Kim Sha Beach
Simpson Bay's easy-access beach with calm water, bars, and sunset views
Why Go
Kim Sha Beach is the default beach for anyone staying on the Dutch side who wants sand, calm water, and food within arm's reach — all without any hassle. Located on Welfare Road in Simpson Bay, it offers a long stretch of white sand fronted by several beach bars and restaurants, with watersport rentals right there if you want to do more than lounge. The water is protected, calm, and shallow enough for kids, making it one of the most practical beach choices on the island.
The Experience
The beach is public and stretches along the Simpson Bay shoreline with palm trees providing natural shade. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent from the adjacent bars, and you can order food and drinks delivered to your lounger from places like Buccaneer Beach Bar. The water is consistently calm and clear — protected by a reef that keeps the waves gentle — making it ideal for swimming, wading, and beginner watersports. It's a relaxed, local-feeling beach without the resort-controlled atmosphere. Sunset here is excellent, with the sky lighting up over the lagoon side.
What to Try
Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the bay — the calm conditions make it easy even for first-timers. Glass-bottom kayaks let you see the reef without getting wet. The pedal boats are fun for kids. When you're done being active, settle into a lounger at one of the beach bars, order a rum punch, and watch the afternoon unfold. Sunset drinks here are a daily ritual for Simpson Bay regulars.
Insider Tip
The south end of the beach (near Buccaneer) is the liveliest, with music and food service. The north end is quieter if you want more space. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends, when local families come out. Parking along Welfare Road fills up on weekends — arrive before 11 AM or you'll be walking.
The Practical Stuff
Public beach with free access. Located on Welfare Road in Simpson Bay. Beach chair and umbrella rentals available from the bars. Watersport rentals on site. Several restaurants and bars directly on the sand. Street parking along Welfare Road — free but limited. No facilities beyond what the beach bars provide, so plan accordingly. About 5 minutes from the airport by car.
Pair It With
- Buccaneer Beach Bar Guide — The best beach bar right on Kim Sha — food, drinks, and fire shows
- Karakter Beach Bar Guide — Walk along the sand to the next beach bar for a change of scenery
- Pineapple Pete Guide — Dinner on Welfare Road after your beach day — walkable from the sand