Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,433
Posts310,101
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Posts: 21
Joined: July 2022
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
32 registered members (TravelHat, eightzerobits, GeorgeC1, sugarae, xrayman67, LINNY, SXMScubaman, Standrea, ericlut, SXMBND, Kennys, bailau, CaribbeanCanadians, jazzgal, BHK, JohnandBev, blooming, jenniboston, Tonythepilot, mark37, 12 invisible), 968 guests, and 69 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Happy Bay #247534
02/14/2021 04:03 PM
02/14/2021 04:03 PM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
W
WVTCTE Offline OP
Traveler
WVTCTE  Offline OP
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Is Happy Bay beach really worth the effort to get there? Read somewhere it’s like a 45 minute hike!! 😀

SXM Sponsors
Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247535
02/14/2021 04:08 PM
02/14/2021 04:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
Depends on what you mean by "worth the effort". If you want a reasonable deserted beach where clothing optional is common and want to make the MAYBE 15 minute hike over the hill seeing a decent number of iguanas enroute then "Yes"..if not, then "no". No pampering at Happy Bay...you are on your own for most everything. Occasionally there is a place open for drinks and food .

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247536
02/14/2021 04:09 PM
02/14/2021 04:09 PM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
W
WVTCTE Offline OP
Traveler
WVTCTE  Offline OP
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Yes, looking for clothing optional so thanks, 15 minutes shouldn’t be SO bad if we can find it!! LOL

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247538
02/14/2021 04:12 PM
02/14/2021 04:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
Friar's Bay....walk to the east end...rocky path up the hill....decent views on the way

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247540
02/14/2021 04:22 PM
02/14/2021 04:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
W
WVTCTE Offline OP
Traveler
WVTCTE  Offline OP
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Thanks!!

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247542
02/14/2021 05:28 PM
02/14/2021 05:28 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
I
IslandBoi Offline
Traveler
IslandBoi  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
i think it's funny how some people make it sound like it's a treacherous mountain crossing...it's not....my wife and i are not sherpas, and from car to sand, in flip-flops, carrying a cooler full of beer, wine/champagne, and ice, in less than 15 minutes


[Linked Image]
Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247543
02/14/2021 06:12 PM
02/14/2021 06:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
W
WVTCTE Offline OP
Traveler
WVTCTE  Offline OP
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Figures people would do that! THANKS

Re: Happy Bay [Re: IslandBoi] #247548
02/14/2021 07:56 PM
02/14/2021 07:56 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
Yup...I wouldn't trust flip flops but I do wear sandals with an ankle strap with zero issues...and on our last trip we were passed by a French mountain biker flying by.....really....on a bike...obviously with a death wish

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247554
02/14/2021 11:42 PM
02/14/2021 11:42 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
it's not really clothing optional. It's usually tolerated.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247555
02/14/2021 11:50 PM
02/14/2021 11:50 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
clothing optional just go to club orient end of beach. Food, bathroom & great people.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: jeepers] #247556
02/15/2021 12:47 AM
02/15/2021 12:47 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by jeepers
it's not really clothing optional. It's usually tolerated.

Correct

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247570
02/15/2021 09:39 AM
02/15/2021 09:39 AM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
W
WVTCTE Offline OP
Traveler
WVTCTE  Offline OP
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 51
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Anywhere else beside club O beach you can be naked?

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247573
02/15/2021 09:53 AM
02/15/2021 09:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 76
J
johndana274 Offline
Traveler
johndana274  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 76
I agree 15 minute hike from Friar's or the "parking lot" off of Happy Bay Rd. I hike the paths in the morning with tennis shoes but if it's a beach day we just wear flip flops. This past trip, maybe a total of 20 people coming and going, over half clothing optional. In years past I've never noticed the numbers that high at least when we've been there.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247575
02/15/2021 10:17 AM
02/15/2021 10:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Many people are naked at Dany's beach at Cupecoy.


Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: Carol_Hill] #247578
02/15/2021 10:46 AM
02/15/2021 10:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
vacanakey Offline
Traveler
vacanakey  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 335

Is that true for the other beaches at Cupecoy? Always wondered if it would be appropriate to go c/o on Cupecoy if others nearby were wearing swimwear....since it is not 'officially' c/o. Same with a private pool that is viewable from nearby villas/condos....would it be considered inappropriate to sunbathe c/o?

