Simpson Bay

Saint Martin & Sint Maarten, The Caribbean

Simpson Bay is a vibrant paradise on Saint Martin, renowned for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and exceptional dining options. With its crystal-clear waters, it offers water sports galore, from snorkeling to sailing. Visitors are drawn to its unique attractions, including the famous Princess Juliana International Airport runway right by the beach, where planes soar low overhead. The upbeat atmosphere and cultural blend make it a favored destination for a memorable island experience.

Quick facts

Target stay

5-7 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Princess Juliana

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Simpson Bay

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax on Maho Beach

Experience planes landing above your head at Maho Beach, a unique thrill!

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Simpson Bay Lagoon

Explore the largest lagoon in the Caribbean, perfect for boating.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Dining at Karakter

Savor local cuisine with stunning beach views at Karakter.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Fort Louis

Discover historical ruins with panoramic island views.

No booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Go snorkeling at Pinel Island

Dive into vibrant coral reefs just off Pinel Island.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Sunset Beach Bar

Enjoy drinks and live music with sunset views!

No booking required
7

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour around the island

See the stunning coastline and hidden beaches by boat.

Booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Shop at the Philipsburg Boardwalk

Browse local shops and enjoy beachfront dining.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Loterie Farm

Experience zip-lining and nature trails in a lush setting.

Booking required
10

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Carnival Festival

Join the vibrant festivities and local culture in July.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

No data

LGBTQ+ safety score

-3 (#70 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

US Dollar

Majority religion

No data

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Callaloo Soup

VE

Creamy soup made with callaloo leaves. (National dish)

Johnny Cakes

VE

Fried dough cakes, often served with meals.

Conch and Dumplings

Dumplings served with tender conch meat.

Crab Backs

Crab meat stuffed in shells, baked or fried.

Whelk Soup

Rich soup made with whelk, a type of sea snail.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)