Spend 2.5 hours paddling from Kim Sha Beach to quiet reef pockets in Simpson Bay. This guided kayak and snorkel combo offers calm water paddling, accessible reef snorkeling, and a celebratory drink ashore.
Spend 2.5 hours paddling from Kim Sha Beach to quiet reef pockets in Simpson Bay. This guided kayak and snorkel combo offers calm water paddling, accessible reef snorkeling, and a celebratory drink ashore.
Morning light slices across Simpson Bay as you push off from Kim Sha Beach, paddle dipping through glassy lagoon water toward low-lying Pelican Keys.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tri-Sport · Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Morning light slices across Simpson Bay as you push off from Kim Sha Beach, paddle dipping through glassy lagoon water toward low-lying Pelican Keys.
The guide sets the pace—steady strokes past resting birds and mangrove-edged shorelines—before dropping anchor in a quiet bay where coral gardens spread like compact neighborhoods beneath the surface. This guided 2.5-hour outing pairs roughly 40 minutes of easy coastal kayaking with about 45 minutes of reef snorkeling, ideal for travelers seeking active time on the water without long crossings.
Geology here is compact: shallow carbonate reefs and sand flats formed on the leeward side of Sint Maarten’s higher volcanic interior, creating calm pockets that shelter colorful fish and patchy elkhorn coral. Simpson Bay carries layers of culture, from its role as a seafaring hub to the vibrant blend of Dutch and French Creole influences visible in nearby harborside cafes.
Practical guide: boats launch from Kim Sha; expect short paddles to snorkel sites with depths typically 3–15 feet. Guides provide snorkel gear, basic instruction, fresh-water showers and a celebratory drink post-tour. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light rashguard, and water shoes—the reef can be shallow and the tide shifts visibility.
Timing matters: morning trips offer calmer seas and better light for photos; afternoons can pick up breeze. Stay within the guide’s briefings—don’t touch coral, avoid feeding fish, and signal immediately if you tire. For a compact, accessible sea day that balances relaxation and exploration, Simpson Bay’s paddle-and-snorkel loop delivers hands-on marine time and straightforward logistics.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most travelers with basic mobility and swimming comfort; no advanced fitness required.
Minimum age is 11 years old; younger participants are generally not permitted due to equipment and safety guidelines.
No—guides provide basic snorkel instruction and flotation as needed, but you should be comfortable in shallow water.
The tour includes kayak and snorkel equipment, guide service, bottled water, fresh-water showers, and a celebratory drink at the end.
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; trips may be canceled for bad weather or low bookings.
Simpson Bay evolved as a sheltered harbor for regional trade and yachting; the area reflects Dutch and French maritime culture and a legacy of salt pond use.
The reefs here are delicate—use reef-safe products, avoid touching coral, and follow guides’ briefings to minimize impact.
Tri-Sport operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Morning light slices across Simpson Bay as you push off from Kim Sha Beach, paddle dipping through glassy lagoon water toward low-lying Pelican Keys.
Morning light slices across Simpson Bay as you push off from Kim Sha Beach, paddle dipping through glassy lagoon water toward low-lying Pelican Keys.
The guide sets the pace—steady strokes past resting birds and mangrove-edged shorelines—before dropping anchor in a quiet bay where coral gardens spread like compact neighborhoods beneath the surface. This guided 2.5-hour outing pairs roughly 40 minutes of easy coastal kayaking with about 45 minutes of reef snorkeling, ideal for travelers seeking active time on the water without long crossings.
Geology here is compact: shallow carbonate reefs and sand flats formed on the leeward side of Sint Maarten’s higher volcanic interior, creating calm pockets that shelter colorful fish and patchy elkhorn coral. Simpson Bay carries layers of culture, from its role as a seafaring hub to the vibrant blend of Dutch and French Creole influences visible in nearby harborside cafes.
Practical guide: boats launch from Kim Sha; expect short paddles to snorkel sites with depths typically 3–15 feet. Guides provide snorkel gear, basic instruction, fresh-water showers and a celebratory drink post-tour. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light rashguard, and water shoes—the reef can be shallow and the tide shifts visibility.
Timing matters: morning trips offer calmer seas and better light for photos; afternoons can pick up breeze. Stay within the guide’s briefings—don’t touch coral, avoid feeding fish, and signal immediately if you tire. For a compact, accessible sea day that balances relaxation and exploration, Simpson Bay’s paddle-and-snorkel loop delivers hands-on marine time and straightforward logistics.