Cupecoy Beach, Sint Maarten Travel Guide

Experience the enchanting beauty of Cupecoy Beach in Sint Maarten, where golden sands meet limestone cliffs, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Cupecoy Beach in Sint Maarten is a stunning destination known for its golden sands and dramatic limestone cliffs. This beach is situated on the southwestern tip of the island, offering visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty and serene relaxation. With its breathtaking sunsets and clear turquoise waters, Cupecoy Beach is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The beach is divided into three small sections, each offering a unique experience. You can find secluded spots ideal for sunbathing or more active areas where you can enjoy water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding. The limestone cliffs create natural caves and coves, perfect for exploring or simply sitting back and enjoying the view. Cupecoy Beach is also known for its clothing-optional policy, making it a favorite among those who prefer a more liberating beach experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Cupecoy Beach offers something for everyone. The nearby amenities include a variety of restaurants and bars, giving visitors the chance to enjoy local cuisine and tropical drinks in a picturesque setting.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cupecoy Beach.

Visit early in the morning to secure a good spot, as the beach can get crowded later in the day.
Bring your snorkeling gear to explore the underwater life near the cliffs.
Be mindful of the tides, as the water can rise quickly and reduce the size of the beach.
Check the sunset times and arrive early to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
If you prefer more privacy, explore the smaller coves and caves along the beach.
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited directly on the beach.

Explore Cupecoy Beach: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Cupecoy Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Da Waterhole, a bar and grill on Mullet Bay Beach known for its lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

4.2

Chez Raymond

Experience the tranquil beauty of Sandy Ground at Chez Raymond, a charming beach pavilion offering delicious local cuisine and stunning ocean views.

4.1

Sea Trek Helmet Diving

Experience the vibrant underwater world of Sint Maarten with Sea Trek Helmet Diving, perfect for adventurers of all ages seeking unforgettable marine encounters.

4.4

Historical Site The Old House

Explore The Old House in St. Martin, a historical treasure that showcases the island's rich heritage and stunning architecture.

4.4

Best landmarks in Cupecoy Beach

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Rotary Lookout Point

Discover the breathtaking vistas and tranquil atmosphere at Rotary Lookout Point, a scenic gem in the heart of St. Martin.

4.6

Fort Amsterdam

Discover the rich history and stunning views at Fort Amsterdam, a must-visit landmark in Sint Maarten, where the past meets the present.

4.3

Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views at Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar, a must-visit for travelers in Sint Maarten.

4.7

Cyrus Wathey Square

Experience the vibrant culture of Philipsburg at Cyrus Wathey Square, a lively plaza filled with shops, eateries, and Caribbean charm.

4.2

Best restaurants in Cupecoy Beach

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Da Waterhole

Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at Da Waterhole – where stunning views meet vibrant flavors in Sint Maarten's tropical paradise.

4.2

3 Amigos

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at 3 Amigos in Sint Maarten – where delicious food meets vibrant nightlife.

4.2

Fat Tony's

Experience the vibrant flavors of America at Fat Tony's in Cupecoy, Sint Maarten – where every meal feels like a celebration.

4.5

Le moulin fou sxm

Experience authentic French cuisine at Le Moulin Fou in Sint Maarten's lively Maho Plaza – a culinary haven blending local flavors with French flair.

4.7

Best bars in Cupecoy Beach

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Buccaneer Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant island life at Buccaneer Beach Bar with delicious grilled cuisine, refreshing drinks, and stunning beach views in Sint Maarten.

4.3

Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning sunsets at Da Waterhole, a Caribbean bar and grill on Mullet Bay Beach, Sint Maarten.

4.2

Driftwood Boat Bar

Experience the Caribbean charm at Driftwood Boat Bar in Simpson Bay, where refreshing drinks and stunning ocean views await you.

4.5

Sapphire Beach Club Resort

Experience the beauty and relaxation of Sapphire Beach Club Resort, a tropical haven in Sint Maarten featuring luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Cupecoy Beach

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Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar

Experience the Caribbean charm at Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar, where refreshing drinks and stunning ocean views create unforgettable moments.

4.7

The Hole in the Wall

Discover vibrant nightlife at The Hole in the Wall, a top bar in Sint Maarten offering local drinks, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.6

Ratafia

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sint Maarten at Ratafia, where innovative cocktails and stunning views come together for an unforgettable evening.

5.0

Cupecoy Beach Club

Experience the ultimate beach getaway at Cupecoy Beach Club, where luxury meets the serene beauty of Sint Maarten's coastline.

