Simpson Bay Beach is one of the longest stretching beaches of the island, along the silent paths of old Simpson Bay Village and the St. Maarten airport but close to the lively “restaurant strip” of Airport Road and the marinas in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The long sandy shore is one of the more tranquil beaches of Dutch Side St. Maarten, still breathing the peaceful times when it was a fisherman’s area. The remnants of the old village can still be found along the eastern end of the beach. The natural isthmus in between of the beach and the lagoon made the lagoon a salt lake for ages, but was breached by a storm in 1819. A small ferry connected passengers wanting to cross the natural gap in the Pelican area, until a bridge was built mid-19th century. Some decades later, the artificial channel near the St. Maarten Yacht Club was dug. In 1944, the west side of the isthmus became home to the airport. For about a mile, Simpson Bay Beach directly borders the airport.
With the exception of airplanes landing and departing on this west end, the beach is overall perfectly suited for a quiet time. You will not find much watersports here but for an anchoring catamaran or two. In conjunction with a peaceful swell, it makes Simpson Bay a safe, family friendly beach option and great place to see the sun set into the sea.
Find yourself at peace at one of the many silent corners of the beach, or dive into the always lively D’s Beach Bar, K’s Beach Club and Boon’s area for your beach club of choice.
Behind the beach, the Simpson Bay Area provides the island’s main nightlife district, with restaurants like Balls & Wine, Al Pasha and Beirut. Finish your evening at famed nightclub Lotus.
For people wanting to stay close to Simpson Bay Beach, one can find many hotels like Azure, Atrium, Horny Toad, Mary’s Boon, Simpson Bay Resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Royal Palm and Hilton Grand Vacations Flamingo Beach Resort.
Afternoon hours, when the hot Caribbean sun sets in, make a great combination with the refreshing waters and soft sands of Simpson Bay. In addition, this time of the day combines well with the many restaurants within walking distance and potentially an even later night out.
Parking in the vicinity of the beach near the old fishing village parking is often easier than in on busy airport road or near K’s Beach club. So in case of a night out, it us recommended to leave the car where you can park easily, or come with bus or taxi.
With calmer waters than many other beaches, Simpson Bay is a great place to bring kids.
There are no public showers. K’s Beach Club has a shower for its guests.
Simpson Bay beach is a popular location for residents in the neighbourhood to walk their dog.
Though the beach is on the eastern side of the runway (not to be confused with Maho Beach on the southern end) the airport buildings are on the opposite side of the runway. Within a 5 to 10 minute drive along airport road you will reach the terminal.
Simpson Bay Beach is located in the Simpson Bay Area of St Maarten.
Find Simpson Bay Beach and other Beaches of St Maarten / St Martin on our Interactive Map !
Simpson Bay is well connected by bus via the Maho to Philipsburg line. For the beach, it is easiest to get out when you pass the Beirut restaurant.
Simpson Bay Beach is in the Cole Bay taxi zone. See our overview of St. Maarten taxi rates what pricing is in place from this location to your place of departure.
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