Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin?
- Happy Bay is located on the French side of St. Martin.
- Happy Bay is a secluded beach known for its privacy and stunning natural beauty.
- Happy Bay is home to a variety of tropical fish and coral reefs.
- Happy Bay is a popular destination for snorkelling and other water activities.
- Happy Bay has a unique landscape with its white sand beaches, rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
84° F
|
° F
|
| February |
84° F
|
° F
|
| March |
85° F
|
° F
|
| April |
76° F
|
° F
|
| May |
87° F
|
° F
|
| June |
89° F
|
° F
|
| July |
89° F
|
° F
|
| August |
89° F
|
° F
|
| September |
89° F
|
° F
|
| October |
89° F
|
° F
|
| November |
86° F
|
° F
|
| December |
85° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
1.35 inches
|
| February |
1.25 inches
|
| March |
0.88 inches
|
| April |
1.76 inches
|
| May |
1.77 inches
|
| June |
1.68 inches
|
| July |
1.93 inches
|
| August |
2.39 inches
|
| September |
2.49 inches
|
| October |
2.91 inches
|
| November |
3.78 inches
|
| December |
1.78 inches
|
Voted top restaurant by Caribbean Journal 2023
Bistrot Caraibes prides itself on serving some of the most savory, mouthwatering dishes that will ever touch your mouth. Whether you decide to try the house specialty of Lobster Thermidor, or the notoriously flavorful grilled rack of lamb, you can expect to have some of the best food that you have ever had in your life. Much of the beauty of Bistrot Caraibes can be found in its upscale, elegant, yet markedly casual dining atmosphere. Often considered to be one of the most romantic French restaurants on the island, Bistrot Caraibes is a restaurant that has seen its fair share of marriage proposals simply due to the serene and intimate atmosphere that it has managed to cultivate.
Zip over treetops at loterie farm's private nature reserve
Located near the foot of Paradise Peak, Loterie Farm's private nature reserve offers days of fun activities the whole family will enjoy including horseback riding, hiking, eco-tours, mountain climbing, yoga and much more. This peaceful 135-acre preserve also has a kids' area with suspended bridges and rope swings. Our favorite is "The Fly Zone". Get a birds-eye-view of the forest canopy and soar above tree tops on the adrenaline-pumping zip-line. Loterie Farm hiking trails travel 1400 feet to the top of St. Martin's highest point. You can't beat the panoramic view. If you're hungry, relax at the Hidden Forest Café. Bon Apetit magazine raved about this tree house-like eatery in February 2007. Or you can enjoy tapas and tropical drinks at The Tree Lounge. Both use ultra-fresh ingredients found on the island and garnished with flowers picked right inside the nature reserve.
Voted top restaurant by the Caribbean Journal 2023
Authentic French food ran by a husband and wife team. It's a small restaurant so reservations are recommended.
Transportation on Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin
Getting to Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays up to 90 days.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Martin is required.
- Travel Authorization: No pre-arrival authorization is needed for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete an entry form or health declaration depending on current regulations.
Departure Tax
There is no departure tax on St. Martin.
Driving
- License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
- Permit: A temporary driving permit is required on the French side, obtainable at the local police station.
- Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
- Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads and clear signage.
- Speed Limits: Typically 25-40 mph (40-64 km/h) in urban areas and higher speeds on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and driving customs. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in busy areas.
Know Before You Go...® - Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin Travel Tips
Before making their way to Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
1 wordMarigot |
| Population: |
2021Unknown |
| Size: |
2020Unknown |
| Electric Current: |
110/220 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Happy Bay on the French side is French, while English is also widely spoken as a secondary language. This is due to the island's close proximity to English-speaking countries and the tourism industry. |
| Currency: |
Happy Bay, located on the French side of Saint Martin island, offers a variety of currency and payment options for visitors. The official currency in Saint Martin is the Euro, but US dollars are also widely accepted in most places.
In terms of payment options, credit and debit cards are accepted in most establishments, especially in tourist areas such as Happy Bay. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, but some places may also accept American Express or Discover.
For those who prefer to use cash, there are several ATMs located around Happy Bay where you can withdraw Euros or US dollars. However, it is always a good idea to notify your bank before traveling to ensure that your card will work in the country and to avoid any potential fees.
In addition to credit cards and cash, travelers can also use traveler's checks in Happy Bay. These can be exchanged for Euros at most banks or currency exchange offices.
Another popular payment option in Happy Bay is the |
| Tipping and Taxes: |
Happy Bay, located on the French side of the island of Saint Martin, has a unique tipping and tax system that visitors should be aware of when dining out or shopping.
In general, tipping in Happy Bay is not expected or required, as most restaurants and businesses include a service charge in their prices. This service charge, called a "service compris," typically ranges from 10-15% and is included in the final bill. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is customary to leave a small tip of 5-10% in addition to the service charge.
It is important to note that some establishments may not include a service charge in their prices, so it is always a good idea to check your bill before leaving a tip. Additionally, if you are staying at a hotel or resort, it is common to leave a small tip for housekeeping staff at the end of your stay.
When it comes to taxes, the French side of the island has a value-added tax (VAT) of 8%, which is included in the price of goods and services |
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Happy Bay on the French side is likely casual and relaxed, with beach attire and comfortable clothing being appropriate. |
| Topography: |
Happy Bay on the French Side is a secluded and picturesque beach surrounded by lush green hills, featuring soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. |
| Telephone: |
Country code: +590
Area code: 590 590 |
Happy Bay (French Side), St. Martin Weddings and Honeymoons
In St. Martin, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local registry office. Required documents include:
- Valid passports for both parties.
- Birth certificates for both parties.
- Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
- Proof of residence in St. Martin (if applicable).
- Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).
The marriage license costs approximately €100 (French side). Additional fees for the officiant can range from €200 to €500 (approximately US$220 to US$550), depending on location and type of ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 2-3 business days before the intended wedding date.
