Buccaneer Beach Bar

Buccaneers Beach Bar: Decades of Family Fun

 
Buccaneers is a unique beach club in many ways.
 
Let’s start with its location. It covers a significant part of the famous Kim Sha Beach, stretching from the Simpson Bay Resort side almost all the way to the “Simpson Bay Strip,” which begins at Welfare Road.
 
Another defining feature is the diversity of its menu. What started decades ago as a beach bar offering barbecue has gradually developed into something resembling a food court. Local flavors and pizzas were added over time, and more recently, a separate ice cream parlor joined the offerings.
 
Whatever your food cravings may be, you can enjoy them informally with sand between your toes. Picnic tables with their feet planted on the beach, together with comfortable beach chairs, are all part of the relaxed Buccaneers experience.
 
For children, a small slide was added over time, making Buccaneers a true family hangout. What further enhances its family-friendly atmosphere are the calm waters of Kim Sha Bay, disturbed by little more than sailing boats and mega yachts making their way into the Simpson Bay Lagoon in the distance. Kids’ menus add to the experience for younger visitors, not to mention the dedicated ice cream booth in the corner.
 
Last but not least, Buccaneers is also a place where locals come to unwind. You will find them enjoying Friday afternoon beers at the picnic tables after a hard day’s work in the Simpson Bay marinas, businesses, or offices.

Cuisine & Signature Dishes to Try

 
The centerpiece of Buccaneers remains its seaside barbecue.
 
Try the BBQ Chicken, BBQ Ribs, or the BBQ Combo if you want to sample both.
 
For those looking for local flavors, try the Tuna Steak with Creole Sauce or the popular local fish, Mahi Mahi, also served with Creole Sauce. Be sure to add a famous Johnny Cake and rice and peas on the side to dive deeper into the local food culture.

Neighborhood Context

 
Buccaneers’ popularity, together with its ambiance, is enhanced by its location. Kim Sha Beach is the largest beach in an area surrounded by many smaller beaches and large resorts. From Buccaneers, you are within walking distance of Atrium Resort, Simpson Bay Resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Flamingo Beach, and Hilton Grand Vacations Royal Palm.
 
It sits at the junction between the Pelican area and the “Simpson Bay Strip,” making it an ideal location for both a full beach day and a night out.
 
Nearby, Coconut and Trisport offer water activities and kayak rentals. Aquamania allows visitors to combine a Buccaneers beach day with short or longer sailing excursions.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

• Kim Sha Beach attracts many different types of visitors. It has a resort-town atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a cosmopolitan yet Caribbean holiday experience.
• It is easy to reach from most resorts in Simpson Bay, Pelican, Maho, and Philipsburg.
• For families, the calm waters and entertainment options around this location provide a carefree beach and dining experience.

Practical Visitor Information

Parking & Accessibility

 
Buccaneers has dedicated parking spaces along Billy Folly Road, but given its popularity, it never hurts to ask about availability. On the Welfare Road side, there is also a parking lot.
 
Given the popularity of the entire area, the best way to reach Buccaneers may be by foot if you are staying in Simpson Bay or Pelican, or by bus via the Philipsburg–Maho/Cupecoy route. Taxis are also readily available in this nightlife area, especially near Simpson Bay Resort.

Dress Code

 
The dress code at Buccaneers reflects the diversity of its offerings and visitors: highly eclectic and entirely up to you.
 
You may find business people holding meetings, regular visitors dressed casually, and beachgoers arriving in beachwear or swimwear.

Reservations

 
Despite its popularity, there is usually a spot available at Buccaneers. At most, you may need to wait a little while for a table to open up.
 
For beach chairs, however, reservations are highly recommended, especially from December through May. During these months, cruise visitors may also choose to spend a day on this famous stretch of sand.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Buccaneers depends entirely on what you want from your day.
 
Sunset is scenic and can serve as a beautiful introduction to dinner, but it can also be the perfect ending to a long beach day.

Fun Facts

• Buccaneers features a heart-shaped art installation that, especially with the sunset in the background, is considered one of the best selfie spots on the island.
• The name “Buccaneers” is not without reason. St. Maarten was once on the route of many pirates carrying their newly acquired Caribbean treasures back to their home ports. Pirate Pinel is one of the most tangible remnants of that history, giving his name to the well-known islet off the French side.

Buccaneer Beach Bar, located on Kim Sha Beach, is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until late. It is the place where vacationers and locals come together to enjoy an open, tiki-style atmosphere; fresh-air grill; pizza; live music; fireballs on the beach and breathtaking sunsets. Parking available for your boat, dinghy, car or bike. Buccaneer is a true Caribbean beach bar experience!

This Restaurant is in the Simpson Bay Area of St Maarten / St Martin.

Click here for our Restaurant menu.

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