Lagoon Kayaking

Board your comfortable transportation for a scenic drive to Simpson Bay. Pass through Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, and over Cay Hill. As you ride, keep your eyes open for the impressive Lagoon. It is hard to miss as it is the largest salt water lagoon in the Antilles.

If you look carefully you will also see an airport strip located on the Simpson Bay sand bar. During the Second World War, Queen Wilhelmina gave the American military permission to build a long runway there, which later became a commercial airport in 1950. Having an airport with a runway this size helped boost tourism and jump-start the island’s rapid growth. The airport’s runway is more famous these days, though, for another reason. If you have ever seen a YouTube video that depicts beachgoers being blown into the water due to the jet blast of an aircraft about to take off, then chances are it was filmed at the end of this runway.

Continue through Cole Bay and stop at the Caribbean Kim Sha Beach where kayaks await you on a small white-sand beach. Upon arrival receive a kayaking lesson and safety orientation before setting off on your sit-on-top kayak.

At your pace, follow your guide across the bay and under the bridge into the Simpson Bay Lagoon - the largest saltwater lagoon in the North Eastern Caribbean. You will continue to receive instructions from your guide on your paddling technique as you cross through the lagoon and marvel at the magnificent mega yachts that make St. Maarten their winter base from November to April. After passing the luxurious marinas, you will make a pit stop to rest your muscles and learn about St. Maarten’s vibrant history as well as the Lagoon’s complex ecosystem which includes mangrove trees, birds, iguanas, fish and other sea life.

After a brief rest stop in this beautiful locale, paddle to the scenic Kim Sha Beach where you will enjoy a refreshing swim and complimentary beverage prior to re-boarding the transportation for the return to the pier.