4.7

Best shops in Cupecoy Beach

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Jewels & Beyond

Explore luxury and local treasures at Jewels & Beyond, your ultimate shopping destination in Sint Maarten, from exquisite jewelry to unique souvenirs.

5.0

SXM CIGARS

Discover the finest cigars at SXM Cigars in Sint Maarten, where quality meets a welcoming atmosphere for enthusiasts and tourists alike.

4.7

Radisson Jewels

Explore Radisson Jewels in Sint Maarten for exquisite jewelry and luxury watches, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

5.0

Shop-4-Less Plus

Discover unique crafting supplies, custom t-shirts, and local artistry at Shop-4-Less Plus in Little Bay, Sint Maarten.

4.5

Explore Cupecoy Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Cupecoy Beach, mapped for you.

Cupecoy Beach Essentials

Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of Sint Maarten, near the Dutch-French border. The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the nearest international airport, located about 5 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Cupecoy Beach. The drive typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use shuttle services provided by some hotels and resorts in the area.
Getting around Cupecoy Beach and the rest of Sint Maarten is relatively easy. Taxis are widely available, but it's advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey, as they don't use meters. Renting a car is a popular option for tourists and allows more flexibility to explore the island. Public buses are an economical choice and connect major areas, but they may not be as frequent or reliable. Scooters and bicycles can also be rented for short-distance travel.
The official currency on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, market vendors, and tips. ATMs are available in and around Cupecoy Beach, where you can withdraw local currency or USD.
Cupecoy Beach is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. The areas to be cautious of include Philipsburg and Maho Beach, where pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. Avoid displaying expensive items and use hotel safes for valuables. Always lock your car and avoid leaving items in plain sight.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are located within a short drive from Cupecoy Beach. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, which is the St. Maarten Medical Center in Cay Hill.
Fashion: Do wear casual beachwear, but cover up when leaving the beach. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' A handshake is common when meeting someone new. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks, such as Johnny Cakes and Guavaberry rum. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Cupecoy Beach like a local, visit the beach during early morning or late afternoon when it's less crowded. Engage with locals at nearby bars and restaurants to learn about the best spots and events. Don't miss the sunset views from the beach, which are particularly stunning. Try to attend local festivals and markets to get a taste of the island's culture and traditions. For a unique experience, explore the nearby caves and cliffs, which offer beautiful views and photo opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Cupecoy Beach?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Cupecoy Beach

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Cupecoy Beach. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwar]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh/duh ree-ehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah?]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo?]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nyoo, see voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koo]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [al-ay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh meh-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot?]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree?]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [wheat]
- 9Neuf
  [nuf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh pro-shang (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

History of Cupecoy Beach

Long before the arrival of European explorers, the island of Sint Maarten was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib tribes. These indigenous peoples lived off the land and sea, leaving behind archaeological evidence of their presence, including pottery shards and tools. Cupecoy Beach, with its golden sands and dramatic cliffs, would have been a significant natural landmark for these early inhabitants.
In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus sighted the island during his second voyage in 1493. The island was subsequently colonized by both the Dutch and the French, leading to a unique cultural fusion. Cupecoy Beach, located on the Dutch side of the island, became a part of the Dutch West India Company's holdings. The beach's strategic location and natural beauty made it a desirable spot for settlers.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the waters surrounding Sint Maarten, including Cupecoy Beach, were frequented by pirates and privateers. These maritime raiders took advantage of the island's location along major shipping routes to launch attacks on merchant vessels. Local legends speak of hidden pirate treasures buried along the cliffs and caves of Cupecoy Beach, adding an air of mystery and adventure to the area.
In the 19th century, Sint Maarten's economy was heavily reliant on the salt industry. The island's salt pans produced large quantities of this valuable resource, which was exported to Europe and the Americas. Cupecoy Beach, with its proximity to the salt pans, saw increased activity as workers and traders frequented the area. Remnants of this industry can still be found, offering a glimpse into the island's economic past.
The mid-20th century marked the beginning of Sint Maarten's transformation into a major tourist destination. Cupecoy Beach, with its stunning cliffs and secluded coves, became a popular spot for tourists seeking a more private and picturesque experience. Luxury resorts and vacation rentals began to spring up along the coastline, making Cupecoy Beach a premier destination for travelers from around the world.
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, struck Sint Maarten, causing widespread devastation. Cupecoy Beach was not spared, with many of its resorts and natural features suffering significant damage. The community's resilience and efforts to rebuild have been remarkable, and Cupecoy Beach has since regained its status as a beloved destination, symbolizing hope and recovery.