
Kim Sha Beach Simpson Bay
A vibrant Simpson Bay beach offering water sports, beachfront dining, and stunning Caribbean views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Kim Sha Beach Simpson Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Simpson Bay beach offering water sports, beachfront dining, and stunning Caribbean views.
"Beautiful beach with beachfront bar and restaurant. Soft sand and calm water."

🚗 Parking Availability
Plenty of car parking is available in the local area.
💰 Sunbed Rental Caution
Be aware that some vendors may pressure you to rent sunbeds; beaches are public.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Water Sports Galore
Along the beach
Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, and other exciting water activities.

Beachfront Dining & Drinks
Roxxy Beach, Buccaneer Beach Bar, Greenhouse Restaurant
Sip cocktails and savor delicious food with stunning ocean views.

Relaxing Sands
Main beach area
Enjoy the soft sand and calm, turquoise waters perfect for a leisurely day.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Costs
Understand Excursion Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Availability
Plenty of car parking is available in the local area.
💰 Sunbed Rental Caution
Be aware that some vendors may pressure you to rent sunbeds; beaches are public.
🍹 Beach Bar Vibes
Enjoy cocktails and food at beachfront spots like Roxxy Beach or Buccaneer Beach Bar.
🛶 Kayak Lagoon Tours
Explore the saltwater lagoon on a guided kayak tour starting from the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Availability
Plenty of car parking is available in the local area.
💰 Sunbed Rental Caution
Be aware that some vendors may pressure you to rent sunbeds; beaches are public.
🍹 Beach Bar Vibes
Enjoy cocktails and food at beachfront spots like Roxxy Beach or Buccaneer Beach Bar.
🛶 Kayak Lagoon Tours
Explore the saltwater lagoon on a guided kayak tour starting from the beach.
💆♀️ Nearby Spa Services
Salon & Spa Milada is conveniently located nearby for pampering.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kim Sha Beach is praised for its beautiful scenery, soft sand, and calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. Visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with beachfront bars and water sports like jet skiing and kayaking. However, some find the beach and associated services, like chair rentals and excursions, to be overpriced, with a feeling of being taken advantage of by some vendors.
"Way too expensive to what it is offering. I am very disappointed with my experience at Kim Sha Beach. The Royal Caribbean excursion cost $104, but what was offered felt like taking advantage of tourists.
We were picked up by boat and then transferred to a big bus that drove us about 20 minutes to the beach area. During the ride, we received a short history talk about the islands. When we arrived, we were offered fruit punch served from a construction-style water bucket (the orange kind). We declined.
The beach chairs were extremely dirty and broken. For lunch, we were taken to the Greenhouse restaurant with a pre-set menu. It was stated that we could order one drink and one item from the menu, but the server told us there were no refills. On top of that, we were required to pay tips. I looked up their menu later, and the sandwich cost $32, which I personally think is overpriced.
So, for a 20-minute bus ride and broken beach chairs, it cost us $80 per person—plus we still had to pay for umbrellas. This felt like a complete rip-off and nothing more than taking advantage of tourists.
The beach itself is very beautiful, but honestly, all the beaches around St. Maarten are beautiful. Even on the bus, there was another sign reminding us to leave tips.
I’ve attached photos so you can see—this experience was definitely not worth $104."
Tatyana Chakir
"Beautiful beach with beachfront bar and restaurant. Soft sand and calm water"
Alyssa W.
"Nice beach with water sports, kayaking, diving, restaurants, bars and toilet facilities. The beach is kept tidy by the businesses based along it. You can hire beach chairs and umbrellas. Plenty of car parking in the local area."
Ian Thrasher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kim Sha Beach is located in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. If you're arriving by cruise ship, you can take a taxi or a pre-booked excursion. Many visitors rent cars to explore the island and reach the beach.
Yes, Kim Sha Beach is accessible from cruise ports in Philipsburg. Taxis are readily available, and some cruise lines offer excursions directly to the beach.
Taxis are common in Simpson Bay. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the area and reaching Kim Sha Beach.
Yes, there is plenty of car parking available in the local area near Kim Sha Beach.
Some hotels, like Commodore Suites, are located right on or very close to Kim Sha Beach, making it easily walkable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kim Sha Beach itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. However, you may need to pay for amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas.
Rental prices for beach chairs and umbrellas can vary. Some visitors have reported them to be on the higher side, especially if not part of a package.
While some restaurants and water sports operators might offer packages, be cautious of cruise ship excursions, as they can be expensive for what's included.
Beach bars and restaurants typically operate during daylight hours and into the evening, with specific hours varying by establishment.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the local businesses for food and drinks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, and other recreational activities.
The beach features soft sand and calm waters, making it suitable for swimming.
Yes, toilet facilities are available, typically managed by the businesses operating along the beach.
Kim Sha Beach offers a lively atmosphere with beachfront bars and restaurants, alongside opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
It can get busy, especially when cruise ships are in port or during peak season. Visiting on weekdays can offer a less crowded experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several beachfront restaurants and bars, including Greenhouse Restaurant, Roxxy Beach, and Buccaneer Beach Bar, offering various cuisines and drinks.
Some visitors have found restaurant prices to be high. It's advisable to check menus and prices beforehand.
Many restaurants offer a mix of international and local Caribbean flavors. Asking locals for recommendations can be helpful.
You can expect a wide range of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages at the beach bars.
Tipping is generally expected at restaurants in Sint Maarten, and some establishments may include it in the bill.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the turquoise water, the soft sand, and the mega-yachts in the nearby lagoon. The piers and beachfront bars also offer great photo opportunities.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday provides bright, clear shots of the water.
Consider capturing the contrast between the calm beach and the impressive yachts in Simpson Bay Lagoon. Kayak tours also offer unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and lagoon. A waterproof camera or phone case is recommended for water activities.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families staying nearby, hotels like Commodore Suites offer convenient access. It's also worth noting that some cruise ship excursions might be geared more towards adults, so researching independent options or planning your own family day can be more cost-effective and tailored to your needs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for local eateries slightly off the main beachfront strip for potentially more affordable dining options. Remember that the beach itself is public, so focus on enjoying the natural beauty and swimming, which are free.
couples
Consider staying at a boutique hotel like Commodore Suites, which offers a more intimate and upscale experience right on the beach. Dining at one of the beachfront restaurants can be a lovely way to end the day, though it's wise to check menus and prices beforehand to suit your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports and Activities
Beyond the motorized and paddle-powered options, the beach is also a great spot for swimming and simply enjoying the water. The soft sand and gentle entry into the sea make it accessible for most visitors. Remember to check with local operators for availability, pricing, and any safety guidelines before embarking on your chosen activity.
Dining and Beachfront Experience
These establishments provide not only food and drinks but also amenities like beach chair and umbrella rentals. While the convenience is undeniable, it's worth noting that some visitors have felt pressured to rent these items, and the beaches are technically public spaces. For those looking to experience the local culinary scene, asking staff or locals for recommendations can lead to discovering hidden gems or authentic island flavors.
Accommodation and Proximity
This proximity makes Kim Sha Beach an attractive base for exploring the southern part of Sint Maarten. Visitors can easily walk to the beach, enjoy water sports, dine at beachfront restaurants, and then retreat to their comfortable suites. The area is well-connected, with taxis readily available for further exploration of the island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit