SXM
The Sint Maarten Dutch Caribbean Guide
EN FR ES
Home / Guides / Beaches & Attractions
THE SINT MAARTEN EDITORIAL

Simpson Bay Lagoon: The Caribbean's Premier Mega-Yacht Hub

Published on November 15, 2024 • The Sint Maarten Editorial Team

Simpson Bay Lagoon, spanning both the Dutch and French sides of the island, is the Caribbean’s largest lagoon and one of the world’s most prestigious yachting destinations. The lagoon can shelter over 2,000 vessels, including superyachts exceeding 100 meters.

The Famous Bridge Openings

Twice daily, the Simpson Bay Bridge opens to allow vessels to transit between the lagoon and open sea. The 9am and 5:30pm openings draw crowds of onlookers as superyachts worth hundreds of millions of dollars parade through.

World-Class Marinas

  • IGY Simpson Bay Marina: Full-service facility handling 180-foot+ superyachts
  • Simpson Bay Yacht Club: Charter base and provisioning hub
  • Isle de Sol Marina: Boutique marina adjacent to luxury villas

The Yachting Season

November to May is peak yachting season, when the Caribbean racing circuit brings vessels from the Heineken Regatta, St. Barths Bucket, and Les Voiles de Saint-Barth to the lagoon for refitting and provisioning.

Charter Base

Sint Maarten serves as the premier bareboat and crewed charter base for the Leeward Islands circuit: Anguilla, St. Barths, Statia, Saba, and the BVIs are all within a day’s sail.

Partenaire
Partenaire
Partenaire