The main access into and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Dutch side of the island is the bridge immediately adjacent to the Yacht Club and Customs offices and will accommodate vessels up to a maximum beam of 56 feet (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17 feet (6 meters). Wide beamed vessels must request pilot-age.

When the bridge is closed there is 8.6 feet (2.6 meters) clearance in the port channel and 8 feet (2.4 meters) clearance in the starboard channel but clearance may vary depending on the state of the tide. There is a 3mph speed limit for all vessels using the access channel, and within the lagoon all marinas and yacht anchorages are deemed “no wake zones”.

Bridge Opening Times – May-November (Daily)
Outbound and Inbound 0930, 1130, 1730.
Call Bridge Operator on VHF Ch 12 for permission to enter or leave Simpson Bay Lagoon. Outbound traffic precedes inbound traffic.

Users of small craft are requested not to transit the bridge channel during bridge opening hours. Boats docking at the BBW dock should not be maneuvering in the channel during the bridge operational hours. Small sea craft must make use of the port channel when passing under the bridge. Jet ski owners and rentals are requested to inform users that they must put their waterspouts off when passing under the bridge. This prevents corrosion of the iron structure of the bridge.

Captains and owners of vessels after docking their vessels in the lagoon should immediately come to the window of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority & Immigration to clear in their vessel, crew and passengers and pay the necessary bridge and harbor fees and dues.