Sint Maarten🇸🇽 | townsSimpson BayDrawbridge, megayachts, Maho jets, lagoon paddling | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Simpson Bay
👍 Recommendedtown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The bridge at Simpson Bay opens on a schedule, and when the horns sound, the whole waterfront stops: a megayacht slides through the gap, bartenders lean on railings, and the air smells of diesel, grilled fish and salt. Simpson Bay sits in the southwest of Sint Maarten, on the Dutch side, wrapped around a big lagoon with a thin beach on its seaward edge. It is a marina-and-resort strip, not a backcountry village, and the restaurants run pricey. Skip the package-tour bars and spend your time at the lagoon-side lolos, the sunset planes at nearby Maho, and the water itself. It is easy to reach from the airport, hostels are few, and you meet other travelers mostly at bars and on boats. Start your first day with a swim before the wind builds, then walk the bridge area at the late-afternoon opening.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Sint Maarten Travel Guide.

Best time to go: November - May
Daily cost: US$149

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in Sint MaartenWhat makes this town worth visiting

Simpson Bay earns its place on a Caribbean route because it puts several different experiences within walking distance of one another. Maho Beach and its low-flying jets are a short stroll away. The lagoon holds a mass of yachts, which means boat-hitching chatter and crew gossip at the bars, and the beach is calm enough for an easy swim. Most travelers stay two or three nights, using it as a launch point for the French side, ferries and the rest of the island, and some linger longer if they find casual work or a berth on a boat. It suits solo travelers who like to chat at a bar counter, small groups who want walkable evenings, and slow travelers who like watching marina life. It does not suit anyone seeking a quiet village feel or rock-bottom prices. The Simpson Bay Bridge gives the evenings … read more 👉

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Simpson Bay

Maho Beach: The sight everyone searches for. Jets come in a few dozen meters above the sand and the engine roar is physical, so stand well back from departing aircraft and don’t cling to the fence. Free, 1 to 2 hours. Aim for the afternoon, when big international arrivals cluster.
Sunset Beach Bar: Right on the Maho runway edge, with a board listing the day’s arrivals. Cold drinks run roughly US$5 to 10. Plan 1 to 2 hours and come an hour before a big landing to claim a table. Late afternoon is best.
Simpson Bay Bridge: A narrow drawbridge that lifts several times a day for yachts entering or leaving the lagoon. Watching from the Airport Road bars costs nothing beyond a drink. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, and check the posted opening times.
Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach: A short sweep of calm,

… read more 👉

Maho Beach: The sight everyone searches for. Jets come in a few dozen meters above the sand and the engine roar is physical, so stand well back from departing aircraft and don’t cling to the fence. Free, 1 to 2 hours. Aim for the afternoon, when big international arrivals cluster.
Sunset Beach Bar: Right on the Maho runway edge, with a board listing the day’s arrivals. Cold drinks run roughly US$5 to 10. Plan 1 to 2 hours and come an hour before a big landing to claim a table. Late afternoon is best.
Simpson Bay Bridge: A narrow drawbridge that lifts several times a day for yachts entering or leaving the lagoon. Watching from the Airport Road bars costs nothing beyond a drink. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, and check the posted opening times.
Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach: A short sweep of calm, shallow sand with chairs, snorkeling and a line of beach bars behind it. Free to use, with chair rental around US$10 to 20. Mornings are quietest. Plan 2 to 3 hours.
Simpson Bay Lagoon by kayak or paddleboard: Gliding among anchored yachts shows you the bay from the water. Rentals run about US$25 to 50 for 2 hours. Go in the early morning, when the water is flat and the wind is light.

For day trips, Simpson Bay is a handy starting point for the Marigot market on the French side, the beach strip at Orient Bay, the shops and boardwalk of Philipsburg, and the zip lines at Loterie Farm near Pic Paradis. All of it fits into two relaxed days, with Maho and the lagoon together taking about half a day.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Simpson Bay is a strip of lagoon-side roads, and you can cover all of it on foot in an afternoon if you start before the heat peaks.

