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Pelican Key
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Pelican Key offers waterfront stays, Caribbean swimming, boating access and a quieter base near Simpson Bay on Dutch Sint Maarten.

Pelican Key is a compact coastal neighbourhood on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, occupying a peninsula south of Simpson Bay. It is best understood as a residential and resort area rather than a separate town, with villas, apartment developments, small hotels and waterfront properties arranged around Pelican Bay and the surrounding shoreline. The setting combines open Caribbean views with easy access to the sheltered waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon, while the larger commercial and transport facilities of nearby Simpson Bay are close at hand but geographically distinct.
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The coast is the main attraction. Pelican Bay has a relaxed, low-key character compared with the busier visitor centres farther west, and its shoreline is suited to swimming, sunbathing, views across the water and short coastal walks where public access is available. Access is not uniform: some stretches are connected to accommodation or residential properties, so visitors should use signed public approaches and respect private areas. The bay is also exposed to changing sea conditions, particularly during periods of swell or unsettled weather, making local advice important before entering the water.
Pelican Key benefits from its position near Simpson Bay, one of Sint Maarten's principal boating, dining and service centres. Restaurants, supermarkets, rental-car services, excursion operators and marine facilities are generally easier to find in the wider Simpson Bay area than within Pelican Key itself. This makes the neighbourhood useful for travellers who want a quieter base while remaining close to the island's main road network. A car or taxi is helpful for reaching beaches, historic sites and viewpoints elsewhere on the island, since Pelican Key is not designed as a self-contained pedestrian resort.
The wider landscape reflects Sint Maarten's divided history and maritime economy. Dutch and French administration, plantation agriculture, salt production, fishing, shipping and modern tourism have all shaped the island, while the surrounding Caribbean Sea continues to define everyday life. Pelican Key's contemporary identity is primarily residential and visitor-oriented, with its appeal resting on sea views, warm weather and proximity to marine activities rather than on a large collection of monuments or museums.
Visitors can use Pelican Key as a base for exploring both sides of the island, provided they allow for traffic, local driving conditions and the time needed to cross the border between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. The neighbourhood is especially suitable for travellers who value waterfront accommodation, access to boating and a quieter evening atmosphere. For major nightlife, extensive shopping or formal heritage sightseeing, Simpson Bay, Philipsburg and other parts of Sint Maarten offer a broader choice nearby.

When is the best time to visit Pelican Key?

Best: January–March · 29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2955
February (best)2950
March (best)2955
April2960
May3070
June3180
July3190
August31100
September31110
October31100
November3090
December2980

Getting to and around Pelican Key

How to get there

Pelican Key is reached through Sint Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport, which is outside Pelican Key near Simpson Bay and is the island's principal air gateway. From the airport, the neighbourhood is a short road journey, although traffic can make travel times variable. International visitors may also arrive by cruise ship at the port in Philipsburg, outside the region, and continue by taxi or rental car. There is no separate airport or passenger ferry terminal in Pelican Key.

Transportation

Pelican Key is connected by road to Simpson Bay and the rest of Dutch Sint Maarten. Rental cars are practical for reaching beaches, viewpoints and historic places across the island, but driving requires patience on narrow, busy roads and at congested junctions. Taxis are widely used for airport transfers and evening travel. Public buses serve the wider island, although routes and stops are more useful along established corridors than within the quieter residential streets of Pelican Key. Walking is suitable for short local journeys but less convenient for island-wide sightseeing.

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Best attractions in Pelican Key

Pelican Key's attractions are primarily coastal and recreational rather than museum-based. The neighbourhood's main draw is Pelican Bay, where visitors can enjoy sea views, swimming conditions when the water is calm and a relaxed waterfront setting, subject to public access and local safety advice. Accommodation providers and nearby marine operators may offer access to snorkelling, sailing, paddle sports and boat excursions in the surrounding waters. The area is also convenient for exploring Simpson Bay's marinas and restaurants, although these lie in the neighbouring wider Simpson Bay area rather than forming part of Pelican Key itself. Travellers seeking history can use the neighbourhood as a base for excursions to Philipsburg, Fort Amsterdam and other heritage sites elsewhere in Sint Maarten, while nature-focused visitors can plan island-wide trips to beaches, hills and coastal viewpoints. Pelican Key is consequently most rewarding for visitors who value a waterfront base, easy road access and proximity to boating facilities, rather than for those expecting a concentrated collection of formal attractions within the neighbourhood.

