Simpson Bay Beach is a big 2-mile-wide stretch of white sand on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, facing south, right next to Princess Juliana airport in Sint Maarten.Whether you’re staying at one of the nearby resorts, exploring the lively Simpson Bay area, or embarking on a sailing adventure with Pyratz Gourmet Sailing, Simpson Bay Beach could be a destination on your St. Maarten itinerary.
In this article, we’ll explore everything that makes Simpson Bay Beach special, including nearby accommodations, dining options, and activities. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions about the area and provide tips for making the most of your visit.
Simpson Bay Beach: the biggest beach in Sint Maarten/St Martin
Located on the southwestern coast of St. Maarten (on the Dutch side of the island), Simpson Bay Beach stretches for nearly two miles, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
The beach is known for its soft, powdery sand and calm, turquoise waters. Whether you’re looking to relax with a good book, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply soak up the Caribbean sun, Simpson Bay Beach has a bit of everything.
One of the features of Simpson Bay Beach is its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport. From the beach, you can watch planes take off and land, but being so close to the airport can make Simpson Bay a bit of a noisy beach, especially on its most western part.
Good to know: Simpson Bay Beach runs parallel along the airway strip, and can actually be accessed from both ends of the airport; enter from various points in Simpson Bay itself, or if coming from Maho, head through the residential area of Beacon Hill, which will lead you to D’s Beach Bar, located at the westernmost part of Simpson Bay Beach.
Nearby spot for plane enthusiasts: Maho Bay
If you are a plane enthusiast you will enjoy watching planes landing and taking off, and you should definitely check the nearby spot of Maho Bay.
On the eastern part of Simpson Bay there’s a more tranquil beach known as Kim Sha Beach, conveniently located and a bit more protected from the noise of the airport.
Are there any accommodations nearby Simpson Bay?
For those looking to stay close by, the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina is one of the most known hotels in the area, on the eastern part of the bay, next to Kim Sha Beach. This big resort offers a range of accommodations, from comfortable rooms to spacious villas, and has several pools, on-site dining options, a casino, and direct access to the beach.
There’s also the Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm, for those looking to stay on a renowned hotel brand.
There are also plenty of other Simpson Bay villas and hotels to choose from in this part of the bay, both luxury accommodations or simple cozy beachfront houses and bungalows.
The Simpson Bay Marina
Simpson Bay is also home to the Simpson Bay Marina, one of the biggest boating hubs and marinas on the island.
Whether you’re interested in renting a boat, booking a fishing trip, or enjoying one of the breakfast or lunchspots, Simpson Bay Marina is a very central area with lots going on.
What’s around Simpson Bay to do?
Simpson Bay itself is a lively area filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options. The St Maarten Yacht Club, located near the marina, is a popular spot for yachting enthusiasts and offers a range of amenities, including sailing courses both for adults and children, organizes amateur regattas, and has a restaurant on-site.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest inland lagoons in the Caribbean, is another highlight you should not miss if you are into kayaking or paddleboarding to explore the natural beauty of the area.
And Pyratz Gourmet Sailing is located in this area too! Our dock is inside the lagoon, right on the airport road. If you fancy a Caribbean luxury boat charter during your holidays in Sint Maarten, we are easy to find!
Dining, leisure, and nightlife at Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay has a variety of restaurants offering everything from local Caribbean cuisine to international dishes. Many of these establishments are located right on the water, providing views of the bay and a nice setting for a sunset dinner.
After dark, Simpson Bay comes alive with lively bars, casinos and nightclubs, making it a great place to experience the island’s nightlife.
Simpson Bay webcam: Sint Maarten live video
For those who want to keep an eye on the weather or simply enjoy a nostalgic and virtual escape to Sint Maarten, there are a couple of live webcams installed in the aforementioned Simpson Bay Resort and Marina Hotel.
There are a few webcams that offer real-time views of the beach, the marina, and the surrounding area, but we leave you here the video feed of the camera facing the bay:
Faq’s about Simpson Bay
Some FAQ’s about Simpson Bay we receive from time to time.
How can you get around in Simpson Bay?
Simpson Bay is conveniently located near many of St. Maarten’s top attractions, making it easy to explore the island. The area is well-served by taxis, rental cars, and public transportation, making it easy to get around.
Can you arrive to St Barths from Simpson Bay?
Yes, for those looking to explore beyond St. Maarten, the ferry to St. Barths from Simpson Bay is a popular option. This ferry ride takes you to the glamorous island of St. Barts, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and also amazing Caribbean beaches. You can also choose to jump on one of our boats that can take you there through a tailored boat charter.
Is Simpson Bay on the Dutch or French side of the island?
If you’re wondering “Where is Simpson Bay?”—it’s on the Dutch side of the island, known as Sint Maarten (the southern half of the island), just a short drive from the capital, Philipsburg.
The French side (the Northern half of the island), known as Saint Martin, is just a short drive away and offers a more relaxed, European vibe.
Enjoy Sint Maarten through a luxury boat charter
Simpson Bay Beach is a hotspot in St. Maarten, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, nightlife, and services.
Our captains generally try to stop at anchorages that are not easy to get to, though Simpson Bay makes for a very nice stop when guests choose to stop here.
But there’s a lot more to discover in Sint Maarten! Do not miss the chance to set sail with Pyratz Gourmet Sailing, and visit the most hidden gems of the Caribbean paradises of St Martin, Anguilla, and St Barths.
Contact Pyratz Gourmet Sailing today to plan your perfect day on the water, or check here our whole range of boat charters in St Martin.
