Cole Bay Hill Lookout
A roadside viewpoint on the ridge, looking down over both sides of the island.
Updated 3 September 2026
The road over Cole Bay Hill crosses the ridge between the Philipsburg side and Simpson Bay, and from the pull-in at the top you look down on the Simpson Bay lagoon on one side, the airport and Maho on the other, and out to Saba and Statia on a clear day. It is a two-minute stop rather than a destination, but the view takes in most of the southern half of the island.
What you'll find
- The lagoon view - Simpson Bay lagoon spread out below.
- The airport - the runway and the approach seen from above.
- The neighbouring islands - Saba and Statia offshore on a clear day.
- The ridge crossing - the road over the spine of the island.
When to go
December to April is the dry high season and generally clearer. Haze reduces the offshore view at times. Traffic on the road is heaviest at rush hour.
What to expect
It is a roadside pull-in with no facilities and limited parking. Traffic on the road is fast and the shoulder is narrow. Ten minutes covers it.
Nearby
Simpson Bay is west, and Philipsburg is east.
What to pack for Cole Bay Hill Lookout
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Spare batteries + cards - Cold and long shoots drain power; never run out at the good light. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
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