Anguilla Getaway Cruise

Anguilla is the star here, but the speedboat ride is half the story. From Simpson Bay, you cross toward the French side of St. Maarten, then run along Anguilla’s coast to bright beaches and protected coves. The route usually includes Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay, though weather decides the final plan.

I like the generous drink service and the fact that lunch, fruit, chips, and snorkeling gear are already covered. I also like the small maximum of 20 people, which keeps the day more personal than a large catamaran trip. The catch is simple: this is not a slow cruise. Rough water can make the crossing wet and bouncy, and some beach entries require care.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast Anguilla beach day: The powerboat reaches several beaches and coves in about seven hours.
• Lunch and open bar included: Expect freshly made sandwiches, fruit, chips, dessert, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Four main beach areas: Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay are the usual stops, with Rendezvous Bay as a weather backup.
• Weather shapes the experience: Rough seas can change the route, shorten a stop, or make getting ashore harder.
• Bring your passport and waterproof storage: You need a passport, and spray can reach your phone, wallet, and other valuables.
• Best for confident swimmers and active beach lovers: You will board a boat, swim, snorkel, and climb in and out near shore.

Why this is a strong St. Maarten day trip

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a beach day. But the price covers transport by powerboat, a local guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and an open bar. You also see several parts of Anguilla in one outing instead of paying separately for a ferry, taxis, beach time, food, and drinks.

I see the value in the route. Anguilla is known for broad white-sand beaches and clear water, but reaching several of its best coastal spots in one day takes planning. This boat handles the transport while the crew adjusts the route to conditions.

You should still think of the outing as beach hopping, not as a full island tour. You will see Anguilla from the water and spend time at selected beaches, but you will not have a long block of time to explore inland villages, shops, or restaurants. If you want the real Anguilla beyond the coastline, a ferry and land tour may suit you better.

The crew is a major part of the day. Captains and mates named in past outings include Sammy, Noah, Junior, Lucas, Miguel, Nicolas, Akil, and Kion. The exact team can vary, but the service pattern is clear: the crew handles drinks, gives safety instructions, helps people board, and shares information about St. Maarten and Anguilla. That help matters when the sea is moving or someone is less steady on their feet.

Starting at Simpson Bay at 9 a.m.

You meet at 62 Welfare Road in Cole Bay, near Simpson Bay, for a 9 a.m. departure. The outing ends at the same point after roughly seven hours. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina area.

This tour is not available to cruise ship passengers. That restriction is important. A cruise ship schedule rarely gives you enough control over arrival, return, and possible weather delays, so do not book this as a shore excursion if you are visiting St. Maarten by ship.

Bring your passport. You cross from Sint Maarten to Anguilla, and the operator requires one for every participant. I would also bring a towel, strong sun protection, and a waterproof bag or case for your phone and documents. Spray from the crossing can soak loose belongings, especially when the sea is rough.

The boat holds no more than 20 people. That is small enough for the crew to keep an eye on the group, but it is still an active shared outing rather than a private charter. At least eight people are needed for the trip to operate, so a cancellation is possible if that minimum is not met.

The crossing past St. Maarten and Marigot Bay

The first part of the ride takes you past the French side of St. Maarten, with commentary about the island and notable coastal sights. You may pass the yacht marina, famous beaches, and the airport area. The return can also offer a memorable view of aircraft landing at SXM, depending on timing and conditions.

From Marigot Bay, the boat heads across to Anguilla. This is where you need to set your expectations. The ride is fast, and on a rough day it can be wet. Several people describe getting soaked or finding the crossing exciting rather than restful.

I would not choose this outing if you want a quiet, dry ride with no jolts. Sit securely, keep valuables sealed, and accept that the boat may bounce. On calmer days, the ride becomes one of the best parts of the trip, giving you a broad view of the coast and a sense of covering real distance between the islands.

The crew decides how to handle rain and heavier seas. If conditions make one beach unsafe or uncomfortable, the route can change. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not treat every listed stop as guaranteed.

Sandy Island: a compact first beach stop

Sandy Island is normally one of the first stops. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to stretch your legs, swim, snorkel, and take in the sand and water.

The island is small, so this is not a place for a long walk or an extended land visit. Its appeal is the setting: a simple beach stop reached by boat, with open water around you and little need to do anything beyond swim and relax.