Simpson Bay Beach and the Causeway Side: The beach on the Caribbean side is narrow but calm, with shallow water and a steady stream of planes dropping low over Maho, a short walk west. Skip the midday sun and go around 4 pm, when the sand clears and the light softens.
The Lagoon Waterfront (Airport Road): Marinas, megayachts and a long row of restaurants and bars facing the water. Dinner is pricey, but happy hour (usually 5 to 7 pm) makes it fair. Walk it at sunset, then drift to the bridge to watch it open for boats, which happens on a posted schedule in the morning and afternoon.
Simpson Bay Village: The residential center, with supermarkets, bakeries, laundromats

… read more 👉

Simpson Bay is a strip of lagoon-side roads, and you can cover all of it on foot in an afternoon if you start before the heat peaks.

Simpson Bay Beach and the Causeway Side: The beach on the Caribbean side is narrow but calm, with shallow water and a steady stream of planes dropping low over Maho, a short walk west. Skip the midday sun and go around 4 pm, when the sand clears and the light softens.
The Lagoon Waterfront (Airport Road): Marinas, megayachts and a long row of restaurants and bars facing the water. Dinner is pricey, but happy hour (usually 5 to 7 pm) makes it fair. Walk it at sunset, then drift to the bridge to watch it open for boats, which happens on a posted schedule in the morning and afternoon.
Simpson Bay Village: The residential center, with supermarkets, bakeries, laundromats and local snack spots away from the tourist tabs. This is where you eat cheaply: grilled chicken and ribs from roadside stands, and Creole plates at small cafés. Flat and walkable, but not much to look at. Come for lunch, not sightseeing.
Pelican Key: Casinos, a dive-bar crowd and a few late-night spots. It is the loudest area here after dark and fine for one night out. Skip it if you want quiet.

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

This is a water-and-sunset day, loose on the clock and easy on the legs.

8:00 AM, Simpson Bay Beach: Swim in the calm water before the sun gets hard. Walk the sand east to west, it takes ten minutes, and watch the fishermen and early paddleboarders. Then follow the road toward the lagoon side.

9:30 AM, Simpson Bay Bridge: Stand by the causeway for a morning opening and watch yachts squeeze through. Check the posted schedule at the bridge or marina, since times shift. Coffee and a pastry from a nearby cafe keeps you here without spending much.

11:00 AM, Lagoon Boardwalk and Marinas: Stroll the docks past the superyachts and the working sailboats. It is free, shaded in spots, and a good way to read the place. Chat with crew at the chandlery stores; they are often the ones who know who needs a … read more 👉

This is a water-and-sunset day, loose on the clock and easy on the legs.

1:00 PM, Lunch at a Local Lolo: Step off the waterfront strip to the side streets for grilled chicken, ribs or fish with rice and peas. It costs a fraction of a marina-view plate and tastes better.

3:00 PM, Kayak or Paddleboard on the Lagoon: Rent a board or kayak and drift along the mangrove edge on the quiet back side of the lagoon, away from the marina crowds. Few visitors paddle here, and you may spot herons and sea turtles. Return by 5:00.

6:00 PM, Sunset Drink: Claim a lagoon-side seat with a rum punch and watch the light drop behind the boats. Afterward, walk to a casual bar and ask around about the next day's plans.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

Simpson Bay is best from December to April, when days are dry and breezy and the sea is calm enough for easy swimming and paddling.

Dry Season (December to April): Highs of 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), lows near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and the least rain. Crowds peak around Christmas and February, and beds cost the most. Days run about 11 to 12 hours.
Shoulder Months (May to June, November): Warm, a little more humid, with short showers. Prices drop noticeably and the waterfront restaurants have free tables.
Hurricane Season (August to October): Hot, at 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), humid and rainy, with September the peak for storms. Some restaurants and businesses close for a few weeks, and the cheapest rates appear, along with real weather risk.
Sailing Events: Regatta time in early March fills the

… read more 👉

Simpson Bay is best from December to April, when days are dry and breezy and the sea is calm enough for easy swimming and paddling.