Re: Happy Bay [Re: vacanakey] #247579
02/15/2021 10:53 AM
02/15/2021 10:53 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Cupecoy is traditionally c/o throughout the beach area, but there have been a huge number of new condos built in that area in recent years. For ME, personally, I would not feel comfortable being nude in a private pool that is viewable from nearby villas and condos. Your mileage may vary.


Carol Hill
Re: Happy Bay [Re: vacanakey] #247580
02/15/2021 11:22 AM
02/15/2021 11:22 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
The three beaches beyond Ocean Club are traditionally C/O. Have been for years.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247583
02/15/2021 11:56 AM
02/15/2021 11:56 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Online content
Traveler
SXMBND  Online Content
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Traditionally.............and illegal.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: SXMBND] #247584
02/15/2021 11:58 AM
02/15/2021 11:58 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
And law never enforced there.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247590
02/15/2021 02:40 PM
02/15/2021 02:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Online content
Traveler
SXMBND  Online Content
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
So that makes it legal??

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247591
02/15/2021 02:47 PM
02/15/2021 02:47 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
We've been visiting the island every year since 1973 and Cupecoy has always been illegal for c/o use but at the same time it has always been locally accepted as the ONLY DUTCH beach where c/o was accepted, legal or not. I seem to recall the police being summoned a few times right after the luxury condos were built on the beach there, the owners taking umbrage to their view but I also believe the police came and admonished the offenders accordingly, making them aware of the restrictions of usage but that was the extend of what we heard. There was no punishment and the beach went back to being c/o as it always was. There were stories of similar complaints from the owners of the Blue Mall but I never knew anyone who knew this as fact.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247600
02/15/2021 05:26 PM
02/15/2021 05:26 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
J
Joecool Offline
Traveler
Joecool  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 379
Always make it a point to visit Cupecoy when we visit. We always go au natural. Police have come by while we were there. Never said a word to us or anyone else who also happened to be naked. As far as the villas built on the beach where Dany sets up, most seasoned travelers know that Cupecoy caters to nude sunbathers so you rent at your own risk. The many times we have been there, most times usually couples have rented there. And yes, knowing the vibe they went nude in the villa's pool and on the deck. Baie Rouge is also pretty nice for CO use at the west end. Fairly deserted though since Gus and Raymond are gone. Again, bring your own supplies as you are on your own. The west end is lined with what were once beautiful villas. But since Hurricane Irma destroyed the island, they haven't been rebuilt. I don't think the insurance companies want to pay for the damage or at least that's what we were told when we were down there last in 2019. Just a disclaimer for all the armchair lawyers, Baie Rouge is not officially or legally CO but it is practiced by several tourists and locals without issue.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: WVTCTE] #247606
02/15/2021 06:08 PM
02/15/2021 06:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
I guess it all depends on whether you prefer to sit with/next to a crowd of 50-60 other CO beach goers (we did twice in January...decent) OR go to a beach and have it reasonably unpopulated (we did that four times at HB)....totally different vibe..totally your preference and "legality" has never been a factor in my many years BUT if you are worried about maybe being arrested/chastised (really?) then hang at Orient...more services and a great experience

Edit: I should add....same deal with Baie Rouge vs. HB

Last edited by boucharda; 02/15/2021 06:09 PM.
Re: Happy Bay [Re: boucharda] #247614
02/15/2021 08:45 PM
02/15/2021 08:45 PM
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 43
S
Stevemech Offline
Traveler
Stevemech  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 43
Agree with Joecool and boucharda. Happy Bay always tolerated c/o at the far left ot far right sides of the beach. I might add we have gone c/o at plum bay over the years too. Have even seen it down at the far end of Long Bay. The back side beach of pinel island is a good choice for c/o also. Back side of pinel you will have it all to yourself most of the time.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: Stevemech] #247615
02/15/2021 08:54 PM
02/15/2021 08:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Online content
Traveler
SXMBND  Online Content
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
All on the French side.

Re: Happy Bay [Re: SXMBND] #247632
02/16/2021 06:11 AM
02/16/2021 06:11 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMBND
All on the French side.

Correct. I don't get it. Tolerated is not the same as welcomed but to each their own.


J.D.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1