Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin is a single island split between two national jurisdictions — Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin — surrounding Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest protected lagoons in the Caribbean. Getting into the lagoon requires passing through a lifting bridge. Here is what you need to know before you arrive.
Clearing In
Unless you are briefly transiting and not going ashore, you are required to clear in to whichever side you arrive on. Fly your yellow Q flag until clearance is complete. If you subsequently move your boat to the other side of the island, you must clear out of the first and into the second.
Entering the Lagoon
There are three bridges around the lagoon. Two give access from the sea; one divides the French and Dutch halves of the lagoon.
Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side)
The main entrance for most visiting boats. A lifting bridge on the Dutch side, at the western end of Simpson Bay.
11:30
15:00
17:00
10:30
14:00
16:00
Sandy Ground Bridge (French side)
The French-side sea entrance at Sandy Ground, just south of Marigot Bay. Narrower and shallower than Simpson Bay — suits smaller boats.
Priority is given to vessels outbound from the lagoon — be sure who has right of way.
Simpson Bay Causeway (lagoon internal bridge)
This swing bridge divides the French and Dutch halves of the lagoon. Opened 2013, free to transit, and operated by SLAC (the Dutch-side lagoon authority). The channel is approximately 2.5 m deep — proceed with caution and watch for shoaling.
Fuel
Fuel docks are available on both sides of the island. Always call ahead on VHF 16 to confirm availability and opening hours before approaching.
- Bobby's Marina, Philipsburg — Great Bay, direct sea access, no bridge required. Diesel and petrol. VHF 16.
- Simpson Bay Marina (IGY) — Inside the lagoon, Dutch side. Diesel and petrol. VHF 16.
- Polypat Caraïbes — In the Sandy Ground Bridge channel on the lagoon side. Diesel. VHF 16. +590 690 58 58 20.
- Marina Fort Louis, Marigot — Marigot Bay, direct sea access, no bridge required. Ultra-low-sulphur diesel. VHF 16.
- Anse Marcel Marina — Northeast coast, direct sea access. Fuel dock. VHF 16/11.
What to expect at the entrance
The channel into Simpson Bay can be busy around bridge opening times when boats queue in the bay. Arrive with plenty of time to spare — missing an opening means waiting 90 minutes or more for the next one.
Keep a sharp watch for:
- Jet skis and charter boats operating in the bays
- Anchored boats in the bays — the anchorages are busy
- The aircraft approach path — Princess Juliana airport is immediately adjacent; planes approach very low over the anchorage and the bridge
Bridge passage etiquette
Radio nets and weather
Tuning into the local VHF net shortly after anchoring is one of the most useful things you can do on arrival. It gives you weather, local notices, and connects you with other cruisers who can answer practical questions.
- Daily except Sunday, 08:00
- English language
- Weather, local notices, buy/sell, cruiser check-ins
- VHF 10
- French maritime rescue coordination centre
- Announced on VHF 16, broadcast on VHF 64
- Broadcast times: 09:00 · 12:30 · 20:00 · 22:00
- Marine weather forecast in French for Saint-Martin and Saint-Barths
Arrived? Check in
Once you're settled, the SXM check-in takes under two minutes. It helps build the island's first picture of cruising traffic — who visits, where they come from, and what they need. The data is published back to the community each year.