Dry Season (December to April): Highs of 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), lows near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and the least rain. Crowds peak around Christmas and February, and beds cost the most. Days run about 11 to 12 hours.
Shoulder Months (May to June, November): Warm, a little more humid, with short showers. Prices drop noticeably and the waterfront restaurants have free tables.
Hurricane Season (August to October): Hot, at 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), humid and rainy, with September the peak for storms. Some restaurants and businesses close for a few weeks, and the cheapest rates appear, along with real weather risk.
Sailing Events: Regatta time in early March fills the lagoon bars and pushes up rates.

Book late November or early May for the best mix of good weather and lower prices.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Sint Maarten

The best budget base is Simpson Bay Village and the streets just back from Airport Road, where most of the cheaper rooms, guesthouses and shared apartments sit. Dorm beds are scarce on the island, so expect to pay for a private room or split an apartment, with rooms typically around US$70 to 130 a night in high season and lower from May to November.

The village side is quiet at night, close to supermarkets where you can cook your own meals, and a short walk to the bus stop on the main road. Staying here also means you skip the loud waterfront bars, though you remain within a 10 to 15 minute walk … read more 👉

The second option is the stretch near Maho and the airport end. It has more rooms and easy access to the beach, but aircraft noise is constant during the day and the nightlife nearby can run late. Book far ahead for December to March, since the supply is small and fills quickly. Look for a place with air conditioning and a kitchen, which saves more than any discount.

Best quality hotels in Sint Maarten

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

Simpson Bay is flat and compact, so walking along Airport Road gets you between most beaches, restaurants and shops without any ride at all. Traffic backs up badly near the bridge and the airport at rush hour, and there is no real public transport timetable, so plan around that. Buses and taxis fill the gaps.

Walking: Free, and the best choice for the lagoon strip, the beach and Maho (about 20 minutes on foot). Sidewalks are patchy, so carry a small light after dark. Skip walking at midday, when the heat is heavy.
Local buses: Minivans run along the main road toward Philipsburg and Marigot, charging about US$2 to 3 inside Sint Maarten and US$3 to 4 across the border to the French side. Flag them down on the roadside. They run from early morning until roughly early evening, and service thins

… read more 👉

Walking: Free, and the best choice for the lagoon strip, the beach and Maho (about 20 minutes on foot). Sidewalks are patchy, so carry a small light after dark. Skip walking at midday, when the heat is heavy.
Local buses: Minivans run along the main road toward Philipsburg and Marigot, charging about US$2 to 3 inside Sint Maarten and US$3 to 4 across the border to the French side. Flag them down on the roadside. They run from early morning until roughly early evening, and service thins on Sundays. They are the best value here.
Taxis: Fixed fares are set by zone, not by meter. Expect roughly US$10 to 15 to Maho or the airport area, US$20 to 30 to Philipsburg, and US$30 to 45 from the airport. Agree on the price before you get in. Worth it late at night or with heavy bags.
Rental scooter or car: A car costs roughly US$35 to 55 a day and gives you the freedom to reach beaches on the French side. Scooters are less common and riskier on the busy roads. Rent a car only if you will use it for several days, since parking near the bars is tight.
Water taxi and dinghy: Some marina-side operators run short hops across the lagoon for about US$5 to 15, mostly handy if you are staying on a boat.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay costs most backpackers about US$140 to 150 a day if they stay in high season and eat a mix of local and restaurant meals.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Accommodation	US$70 to 90 (high season); US$50 to 70 (low season)	Dorms are scarce, so this is a basic private room or shared apartment. Budget for US$80 in high season.
Meals	US$25 to 40	Roadside barbecue and snackettes cost US$8 to 12, while waterfront dinners start around US$25 to 35. Groceries help.
Local Transport	US$4 to 10	Buses cost US$2 to 4 per ride, taxis are fixed fare and more expensive.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees	US$10 to 25	Beaches are free, while loungers cost US$15 to 30 and snorkel rental about US$10 to 20.
Miscellaneous	US$10 to 15	Water, sunscreen, a few drinks, and tips of 15 percent where service is not included.
Total

