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KIM SHA BEACH

Kim Sha Beach – Activities During Day and Night

Kim Sha Beach is a lively beach located at the junction of the Pelican / Billy Folly, and Simpson Bay areas. It was once the site where, after a surge in 1819, the Simpson Bay Lagoon changed from an inland lake into a lagoon connected to the sea. For much of the following century, this gap separated Simpson Bay village from the Philipsburg side of Dutch St. Maarten. The Halley sisters operated a ferry here to carry people across.

The first bridge spanning the gap was built in 1933 out of wood and was replaced in 1950 by a stone bridge. By then, the passage had already run dry, and in 1966 a road was built alongside it to connect Simpson Bay to Cole Bay. A canal was later dug farther down the isthmus to keep the lagoon connected to the sea for ships, leading to the opening of the Simpson Bay bridge in 1970.

The beach derives its name from a Chinese restaurant that was once located on this sandy shore, one of the area’s first developments. The resort developments around the beach in the 1990s were partly used as the backdrop for the movie Once Around, starring Richard Dreyfuss.
The Kim Sha beach area is not just a beautiful beach to enjoy a sunset by day, but a nightlife haven for everyone. Next to the towering presence of some of St Maarten’s largest resorts, you find high end restaurants as well as accessible little grill restaurants. In the middle of the bustling Simpson Bay Area where both residents and visitors spend their entire evening!

For things to do around Kim Sha, see Simpson Bay and Pelican / Billy’s Folly areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Kim Sha Beach located?

Kim Sha Beach is centrally located right in between of the the bustling Simpson Bay and Pelican areas of St. Maarten. It sits beautifully next to the towering presence of some of the island’s largest resort properties.

What is the nightlife like at Kim Sha Beach?

The beach is not just for enjoying a daytime sunset; it actively serves as a nightlife haven for everyone. Surrounded by accessible little grill spots, sports bars and high-end restaurants, it is a place where both residents and visitors spend their entire evening.

How can I travel to Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is located within the Pelican taxi zone for those who prefer taking a cab. You can also skip the taxi and easily hop on a bus traveling between Philipsburg and Simpson Bay, which passes close to the beach several times a day.

Are there water sports and activities available nearby?

Yes, the area is packed with daytime activities, including beautiful sailing tours from companies like Aquamania or Eagle Tours. You can also participate in scavenger hunts guided by Trisport or check out the ongoing sailing events at the St. Maarten Yacht Club.

Which resorts are closest to the beach?

Several major island resorts are situated right in the Kim Sha Beach and Pelican area. These include the Simpson Bay Resort & Marina, Flamingo Beach Resort, Royal Palm Beach Resort, Atrium Beach Resort & Spa, and La Vista Resort.

Where to find Kim Sha Beach

Kim Sha Beach is located in the Simpson Bay Area of St Maarten.

Find Kim Sha Beach on the map below and other Beaches of St Maarten / St Martin on our Interactive Map, or see the 360° video of the beach above!

How to get to Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is in the Pelican taxi zone. See our overview of St. Maarten taxi rates what pricing is in place from this location to your place of departure.

Skip the taxi and hop on a bus instead. Buses traveling between Philipsburg and Simpson Bay pass close to Kim Sha Beach several times a day.

Best things to do in the Kim Sha Beach area:

Best St Maarten / St Martin activities in the Kim Sha Beach area:

• Take a sailing tour of choice from Aquamania or Eagle Tours!

• Go all sport and let Trisport guide you on a scavenger hunt , or one of its other Simpson Bay based adventures!

• See what sailing activities are going on on the St Maarten Yacht Club!

• Spend a day at Simpson Bay Beach or Pelican Key Beach!

• Take a Pyratzsxm lunch boat out to sea!

• Visit and learn from the visitors center / laboratory of local cosmetics multinational St. Maarten Nectar!

• Take a day trip to Saba!

• Enjoy your Sports events at Replay Bar!

• Take a hike on the Billy Folly & Pelican hiking trail!

• Rent a kayak or pedal boat at Coconut Beach Watersports.

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