Simpson Bay Lagoon Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Simpson Bay Lagoon. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Simpson Bay Lagoon
Simpson Bay Lagoon photo 2
Simpson Bay Lagoon photo 3
All photos

Simpson Bay Lagoon, Sint Maarten, combines Caribbean sailing, marina life, mangrove habitats, beaches, dining and island history beside the airport.

A Sheltered Caribbean Waterway

Simpson Bay Lagoon is a broad, shallow coastal lagoon on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, linked to the Caribbean Sea by a navigable channel at Simpson Bay. Its shores extend around Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Pelican Key and the island’s principal yachting districts, creating a landscape where mangroves, marinas, waterfront roads and busy boat traffic stand close together. The lagoon itself is not a single enclosed attraction with a central visitor facility; it is a working waterway embedded in one of the island’s most developed coastal areas.
Read more about Simpson Bay Lagoon

Boats, Beaches and Island Life

The lagoon is best understood through its maritime character. Superyachts, sailing vessels, fishing boats and smaller craft use its sheltered waters, while bridges and the entrance channel regulate access between the lagoon and the sea. Nearby Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach provide easy coastal access, and the waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafés, marine businesses and places offering sailing or water-based excursions. The shoreline is particularly active during the island’s high season, although conditions and traffic vary with weather and local operations.

A Convenient Base in Sint Maarten

Princess Juliana International Airport lies close to the lagoon’s western side, making Simpson Bay one of the island’s most convenient bases. Visitors can combine lagoon sightseeing with beaches, sunset cruises, snorkelling trips and excursions to other parts of Sint Maarten, while the French side is reached by road rather than by crossing an international border within the lagoon itself. The area offers a more commercial and nautical atmosphere than the quieter eastern and northern shores, with the lagoon providing the defining setting for Sint Maarten’s modern waterfront culture.

When is the best time to visit Simpson Bay Lagoon?

Best: May–June, September · 31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January3060
February3040
March3030
April3120
May (best)3110
June (best)3110
July3210
August3210
September (best)3110
October3120
November3130
December3040

Getting to and around Simpson Bay Lagoon

How to get there

The most direct arrival point is Princess Juliana International Airport, immediately beside the western part of Simpson Bay Lagoon. From the airport, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and the marina areas are reached by the island’s main coastal roads, with rental cars, taxis and arranged transfers commonly used for onward travel. Visitors arriving by sea may enter through Sint Maarten’s established harbour and marina facilities, subject to clearance and local navigation arrangements. Simpson Bay Lagoon is not a separate rural park with a single entrance; access depends on the particular beach, marina, restaurant or waterfront location being visited.

Transportation

A rental car is often the most flexible way to explore the lagoon and connect it with beaches and settlements elsewhere on the island, although traffic can be heavy around Simpson Bay and the airport. Taxis are available for airport and resort transfers, while public buses serve main roads but may not stop conveniently for every marina or waterfront venue. Walking is practical for some short stretches around Simpson Bay, Kim Sha Beach and nearby commercial areas, but distances, heat, traffic and limited pavements make walking around the entire lagoon unsuitable. Boat access should be arranged through legitimate operators or marina services.

Best attractions in Simpson Bay Lagoon

Simpson Bay Lagoon’s principal attraction is the working waterway itself, where marinas, sailing yachts, fishing boats and waterfront businesses reveal Sint Maarten’s strong maritime identity. The lagoon entrance and bridge area provide views of vessels moving between sheltered water and the Caribbean, while beaches such as Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach offer nearby places for swimming, sunbathing and coastal walks when conditions are suitable. Pelican Key and the southern shoreline provide additional waterfront perspectives, although some access is tied to private resorts, marinas or commercial premises. Boat excursions from Simpson Bay can open up views of the lagoon, neighbouring bays and the island’s coastline, with snorkelling or sailing included by some operators. Princess Juliana International Airport is an important nearby point of interest for aviation enthusiasts, but its runway approach is outside the lagoon itself and should be viewed only from lawful public areas.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Simpson Bay Lagoon

The lagoon is Simpson Bay’s defining natural landmark: a sheltered coastal water body linked to the open Caribbean through a navigable entrance. Its bridges are equally characteristic, carrying roads across parts of the waterfront while allowing suitable vessels to pass between the lagoon and the sea. The surrounding marina forest of masts and hulls is a modern maritime landmark, reflecting Sint Maarten’s role in Caribbean yachting. Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach mark the lagoon’s relationship with the island’s sandy coastline, while the mangrove-fringed edges reveal a more delicate ecological side of the developed waterfront. Princess Juliana International Airport, beside the lagoon, is a major infrastructural landmark of Sint Maarten, though it is separate from the lagoon’s natural and navigational features. The nearby hills around Cole Bay and Pelican Key provide elevated perspectives across the waterway and its densely developed shores.

