Island Highlight: Marinas in Simpson Bay, St Maarten
St. Maarten is one of the largest yachting centers in the Caribbean. Apart from leisure along its shores, it is also opportunities chandlery and supplies that drives captains to the dual nation island.
Central to this fame in the Caribbean nautical industry is the Simpson Bay Lagoon area. This over 4 square miles former inland lagoon, exposed to the seas since a hurricane in 1819, has become a natural shelter for sailing boats, mega yachts and many “yachtie” centered bars, restaurants and services. This large natural harbor is surrounded by historic sailor towns like Simpson Bay and Marigot, resort towns like Cupecoy, Pelican and the Lowlands. Adding to its international fame is the fact that it was host many times to the famous Below Deck series and that the area is the yearly backdrop for the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the largest Caribbean sailing contest.
The Simpson Bay area has many marinas. Most are located close to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Bridge, one of the two entries to the lagoon from the sea (when entering, see for its opening times). IGY Marinas boasts multiple yacht harbors in the lagoon, Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marina being amongst the largest on island. Its Simpson Bay port has a fully equipped convention centre for executive business retreats. Port de Plaisance Marina on the Cole Bay side of the lagoon is another well known harbor for catamarans and yachts. It is host to charter companies like Renegades, using the spacious marina with its namesake hotel as departure point for island hopping adventures.
Things To Do Near A Simpson Bay Marina
If you are dropping anchor either inside or outside the lagoon, there is a lot to do when making landfall. Many of them can easily be reached walking – or with your dinghy! Some suggestions:
1. Beaches
A marina day in Simpson Bay is excellently suited for a beach hop. Many beaches can be found right off the lagoon. Just to name a few: bustling Kim Sha Beach, more quiet Simpson Bay Beach and Pelican Key. Famous Maho Beach with planes flying over it is also a 5 minute bus or taxi ride away.
2. Restaurants & Nightlife
The Simpson Bay Marina area is known for its large amount of restaurants, often with dedicated cuisines. Local favorites Balls & Wine, Beirut, Al Pasha and La Patrona alone offer a choice between Latin-Caribbean, Lebanese, Mediterranean and Mexican food. Dutch inspired HuppelThePub and barbecue-ready Buccaneers are great places to start the evening, Club Lotus is a grand finale to your evening out in Simpson Bay.
3. Activities
For those interested in Rum, Toppers provides a great (and tasteful) tour. Its restaurant and bar (with dinghy harbor!) allows for a far longer stay if so desired.
You can also explore the lagoon – and the waters outside it – with a kayak tour. A fun way to see this bustling yachting area from a wholly different angle, and some beaches in the process.
Adding to its uniqueness, the lagoon is binational. The binational symbol of the Concordia or Border Monument is just next to the Causeway Bridge. A binational biking tour around the lagoon by Trisport is a great way to see this landmark, the Maho Beach runway area and natural wonders around the lagoon like the Trou de David.
Enjoy your Simpson Bay Marina day! See our dedicated pages for excursion inspiration and St Maarten restaurants to make a longer stay even greater.