Friar's Bay has lovely white sand and fairly calm seas, what appears ideal for young families. Having used this beach twice during our stay on the island all was well until the children suffered painful jellyfish stings. This is fairly common so beware if you use this beach.

Yes, jellyfish are present in the waters around St. Maarten, but they are not a constant threat. The most common species is the Thimble Jellyfish, which often appears in "blooms" between March and May. While the adult sting is minor, their larvae (commonly called "sea lice") can get trapped under swimwear and cause a very itchy, painful rash known as "sea bather's eruption." You may also encounter the Upside-Down Jellyfish in calm lagoons or mangroves; these rest on the seafloor and can release "mucus bombs" that sting without direct contact. While rare, the more dangerous Portuguese Man O' War can occasionally wash up after heavy storms or high winds. For 2026, local beach clubs often post "Purple Flag" warnings if a swarm is detected. To stay safe, wear a "rash guard" (swim shirt) which provides a physical barrier against larvae and stings.