Anchorage· Sint Maarten (Dutch side)· Leeward Islands
Simpson Bay Lagoon Anchorage (Dutch side)
18° 2.6′ N · 63° 5.6′ W · approximate
Flat-calm water inside the Simpson Bay Lagoon, surrounded by the Caribbean's densest cluster of chandleries, boatyards, sail lofts and marine trades - the place to anchor while getting work done.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: a point of open lagoon water between Port de Plaisance and the Causeway, checked against the OpenStreetMap coastline; SLAC designates the anchoring areas, so confirm your spot with the Lagoon Authority. Depths generally 8-15 ft but very shallow patches near private moorings (one cruiser recorded 0.0 ft under the keel off Lagoon Marina); shoaling may affect boats drawing about 6 ft. Do not anchor in fairways or in front of the airport runway; no anchoring near the Causeway bridge or runway extension. 5 mph speed limit and no-wake zones near anchorages and marinas. Anchoring fees apply (paid at the SLAC/Customs office by the bridge) on top of the per-entry bridge fee. Heavy dinghy and commercial traffic; airplane noise. Lagoon water is not considered clean enough to run a watermaker.
Best for
Long stays, boat projects and flat-water living within dinghy reach of Budget Marine and Island Water World
Nearby
- Dinghy Dock Bar (Simpson Bay)0.3 NM away
- Princess Port de Plaisance0.3 NM away
- Carrefour (Cole Bay, behind Port de Plaisance)0.4 NM away
- Laundry for Cruisers (Simpson Bay & Cole Bay)0.4 NM away
- Palapa Marina0.4 NM away
- Rancho (Palapa Marina)0.4 NM away
- Isle de Sol Marina0.5 NM away
- Simpson Bay Lagoon Fees & Bridge Fees0.5 NM away