Shrimpy's Waterfront Hostel — Sandy Ground's Hostel for Sailors and Backpackers
Waterfront hostel and crew quarters next to the lagoon in Sandy Ground, Marigot.
Why Go
Shrimpy's Waterfront Hostel & Crew Quarters fills a specific niche in St. Martin's accommodation landscape — affordable, waterfront, and built for the transient community of sailing crews, backpackers, and budget travelers who pass through Sandy Ground's lagoon marinas. Located at 46 Rue du Morne Rond in Sandy Ground, right next to Pizza Chef-Chef, Shrimpy's sits in one of the island's most atmospheric neighborhoods where the Simpson Bay Lagoon meets the Caribbean Sea through a narrow channel. For yacht crew between contracts, sailing vagabonds crossing the Atlantic, and backpackers who measure their trip in months rather than days, this is home base.
The Experience
Sandy Ground is where the sailing community of St. Martin concentrates — boats line the lagoon, rigging clinks in the trade winds, and the conversations at the local bars involve weather windows, anchorages, and passage-making. Shrimpy's plugs directly into this culture, offering crew quarters that understand the needs of maritime workers: affordable beds, social common spaces, practical amenities, and a community of people who share the same transient, ocean-oriented lifestyle. The waterfront location means you are steps from the dinghies, the gas station, and the marine services that keep the sailing community functioning. For non-sailors, staying here offers immersion in a subculture that most tourists never encounter.
What to Try
Explore Sandy Ground's bar scene — this narrow strip of land between lagoon and sea has several waterfront bars that come alive at sunset. Walk to Pizza Chef-Chef next door for an easy meal. Take a dinghy ride across the lagoon if the opportunity arises. Chat with the sailing crews — their stories of ocean crossings and island-hopping are the best free entertainment on St. Martin.
Insider Tip
Sandy Ground is the departure point for boat trips to Pinel Island and Tintamarre, and it is also where many Caribbean sailing races start or finish. Timing your stay with a regatta or sailing event transforms the neighborhood from quiet waterfront to festive sailing village. Ask the Shrimpy's crew about upcoming events on the lagoon.
The Practical Stuff
Located at 46 Rue du Morne Rond, Sandy Ground, Marigot 97150. Waterfront hostel and crew quarters on the lagoon. Budget accommodation. Next to Pizza Chef-Chef and DP Gas Station. Near Concept Powersport Suzuki. In the Sandy Ground sailing community between Marigot and Simpson Bay Lagoon. Best for backpackers, sailing crew, and budget travelers.
Pair It With
- Pizza Chef-Chef Guide — Pizzeria right next door for easy, affordable meals
- Concept Powersport (SUZUKI SXM) Guide — Scooter or ATV rental nearby in Sandy Ground for island exploration