Sint Maarten Kim Sha Beach Travel Guide

St. Maarten is an island in the Caribbean that has something for everyone, whether it’s private and serene beaches, beaches that are perfect for surfing, or beaches that are perfect for parties. Kim Sha Beach is known on the island of St. Maarten for being the perfect beach for parties and watersport activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, surfing, and more. Kim Sha Beach is located between the Atrium Beach Resort and Royal Palm Beach Club on the southeastern edge of Simpson Bay.

Kim Sha Beach is a short, wide, and flat beach. The beach was named “Kim Sha” because of a popular Chinese restaurant that was the first commercial institution in the area. There are many activities for visitors to St. Maarten to enjoy at Kim Sha Beach. Kim Sha Beach is famous for hosting the annual Heineken Regatta party. The beach is also famous for hosting beachside movies and being located to several delicious beachside restaurants where tourists and locals alike can enjoy the beautiful sunset while eating their dinner. The Buccaneer Bar is a popular meeting spot for locals on the eastern end of Kim Sha Beach where all of these amazing activities can be enjoyed.

At Kim Sha Beach there are occasional concerts, beach parties, and all sorts of live entertainment and beach sports events. Swimmers and surfers enjoy the high waves that can often be found at Kim Sha Beach. Kim Sha Beach has a certified dive center, a shop where tourists can buy or rent equipment for water activities such as scuba diving, parasailing, and others.

There are many other amazing amenities at Kim Sha Beach that are available for tourists and locals such as a playground for children, a lifeguard on standby at the beach, and outdoor massage services that are available right on the beach. If you are visiting St. Maarten for an action-packed vacation full of activities, then Kim Sha Beach is the beach for you.

Where is the location of Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is located in Simpson Bay, west of Cay Bay, and is located just 2.5 miles (4 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The coordinates of Kim Sha Beach are 18.0332° N and 63.0932° W.

Which country governs Kim Sha Beach?

The Netherlands governs Kim Sha Beach. The reason for this is because Kim Sha Beach is located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten.

What does the St. Maarten Kim Sha Beach map cover?

The map of Kim Sha Beach below shows the location of Kim Sha Beach which is located on the southern coast of Sint Maarten. Kim Sha Beach is located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. The map below also depicts nearby locations to Kim Sha Beach such as Lotus Nightclub, Captain’s Rib Shack, Roxxy Beach Watersports, Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant, Royal Palm Beach Resort,  and The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa.

Map of Kim Sha Beach in Sint Maarten

What does a video of Kim Sha Beach show?

Below you’ll find a YouTube video that shows an overview of Kim Sha Beach, St. Maarten.

 

What are the ways to go to Kim Sha Beach?

The different ways to go to Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Saint Martin and are a form of transportation that a lot of tourists rely on when they visit St. Maarten. Usually, these taxis are vans that can carry up to 10 people. Taxis are especially available at the arrival section of the cruise ship port in Philipsburg, at major hotels on the island as well as at Princess Juliana International airport. Drivers usually only accept cash in both Euros and U.S Dollars. The prices of each taxi ride can range from $4 to $45 (€3.5 to €40) depending on the distance and timing of your trip to Kim Sha Beach. It is important to agree on a rate with the driver before entering the taxi. There are no Lyft or Uber services available on the island of Saint Martin.
  2. By bus: The main method of public transportation in Saint Martin is the bus, it is also the cheapest form of transportation on the island with the cost of a one-way ticket ranging from $1 to $3 (€0.86 to €2.50) per person. This is a method of transportation that many tourists rely on during their stay in St. Maarten. The buses in Saint Martin have frequent routes that stop at major cities on the island that are near Kim Sha Beach such as Simpson Bay and Maho Bay. Each bus has an identifying marker that states the driver’s route which is usually a sign in the front window that indicates the starting and ending point of the route. Tourists disembarking their cruise ship at the port in Philipsburg can walk for approximately 10 minutes to the center of Phillipsburg to catch a bus to either Simpson Bay, Maho Bay, or Mullet Bay, from here they can take a taxi that will take them to the nearby Kim Sha Beach. These buses pass by every 15 minutes or so. The same route should be followed on your way back to the cruise ship port from Kim Sha Beach. Make sure to leave plenty of time for travel to board the cruise ship before its departure if you are traveling to St. Maarten via cruise ship.
  3. By Renting a car: Most travelers choose to rent a car during their stay in Saint Martin. This is a good option if you are planning to stay in St. Maarten for an extended time and would like to explore more parts of the island independently, including Kim Sha Beach. Renting a car would not be very practical if you are traveling to St. Maarten via cruise ship. Several car rental companies are available for tourists at both Princess Juliana International Airport in Dutch Sint Maarten and at Grand Case Airport in French Saint Martin. These rental car companies usually charge around $30 (€25) per day. The ride to Kim Sha Beach should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes at most from any point on the island of St. Martin.

