Discover the Best of Simpson Bay
Your Ultimate Guide to Adventures in St. Maarten
Explore the vibrant heart of St. Maarten with our comprehensive guide to the top activities near Simpson Bay. From stunning beaches to thrilling watersports, uncover the best experiences just steps from Bakers Suites.
Experience the Essence of Simpson Bay
Staying in Simpson Bay puts you at the beating heart of St. Maarten. From your room at Baker’s Suites, some of the island’s best beaches, restaurants, watersports, and island-hopping adventures are just minutes away — many of them walkable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to St. Maarten for the tenth time, Simpson Bay delivers a different experience every day. This guide covers the top things to do near Simpson Bay specifically for hotel guests who want to make every hour count — organized by category, with distances and insider tips included.
Why Simpson Bay Is St. Maarten's Best Base
Simpson Bay is widely considered the most convenient and vibrant area to stay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. It sits between Princess Juliana International Airport and the world-famous Maho Beach, with direct access to the Simpson Bay Lagoon one of the largest inland lagoons in the entire Caribbean and a long stretch of sandy shoreline facing the calm Caribbean Sea.
The area has evolved from a quiet fishing village into the island’s hub for dining, watersports, marinas, and nightlife, all while retaining an authentic local character that larger resort areas often lose. For guests of Baker’s Suites on Billy Folly Road, this means world-class activities are genuinely right outside your door.
Best Beaches Near Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
St. Maarten is famous for having 37 beaches on an island you can drive across in under an hour. From Simpson Bay, the finest beaches are all easily accessible — several within walking distance.
| Beach | Distance from Baker’s Suites | Best For | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Sha Beach | 5 min walk | Families, sunsets, calm water | Walk |
| Simpson Bay Beach | 8 min walk | Long stretches, local vibe | Walk |
| Maho Beach | 5 min drive | Plane spotting, lively bars | Drive / Taxi |
| Mullet Bay Beach | 8 min drive | Calm water, local favorite | Drive / Taxi |
| Cupecoy Beach | 12 min drive | Dramatic cliffs, couples | Drive / Taxi |
| Baie Rouge (French Side) | 20 min drive | Laid-back luxury, seclusion | Drive |
Kim Sha Beach literally a 5-minute walk from Baker’s Suites is a local favorite for good reason. Calm turquoise water, a relaxed beachside bar scene, beautiful sunsets and almost no crowds compared to the busier tourist beaches. It’s the perfect morning swim or late-afternoon wind-down spot. Read our full beach guide for hidden gems near Baker’s Suites →
Dining & Nightlife in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
St. Maarten is known across the Caribbean as a gourmet destination — with over 200 restaurants island-wide, it has more restaurants per square mile than almost anywhere in the Caribbean. Simpson Bay is home to some of the very best, ranging from barefoot beachside grills to elegant French-inspired dining rooms.
Local Eats Worth Knowing
The Simpson Bay area has a rich tradition of local Caribbean cuisine — fresh grilled fish from the Simpson Bay Fish Market, Johnny cakes, salt fish, and Guavaberry liqueur made from berries unique to the island’s hills. Don’t leave without trying the local rum punch at one of the beach bars along Kim Sha or Simpson Bay Beach.
Nightlife on the Strip
After sunset, Simpson Bay transforms. The Maho Beach strip — just 5 minutes from Baker’s Suites is the island’s most lively nightlife zone, with bars, clubs, live music venues and the Hollywood Casino running until the early hours. For a more relaxed evening, the waterfront bars along Simpson Bay Lagoon offer sunset cocktails with a front-row view of the megayacht marina.
Duty-Free Shopping
Both Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side are world-renowned duty-free shopping destinations. From French perfumes and wines to Cuban cigars, designer jewelry, electronics, and locally made hot sauces and Caribbean spices — a half-day shopping trip from Simpson Bay is easily arranged. Rent a car to explore both sides →
Explore St. Maarten: Day One
Your Perfect First Day Itinerary
- Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café, savoring the flavors of the Caribbean. Then, head to Kim Sha Beach, just a short walk from the hotel, for a morning of sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. By midday, embark on a thrilling snorkeling adventure to discover the vibrant marine life that calls these waters home.
- In the afternoon, take a scenic catamaran cruise around the island, capturing breathtaking views and enjoying the gentle sea breeze. As the sun begins to set, make your way to Maho Beach for the exhilarating experience of plane spotting. End your day with a sumptuous dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, indulging in the rich culinary delights that St. Maarten has to offer.
Insider Tips for a Memorable Stay
Baker's Suites Boutique Hotel — Steps from It All
Every activity in this guide is within easy reach of Baker’s Suites, our family-run boutique hotel on Billy Folly Road in Simpson Bay. With 13 fully equipped condo-style suites each with a private balcony, full kitchen, and ocean views we’re the ideal base for guests who want to do and see everything St. Maarten has to offer.
Browse our ocean view suites in Simpson Bay and find the perfect room for your stay. On-site car rental available.
- 5-min walk to Kim Sha Beach
- On-site car rental
- Private balconies & ocean views
- Full kitchens in every suite
- Minutes from Simpson Bay Marina
- Free parking & Wi-Fi
The Perfect First Day in Simpson Bay: A Guest Itinerary
Not sure where to begin? Here’s how Baker’s Suites guests typically spend their first day in Simpson Bay designed to give you the best overview of the area without rushing.
Morning: Start with a walk to Kim Sha Beach for a swim and breakfast at one of the beachside spots. The water is calmest in the morning and the beach is at its quietest.
Midday: Grab a rental car from Baker’s Suites and drive the 5 minutes to Maho Beach for the famous plane-spotting experience. Continue on to Mullet Bay and Cupecoy for some of the island’s most beautiful shoreline.
Afternoon: Head to the French side for an hour of duty-free browsing in Marigot, then stop at Baie Rouge for a late-afternoon swim at one of the most scenic beaches on the island.
Evening: Return to Simpson Bay for sunset cocktails at a lagoon-side bar, followed by dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. End the night however you like quiet or lively, Simpson Bay has both.
Need a car? Baker’s Suites offers on-site car rental in Simpson Bay at guest-friendly rates. It’s the single best way to see both sides of the island on your own schedule.
Insider Tips for a Memorable Stay
FAQ: Things to Do in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
What is there to do near Simpson Bay in St. Maarten?
Simpson Bay offers an exceptional range of activities including beaches (Kim Sha, Simpson Bay Beach, Maho), watersports (snorkeling, kayaking, jet skis, catamaran cruises), island hopping to Anguilla and St. Barths, world-class dining, nightlife on the Maho strip, duty-free shopping, and eco-adventures like Loterie Farm. Most activities are within a 15-minute drive from Baker’s Suites.
Your Title Goes HereIs Simpson Bay a good area to stay in St. Maarten?
Yes — Simpson Bay is widely considered the best area to stay in St. Maarten for guests who want convenience and variety. It has supermarkets, restaurants, marinas, beaches, nightlife, and the airport all within easy reach. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want to explore the whole island rather than just sit in one resort.
How far is Kim Sha Beach from Simpson Bay hotels?
Kim Sha Beach is just a 5-minute walk from Baker’s Suites Boutique Hotel on Billy Folly Road in Simpson Bay. It’s one of the closest and most convenient beaches on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, known for its calm water, local beach bars, and beautiful sunsets.
Can you walk to the beach from Baker's Suites in Simpson Bay?
Yes. Kim Sha Beach and Simpson Bay Beach are both walkable from Baker’s Suites — typically under 10 minutes on foot. For beaches slightly further away like Maho, Mullet Bay, or Cupecoy, Baker’s Suites offers on-site car rental to make getting around easy and affordable.
What is the best way to get around St. Maarten from Simpson Bay?
Renting a car is the best way to explore St. Maarten from Simpson Bay. The island is small enough to drive across in under 30 minutes, so a rental car gives you complete freedom to visit both the Dutch and French sides, access beaches, and reach marinas for island-hopping. Baker’s Suites offers convenient on-site car rental for guests.
Ready to Explore Simpson Bay?
Plan your St. Maarten getaway at Baker’s Suites a boutique hotel in the heart of Simpson Bay, steps from Kim Sha Beach and everything this guide covers.
What Our Guests Say
★★★★★
“Staying at Bakers Suites was an absolute delight! The proximity to all the attractions made our vacation stress-free and enjoyable. We loved the sunset cruise and the vibrant nightlife in Simpson Bay!”
Emily R.
Travel Enthusiast
★★★★★
“The staff at Bakers Suites went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. The insider tips they provided helped us discover the best local spots. We can’t wait to come back!”
John D.
Adventure Seeker
★★★★★
“Our family had an amazing time at Bakers Suites. The location was perfect for exploring the island, and the nearby beaches were stunning. Highly recommend for anyone visiting St. Maarten!”
Sarah L.
Family Traveler