Overview
For many years, Simpson Bay was the home of a Danish fishing community with no bridge to allow flow in and out of the lagoon.Today a large drawbridge opens six times a day to enable access by megayachts, sail boats and leisure vessels. Simpson Bay Marina is located on the Western side of the Dutch bridge, closest to the airport. The area is surrounded by hotels, casinos, and restaurants.
St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. They have lived side by side ever since. On the Dutch side, St. Maarten, also known as Sint Maarten, is famous for its impressive variety of water sports, miles of pristine beaches, eco-tours, plus excellent duty-free shopping, dining and nightlife. From Simpson Bay Marina, you can embark on all kinds of charters… from sailing adventures and sunset cruises, to deep sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba day trips.
The Saint Maarten Museum, in the Dutch capital city of Philipsburg, reflects the history and culture of the island and its people from prehistoric to modern times. A museum gift shop is on-site. The St. Maarten 12-Meter Regatta at Great Bay in Philipsburg makes America's Cup yachts available to visitors for regattas and charters, with Dennis Conner's Stars & Stripes 1987 among them. Participants have an opportunity to help sail one of the yachts.
The island offers vast outdoor entertainment options including golf, tennis, volleyball, horseback riding, mountain-biking, plus waterborne activities such as: scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking, wind surfing, parasailing and deep-sea fishing. In addition, St. Maarten features numerous spas and fitness centers presenting a complete range of beauty, relaxation, and rejuvenation services, plus fitness classes and gym equipment.
Simpson Bay Marina sits at the epicenter of what is undoubtedly the island's most complete residential, marine, and commercial center. The lagoon area offers more marinas and marine related businesses and services than in any other part of the island.