Is Kim Sha Beach close to Princess Juliana International Airport?

Yes, Kim Sha Beach is close to Princess Juliana International Airport. Kim Sha Beach is located just 2.5 miles (4 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport.

What are the weather conditions in Kim Sha Beach?

The weather conditions at Kim Sha Beach are warm and sunny throughout the year. The average temperature at Kim Sha Beach is 84°F (29°C). The climate characteristics of Kim Sha Beach are the same as the climate characteristics of St. Maarten as an island. The average sea temperature at Kim Sha Beach is 86°F (30°C). The coldest month in Kim Sha Beach is March with an air temperature of 78°F (26°C). The average temperature throughout the year at Kim Sha Beach is listed below.

  • January: 77.9°F (25.5°C)
  • February: 77.9°F (26.5°C)
  • March: 78°F (26°C)
  • April: 77.9°F (25.5°C)
  • May: 79.7°F (26°C)
  • June: 81.5°F (27°C)
  • July: 81.5°F (27°C)
  • August: 82°F (28°C)
  • September: 83°F (28°C)
  • October: 81°F (27°C)
  • November: 79.7°F (26°C)
  • December: 77.9°F (25.5°C)

What are the facts about Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is a special beach full of activities that is located next to the Princess Juliana International Airport. There are certain facts about Kim Sha Beach that tourists should know before their visit there, these facts are also some of the outstanding fun facts about St. Maarten as an island that tourists should know. Some facts about Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Kim Sha Beach is located next to Simpson Bay Beach, which is another popular beach in St. Maarten.
  2. Kim Sha Beach is named after a popular Chinese restaurant in the same area which is now closed.
  3. Kim Sha Beach has a playground perfect for children.
  4. Kim Sha Beach is located west of Cay Bay.
  5. Kim Sha Beach is the beach of the parties, there are many beachside barbeques and festivals held here.
  6. Kim Sha Beach is located on the southwestern coast of St. Maarten and has lovely views of the sunset. Kim Sha Beach has one of the best views of all the beaches in St. Maarten.

What is the size of Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is 1,640 ft (500 meters) long. Kim Sha Beach is a small beach but is bigger than a few beaches in St. Maarten such as Maho Beach or Pelican Key. Kim Sha Beach is smaller than some beaches in St. Maarten such as Great Bay Beach or Simpson Bay Beach.

What is the population of Kim Sha Beach?

The population of Kim Sha Beach never stays the same and keeps changing as it is a tourist destination. However, the population of St. Maarten is estimated to be about 77,000 between the French and Dutch sides.

What are the popular destinations near Kim Sha Beach?

Some of the popular destinations near Kim Sha Beach are Coconut Beach Watersports, Ocean Explorer Dive Center, Lotus Nightclub, The Greenhouse, and Captain’s Rib Shack. The popular destinations of Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Coconut Beach Watersports
  2. Puerto Del Sol
  3. Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant
  4. Ocean Explorer Dive Center
  5. Lotus Nightclub
  6. The Greenhouse
  7. Captain’s Rib Shack
  8. Sea Fun SXM Watersports Center and Boat Tours

Dive shop near Kim Sha Beach

Which beaches are near Kim Sha Beach?

The beaches in St. Martin / St. Maarten are beautiful. Kim Sha Beach is one of the best beaches in St. Martin. From Kim Sha Beach it is possible to see the Simpson Bay Beach coastline and the Caribbean Sea. The beaches nearby Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Simpson Bay Beach
  2. Pelican Key
  3. Maho Beach

What are the best clubs in Kim Sha Beach?

The best nightclubs in Kim Sha Beach are Lotus Nightclub SXM, Bar Bamboo, and X Lounge. The best clubs in Sint Maarten offer live music, good food, and different kinds of entertainment such as karaoke, dancing, talent shows, etc. The best clubs in Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. Lotus Nightclub SXM is located in Kim Sha Beach. Lotus Nightclub SXM is one of the most visited nightclubs on the island of St. Maarten. Tourists like how Lotus Nightclub SXM provides an exotic experience and is wild enough to dance or meet new friends. Lotus Nightclub has a $10 to $25 (€8 to €22) entrance fee after 12 AM. Lotus Nightclub is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10 PM to 4 AM.
  2. Bar Bamboo is located at Puerto Del Sol next to Kim Sha Beach and has been in business for over 15 years. Bar Bamboo has been awarded for having the best sushi in St. Maarten. Drinks at the bar can vary from $15 to $28 (€12 to €24). Tourists think that Bar Bamboo is the perfect place to go dancing with friends and family. Bar Bamboo has a live DJ that plays music each day from 6 PM to 2 AM and also hosts some events.
  3. X Lounge is a nightclub and bar located in Simpson Bay just 0.2 miles (350 meters) from Kim Sha Beach. X-Lounge offers locally made high-end cigars and hookahs. X-Lounge is known for its amazing prices on drinks. At X-Lounge the cost of mixed drinks starts at $4 (€3.5) and top-shelf liquors start at $6 (€5). X-Lounge is also known for its cozy atmosphere with comfortable seats. Tourists think that X-Lounge has a charming staff. X-Lounge is open all week from 6 PM to 2 AM.

What are the best restaurants in Kim Sha Beach?

The best restaurants in Kim Sha Beach are Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant, Captain’s Rib Shack, and The Greenhouse. The best restaurants located in St. Maarten are well known in the Caribbean. The best restaurants in Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant: Tourists say that at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant the staff is very friendly. The food at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant is one of the best in Kim Sha Beach. There are vegan options available at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant. The prices at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant range between $10 to $30 (€9.50 to €28.51) per plate.
  2. Captain’s Rib Shack: Travelers say that Captain’s Rib Shack’s food is delicious and that the portions are generous. The food at Captain’s Rib Shack is made with Caribbean seasonings and there is also a bar. The prices at Captain’s Rib Shack range between $2 to $15 (€1.90 to €14.26) per plate.
  3. The Greenhouse: Tourists think that The Greenhouse has the best Johnny Cakes on the island. The Greenhouse serves a fusion of American and Caribbean food. The Greenhouse is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant. There are also vegan and gluten-free options in The Greenhouse. The prices at The Greenhouse range between $6 to $30 (€5.71 to €28.53) per plate.

What are the best resorts in Kim Sha Beach?

The best resorts in Kim Sha Beach are Royal Palm Beach Resort, The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa, and Simpson Bay Suites. The hotels in St. Maarten are a good option for those who are looking for a simple way to enjoy their vacations. The best St. Martin resorts offer watersport activities, night entertainment, transportation, childcare, and other really good amenities. The best resorts in Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. Royal Palm Beach Resort is located on a beautiful bay overlooking the blue Caribbean Sea in Kim Sha Beach. The Royal Palm Beach Resort is located within walking distance of activities for families such as participating in watersports, eating at delicious restaurants, and visiting historical sites. The accommodations at the Royal Beach Resort are on the beachfront exposing the guests to mesmerizing sights. The rooms at the Royal Palm Beach Resort are spacious rooms that are perfect for large families. Tourists like the activities for children such as the “Kid’s Club” offered by the Royal Palm Beach Resort. Parents can also take advantage of the Royal Palm Beach Resort spa, nearby shopping, poolside bar, and babysitting services. At the Royal Palm Beach Resort, the usual price is $279 (€258) per night.
  2. The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort located in Kim Sha Beach just 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa, 118 ft (36 m) in height, is the tallest building on the island of St. Maarten. Tourists say that the rooms at the Atrium Beach Resort & Spa are clean and beautiful, and the balconies in the room are also spacious. Tourists also like the location of the resort to nearby casinos and shops. The price at The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa is from $119 to $154 (€109 to €142) per night.
  3. Simpson Bay Suites is between Kim Sha Beach and Pelican Key. Tourists think that the location of the Simpson Bay Suites is perfect, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The rooms at Simpson Bay Suites are also soundproof. The price at Simpson Bay Suites ranges from $115 to $213 (€109 to €202) per night.

What are the tours for Kim Sha Beach in Sint Maarten?

The tours for Sint Maarten Kim Sha Beach are the Kayak Lagoon Tour and the Party Bus Nightlife in St. Maarten. The best St. Maarten tours offer an unforgettable experience that everyone in the family will enjoy. The tours for Sint Maarten Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. Kayak Lagoon Tour allows tourists to paddle to parts of St. Martin that traditional tour boats can’t reach on a kayaking tour. This tour takes you from Simpson Bay to the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles. On the Kayak Lagoon Tour, there is a tour duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Kayak Lagoon Tour price is $50.26 (€47.80) per adult.
  2. The Party Bus Nightlife in St. Maarten allows tourists to meet the 5 most popular bars and clubs where the locals hang out. At The Party Bus Nightlife in St. Maarten tourists will spend 45 minutes in each bar. The complete tour has a 5-hour itinerary. Tourists at the Party Bus Nightlife in St. Maarten will have admission to the bars, special drinks, and food at each stop. The Party Bus Nightlife in St. Maarten price is $58 (€55.16) per adult.

What should you wear to Kim Sha Beach?

Things that tourists should wear in Kim Sha Beach are swimsuits, shorts, shirts, dresses, and others. Tourists wondering what to wear in St. Maarten should take into consideration the weather and the activities that they are planning to do. Things that tourists should wear to visit Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Shorts
  2. Shirts
  3. Swimsuit
  4. Dresses
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Sunglasses
  7. Beach hat

What activities can be done in Kim Sha Beach?

The activities that can be done in Kim Sha Beach are kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, a tour on a catamaran, and more. There are different things to do in St. Maarten/Saint Martin that tourists can enjoy. Some of the activities that tourists can do when visiting Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Surfing
  2. Kayaking
  3. Jet skiing
  4. Tour on a catamaran
  5. Swimming
  6. Sailing
  7. Dancing

Canoes laying at Kim Sha Beach

What are the night activities in Kim Sha Beach?

The night activities in Kim Sha Beach are playing at the local casinos, going to local bars, and others. Some of the night activities in Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Going nightclubs
  2. Visiting the casino
  3. Eating at one of the fine local restaurants
  4. Visiting local bars

Is Kim Sha Beach safe?

Yes, Kim Sha Beach is safe. The entire island of St. Maarten is considered a relatively safe place to visit. St. Maarten is known for having a very low crime rate.

Why should you take a cruise to Kim Sha Beach?

Tourists should take a cruise to Kim Sha Beach because of its excellent surfing waves, really good spots to eat, and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and its surroundings.

What must you visit in Kim Sha Beach?

Places that tourists must visit in Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Captain’s Rib Shack. Tourists and locals think that Captain’s Rib Shack is the best restaurant in Kim Sha Beach.
  2. Roxxy Beach Watersports. Tourists can enjoy all the different watersports with professional staff. Some of the watersports at Roxxy Beach Watersports are kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. This waterports spot is partnered with Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant.
  3. Rent a scooter. Tourists can rent a scooter for hours, days, or weeks. Tourists also can rent a scooter for months, to use as their main transportation method.

What is the review of Kim Sha Beach?

Kim Sha Beach is a popular beach for tourists because of its small size and its waves perfect for surfing and swimming. Tourists considered Kim Sha Beach a lovely spot to watch the sunset. Tourists also say that the temperature is very warm.

Are there cheap restaurants at Kim Sha Beach?

Yes, there are cheap restaurants at Kim Sha Beach. The cheap restaurants at Kim Sha Beach are Buccaneer Beach Bar, Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant, and Captain’s Rib Shack. The cheap restaurants in Kim Sha Beach are listed below.

  1. Captain’s Rib Shack. The prices at Captain’s Rib Shack range between $2 to $15 (€1.90 to €14.26). Tourists say that the food at Captain’s Rib Shack is exquisite, and their portions are excellent.
  2. Buccaneer Beach Bar. The prices at Buccaneer Beach Bar range between $6 to $25 (€5.70 to €23.76). Tourists say that the portions are very good and the staff in Buccaneer Beach Bar is amazing.
  3. Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant. The prices at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant range between $10 to $30 (€9.50 to €28.51). Tourists like the friendly staff in Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant. Tourists say that the food at Roxxy Beach Bar & Restaurant is delicious.

Are there boat tours on Kim Sha Beach?

Yes, there are boat tours on Kim Sha Beach. The boat tours on Kim Sha Beach are Adventure Sports Sailing / Spellbound and Boomerang Boat Charters SXM. The boat tours on Kim Sha Beach are listed and explained below.

  1. Adventure Sports Sailing: At Adventure Sports Sailing there are 6 different boat tours available. Adventure Sports Sailing offers boat tours in the area of St. Maartin / St. Martin and the neighboring island. The prices for the boat tours in Adventure Sports Sailing range between $85 to $125 (€80 to €118) per person.
  2. Boomerang Boat Charters SXM: There are three package deals available in Boomerang Boat Charters SXM. The first one is called 3-Island adventure and the prices are $130 (€123) per adult and $99 (€94) per child aged 5 to 12. The second boat tour is called Anguilla, where tourists can visit the neighboring island Anguilla and some beaches of St. Martin for $160 (€152) per adult and $99 (€94) per child. A third boat tour in Boomerang Boat Charters SXM is an open option called Private Charter, with this option tourists are free to pick their destination and how many passengers. The cost for a Private Charter in Boomerang Boat Charters SXM can vary because of the route and passengers.

When is the best time to go to Kim Sha Beach?

The best time to go to Kim Sha Beach is from December to April.