Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay is on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, close to Simpson Bay Lagoon and Princess Juliana International Airport. Travelers come for the beach, boating and a convenient island base.
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Simpson Bay is a coastal area on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. Its beach faces the sea, and Simpson Bay Lagoon sits just inland. The area is near Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes approach over nearby Maho Beach. Travelers use Simpson Bay for time by the water, access to boating and a base for exploring the island.
This area suits travelers who want the beach and lagoon close by and do not mind airport activity or development. It may not suit you if you want a secluded stay. The dry season runs roughly from December through April. A few days gives you time to settle in and explore more of Sint Maarten; stay longer if you also want to visit the French side.
Simpson Bay in five
- Check which side of the island you’re enteringSimpson Bay is on the Dutch side of the island. Entry requirements depend on your passport; check Sint Maarten’s rules before you travel.
- Allow for Simpson Bay Bridge openingsThe bridge opens for boats entering and leaving Simpson Bay Lagoon, stopping road traffic. Allow extra time if you’re heading to the airport.
- Use US dollars for everyday spendingSint Maarten’s currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, but US dollars are widely accepted. Ask which currency a quoted price uses.
- Expect aircraft noise near Maho BeachPlanes approach Princess Juliana International Airport over Maho Beach. Choose accommodation away from the airport if aircraft noise would disturb you.
- Check the bridge before driving around the lagoonThe causeway connects Simpson Bay with the airport area. Bridge openings stop road traffic, so check the current schedule before setting out.
Things to do in Simpson Bay
See all attractions in Simpson Bay
Need to know
- Currency
- Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG); US dollars widely accepted
- Entry
- Entry requirements depend on nationality and trip
- Emergency
- 911
- Tipping
- Check the bill for service charge; extra tipping is optional
- Time
- UTC−4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayRain returns
- JuneWet season
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberWet, humid
- NovemberRain easing
- DecemberDry season
Right now in Simpson Bay
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 73%
- Wind
- 30 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 69%
Simpson Bay
04:41 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°28°69%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Tue29°28°31%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Wed29°27°27%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Thu29°28°35%Thursday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Fri28°27°67%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sat28°27°75%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun28°26°62%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 62%.
Updated 02:17 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Maho Beachabout 10 to 20 min by carWatch aircraft approach Princess Juliana International Airport from the public beach.
- Philipsburgabout 20 to 30 min by carVisit Sint Maarten’s capital for its shops and waterfront along Great Bay.
- Marigotabout 20 to 30 min by carCross to the French side for the capital’s market and waterfront.
Before you go to Simpson Bay
Rules for Simpson Bay, checked
- Check Sint Maarten’s entry requirements for your passport before travelling; rules depend on nationality and trip.
- Follow airport signs and local instructions near Princess Juliana International Airport. Do not enter restricted areas to watch aircraft.
- Check the current Simpson Bay Bridge schedule before driving across the causeway, as openings stop road traffic.
Plan around Simpson Bay
Plan a trip across the French and Dutch sides of the island.
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between Simpson Bay and the rest of the island.
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan spending, cards and cash for your trip.
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport.
Read the guideWhere to stayCompare accommodation options for your trip.
Read the guideSimpson Bay FAQ
Is Simpson Bay on the French or Dutch side?
Simpson Bay is on the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten. The French side is Saint-Martin.
Is Simpson Bay close to the airport?
Yes. Princess Juliana International Airport is next to Simpson Bay, and aircraft noise is noticeable near the airport and Maho Beach.
Do you need a car in Simpson Bay?
A car helps if you plan to visit different parts of the island. Simpson Bay Bridge openings stop road traffic, so allow extra time for crossings.
What currency is used in Simpson Bay?
Sint Maarten’s currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, and US dollars are widely accepted. Check which currency a price is quoted in.
What is the best time to visit Simpson Bay?
December to April is the drier part of the year. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November; check official forecasts if travelling then.
Can you watch planes land near Simpson Bay?
Aircraft approach Princess Juliana International Airport over Maho Beach. Stay in public areas and follow posted safety instructions.