Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

UPSCALE December-April SXM - Princess Juliana International Airport US Dollar and Euro
Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $250-400 per person
Perfect For
Beach Luxury Nightlife Romantic Foodie Cruise Port
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
6.0/10
Romance
8.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
7.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May and November
Airport
SXM - Princess Juliana International Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
US Dollar and Euro
English and Dutch

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When to visit Simpson Bay

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May and November
Off season
June-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Simpson Bay quick facts

Main airport
SXM - Princess Juliana International Airport
Language
English and Dutch
Currency
US Dollar and Euro
Typical daily cost
$250-400 per person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay is relatively compact and walkable, with most marina restaurants, bars, and attractions within easy walking distance. Taxis are readily available and rates are regulated, though somewhat expensive for longer trips around the island.

Rental car

A rental car is recommended if you plan to explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island, visit multiple beaches, or venture beyond the Simpson Bay area.

Public transit

Public buses run along major routes but service is limited and not particularly tourist-friendly for getting around Simpson Bay specifically.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available in St. Maarten. Licensed taxis are the primary ride option and can be found at hotels, the marina, and major attractions.

Local tips for Simpson Bay

Insider tips

  • Visit Sunset Beach Bar at Maho Beach during afternoon arrivals to watch large jets land just overhead.
  • Make dinner reservations early at popular Simpson Bay waterfront restaurants, especially during peak season.
  • The lagoon side offers calmer waters than the ocean beaches, perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.
  • Many restaurants and bars offer happy hour specials between 4-6 PM with significant drink discounts.
  • Water taxis operate around the lagoon, providing scenic transport between marinas and restaurants.
  • Casino Royale and other gaming venues stay open late, with peak action starting around 9 PM.
  • The Simpson Bay Bridge opens twice daily for yacht passage, causing temporary traffic delays.
  • Duty-free shopping is available throughout the area with no sales tax on luxury goods.
  • Local fish markets near the marina offer fresh catches that restaurants will prepare for you.
  • Uber is not available, but licensed taxi drivers congregate near major hotels and the marina.

What to pack

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in tropical fabrics
  • Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF
  • Comfortable walking sandals and water shoes
  • Dressy resort wear for upscale marina restaurants
  • Waterproof phone case for water activities
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella for brief showers
  • Insect repellent for evening activities
  • Snorkeling gear if you have it
  • Formal attire for casino visits
  • Portable charger for long days exploring

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Simpson Bay

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Marina & Arrival
Morning: Arrive and check into your hotel, then explore Simpson Bay Marina and its shops and cafes. Take a walk around the lagoon to get oriented with the area.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the marina. Spend time at the hotel pool or take a short water taxi ride around the lagoon.
Evening: Have dinner at one of Simpson Bay's upscale marina restaurants, then try your luck at Casino Royale or enjoy drinks at a lagoon-side bar.
Day 2 — Beaches & Planes
Morning: Head to Maho Beach to experience the famous airplane landings up close. Grab coffee and breakfast at Sunset Beach Bar while watching the morning flights.
Afternoon: Relax on Maho Beach or explore nearby Mullet Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Return to Simpson Bay for a late lunch at the marina.
Evening: Enjoy sunset cocktails at a lagoon-side bar, followed by dinner and live music at one of the popular waterfront venues.
Day 3 — Water Adventures
Morning: Take a catamaran excursion or yacht charter from Simpson Bay Marina. Many trips include snorkeling stops and beach visits around the island.
Afternoon: Continue your boat excursion with swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the Caribbean waters. Most tours include lunch and drinks onboard.
Evening: Return to Simpson Bay for a casual dinner at a local favorite restaurant, then explore the nightlife scene with beach bars and late-night venues.
Day 4 — Island Exploration
Morning: Rent a car or take a taxi to explore Philipsburg for duty-free shopping and historic sites. Walk along the boardwalk and browse Front Street shops.
Afternoon: Drive to the French side to visit Marigot for lunch and French Caribbean culture. Stop at Grand Case for its famous culinary scene.
Evening: Return to Simpson Bay for your final dinner at a special waterfront restaurant, celebrating your stay with premium dining and lagoon views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Simpson Bay

The best time to visit Simpson Bay is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May and November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Simpson Bay is $250-400 per person per person. Simpson Bay is generally considered a upscale destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Simpson Bay. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Simpson Bay is SXM - Princess Juliana International Airport. The primary language spoken is English and Dutch. The currency used is US Dollar and Euro.

Essential items to pack for Simpson Bay include: Lightweight, breathable clothing in tropical fabrics, Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF, Comfortable walking sandals and water shoes, Dressy resort wear for upscale marina restaurants, Waterproof phone case for water activities, Light rain jacket or umbrella for brief showers, Insect repellent for evening activities, Snorkeling gear if you have it. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Simpson Bay: Visit Sunset Beach Bar at Maho Beach during afternoon arrivals to watch large jets land just overhead.. Make dinner reservations early at popular Simpson Bay waterfront restaurants, especially during peak season.. The lagoon side offers calmer waters than the ocean beaches, perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.. Many restaurants and bars offer happy hour specials between 4-6 PM with significant drink discounts.. Water taxis operate around the lagoon, providing scenic transport between marinas and restaurants..