Show more landmarks

Explore Simpson Bay Lagoon on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Simpson Bay Lagoon

Dining around Simpson Bay Lagoon is concentrated in Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Pelican Key and the nearby resort areas rather than on the water itself. Visitors will find a broad mix of Caribbean, seafood, international and casual waterfront cooking, reflecting Sint Maarten’s multilingual population, sailing community and large tourism industry. Menus commonly draw on local seafood and broader Caribbean ingredients, while restaurants and cafés near marinas cater to crews, residents and visitors looking for breakfast, lunch, sunset drinks or dinner. Simpson Bay and the road towards Cole Bay contain the greatest concentration of choices, with additional establishments around Kim Sha Beach and hotel districts. Because the lagoon is an active boating and residential area, some waterfront businesses are seasonal or independently operated; checking current opening arrangements locally is sensible, particularly outside the main tourism period.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Simpson Bay Lagoon

Simpson Bay is one of Sint Maarten’s principal evening districts, with a more active after-dark atmosphere than most of the island’s quieter coastal areas. Bars and restaurants around the marinas, waterfront roads, Kim Sha Beach and nearby resort areas provide places for informal drinks, live entertainment and late meals, while the sailing community gives the district an international, convivial character. The lagoon itself is not a continuous nightlife venue, and the mood varies considerably between a busy marina evening and a quiet residential shoreline. Cole Bay and Pelican Key add further options close to the water, although venues, performances and opening patterns can change. Visitors seeking a calmer evening can choose a restaurant overlooking the lagoon or a sunset cruise rather than expecting every waterfront area to operate as a nightclub district.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Simpson Bay Lagoon

Simpson Bay is one of Sint Maarten’s principal evening districts, with a more active after-dark atmosphere than most of the island’s quieter coastal areas. Bars and restaurants around the marinas, waterfront roads, Kim Sha Beach and nearby resort areas provide places for informal drinks, live entertainment and late meals, while the sailing community gives the district an international, convivial character. The lagoon itself is not a continuous nightlife venue, and the mood varies considerably between a busy marina evening and a quiet residential shoreline. Cole Bay and Pelican Key add further options close to the water, although venues, performances and opening patterns can change. Visitors seeking a calmer evening can choose a restaurant overlooking the lagoon or a sunset cruise rather than expecting every waterfront area to operate as a nightclub district.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Simpson Bay Lagoon

Shopping around Simpson Bay Lagoon is practical and tourism-oriented rather than centred on a single traditional market. Simpson Bay and Cole Bay contain supermarkets, convenience shops, marine suppliers, pharmacies and businesses serving yacht crews, while hotel and marina areas offer beachwear, gifts, jewellery, artwork and island-themed souvenirs. Visitors can also look for locally produced food and rum-based products, although the range and availability vary between retailers. The lagoon’s yachting economy makes nautical equipment and provisioning part of the local commercial character, but these businesses are not always intended for casual browsing. More general shopping is concentrated along the main roads and in nearby commercial areas, with smaller independent shops interspersed among restaurants and services. Compare currencies and receipts carefully when paying in Caribbean guilders or US dollars, and treat claims about locally made products with appropriate attention to labelling.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Simpson Bay Lagoon, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Simpson Bay Lagoon essentials

