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Sint Maarten🇸🇽 | beachesCupecoy BeachSandstone cliffs, sea caves, west-facing coves, shore break | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cupecoy Beach
🌟 Highlightbeach ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Entry to Cupecoy Beach is free, and the loungers under umbrellas are rented by the day, so you can arrive with a towel and little else. The beach sits on the southwest coast of Sint Maarten, on the Dutch side close to the French border, a short ride from the airport area. What you get is a run of small sandy coves squeezed under honey-colored sandstone cliffs, with caves you can duck into when the sun gets heavy. Swimming depends on the day. When the swell is up, the shore break is rough and snorkeling is poor, so save your fins for calmer bays. The sand is generally clean, but access is by a few steps and some rocks, and the beach narrows when the sea is high. Go in the morning for space, and stay for the sunset, when the cliff faces glow and the sea turns pink beyond the waves.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 beach in Sint MaartenWhat sets this place apart

Cupecoy Beach pulls backpackers because it sits right on the Dutch-French border, so a short ride from Maho or Philipsburg puts you on sand backed by sculpted sandstone cliffs. The rock formations are the draw. Sandstone cliffs and caves frame three small coves, and the pale, wind-carved walls make for the best photos on the southwest coast, especially when late-afternoon sun lights them up.

The second reason is the price of the pause. Entry to the sand is free, and you can rent a lounger and umbrella from the beach operators for a modest fee, or skip them and spread a towel on the open stretches. Pack water and snacks, since the shops are a short walk away rather than on the sand.

The third is the mood. The mix on the sand is easygoing: locals, expats from nearby condos, and travelers killing … read more 👉
Cupecoy Beach pulls backpackers because it sits right on the Dutch-French border, so a short ride from Maho or Philipsburg puts you on sand backed by sculpted sandstone cliffs. The rock formations are the draw. Sandstone cliffs and caves frame three small coves, and the pale, wind-carved walls make for the best photos on the southwest coast, especially when late-afternoon sun lights them up.

The second reason is the price of the pause. Entry to the sand is free, and you can rent a lounger and umbrella from the beach operators for a modest fee, or skip them and spread a towel on the open stretches. Pack water and snacks, since the shops are a short walk away rather than on the sand.

The third is the mood. The mix on the sand is easygoing: locals, expats from nearby condos, and travelers killing a day between airport and ferry. Part of the beach is clothing-optional, tucked toward the cliffs, which gives it a freer reputation than the resort strips nearby. Swimming is best on calm days, since the surf can run rough and the shorebreak near the cliffs can knock you over. It works well as a half-day stop or a sunset finish near the airport side of the island.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Cupecoy Beach

  1. Sandstone cliffs and caves: The signature of Cupecoy Beach is the layered, wind-carved sandstone that rises right out of the sand. Small caves and overhangs at the base are good for photos and shade, and at low swell you can wander between the coves along the rock edge. Wear sandals, because the rocks are sharp.
  2. The smaller coves: Cupecoy is a string of small coves below the cliffs, reached by carved steps. Walk along the sand to find a quieter pocket away from the main stairs.
  3. Sunset from the sand: The beach faces west, so the evening is the main event. The cliffs turn amber, the water reflects the glow, and locals and visitors gather with drinks. Arrive an hour early to claim a spot against the rock.
  4. Bodysurfing and wave watching: When the swell rolls in, the main beach gets a strong shore
… read more 👉
  1. Sandstone cliffs and caves: The signature of Cupecoy Beach is the layered, wind-carved sandstone that rises right out of the sand. Small caves and overhangs at the base are good for photos and shade, and at low swell you can wander between the coves along the rock edge. Wear sandals, because the rocks are sharp.
  2. The smaller coves: Cupecoy is a string of small coves below the cliffs, reached by carved steps. Walk along the sand to find a quieter pocket away from the main stairs.
  3. Sunset from the sand: The beach faces west, so the evening is the main event. The cliffs turn amber, the water reflects the glow, and locals and visitors gather with drinks. Arrive an hour early to claim a spot against the rock.
  4. Bodysurfing and wave watching: When the swell rolls in, the main beach gets a strong shore break that experienced swimmers use for bodysurfing. Even if you stay on the sand, watching the waves slam into the cliffs is entertainment in itself. Check the sea before getting in and never swim alone.
  5. Beach bars and lounger rentals: A few simple beach bars sit behind the sand serving cold drinks and light meals. Renting a lounger and umbrella makes sense if you plan to stay a few hours. The far end of the beach has a clothing-optional corner that locals tolerate, so know where you are laying your towel.
Cupecoy Beach is easy to cover in half a day, and a long afternoon through sunset is the most comfortable way to do it.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Cupecoy Beach