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Best landmarks in Pelican Key

Pelican Key has few monumental landmarks because it developed mainly as a residential and resort neighbourhood in the modern tourism era. Its most recognisable physical feature is the peninsula itself, with Pelican Bay on the Caribbean-facing side and the sheltered lagoon and boating landscape nearby. The contrast between open sea, low coastal development and the densely used waters around Simpson Bay gives the area its visual identity. Historic landmarks such as Fort Amsterdam and the colonial streets of Philipsburg are outside Pelican Key and should be visited as separate destinations rather than attributed to the neighbourhood. Within Pelican Key, the most meaningful points of reference are the shoreline, waterfront buildings and views towards the surrounding coast and hills. Travellers should also remember that post-Hurricane Irma reconstruction has altered parts of the built landscape, so older photographs and descriptions may not match every property or waterfront approach visible today.

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Explore Pelican Key on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Pelican Key

Pelican Key has a small, accommodation-led dining scene, so many visitors eat either at waterfront properties in the neighbourhood or in nearby Simpson Bay. Menus across the area reflect Sint Maarten's international population and its maritime setting, combining Caribbean seafood, grilled fish, casual burgers, salads and dishes influenced by French, Dutch and wider Caribbean cooking. Local-style meals may include conch, mahi-mahi, snapper, crab and rice-based preparations, although availability varies by season and establishment. Simpson Bay provides a broader choice of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, takeaway counters and bars, while markets and food shops are useful for self-catering in apartments and villas. Visitors should distinguish between food that is genuinely local and the extensive international cuisine created for the island's tourism economy. Service charges and gratuities are not always presented in the same way, so check the bill before adding a tip.

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Best bars in Pelican Key

Evenings in Pelican Key are generally quiet and centred on waterfront restaurants, accommodation bars and relaxed drinks rather than a concentrated nightclub district. The nearby Simpson Bay area offers a larger selection of bars, live-music settings, sports bars, late dining and marina-oriented nightlife, making it the principal evening destination close to the neighbourhood. The atmosphere varies with the season and with the arrival of cruise and charter visitors, while venues and operating arrangements can change after storms. Travellers who prefer a peaceful base can return to Pelican Key after dinner, whereas those seeking a later night will usually need a taxi or designated driver. Cocktail bars, rum-based drinks, local beers and international wine lists are common, but alcohol is not necessary to enjoy the area's sunset views, harbour activity or evening restaurants.

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Best nightclubs in Pelican Key

Evenings in Pelican Key are generally quiet and centred on waterfront restaurants, accommodation bars and relaxed drinks rather than a concentrated nightclub district. The nearby Simpson Bay area offers a larger selection of bars, live-music settings, sports bars, late dining and marina-oriented nightlife, making it the principal evening destination close to the neighbourhood. The atmosphere varies with the season and with the arrival of cruise and charter visitors, while venues and operating arrangements can change after storms. Travellers who prefer a peaceful base can return to Pelican Key after dinner, whereas those seeking a later night will usually need a taxi or designated driver. Cocktail bars, rum-based drinks, local beers and international wine lists are common, but alcohol is not necessary to enjoy the area's sunset views, harbour activity or evening restaurants.

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Best shops in Pelican Key

Shopping within Pelican Key is limited and mainly serves residents and visitors staying in villas, apartments and small resorts. For everyday supplies, travellers generally use supermarkets, convenience shops and independent businesses in nearby Simpson Bay. That area also offers a wider selection of beachwear, souvenirs, boating supplies, jewellery, rum, spirits and locally themed gifts, while Philipsburg provides the island's best-known concentration of duty-free and cruise-oriented retail outside the region. Visitors looking for regional products can seek Caribbean sauces, spices, rum, crafts and food items, but should check customs allowances before taking goods across borders or home by air. Small independent shops and galleries tend to offer a more local character than generic souvenir outlets, although stock and opening arrangements can be seasonal. Pelican Key is therefore better suited to relaxed waterfront accommodation than to a dedicated shopping visit.