… read more 👉

Simpson Bay costs most backpackers about US$140 to 150 a day if they stay in high season and eat a mix of local and restaurant meals.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Accommodation	US$70 to 90 (high season); US$50 to 70 (low season)	Dorms are scarce, so this is a basic private room or shared apartment. Budget for US$80 in high season.
Meals	US$25 to 40	Roadside barbecue and snackettes cost US$8 to 12, while waterfront dinners start around US$25 to 35. Groceries help.
Local Transport	US$4 to 10	Buses cost US$2 to 4 per ride, taxis are fixed fare and more expensive.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees	US$10 to 25	Beaches are free, while loungers cost US$15 to 30 and snorkel rental about US$10 to 20.
Miscellaneous	US$10 to 15	Water, sunscreen, a few drinks, and tips of 15 percent where service is not included.
Total Daily Budget	US$149	Based on US$80 for a room, US$32 for meals, US$7 for transport, US$17 for activities and US$13 for extras.

To save money, buy groceries at the village supermarkets, eat lunch at roadside stands, and use the lagoon happy hours (typically 5 to 7 pm) for cheaper drinks. US dollars are accepted everywhere.

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Simpson Bay works well as a base for day trips because the island is small and the main road links both the Dutch and French sides.

Marigot and the Saturday Market:

The French capital is 15 to 25 minutes by bus or taxi (US$3 to 4 by bus). Go on Wednesday or Saturday morning, when the waterfront market sells spices, fruit and crepes. The most common mistake is arriving after noon, when stalls pack up. Come from December to April for dry walking weather.

Philipsburg:

About 30 minutes by bus for US$2 to 3. The boardwalk, Great Bay Beach and the old Front Street shops are fine for half a day, but when cruise ships are in, it is packed and prices climb. Check the port schedule and go on a quiet day.

👉 Explore Philipsburg

Orient Bay:

The beach on the French side is about 30 to 40 minutes by car or … read more 👉

Simpson Bay works well as a base for day trips because the island is small and the main road links both the Dutch and French sides.

Marigot and the Saturday Market:

👉 Explore Philipsburg

Orient Bay:

The beach on the French side is about 30 to 40 minutes by car or a bus plus a short taxi, roughly US$8 to 15 total. Beach clubs rent loungers for US$15 to 30, which often includes a drink. Go early for calm water, and bring your own snacks to cut costs.

Pinel Island:

A short ferry from Cul-de-Sac, about 40 minutes from Simpson Bay by car, costs around US$8 to 10 return. Snorkeling is easy and shallow, and a day here with lunch runs US$40 to 60. First-timers often forget cash for the ferry.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Simpson Bay is safe for backpackers, and most problems are petty. Theft from rental cars and beach bags is the main issue, so leave nothing visible in a parked car and keep valuables with you rather than on the sand while you swim. Pickpocketing is rare, but busy bar nights and casino areas in Pelican Key call for a little more attention.

Solo travelers, including women, generally walk the lit stretch of Airport Road at night without trouble. Watch for fast traffic and uneven sidewalks, and take a taxi after a late night out instead of walking the dark side streets. Agree on taxi fares before you set off.

Scams are mild. Some bar tabs add service charges that are already included, so check the bill. Strong sun and sudden rain squalls catch more people out than crime does, so carry water and reef-safe sunscreen.

Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Simpson Bay is worth visiting for a few days rather than as a pure stopover, thanks to its calm beach, lagoon-side restaurants and easy access to both halves of the island. Planes landing low over nearby Maho Beach are a short walk away, and Marigot is about 20 minutes by bus for US$3 to 4. It is a strong base if you like a mix of beach time and nightlife.

Simpson Bay suits three to five days. That gives you a day for the beach and lagoon strip, one for Marigot and the French side, one for Philipsburg or Orient Bay, and a spare for Pinel Island or the sunset bars. Budget about US$140 to 150 a day in high season, and stay longer if you want to sail or dive.

Simpson Bay can be visited as a day trip from Philipsburg, about 30 minutes away by bus at US$2 to 3, or from Marigot, about 20 minutes. You can see the beach, the waterfront and Maho in half a day. Staying overnight is better, since sunset and the lagoon bars are the main draw.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other St. Maartener towns near Simpson Bay

Explore more nearby:

Philipsburg—Courthouse square, Front Street, boardwalk, salt pond| 7 km away
Grand Case—Lolo grills, bistro boulevard, calm bay, runway views| 9 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Simpson Bay works best as the first or last stop on a Sint Maarten loop, paired with a few days on the French side around Marigot and Orient Bay. I’d keep your evenings here and your longer beach days elsewhere. Bring a dry bag for Maho, and skip the most expensive waterfront dinners.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Sint Maarten. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.

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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Sint Maarten🇸🇽 | townsSimpson BayDrawbridge, megayachts, Maho jets, lagoon paddling | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Simpson Bay
👍 Recommendedtown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in Sint MaartenWhat makes this town worth visiting

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Simpson Bay

Things to do around Simpson Bay

St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour

St.Martin/St.Maarten Magical Tour

St Maarten Family Deluxe Tour

Sint Maarten Beach Hopping Mullet Bay and Maho Adventure

St Maarten Date Night

Tropical Gondola Day Cruise & French Beach Tour

Private Tropical Gondola Dinner Cruise Simpson Bay

Family Fun and Culture Tour in St. Maarten

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSint Maarten Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Sint Maarten

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Simpson Bay

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other St. Maartener towns near Simpson Bay

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Sint Maarten🇸🇽 | townsSimpson BayDrawbridge, megayachts, Maho jets, lagoon paddling | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Simpson Bay👍 Recommendedtown ranked #3By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8ba71b')

✨ Why go?Ranked #3 town in Sint MaartenaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bb57b')What makes this town worth visitingaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bb581')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bc40c')Essential experiences to have while visiting Simpson BayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bc413')

Things to do around Simpson Bay

St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour

St.Martin/St.Maarten Magical Tour

St Maarten Family Deluxe Tour

Sint Maarten Beach Hopping Mullet Bay and Maho Adventure

St Maarten Date Night

Tropical Gondola Day Cruise & French Beach Tour

Private Tropical Gondola Dinner Cruise Simpson Bay

Family Fun and Culture Tour in St. Maarten

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bcc26')Understanding the local layoutaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bcc2b')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bd877')Seeing the highlights in 24 hoursaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bd87c')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8be2ca')When to go for the best experienceaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8be2d2')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSint Maarten Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bf07f')Best areas to stay in Sint MaartenaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bf084')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bf8a8')How to get from A to BaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8bf8ad')

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c0215')Travel costs and budget guide for Simpson BayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c021a')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c40a1')Short trips worth addingaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c40a9')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4274')Traveler Safety GuideaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4278')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4314')Common questions from travelersaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4319')

Other St. Maartener towns near Simpson BayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4cfd')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4ea6')Parting advice and final tipsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4eaa')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4efe')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb53e8c4f02')

Backpacking in Simpson Bay
👍 Recommendedtown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in Sint MaartenWhat makes this town worth visiting

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Simpson Bay

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Sint Maarten

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Simpson Bay

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other St. Maartener towns near Simpson Bay

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?