Currency and Payment
Sint Maarten’s current national currency is the Caribbean guilder, coded XCG, while United States dollars are widely accepted in tourism businesses. Major hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, car-hire companies and marine businesses commonly accept international payment cards, although smaller vendors and some transport services may prefer cash. Contactless payment availability varies, so carrying a modest amount of cash is sensible. Exchange rates, change and the currency displayed on receipts can differ between businesses, particularly where prices are quoted in US dollars; confirm the amount and currency before paying.
Safety
The lagoon is a busy working waterfront rather than a controlled bathing area, so stay clear of boat channels, ramps, docks and restricted marina spaces. Strong sun, heat, sudden showers and occasional squalls require sensible hydration and weather awareness. Beaches near the lagoon can have changing currents and conditions, and visitors should follow local warnings before swimming or undertaking water activities. Roads may be congested, and pedestrians should take care where pavements are narrow or absent. During the Atlantic hurricane season, monitor official weather information because storms can affect transport, beaches, boating and waterfront access.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or medical emergencies in Sint Maarten, call 911 and state clearly that you are on the Dutch side of the island, giving the nearest road, marina, beach, hotel or visible landmark. If travelling by boat, provide the vessel name, position and direction of travel as accurately as possible. The lagoon’s busy roads and waterfront infrastructure can make precise location information important. For urgent medical care, follow the instructions of emergency operators or local accommodation staff rather than attempting to navigate unfamiliar roads during a crisis.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect marina rules, private property, marked channels and instructions from boat crews or water-sports staff. Do use bins, avoid disturbing mangroves and marine life, and keep a respectful distance from vessels and wildlife. Do drive cautiously and allow pedestrians space in busy waterfront areas. Do not climb onto private docks, enter restricted working areas or feed animals. Keep voices and music considerate near residential streets, and remember that the lagoon is shared by residents, workers, boat owners and visitors rather than being solely a leisure setting.
Local Tips
Simpson Bay is the most convenient base for combining lagoon visits with airport access, beaches, dining and boat excursions, while Cole Bay offers a more road-oriented setting on the southern shore. The best way to appreciate the lagoon’s scale is to view it from several public waterfront points or experience it from an authorised boat trip, rather than relying on one shoreline stop. Allow flexibility around bridge openings and rush-hour traffic, and plan longer island excursions separately because Simpson Bay’s central position can make it appear closer to other destinations than road conditions allow.
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
HelloHallo[ha-lo]
GoodbyeAyo[a-yo]
YesSi[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePor fabor[por fa-bor]
Thank youDanki[dan-kee]
Excuse me/SorrySkusa mi[sku-sa me]
How are you?Kon ta bai ku bo?[kon ta bai ku bo]
Fine. And you?Bon. I bo?[bon. ee bo]
Do you speak English?Bo papia Ingles?[bo pa-pya ing-les]
I don't understandMi no ta kompronde[me no ta kom-pron-de]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ke wak e menu, por fabor[me ke wak e me-no, por fa-bor]
I don't eat meatMi no kome karni[me no ko-me kar-nee]
Cheers!Salud![sa-lood]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi ke paga, por fabor[me ke pa-ga, por fa-bor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Yuda![yu-da]
Go away!Bai bai![ba-i ba-i]
Call the Police!Yama polis![ya-ma po-lis]
Call a doctor!Yama un dokter![ya-ma un dok-ter]
I'm lostMi ta perdi[me ta per-di]
I'm illMi ta malu[me ta ma-lu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi ke kumpra...[me ke kum-pra]
I'm just lookingMi ta solamente mire[me ta so-la-men-te mi-re]
How much is it?Kon e prijs ta?[kon e price ta]
That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu karu[e-sa-kee ta mu-chu ka-ru]
Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e prijs?[bo por ba-ha e price]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kuantu ora ta?[kwan-tu o-ra ta]
It's one o'clockTa un ora[ta un o-ra]
Half past (10)Mitad di dies[mi-tad di dis]
MorningMarduga[mar-du-ga]
AfternoonTardi[tar-di]
EveningAnochi[a-no-chi]
YesterdayAtardi[a-tar-di]
TodayAwe[a-we]
TomorrowMañana[ma-nya-na]
1Uno[oo-no]
2Dos[doss]
3Tres[tres]
4Cuatro[kwa-tro]
5Cinco[seen-ko]
6Seis[say-s]
7Siete[see-ay-te]
8Ocho[o-cho]
9Nueve[nwe-ve]
10Dies[dis]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Unda ta...?[un-da ta]
What's the address?Kiko e adres ta?[ki-ko e a-dres ta]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?[bo por mus-tra mi (ri-ba e ma-pa)]
When's the next (bus)?Ki ora ta e siguiente (bus)?[ki o-ra ta e si-gui-en-te (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (pa ....)[un bo-le-to (pa)]

History of Simpson Bay Lagoon

An Island Shaped by the Sea

Simpson Bay Lagoon belongs to the coastal landscape of Sint Maarten, an island formed by volcanic and uplifted geological processes and later shaped by erosion, reefs, storms and changing sea levels. Its sheltered water provided a natural contrast to the exposed Atlantic-facing coast, influencing where people travelled, anchored and established coastal activity. The lagoon’s modern outline reflects both natural inlets and generations of engineering, including channels, roads, bridges and reclaimed or developed shorelines.