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Pelican Key essentials

Currency and Payment
Sint Maarten uses the Caribbean guilder, also known as the Caribbean florin, with the currency code XCG, introduced as the successor to the Netherlands Antillean guilder. United States dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates and change should be checked before paying. Cards and contactless payments are common in hotels, established restaurants and larger shops, while cash remains useful for taxis, small vendors and incidental purchases. French Saint-Martin uses the euro, so the currency may change when crossing to the northern side of the island.
Safety
Pelican Key is a visitor-oriented coastal neighbourhood, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate: keep accommodation doors locked, avoid displaying valuables and do not leave belongings unattended on the shore or in vehicles. Sea conditions can change quickly, and visitors should take local advice before swimming or using small watercraft. During the Atlantic hurricane season, monitor official weather information and follow accommodation guidance. Roads can be busy and uneven, and night-time walking is less suitable on poorly lit stretches or outside the main developed areas.
Emergency Situations
For urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance in Sint Maarten, call 911 and state clearly that you are in Pelican Key, Sint Maarten. The operator can direct the appropriate service, while accommodation staff can often assist with local communication and transport. For incidents at sea, follow the instructions of the relevant maritime authorities or emergency operator rather than attempting a rescue independently. Keep your accommodation address and a charged telephone available, particularly during severe weather, when roads and communications may be disrupted.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private residential and resort property, use designated access points and follow local signs around beaches and waterfront facilities. Cover up away from the beach, behave quietly near homes and ask before photographing residents or private boats. Tipping is customary for good service, although visitors should check whether a service charge is already included. Do not sit on coral, touch marine life or remove shells and other natural material. When crossing to French Saint-Martin, remember that the northern side has different administrative systems and uses the euro.
Local Tips
Pelican Key works best as a base rather than as a large sightseeing centre, so combine local waterfront time with planned trips around the island. Simpson Bay is the nearest practical area for a wider choice of provisions, restaurants, marine excursions and transport services. Allow more time than a map may suggest when travelling during busy periods, particularly near the causeway and airport approaches. Ask accommodation staff about current beach conditions, storm-related changes and reliable taxi arrangements, as coastal access and services can change after severe weather.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjou[Bawn-zhoo]
GoodbyeOrevwa[O-reh-vwah]
YesWi[Wee]
NoNon[Non]
Please/You're welcomeSouple[Soo-pleh]
Thank youMesi[Meh-see]
Excuse me/SorryEskize mwen[Es-kee-zeh mwen]
How are you?Kijan ou ye?[Kee-zhan oo yay]
Fine. And you?Mwen anfòm. E ou?[Mwen ahn-fohm. Eh oo?]
Do you speak English?Eske ou pale anglè?[Es-keh oo pah-leh ahn-gleh]
I don't understandMwen pa konprann[Mwen pah kon-pran]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ta renmen wè meni an, souple[Mwen tah renn-men weh meh-nee ahn, soo-pleh]
I don't eat meatMwen pa manje vyann[Mwen pah mahn-zheh vyahn]
Cheers!Santé![Sahn-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ta renmen peye, souple[Mwen tah renn-men peh-yeh, soo-pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ede![Eh-deh]
Go away!Ale! [Ah-leh]
Call the Police!Rele polis la![Reh-leh poh-lees lah!]
Call a doctor!Rele yon doktè![Reh-leh yohn dok-teh!]
I'm lostMwen pèdi[Mwen peh-dee]
I'm illMwen malad[Mwen mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...[Mwen tah renn-men ah-shtay...]
I'm just lookingMwen ap gade sèlman[Mwen ap gah-deh sel-mahn]
How much is it?Konbyen sa ye?[Kohn-bee-ehn sah yay]
That's too expensiveSa a twò chè[Sah ah traw sheh]
Can you lower the price?Eske ou ka bese pri a?[Es-keh oo kah beh-seh pree ah?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ki lè sa ye?[Kee leh sah yay?]
It's one o'clockSe yonn èdtan[Seh yohn eh-tahn]
Half past (10)Mi tan (10)[Mee tahn (10)]
MorningMaten[Mah-ten]
AfternoonApre midi[Ah-preh mee-dee]
EveningSwa[Swah]
YesterdayYè[Yeh]
TodayJodi[Zho-dee]
TomorrowDemain[Deh-mahn]
1Yonn[Yohn]
2De[Deh]
3Twa[Twah]
4Katre[Kah-treh]
5Senki[Senk-ee]
6Sis[Sees]
7Sèt[Set]
8Huit[Wheet]
9Nèf[Neff]
10Dè[Deh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Ki kote a/the...?[Kee koh-teh ah/the...?]
What's the address?Ki adrès la?[Kee ah-dress lah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Eske ou ka montre mwen (sou kat la)?[Es-keh oo kah mohn-treh mwen (soo kaht lah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kilè pwochen (otobis la)?[Kee-leh proh-shen (o-toh-bees lah)?]
A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)[Yohn tee-keh (poo ....)]

