81511
01/12/2016 04:25 PM
01/12/2016 04:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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I've seen chairs rented but no umbrellas...

Re: Happy Bay [Re: boucharda] #81512
01/12/2016 06:00 PM
01/12/2016 06:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
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january Offline
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kccouple
You can usually get shade from the trees to the left where Danny sets up.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: january] #81513
01/16/2016 12:46 PM
01/16/2016 12:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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Thanks all - happy to hear the 'bush whackers' may have found new hobbies or, at least, new beaches. Can't wait for February.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81514
01/17/2016 11:28 PM
01/17/2016 11:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 45
Montreal
mlachance Offline
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Montreal
Were there this week, no chairs for rent but easy to find a shady spot, C/O on the right if facing the water and no weirdos in the bushes. Our favourite beach on the island!

Re: Happy Bay [Re: mlachance] #81515
01/20/2016 06:28 PM
01/20/2016 06:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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Thanks again for all the notes - I'll assume no new construction on any of the surrounding buildings.

Last question - Danny still there daily with his ribs, chicken and punch?

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81516
01/20/2016 09:25 PM
01/20/2016 09:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 304
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NakedAsAJaybird Offline
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No new construction. Danny is still there.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: NakedAsAJaybird] #81517
01/21/2016 05:39 AM
01/21/2016 05:39 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 342
ohio
M
markis Offline
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ohio
When we were there we saw naked people up and down the length of the beach. I was unaware we were supposed to keep it to the right side. oops!

Re: Happy Bay [Re: markis] #81518
01/21/2016 07:37 AM
01/21/2016 07:37 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 870
Boston, MA
iscrogr Offline
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I don't think there is any "correct" protocol or side, depends on who gets there first!

Re: Happy Bay [Re: markis] #81519
01/21/2016 08:48 AM
01/21/2016 08:48 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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I've noticed the middle area to be mostly textile and both ends to be non but no defined sections

Re: Happy Bay [Re: markis] #81520
01/21/2016 04:40 PM
01/21/2016 04:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 304
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NakedAsAJaybird Offline
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There really isn't a nude vs clothed side of the beach. It's just that people tend to gravitate to one side or the other depending on their degree of comfort. The Gendarme and Families are usually on the beach on Sat & Sun, so nudity is usually frowned upon on these days.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81521
01/21/2016 06:33 PM
01/21/2016 06:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 26
San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
Hi all,
We are new to the list. We have visited Happy Bay a number of times over the past several years.
I never noticed a difference between weekends and weekdays on Happy Bay. Is this something more recent?
We arrive to SXM on Sunday and can't wait!
Jim and Amy

Re: Happy Bay [Re: jimamytx] #81522
01/21/2016 06:45 PM
01/21/2016 06:45 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Central Florida!
Traditionally, a lot of locals go to the beach on Saturday and Sunday (because they are off from work...) So, be very careful about going nude on beaches other than Club O beach on the weekend.


Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: Carol_Hill] #81523
02/13/2016 07:45 AM
02/13/2016 07:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 515
Eastern Caribbean
Ritchard Offline
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Eastern Caribbean
We are thinking about Happy Bay today. Based on the latest intelligence, do we want to haul in chairs, or can we rent? Will I be able to buy lunch? Will it be crowded w local families (not that I would mind-it's their island) on a Saturday?


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Re: Happy Bay [Re: Ritchard] #81524
02/13/2016 09:07 AM
02/13/2016 09:07 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 785
East Texas
Jaybird Offline
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You can rent chairs from Danny. They are not very comfortable but they are available. He serves lunch. It is best to let him know you are eating when you arrive so he will prepare enough food. There will be more locals on weekends than on week days. Shade might be a problem since Danny does not rent umbrellas. The only shade is under the sea grapes and if the beach is crowded you would need to arrive early to find a shady spot. If you are of a CO mindset then a weekday might be a better time to visit.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: Jaybird] #81525
02/14/2016 08:38 AM
02/14/2016 08:38 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 515
Eastern Caribbean
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Thanks Jaybird. We tromped our way to Happy Bay yesterday and had a nice time. We got there close to 11 am and were among maybe a dozen people there. We rented chairs and set up under the trees closest to the shack.

It was a very quiet day there, people came and went but there were never more than a few dozen people. We were the only people that rented chairs, and as far as I saw, the only ones who got lunch.

It was another nice change of pace, the same way that Anse Marcel had been the day before.


