Simpson Bay Beach
St. Maarten

Some might come to Simpson Bay solely for the beach but this once sleepy fishing village now offers so much more. Over the past few decades, the neighborhood has evolved from a small fishermen settlement to a vibrant tourism center of St. Maarten. You will find wide selection of hotels, restaurants, day and night time activities, as well as a world class marina where some of the world’s richest men have their mega yachts anchored.

There are a few things we must make clear. Let’s start with the location of Simpson Bay. As for the village, Simpson Bay is located between the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway and the draw bridge at the St. Maarten Yacht Club. Once you cross the bridge, you are entering Cole Bay. However, many business owners prefer to list their address as Simpson Bay, even though they are technically in Cole Bay. Don’t let this confuse you.

Second important thing to note is that the main road, that many refer to as Airport road, is actually called Welfare road. Some also call it Simpson Bay road but that’s totally incorrect. There is a road that’s called Simpson Bay road but that’s the street running right behind the beach and not the main road itself.

Lastly, the Simpson Bay Beach itself stretches all the way to Beacon Hill, which is right next to Maho Beach, where the planes land over your head.

Princess Juliana International Airport

One of the unique features of Simpson Bay Beach is its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. This means you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of airplanes landing and taking off right from the beach! It's a thrilling experience that adds an extra layer of excitement to your beach visit.

How Hurricane Irma Affected Simpson Bay Beach in 2017

In 2017, Hurricane Irma swept through St. Maarten, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Simpson Bay Beach was not spared. However, like the resilient spirit of the island, the beach has bounced back beautifully. The beach is now more enchanting than ever, welcoming visitors with open arms.

Check out some pictures of Simpson Bay after Irma. You can see how nicely they have rebuilt everything, especially the hotels like Simpson Bay Resort and Flamingo Beach Resort after Hurricane Irma flattened them.

Simpson Bay Beach is not just about relaxation; it's also a hub for exciting activities, attractions. You will also find some interesting landmarks there like the tiny but adorable Catholic Church of Simpson Bay. You will find many tour operators in the area offering tours and excursions, and leaving for day trips to the neighbouring islands.

Long walks

Simpson Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in St. Maarten. It’s a great place for an early morning or a romantic sunset walk.

Jet Ski

While there is no jet ski rental on Simpson Bay Beach, if you cross the bridge over to Kim Sha Beach, you can rent one in the marina of the Simpson Bay Beach Resort.

Kayak

Same as the jet ski rental. If you want to rent a kayak in Simpson Bay, you have to cross the bridge by the police station and walk to Kim Sha Beach. You will find other rentals there as well, like stand up paddle board and snorkeling gear.

Swimming

Simpson Bay Beach is one of the calmest beaches in St. Maarten, ideal for swimming.

Snorkeling

You should not even bother putting on your snorkeling gear. Since Simpson Bay Beach is all sand, there is no reef for fishes or any other marine animal to live. You can occasionally spot a sting ray in the sand but snorkeling in Simpson Bay Beach is not a thing.

Surfing

The waves are not ideal for surfing in Simpson Bay Beach. You can, however, try bodysurfing when the conditions are right.

Being the absolute center of St. Maarten’s nightlife, you can expect to find a million restaurants in Simpson Bay. There are many websites that list and review them all, I am only going to mention the ones I have tested and would recommend.

IZI Ristorante Italiano (Cole Bay)

Again, this Italian restaurant is not in Simpson Bay but in Cole Bay. Still, we must put this first on our list as it is one of the most famous restaurants in St. Maarten with really good reviews. It is located at the end of Simpson Bay lagoon towards Philipsburg.

Pineapple Pete Restaurant (Cole Bay)

Just right in front of IZI you will find an other island favorite, the Pineapple Pete. This casual Caribbean eatery has become a signature eating place on St. Maarten. Expect the usual Caribbean food like cheeseburger, BBQ ribs, lobster, fish and so on. There is live music every evening which makes it a perfect place to start your night out.

La Sucriere (Cole Bay)

This French bakery is my personal favorite to have breakfast. They serve all sorts of pastry which you can enjoy on their terrace overlooking the Simpson Bay lagoon.

Zee Best (Cole Bay)

Another famous breakfast place in St. Maarten. Their menu offers a wider selection of items and they are also open for lunch.

Top Carrot (Cole Bay)

It’s not easy to eat healthy in St. Maarten as most of the places offer the usual fast food. Top Carrot is a nice exception with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, juices and protein smoothies. They also have a small boutique to shop for unusual pieces of jewelry, books, candles, beach wear and stuff.

Skip Jack’s Seafood Grill, Bar & Fish Market (Cole Bay)

If you are looking for freshest seafood, then head to the iconic Skip Jack in front of Kim Sha Beach, where they have their own fish market.

Johnny B’s Under the Tree

Authentic Caribbean eatery serving grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, lobster, fishes and crabs, as well as all sorts of stews and soups.

Al Pasha

If you are craving something other than sea food and burgers, Al Pasha is a great alternative with authentic Lebanese food.

Little Jerusalem

A favorite place among locals for their friendly service, generous portions and affordable prices. It was voted St. Maarten’s Best Middle Eastern Restaurant and Best Shawarma Place.

Buccaneer Beach Bar

I should not even put this on the list of restaurants on Simpson Bay Beach as this one is actually right on Kim Sha Beach. Anyway, I must recommend this place for dinner when they light up the famous fireballs on the beach creating a magical ambience.

Karakter

We have arrived to the first place that is truly on Simpson Bay Beach. Karakter is a lively European style beach bar with great music. It’s the perfect place to end the day and watch the sunset with a Coronita.

Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill

It is the latest addition to the Simpson Bay scene. The beachfront restaurant of Dinghy’s opened in September 2023. It’s right at the very end of Simpson Bay near Beacon Hill, from where you can also walk over to Maho Beach to watch the planes land.

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Simpson Bay? You're in luck! The area boasts a wide range of resorts and hotels, as well as budget apartments to be rented via Airbnb or Vrbo.

Don’t let their names fool you, these hotels are almost all found in Cole Bay, but as I had explained above, even locals refer to this part of Cole Bay as Simpson Bay.

Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina

It’s the “go-to” hotel for many people coming to Sint Maarten which offers breathtaking views of the bay. It has all the amenities, stores, bars and the Hollywood Casino is only one minute walk away. On top if these, its marina is the departure point for many excursions including day trips to Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba.

Hilton Vacation Club Flamingo Beach Simpson Bay

After Hurricane Irma, Flamingo Beach Resort was taken over by Hilton that brought the place to modern standards. For a homey feel with all the comforts of a resort, the Pelican Resort Club is a great choice. It's perfect for families and groups looking for a cozy and relaxing getaway.

Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten

Royal Palm, after a long legal battle with the time share owners, was also acquired by Hilton after Hurricane Irma. With its prime beachfront location, top-notch amenities, and stellar service, your stay at Royal Palm is sure to be unforgettable. Make sure you ask for a room with “bridge view” so you can watch the luxury mega yachts passing right in front of your window.

Atrium Beach Resort and Spa

The Atrium is known for its spacious and comfortable accommodations at a little lower price point. It's a great option for travelers who prefer a laid-back and hassle-free stay.

Liberty Inn and Travel Inn

These two are budget accommodation options in Simpson Bay which have very mixed reviews. I don’t want to ruin anybody’s business but for this price, you are much better off with an Airbnb rental.

Beach Side Villa and Apartment Rental near Simpson Bay Beach

If you truly want to stay by Simpson Bay Beach, then you will need to look for villas and apartments, or small boutique hotels like Mary’s Boon. These villas offer privacy and exclusivity, making them ideal for those seeking a more intimate vacation experience.

Mary’s Boon Beach Hotel and Spa

This place is a local favorite often referred to as “St. Maarten’s Little Secret”. The hotel offers true Caribbean vibes in an intimate setting right on Simpson Bay Beach. An excellent choice for honeymooners.

Coco’s Beach Simpson Bay

Don't miss out on Coco's Beach, a hidden gem among the accommodations in Simpson Bay. It offers a unique beachfront living experience that's both affordable and charming.

Airbnb and Vrbo

The above are some of the popular options, but the list of villas at Simpson Bay Beach is endless and I cannot review them all. All I can tell you is that while Simpson Bay has a vibrant atmosphere and a lot of action going on, you can still find a serene, quiet retreat when staying in a beachfront villa.

Simpson Bay Beach is an excellent place to stay where the lively day-to-day buzz is balanced with peaceful evenings, providing the best of both worlds. Whether you're here for the excitement or the calm, Simpson Bay caters to all, ensuring your stay is both exhilarating and restful.

Given the small size of St. Maarten, it’s really simple to get to Simpson Bay Beach either by public transport, taxi or driving yourself.

Driving to Simpson Bay Beach

If coming from Oyster Bay, then head towards Philipsburg on the main road. From Philipsburg and the cruise ship terminal, continue towards Cole Bay along the mountain road. Once you arrive to the round about in Cole Bay, turn left and keep on going until you cross the Simpson Bay bridge.

From Orient Beach, take a scenic drive along the coast towards Grand Case. From Grand Case, keep on driving until you reach Marigot. It’s a bit tricky to get through the town, so just follow the signs that say Philipsburg or Cole Bay. Do not go towards Nettle Bay or the lowlands (Basse Terre). Once you left Marigot, you will cross the invisible border to the Dutch side where you will need to take a left at the roundabout to cross the Simpson Bay causeway. After the bridge, turn left and you arrive to the Simpson Bay area.

Public transport to Simpson Bay Beach

If you want to take a bus to Simpson Bay Beach, you can do that from Philipsburg, Cole Bay, Marigot, Maho or Mullet Bay for a $1-3 USD. There is no bus from Orient Beach, Oyster Pond or Grand Case.

Look for the sign behind the windshield of the bus to see its destination. If you are coming from Philipsburg or Cole Bay, look for a bus that’s heading towards Maho or Mullet. If coming from Marigot, look for one that says Philipsburg and change bus at the Cole Bay roundabout to an other one that goes towards Maho or Mullet.

When coming from Mullet or Maho Beach, look for a sign that says Philipsburg or Cole Bay.

Taxi to Simpson Bay Beach

The taxi will cost you about $30-40 USD from Philipsburg and the cruise port, and roughly the same from Marigot. The rate will be around $50-60 from Oyster Pond, Orient Beach and Grand Case and about $20-30 USD from Mullet Beach and Maho Village.

Keep in Mind the Simpson Bay Bridge Opening Times

There are two bridges you will have to cross on your way to Simpson Bay. One is the small bridge at the police station, while the other one is the Simpson Bay lagoon causeway. They both open time to time to let boats pass under them which can halt traffic for up to 20 minutes.

Check the bridge opening time schedule to better plan your day.

Parking in Simpson Bay

The only problem with parking is in the evening in front of popular restaurants. Other than that, there should be no problem finding parking space.

Simpson Bay Beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing, taking leisurely strolls and just soaking in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean. With year round great weather in Simpson Bay, it is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored. With its stunning beach, exciting activities, and wide range of accommodations, it's the perfect destination for your next vacation.