Simpson Bay (South Entrance)
Simpson Bay outer anchorage · Simpson Bay approach
18°01.6'N 63°06.4'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 3–6m sand. Simpson Bay South is primarily a waiting anchorage for bridge transit. Do NOT anchor in the bridge approach fairway. In westerly or southerly swell the outer bay is uncomfortable — if waiting for the bridge overnight, anchor with adequate scope and set GPS alarm.
About This Anchorage
Simpson Bay South is the outer bay immediately south of the Simpson Bay Bridge — the gateway to Simpson Bay Lagoon on the Dutch side. It functions primarily as a holding anchorage for vessels waiting for bridge opening times (VHF 12, 0930 and 1730 daily in high season Dec–Apr). The anchorage in 3–6m clean sand offers good holding and moderate shelter from the NE trade winds. The Maho Beach phenomenon is immediately to the west — Princess Juliana Airport runway 10 approach brings aircraft at extremely low altitude directly over the beach, and aircraft noise in the Simpson Bay South anchorage is substantial. The famous Sunset Beach Bar on Maho Beach is accessible by dinghy from the anchorage. This is a transitory anchorage — most boats move into the lagoon after bridge transit.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Weekly mooring fee applies to all Sint Maarten waters
- Permit required
- No
- Mooring buoys
- No mooring buoys
Restrictions: Bridge approach fairway must be kept clear — do not anchor in fairway centreline; hail VHF 12 for bridge; Dutch customs clearance required; weekly mooring fees apply; no anchoring in airport safety area.
Hazards
- !Bridge approach fairway must be kept clear at all times — anchor well clear of centreline
- !Aircraft noise: Princess Juliana Airport runway 10 approach passes directly overhead Maho Beach 200m west — extreme noise events every 15–20 minutes
- !Exposed to south and southwest — anchor drag risk in southerly swell; use extra scope
- !Dutch customs clearance required before entering lagoon via bridge
Skipper's Tips
- →Monitor VHF 12 from 0900 and 1700 for bridge opening announcements — queue orderly with other vessels
- →Anchor well clear of the bridge approach fairway to avoid being asked to move when the bridge opens
- →Maho Beach 200m west is worth a dinghy trip — the aircraft approach is a genuine spectacle (KLM Dreamliner and Air France landing 20m overhead)
- →If waiting overnight for a morning bridge opening, increase scope and set GPS alarm — the outer bay has some southerly swell exposure
Facilities
Sunset Beach Bar on Maho Beach (200m dinghy west) is famous for the aircraft approach experience — serves food and drinks with direct view of runway 10 approach. Otherwise all facilities available in Simpson Bay Lagoon (0.5nm north after bridge transit).
Nearest provisions: Simpson Bay Lagoon marinas (0.5nm north, after bridge) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May (primarily a waiting/transitory anchorage). Not a destination anchorage — move to the lagoon after bridge transit.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
Philipsburg Great Bay is exposed to southerly swell — anchor drag overnight can put you ashore before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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