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Working hard to be the best yacht bum I can be.
Re: Happy Bay [Re: Ritchard] #81526
02/14/2016 08:55 AM
02/14/2016 08:55 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 785
East Texas
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East Texas
I am glad you enjoyed it. I am surprised that more locals were not there on a Saturday. It sounds as if you sat exactly where we do. I think it is the best spot on the beach.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: Jaybird] #81527
02/14/2016 01:45 PM
02/14/2016 01:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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Sounds great - we are less than a week away from Happy Bay (kind of rhymes) --- I assume no weirdos or bush-wackers?

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81528
02/14/2016 02:07 PM
02/14/2016 02:07 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 879
Great PacNW
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Great PacNW
A FYI - a friend of ours had a number of beer bottle coozies made up for Danny to sell. I think he has them now, maybe 90+. They are lime green and logo is:

Danny's Beach Bar

HAPPY BAY

Support Danny and buy one or two. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Enjoy

Re: Happy Bay [Re: ChunkyDunkin] #81529
02/18/2016 01:53 PM
02/18/2016 01:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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Arriving SXM on Saturday and staying on the French side this year (a first in 5 trips)in the Cul Du Sac area. We have access to kayaks - is it a long trip over to Pinel? Also, are parts of Pinel C/O acceptable? What are the good restaurants in Cul Du Sac? Is there a grocery store there or should we go to the one near the Bacchus?

Finally - anyone go to Happy Beach this week? All good?

Thanks!!!

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81530
02/18/2016 02:08 PM
02/18/2016 02:08 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,297
CT
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CT
We stayed in French Cul du Sac in October & had access to a kayak, but didn't use it. The owners of the villa where we stayed have gone to Pinel in it, so it is doable, but don't know how long of a trip it is. Restaurants we have eaten at & enjoyed: Ti Bouchon, Jam Rock, L'Hercule, Le Taitu. Didn't eat at Villa Pizza, but have heard that it is very good from several people. There is a small grocery on the same side of the road as Jam Rock that is good for quick stops, but you will probably want a larger store for staples.


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If life hands you a lemon, just squeeze it on a lobster!
Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81531
02/18/2016 02:17 PM
02/18/2016 02:17 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Central Florida!
It should be a fairly easy paddle to Pinel from Cul de Sac, if you're a good paddler. I don't think there is any c/o on Pinel, but not sure. The store near Bacchus is Simply and the recent reports have NOT be good about Simply. Empty store shelves, dirty, etc. Much better option is the small grocery store in Orient Village, Petit Casino, or the huge, well stocked grocery, Super U, in Marigot.

Don't know about Happy Bay.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 02/18/2016 02:19 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81532
02/18/2016 03:02 PM
02/18/2016 03:02 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 695
Long Island, NY
timmycs Offline
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Long Island, NY
We make it a point to visit Pinel at least 1 day every trip. We have lunch and a few drinks and then hike to the other side. The trails are easy to find behind the restaurants. We have noticed nude on this side all 5 times we have gone.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: timmycs] #81533
02/18/2016 04:37 PM
02/18/2016 04:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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OK, I stand corrected on that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: SXMCO12] #81534
02/19/2016 08:57 AM
02/19/2016 08:57 AM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
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lcote Offline
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Quote
SXMCO12 said:

On another note, we thought it ridiculous that the jet ski tour purposefully parked their tour right in front of the nude group when there was clearly another option.


Oh poor you. You are going nude in a place where it isn't legal. And the jet ski tour came in and saw you in your nudity. Perhaps they ALWAYS go there and didn't know that you were there and expected to be naked in a place where it is illegal. I love how you CO people think people want to "gawk". I've got news for you. Many of us "textiles" would prefer to NOT see you in your nudity.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: lcote] #81535
02/19/2016 09:15 AM
02/19/2016 09:15 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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No, sorry, as far as the jet ski tour operators, setting aside 'legal or illegal', they one hundred percent know it's pretty likely there will be naked people on Happy Bay. They go there all the time, yes, and they know that almost every time they go, there are naked people there.


Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: lcote] #81536
02/19/2016 09:57 AM
02/19/2016 09:57 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Massachusetts
I have seen mostly Zodiac tours at Happy Bay (with an infrequent Jet Ski group)and they ALWAYS moor in a group at the same location...not "ridiculous" but where the tie ups are...it is also announced what to expect before leaving the raft.

My cousin is a cruise person and went on one of the round the island tours and the leader stated that nude groups would be on the beach, where Danny's was and when to be back to the raft.

You would have the option to hang out on the raft (not looking ashore if course) if you are upset about seeing someone without a bathing suit.

If you are on the beach nude and do not want the raft mooring in front of YOU then settle in at the other side of the beach..many won't walk all the way to the other end

If you are on the beach and offended by nudity just hang in the middle and look straight ahead...but...I guess going to a beach where nudity is frequent and then being offended by it would be a little weird

Re: Happy Bay [Re: boucharda] #81537
02/19/2016 12:15 PM
02/19/2016 12:15 PM
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Posts: 43
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tckj Offline OP
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I was swimming off of Happy Beach one day and had forgotten my suit on shore. I came out of the ocean as a couple that had just gotten off of a jet ski were walking toward Danny's. The wife took one look at me and turned herself and her husband right around and headed the other way. I wasn't sure if I should be amused or insulted! (LOL) I wasn't the only one on the beach who was naked, but I guess it wasn't her cup of tea - at least not that close (50 feet?) It was kind of funny. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Re: Happy Bay [Re: tckj] #81538
02/19/2016 12:47 PM
02/19/2016 12:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
SeaStar Offline
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We made a trip to Happy Bay last year and no one was there renting chairs. There were only a handful of us on the beach so I'm wondering if there is a certain day that there isn't chair rentals/food? We thought someone would be there so we only had a couple bottles of water with us, ended up having to cut our day there short. Bit of a bummer.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: SeaStar] #81539
02/20/2016 09:17 AM
02/20/2016 09:17 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
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I am not against clothes optional; however, it IS illegal, even on the French side. Those that go sans clothes are lucky these places are not patrolled and tickets given out like at the gendarme car stops.

The only legal place is Club O which is sanctioned as a "nudist" resort.

We were at GCBC one year when a woman removed her bottom (top was already off and I believe acceptable) immediately, a resort rep quickly informed her it was against the law.

Nudity is not allowed in NYC either. Would you walk down the street there w/o clothes? Breaking a law is not acceptable.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: lcote] #81540
02/20/2016 09:50 AM
02/20/2016 09:50 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 381
CT,USA
DICKG Offline
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Been going to SXM over 25 years never been to happy bay just wondering 2 things where can you park and how long is the walk into the beach ? I see the signs as we go to Orient , I guess we should try .

Re: Happy Bay [Re: RonDon] #81541
02/20/2016 10:14 AM
02/20/2016 10:14 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Massachusetts
Quote
Nudity is not allowed in NYC either. Would you walk down the street there w/o clothes? Breaking a law is not acceptable.


I never thought to equate sun bathing at a beach with walking down a street in NYC... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> but going with that weird concept it IS legal to walk nude down the main street in Burlington, Vermont...would I do it? No freaking way...

..in my mind a beach is a wee bit different than a city street

Re: Happy Bay [Re: DICKG] #81542
02/20/2016 10:47 AM
02/20/2016 10:47 AM
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 304
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NakedAsAJaybird Offline
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If you are traveling from Grand Case, turn right just past the basketball court at the sign for the laundry. At the end of the road you will see a white gate. Park in the lot to the right or on the street to the left. Take the small path alongside the cement wall (to the right of the gate). A short distance in you will come to a place to climb over the wall (very easy). Head straight up the paved road until you see an unpaved path large enough for cars (between 2 abandoned villas) continue with n this path straight ahead until you reach the. beach. It takes about 15 mins to walk in, but it's generally flat. You will pass a lot of cattle. Since these "cows" are SXM cows, they are very low key. FYI...If the gate is open, do not drive in. This is a private entrance and, if locked later in the day, will trap your car inside. No nudity on the weekends, but usually tolerated weekdays. And, yes, I know it's "illegal". I've been nude on this beach hundreds of times for over 25 years and haven't been arrested yet. I guess I'm under the impression that nudists aren't criminals. Have fun.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: boucharda] #81543
02/20/2016 03:42 PM
02/20/2016 03:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 382
Lancaster County PA. Home of t...
Jeff_C Offline
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Lancaster County PA. Home of t...
Just wondering, .............

Do you go over the speed limit ? ............
That's against the law .... LOL
Lighten up. Life is tough enough to worry about the small things. And believe me .... with me it is small. Just have fun . Your on Vacation . Don't sweat the LITTLE THINGS .


Jeff


If your motto is ; If at first you don't succeed......
Maybe it would be best not to try sky diving !
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