• Aerial view of Simpson Bay Lagoon in Saint Martin showing sailboats, marinas, turquoise Caribbean waters, and the lagoon entrance.

    Simpson Bay Lagoon

    The Cruising Heart of Saint Martin

    Sint Maarten / Saint Martin • Leeward Islands

  • Map of Saint Martin showing the Dutch side of Sint Maarten and the French side of Saint Martin, including Simpson Bay Lagoon, Marigot Harbor, Grand Case Harbor, and Philipsburg.

    Island Overview

    Saint Martin is the Caribbean's only island shared by two nations, giving sailors convenient access to both Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin from a single cruising base.

  • Map of the northeastern Caribbean showing sailing connections from Simpson Bay Lagoon to Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, Antigua, and the Leeward Islands cruising region.

    Gateway to the Leeward Islands

    Positioned at the northern gateway to the Leeward Islands, Simpson Bay Lagoon is a natural jumping-off point for cruises to Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, Antigua, and the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Waterfront restaurants, marinas, sailboats, and cruising activity along Simpson Bay Lagoon in Saint Martin, showcasing the island's vibrant sailing and waterfront lifestyle.

    Cruising Hub

    Few Caribbean harbors offer the combination of protected anchorage, full-service marinas, skilled marine trades, provisioning, and international cruising activity found at Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Why This Harbor Matters

Few harbors in the Caribbean combine protected waters, one of the Caribbean's most complete marine service networks, and access to two distinct island cultures as seamlessly as Simpson Bay Lagoon. For decades, it has served as one of the region's premier cruising hubs, welcoming everyone from first-time charter crews to experienced offshore sailors preparing for their next passage. Whether arriving after an ocean crossing, beginning a charter, or staging for an island-hopping adventure, cruisers rely on Simpson Bay Lagoon as a dependable place to provision, complete customs formalities, make repairs, and prepare for the next leg of their voyage.

Beyond its practical advantages, Simpson Bay Lagoon captures the spirit of Caribbean cruising. Protected anchorages, lively marinas, waterfront restaurants, and an active international sailing community create an atmosphere where visiting crews, liveaboards, and long-distance cruisers naturally gather. The island's unique blend of Dutch and French cultures adds a character found nowhere else in the Caribbean, rewarding sailors with experiences that extend well beyond the marina docks and anchorages.

For many voyages, Simpson Bay Lagoon becomes far more than a destination—it becomes a strategic crossroads. Positioned at the northern gateway to the Leeward Islands, it provides an ideal base for exploring Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, Antigua, and the wider Eastern Caribbean. Whether continuing south through the island chain, preparing for longer offshore passages, or simply enjoying one of the Caribbean's most complete cruising destinations, Simpson Bay Lagoon remains one of the defining harbors of Eastern Caribbean cruising.

Harbor Snapshot

Country Sint Maarten / Saint Martin
Region Leeward Islands
Harbor Type Protected Lagoon & Marina Complex
Primary Cruising Role Full-Service Cruising Base
Best Known For Cruising Hub, Marinas, Yacht Services, Charter Base
Protection Excellent
Provisioning Excellent
Fuel & Water Widely Available
Customs & Immigration Available Nearby
Typical Stay 3–7 Days
Cruising Importance Major Eastern Caribbean Gateway

Cruising Highlights

At-a-glance features that define the cruising experience at this harbor.

Protection & Anchorage

Protection & Anchorage

  • Large protected lagoon
  • Shelter from ocean swell
  • Multiple anchoring options
  • Numerous marina berths
Marinas & Services

Marinas & Services

  • Full-service marinas
  • Boatyards and repairs
  • Marine supply stores
  • Professional yacht services
Provisioning & Access

Provisioning & Access

  • Major grocery stores nearby
  • Fuel and water available
  • International airport access
  • Easy transportation options
Cruising Connections

Cruising Connections

  • Anguilla
  • St. Barthélemy
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Antigua & Barbuda

Explore Simpson Bay Lagoon

Experience the protected lagoon, vibrant marinas, waterfront dining, and sweeping aerial views that make Simpson Bay Lagoon one of the Caribbean's premier cruising destinations.

Friends enjoying waterfront dining at sunset overlooking anchored sailboats, Caribbean waters, and the vibrant harbor atmosphere of Simpson Bay Lagoon in Saint Martin.
Waterfront dining, beach bars, and Caribbean sunsets create one of the Eastern Caribbean's most enjoyable cruising atmospheres.
Couple enjoying coffee along the waterfront at Simpson Bay Lagoon with sailboats, marina docks, turquoise Caribbean waters, and tropical scenery in Saint Martin.
Protected marinas, anchorages, and world-class marine services support everything from weekend charters to offshore passages.
Aerial view of Simpson Bay Lagoon in Saint Martin showing sailboats, marinas, turquoise Caribbean waters, and the lagoon entrance.
An aerial view of Simpson Bay Lagoon highlights its protected waters, marina network, and gateway location in the Leeward Islands.

Cruising Guide

Essential planning information for arriving, staying, and cruising from Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Guide Overview

Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the Caribbean's most complete cruising destinations, combining protected waters, extensive marina infrastructure, professional marine services, and immediate access to both the Dutch and French sides of Saint Martin. Whether arriving after an offshore passage, beginning a charter, or preparing for the next leg of an island-hopping adventure, the lagoon offers everything sailors need in one convenient location.

Arrival & Approach

Approaching Simpson Bay Lagoon is generally straightforward in settled weather, with the main entrance located on the Dutch side of Saint Martin through the Simpson Bay Bridge. Visiting yachts should confirm bridge opening schedules before arrival and monitor local VHF channels for current instructions. Once inside, the protected lagoon provides excellent shelter with numerous marina slips, mooring facilities, and designated anchorage areas.

Anchorages & Marinas

The lagoon contains one of the largest concentrations of marinas and yacht facilities in the Eastern Caribbean. Sailors can choose from full-service marinas, long-term slips, yacht clubs, and several popular anchorage areas depending on vessel size and cruising plans. Well-protected waters make the lagoon a comfortable base during both short visits and extended stays.

Marine Services

Simpson Bay Lagoon is recognized as one of the Caribbean's premier yacht service centers. Boatyards, haul-out facilities, marine mechanics, sail lofts, rigging specialists, electronics technicians, chandlers, and provisioning services are all located within easy reach. Most routine maintenance, repairs, and refits can be completed without leaving the lagoon.

Provisioning & Daily Needs

Major supermarkets, specialty food stores, marine supply shops, fuel docks, fresh water, laundry facilities, restaurants, medical services, and transportation are all readily available nearby. Princess Juliana International Airport provides convenient access for crew changes, making Simpson Bay Lagoon one of the easiest harbors in the Caribbean for both short visits and long-term cruising logistics.

Why Sailors Return

Beyond its outstanding facilities, Simpson Bay Lagoon offers a unique blend of Caribbean cruising culture, waterfront dining, international sailing events, and easy access to nearby destinations including Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, and Antigua. Many cruisers return season after season because few harbors combine world-class services with such an enjoyable atmosphere and strategic location.

Nearby Harbors

Discover the neighboring harbors that make Saint Martin one of the Caribbean's premier cruising destinations. Whether you're island hopping to Anguilla or St. Barthélemy, clearing customs, or planning your next offshore passage, these nearby stops naturally complement a visit to Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Marigot Harbor

Marigot Harbor

French-side harbor known for customs clearance, waterfront cafés, local markets, and French-Caribbean culture.

Explore Harbor
Philipsburg Harbor

Philipsburg Harbor

Major cruise and yachting port offering provisioning, shopping, marina services, and easy island access.

Explore Harbor
Oyster Pond Harbor

Oyster Pond Harbor

Protected harbor on the French-Dutch border providing marina access and a convenient gateway to Saint Barthélemy.

Explore Harbor
Gustavia Harbor

Gustavia Harbor

Premier St. Barth harbor known for luxury yachting, upscale dining, provisioning, and Caribbean cruising culture.

Explore Harbor
Simpson Bay Lagoon Harbor Collection keepsake

Harbor Collection

Celebrate This Harbor

Every harbor tells a story. Create a personalized Harbor Collection keepsake to remember Simpson Bay Lagoon, your home port, favorite cruising destination, first landfall, or unforgettable sailing adventure.

Four Engraving Styles

Home Port Favorite Harbor Harbor Memory Coordinates

Personalize Your Board

  • Harbor Name
  • Boat Name
  • Family Name
  • Coordinates
  • Dates
  • Special Message

Built to Last

  • Premium Acacia Hardwood
  • Precision Laser Engraved
  • Handmade in Minnesota
  • Designed for Cruisers
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Planning Your Visit to Simpson Bay Lagoon

Find quick answers about arriving, anchoring, marina services, customs, provisioning, nearby destinations, and planning your cruise from Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Is Simpson Bay Lagoon a good cruising base in the Caribbean? +
Yes. Simpson Bay Lagoon is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean's premier cruising bases thanks to its protected waters, extensive marina facilities, provisioning options, marine services, and convenient location near major Eastern Caribbean sailing destinations.
Which side of Saint Martin is Simpson Bay Lagoon located on? +
Simpson Bay Lagoon is located primarily on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, although the lagoon itself extends across portions of both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
Can sailors clear customs and immigration near Simpson Bay Lagoon? +
Yes. Customs and immigration facilities are conveniently available near the lagoon, making Simpson Bay one of the most popular arrival and departure points for cruisers visiting Saint Martin.
What destinations are commonly visited from Simpson Bay Lagoon? +
Cruisers frequently depart Simpson Bay Lagoon for Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, and other destinations throughout the Leeward Islands.
Why is Simpson Bay Lagoon important to Caribbean sailors? +
The lagoon serves as a major marine hub offering marinas, haul-out facilities, yacht maintenance services, provisioning, fuel, and sheltered waters for vessels cruising the Eastern Caribbean.
Can I create a personalized Harbor Collection keepsake for Simpson Bay Lagoon? +
Yes. Simpson Bay Lagoon is available as part of the Harbor Collection and can be personalized with names, vessel information, dates, coordinates, or special sailing memories.

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Northern Leeward Islands

Regional Guide

Northern Leeward Islands

Discover the islands, harbors, anchorages, and cruising routes that make the Northern Leeward Islands one of the Caribbean's premier sailing destinations.

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