History of Pelican Key

Indigenous Caribbean Settlement

Long before European colonisation, Sint Maarten was inhabited by Indigenous Caribbean peoples, including communities associated with the Taíno and later Kalinago worlds. Archaeological evidence across the island points to settlement, food gathering, fishing and the use of coastal resources. Pelican Key itself is a modern neighbourhood, and its built environment has obscured much of the earlier landscape, but its coastal position belongs to the same maritime setting that supported earlier communities. Indigenous place-making survives most clearly through archaeological interpretation and the wider historical understanding of the island rather than through a single major monument in Pelican Key.

European Claims and the 1648 Partition

Christopher Columbus's 1493 voyage brought the island into European imperial maps, although lasting settlement came later. Spain, the Netherlands and France all contested territory in the Lesser Antilles, and in 1648 Dutch and French representatives formalised the division of Sint Maarten, creating the political arrangement that still shapes the island. Pelican Key lies on the Dutch side, officially Sint Maarten, while French Saint-Martin occupies the northern part. The border is open in everyday travel, but the two sides retain different administrations, currencies in common use and public institutions.

Salt, Plantations and Enslaved Labour

For centuries, salt making, livestock, small-scale agriculture and maritime trade were important to the island's economy. The Dutch side's salt ponds and coastal settlements were connected to regional shipping networks, while plantation production relied heavily on enslaved African labour during the colonial period. Pelican Key was not a major plantation centre, but its location forms part of the island's wider coastal economic history. The legacies of slavery, emancipation and colonial inequality remain essential to understanding Sint Maarten's population, cultural traditions and historic landscapes.

From Maritime Island to Tourism Economy

During the twentieth century, improved shipping, aviation and communications altered Sint Maarten's economic direction. Fishing and local commerce continued, but tourism, hotels, restaurants, yachting and property development became increasingly important. The growth of Simpson Bay as a boating and service centre helped transform the surrounding peninsula, including Pelican Key, from a lightly developed coastal area into a residential and resort neighbourhood. This expansion linked the area to Sint Maarten's airports, marinas, cruise economy and international visitor market.

Constitutional Change in 2010

On 10 October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved. Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside the Netherlands, Aruba and Curaçao, while the northern part of the island remained the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin. This constitutional change did not alter Pelican Key's everyday geographic position, but it clarified the island's contemporary political framework. Visitors encounter Dutch Sint Maarten's own institutions and services while travelling across a small island that remains divided between two national administrations.

Hurricane Irma and Reconstruction

Hurricane Irma struck Sint Maarten in September 2017 as a major Atlantic hurricane, causing severe damage to homes, hotels, marinas, roads and public infrastructure across the island. Pelican Key and neighbouring Simpson Bay were among the developed coastal areas affected by powerful winds and storm surge. Reconstruction reshaped parts of the accommodation and waterfront landscape, while residents and businesses continued to adapt to the realities of living in a hurricane-prone region. The storm also reinforced the importance of seasonal preparedness, resilient building standards and responsible coastal development.

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