Bridge Times & Anchorage
Plan your entry, transit, and anchorage.
When arriving in St. Maarten and entering Simpson Bay Lagoon or its marinas, please take note of the bridge opening schedules.
Simpson Bay Bridge
Dutch Side
Average height closed: 2.4m / 7’10”
Bridge width: 17.0m / 55’9″
Controlling depth: 6.0m / 19’8″
Speed limit: 5 knots
VHF Channel: 12
OPENING TIMES
OUTBOUND TRAFFIC
- 08:30 hrs
- 10:30 hrs
- 16:00 hrs
INBOUND TRAFFIC
- 09:30 hrs
- 11:30 hrs
- 14:00 hrs
- 17:00 hrs
Contact: +1 721 545 5230 / 520 2059
Causeway Bridge
Dutch Side
Average height closed: 6.2m / 20’4″
Bridge width: 23.0m / 75’5″
Controlling depth: 6.0m / 19’8″
Speed limit: 5 knots
VHF Channel: 12
OPENING TIMES
IN & OUTBOUND TRAFFIC
- 08:00 hrs
- 10:00 hrs
- 16:30 hrs
Contact: +1 721 545 5230 / 520 2059
Sandy Ground Bridge
French Side
Average height closed: 3m / 9’10”
Bridge width: 10m / 32’9″
Controlling depth: 3.5m/ 11’5″
Speed limit: 3 knots
VHF Channel: 16
OPENING TIMES
OUTBOUND TRAFFIC FIRST
INBOUND TRAFFIC SECOND
- 08:30 hrs
- 17:00 hrs
Contact: + 590 590 87 50 04
Anchorage Zones
When arriving to St. Maarten and inside the Simpson Bay Lagoon or any of the marinas in the Lagoon, you will need to consider the bridge openings. Below the opening schedule.
Simpson Bay Bridge
- 18.0320° N, 63.0865° W
- Best for: Long stays / hurricane shelter
- Depth: Varies (marinas + moorings)
- Access: Lift bridge (SXM or Marigot)
- Protection: Strong
- Marinas: 6+
One of the finest anchorages in the NE Caribbean. A 12-square-mile inland lagoon with multiple marinas and strong hurricane shelter protection.
Simpson Bay
- 18.0386° N, 63.1163° W
- Best for: Short stays, beach
- Depth: 10-15 feet (sandy)
- Access: Open access
- Protection: Moderate
- Marinas: None
Great Bay
- 18.0245° N, 63.0530° W
- Best for: Visiting Philipsburg
- Depth: 30 - 7 feet (sandy to beach)
- Access: Open access
- Protection: Limited (swell from S/SE)
- Marinas: 2
Coming Soon
Simpson Bay Bridge
- 18.0320° N, 63.0865° W
- Best for: Long stays / hurricane shelter
- Depth: Varies (marinas + moorings)
- Access: Lift bridge (SXM or Marigot)
- Protection: Strong
- Marinas: 6+
One of the finest anchorages in the NE Caribbean. A 12-square-mile inland lagoon with multiple marinas and strong hurricane shelter protection.
Simpson Bay
- 18.0386° N, 63.1163° W
- Best for: Short stays, beach
- Depth: 10-15 feet (sandy)
- Access: Open access
- Protection: Moderate
- Marinas: None
Great Bay
- 18.0245° N, 63.0530° W
- Best for: Visiting Philipsburg
- Depth: 30 - 7 feet (sandy to beach)
- Access: Open access
- Protection: Limited (swell from S/SE)
- Marinas: 2