The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour

The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour

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per personViator
Two Islands, Twice the Fun

Two Islands, Twice the Fun

4.8(602)
From €54
per personViator
St Maarten Shore Excursion Orient and Maho Beach Half Day Tour

St Maarten Shore Excursion Orient and Maho Beach Half Day Tour

4.5(514) 5h
From €50
per personViator
All In One Island Tour of St. Martin | St. Maarten

All In One Island Tour of St. Martin | St. Maarten

4.8(209) 5h
From €68
per personViator
St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour

St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour

4.8(175)
From €71
per personViator
FUN DAY St.Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour with Beach

FUN DAY St.Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour with Beach

4.4(246)
From €54
per personViator
St.Martin/St.Maarten Magical Tour

St.Martin/St.Maarten Magical Tour

4.7(43)
From €68
per personViator
St. Maarten 4 Hour Sightseeing Tour

St. Maarten 4 Hour Sightseeing Tour

4.5(41) 4h
From €56
per personViator
St Maarten Half Day Trip to Orient and Maho Beach

St Maarten Half Day Trip to Orient and Maho Beach

4.0(43) 5h
From €41
per personViator
St Maarten Family Deluxe Tour

St Maarten Family Deluxe Tour

5.0(14) 6h
From €145
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (December to April): Cupecoy Beach is at its best now, with highs of 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F), steady trade winds and little rain. Sand coves are at their widest, but this is also when beds cost the most, often US$150 to 300 a night in the Cupecoy and Maho area.
  • Shoulder Months (May to June, November): Showers are brief, the sea is warm and crowds thin. Rates drop by roughly a quarter to a third.
  • Hurricane Season (July to October): Highs reach 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F) with heavy humidity. August to October carries the greatest storm risk, and some restaurants and beach bars close. Bargains are real, yet swells can close the coves for days.
  • Daylight: Days run about 11 to 13 hours, so plan beach time for the afternoon when the cliffs shade the sand.
  • Weekdays: Cruise-ship days and weekends
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (December to April): Cupecoy Beach is at its best now, with highs of 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F), steady trade winds and little rain. Sand coves are at their widest, but this is also when beds cost the most, often US$150 to 300 a night in the Cupecoy and Maho area.
  • Shoulder Months (May to June, November): Showers are brief, the sea is warm and crowds thin. Rates drop by roughly a quarter to a third.
  • Hurricane Season (July to October): Highs reach 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F) with heavy humidity. August to October carries the greatest storm risk, and some restaurants and beach bars close. Bargains are real, yet swells can close the coves for days.
  • Daylight: Days run about 11 to 13 hours, so plan beach time for the afternoon when the cliffs shade the sand.
  • Weekdays: Cruise-ship days and weekends bring the most people from the nearby resorts.
Book February stays by autumn, or arrive in late November for lower prices and the first dry breezes.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
sint-maarten-beach-cupecoy-beach v1
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The best base for backpackers is the Simpson Bay and Maho side of the island, a 10 to 20 minute ride from Cupecoy Beach. Cupecoy itself is mostly condos and gated resort complexes, with few budget beds and little that is social, so staying right on the beach is expensive.
Simpson Bay is the strongest option. It has a walkable strip of cafes, bars and dive shops, a lagoon with sailing and kitesurf scenes, and the most hostel-style and guesthouse choices. Dorm beds and basic rooms run roughly US$35 to 90 depending on season. Meeting other solo travelers is easy here, because the crowd includes yacht … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers is the Simpson Bay and Maho side of the island, a 10 to 20 minute ride from Cupecoy Beach. Cupecoy itself is mostly condos and gated resort complexes, with few budget beds and little that is social, so staying right on the beach is expensive.
Simpson Bay is the strongest option. It has a walkable strip of cafes, bars and dive shops, a lagoon with sailing and kitesurf scenes, and the most hostel-style and guesthouse choices. Dorm beds and basic rooms run roughly US$35 to 90 depending on season. Meeting other solo travelers is easy here, because the crowd includes yacht crew and long-stay workers who hang around the lagoon bridge area.
Maho is closer to the beach, about 10 minutes on foot or a short bus ride, and sits beside the airport with its famous plane-watching. It is livelier at night and more resort-flavored, with higher prices but good transport links.
Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, is the cheapest base, though it is farther away and busiest on cruise days. Buses from the Simpson Bay and Maho area to Cupecoy cost about US$2 to 3 and run through the day. Evenings are easiest by taxi.


