Modeling coalescence effects within bubble collectives is a challenge with grid-based methods because of the extensive remeshing. Mesh-free simulation methods, such as the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) approach offer an alternative for systems with highly deformable free surfaces and complex geometries. This contribution investigates the suitability of the SPH method for the simulation of bubble collectives. The dynamics of a single bubble coalescing with a planar surface is studied. Moreover, the ability of the SPH approach to model bubble collectives is highlighted considering the coalescence of two bubbles of different sizes.