Guana Bay Hike

A few days ago, I celebrated being finished with Comp by going on the Guana Bay Hike with some friends.

This hike is beautiful, and you end at the most gorgeous natural tide pools to swim in.  Make sure you bring swim suits, towels, a few snacks, and SHOES that you can SWIM IN (tennis shoes, water shoes, etc.). This is because there are Sea Urchins in the Tide Pools, and it’s better to have shoes on when climbing on the rocks along the pool.

Sea Urchins have spines that can be painful if you step on them. Usually, getting stung by the species of Sea Urchins on St. Maarten are painful, but go away with no complications.  I wouldn’t let this discourage you from going to the tide pools.  The majority of people do not come into contact with them, and there are no major problems even if they do.  Wearing shoes is a good precaution against it, though.

There are 2 ways to get to the tide pools.

Hike 1:

• You can check out Breana’s awesome directions here for the first way.  This way is a lot longer.  It takes about an hour each way (it took us approximately 40 minutes on the way back, because we were more comfortable with where we were going).  You hike along some pretty steep cliffs, and I wouldn’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights.  It is also a pretty rigorous hike.  It’s long, and can be exhausting.  Make sure you bring some water.

Hike 2:

• There is another, lesser known way to hike to Guana Bay.  I have done both, and I can tell you that this way takes less than half of the time, and is an easier hike.  That doesn’t mean that it is an easy hike, though.  You still have to climb some cliffs and such; however, I would recommend this way, if possible.  I thought it was still beautiful, but not completely exhausting.  Here are the directions:
  • First, drive towards Phillipsburg.  When you get there, follow the signs for the Cruise Terminal.  Once you pass the Cruise Terminal, turn left at the second street you see (called Ground Dove).  Next, turn left onto Goldfinch.  Next, turn left onto Pigeon, and then left onto Laughing Bird.  Next, turn right onto Pelican, and then right onto Gullin.  Gullin will dead end next to a basketball court.  There are some houses surrounding the basketball court.  Park anywhere on the side of the road, walk through the basketball court, and you will see an obvious trail heading north.
  • I promise, it’s not that hard to find.  I am attaching some Maps photos (starting broad and zooming in) so you can see what I am talking about on the map. The red pin is the Phillipsburg area.  The purple pin is where you would park (the basketball court).

• 

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  Here are a few pictures of me and some friends from our Guana Bay Hike!