Here is yet another spot that enhances the beauty of this twin flag island. Located on the west end of the Island and on the French side it offers a sense of ownership.

On your way there the road meanders in from the main highway and offers a glimpse of some of the local residences at the Cripple Gate Village.

Though not a very big beach, it attracts a modest crowd especially on Saturdays and Sundays when the locals get a break from their daily routine.

I especially like this beach because I get to sharpen my French. I don't go there too often but reserve it for when I need to feel as though I've gone off the island or something.

I'm a picnic guy so I almost always walk with my cooler and grill to all the St Maarten Beaches. I'm on a budget. I mean.....I'm cheap.

An occasional catamaran will pull up at the bay during the course of the day to enable the passengers to enjoy a bit of the hidden bay as a part of their day tour.

You'll need a car for this one unless you prefer to walk. I can't stand the idea of walking to the beach anymore.

I've been there and done that on numerous occasions as a kid so I'll pass on that one. On a more serious note, if you're on a budget you may take the Grand Case bus to Cripple gate and then the walk to the beach which is about 10 minutes away.

Recently though, I have seen passenger buses on occasions passing through.

Although not to often seen here at Friars bay, the snorkeling is just great. I've snorkeled here on only two occasions but I've been impressed at what I was able to see.

There's quite a variety of fish so walk with your gear. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available.

There are two restaurants located on this beach. My favorite is Kali's Beach Bar. My specialty is the finger licking BBQ ribs and chicken.

Of course you can get the other things on the menu. Kali is a Rastafarian and I'm telling you, he gives great service and has live entertainment on select days. "Awesome" a beach with free entertainment from the bar. But that's not all.

The monthly attraction on this beach is the full moon party. Now this is what you need to do for something different. I attend about every three months so that the novelty doesn't ware off.

During these moonlight picnics as I prefer to call them, the band seems to go on for ever with the sweet reggae sounds of the Caribbean.

A good mix of locals and visitors alike can be found on the beach any day or night.

If you do attend, just make sure that you walk with your bed sheet or similar.

You'll need it for relaxation. I'm longing for the day to come where I actually get to meet some of the folks that I send there. You guys need to make it a point to let me know when you're coming in. OK?