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🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Cupecoy Beach is generally safe for swimming on calm days, but its sea can turn rough fast. The sandstone cliffs shape small coves, and when swell comes from the north or west, waves break hard on the shore and a rip can pull along the rocks. On quiet mornings the water is clear and gentle. Look for the day’s mood before you wade in, watch where locals are swimming, and skip the water if the surf is dumping. Lifeguards are not present, so there are no flag systems to rely on.
Sun is strong all year, and the cliffs give only patches of shade in the afternoon, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Rocks at the cove edges are sharp, and a few sea urchins sit in the shallows, so water shoes help. Fallen cliff rock is a reason not to sit directly under overhangs.
Petty theft from cars and unattended … read more 👉
Cupecoy Beach is generally safe for swimming on calm days, but its sea can turn rough fast. The sandstone cliffs shape small coves, and when swell comes from the north or west, waves break hard on the shore and a rip can pull along the rocks. On quiet mornings the water is clear and gentle. Look for the day’s mood before you wade in, watch where locals are swimming, and skip the water if the surf is dumping. Lifeguards are not present, so there are no flag systems to rely on.
Sun is strong all year, and the cliffs give only patches of shade in the afternoon, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Rocks at the cove edges are sharp, and a few sea urchins sit in the shallows, so water shoes help. Fallen cliff rock is a reason not to sit directly under overhangs.
Petty theft from cars and unattended bags does occur. Carry only what you need, keep valuables with you, and avoid leaving anything in a parked rental.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Cupecoy Beach is reached by taxi or local bus from most of the Dutch side. From Simpson Bay or Maho it is a 10 to 20 minute ride, and the bus costs about US$2 to 3, while a taxi runs roughly US$15 to 25. From Philipsburg expect around 30 to 40 minutes by road, and a rental car makes it simple, with limited parking near the beach access.
Cupecoy Beach is best for sunbathing and for swimming on calm days, mostly in the summer and early winter mornings. Surf is not reliable for surfers, and the heavy shore break after northern swells makes it risky for beginners. Snorkeling is poor here because of limited reef and waves, so nearby Little Bay or Mullet Bay are better choices.
Cupecoy Beach is free to visit, and the public can walk in without any fee. Access is by steps and paths beside the condo developments, and loungers with umbrellas, where available, cost about US$10 to 25 for the set. Bring your own water and snacks, because facilities are limited and no entrance charge applies.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other St. Maartener beaches near Cupecoy Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Maho Beach—Low-flying jets, arrival board, runway fence, beach bars| 2 km away
  • Simpson Bay—Calm shallows, drawbridge, paddle rentals, waterfront bars| 3 km away
  • Dawn Beach—East-coast sunrise, north-end reef, green turtles, beachfront grills| 12 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Cupecoy Beach suits travelers who like dramatic rock and a little exploring more than long, flat stretches of sand. I would go on a calm morning, swim in one of the smaller coves, and come back to the main beach for sunset. Bring water shoes for the rocks, and skip the sea entirely on days when the surf is crashing hard.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Sint Maarten. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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