Indigenous and European Settlement

Before European colonisation, the island was visited and inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Arawakan and Cariban cultural worlds of the Lesser Antilles. Spanish, Dutch and French interests later competed for control of Sint Maarten, whose location made it valuable within regional shipping routes. The island was partitioned between France and the Netherlands in the seventeenth century, and Simpson Bay developed within the Dutch territory. The lagoon remained part of a wider coastal environment used for fishing, transport and small-scale settlement.

From Coastal Village to Working Waterfront

For much of its history, Simpson Bay was a modest coastal settlement whose residents depended on fishing, seafaring, agriculture and connections with neighbouring communities. The lagoon offered protected anchorage, but its entrances and shallow areas limited the size and movement of vessels. As roads improved and Sint Maarten became more connected to international tourism, the waterfront changed from a predominantly local maritime landscape into a concentration of marinas, boat services, restaurants and accommodation.

Tourism, Aviation and Yachting

The expansion of aviation and tourism transformed the lagoon’s surroundings during the twentieth century. Princess Juliana International Airport, close to the western end of the waterway, strengthened Simpson Bay’s role as the island’s principal arrival area. The growth of charter sailing, yacht services and cruise-related activity brought new investment and a more international population, while bridges and navigational infrastructure were adapted to accommodate both road traffic and vessels. These changes also intensified pressure on coastal habitats and water quality.

Modern Management and Environmental Pressure

Today, Simpson Bay Lagoon is both an economic asset and an environmentally sensitive coastal system. Mangroves, shallow marine areas and adjacent beaches provide habitat and help buffer the shoreline, while dredging, construction, storm damage, boating and urban run-off have altered parts of the lagoon. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused extensive damage across Sint Maarten, including to waterfront infrastructure and vessels. Recovery has continued alongside efforts to manage development, navigation and the lagoon’s ecological value.

Simpson Bay Lagoon in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities in Simpson Bay Lagoon

The towns and cities of Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Simpson Bay Lagoon, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Pelican Key
More of the region

Explore more of Pelican Key

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

Explore Pelican Key
Sint Maarten
More of the country

Explore more of Sint Maarten

Discover Sint Maarten: A Caribbean paradise with a blend of Dutch and French cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Sint Maarten
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Simpson Bay Lagoon

Discover Simpson Bay Lagoon with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide offering detailed info on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for every location.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the wonders of Simpson Bay Lagoon with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Plan, explore, and experience the best of Sint Maarten with ease.

  • History of Simpson Bay Lagoon and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • 'Near Me' feature to easily discover nearby attractions and amenities.
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases.

Imagine stepping into the vibrant and scenic Simpson Bay Lagoon with Evendo, your personal travel companion. From the moment you arrive, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip by providing detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Simpson Bay Lagoon. Whether you're curious about the historic Fort Amsterdam, eager to relax at the stunning Kim Sha Beach, or ready to indulge in local cuisine at the renowned Karakter Beach Lounge, Evendo has you covered.

With Evendo, planning and organizing your trip is a breeze. Explore rich descriptions, vibrant images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of multiple reservations and complex itineraries. The app's 'Near Me' feature helps you discover what's around you at any moment, ensuring you never miss a hidden gem or a must-see spot.

Evendo goes beyond just being a travel guide for Simpson Bay Lagoon. It includes extensive travel essentials and curated local advice to help you navigate like a local. Get to know the history of Simpson Bay Lagoon, uncover the best local spots, and immerse yourself in the culture and vibrancy of Sint Maarten.

Best of all, Evendo is completely free to use. There are no in-app purchases or additional costs, making it accessible to everyone. Plus, with global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo ensures you have a reliable travel companion wherever your adventures take you.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.