The boat may not pull directly onto a broad, dry beach. Getting in and out can involve a few small steps and movement from the boat. If you are unsteady, tell the crew and use their help. Past outings have included older adults who received assistance boarding and leaving the boat, but you still need a moderate level of fitness.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied. Keep your expectations sensible. The protected water can be beautiful, but fish sightings vary, and snorkeling is not always the main event. Wind, visibility, and the chosen site can make the underwater view excellent one day and modest the next.

Little Bay: calm water and a protected cove

Little Bay usually receives another 45-minute stop. It is a good place to swim and use the provided mask and snorkel, with the boat positioned near a sheltered area when conditions allow.

This stop also shows why the trip is weather-dependent. A bay can look calm from a distance while the approach or shore entry remains awkward. You may need to step down from the boat and swim a short distance, so confidence in the water helps.

The crew keeps safety in view, particularly when rain or rough seas move through the area. On one outing, the captain adjusted the route to avoid heavy rain. That kind of decision can mean missing a planned beach, but it is better than forcing an uncomfortable landing.

The boat gives you a useful balance here: you can snorkel, swim, or stay aboard with a drink. You are not required to do every activity. That makes the trip workable for mixed groups, as long as everyone understands that the day centers on water access.

Shoal Bay and the onboard lunch break

Shoal Bay is usually the longest stop, at about an hour, and it combines beach time with lunch. The stop depends on the weather, so it may be replaced by another location.

Lunch is served onboard rather than at a restaurant. Expect freshly made sandwiches with fruit and chips, plus dessert. The food is simple, practical boat fare, but it arrives at the right point in the day, after swimming and sun.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, with rum punch receiving special mention as a popular choice. You can keep things relaxed, but remember that sun, motion, and alcohol are a poor mix for some people. Eat before drinking heavily, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Shoal Bay is one of the places where the day can feel closest to a classic Anguilla postcard: pale sand, warm water, and time to sit without rushing. The tradeoff is that you are not choosing the restaurant, ordering from a menu, or spending an afternoon on shore. Lunch is convenient, not a culinary excursion.

Meads Bay in the Anguilla Marine Park

Meads Bay normally comes later, with roughly 45 minutes for beach time. It sits within the Anguilla Marine Park and is known for protected water and a floating bar. This is a fitting final beach stop because you can swim, relax, and enjoy the last stretch of Anguilla before the return ride.

The floating bar adds a little character, but the main reason to stop is the beach itself. You may find this is the easiest place to simply slow down after several boat transfers and swims.

Do not assume the final stop will always be Meads Bay. The route is selected according to the day’s sea and weather. Rendezvous Bay can replace one of the planned stops when conditions require it. That is worth accepting as part of the trip, not treating it as a failure.

What the boat day feels like in real conditions

The biggest question is your comfort on the water. Some days are smooth enough for a thrilling but manageable ride. Other days bring spray, bouncing, and difficult approaches to shore. One outing was described as rough enough that the boat could not get close to every beach.

This is not a good fit if you dislike speedboats, cannot swim confidently, or have trouble stepping in and out of a moving boat. The operator asks for a moderate fitness level and requires a health questionnaire before snorkeling. Conditions such as asthma or heart problems may prevent you from snorkeling, so check with your doctor if that applies to you.

You can still enjoy the scenery from the boat if you skip the water, but the central appeal is swimming and beach time. The more comfortable you are around water, the more value you will get from the day.

The small group helps. The crew can refill drinks, explain the next stop, and offer a hand when people board. Captains such as Sammy, Junior, Nicolas, and Miguel have been singled out for safety, humor, and personal attention. Noah and Lucas have also worked as helpful mates on different outings. The exact pairing changes, but the crew is not an anonymous operation.

How the $139 price works for different budgets

I consider $139 fair if you want an all-in-one day and plan to use the included food, drinks, and equipment. A separate ferry trip can cost less at first glance, but you would then need to arrange transport around Anguilla, choose beaches, buy lunch, and pay for drinks.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not snorkel, and prefer one beach for several hours. In that case, a simpler beach transfer may offer more time and less motion.

There is also an additional admission charge of $25 per person listed outside the main price. Budget for that amount when comparing the total cost. Since the trip is weather-sensitive and requires a minimum of eight people, keep your plans flexible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers. Then you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book the Anguilla Getaway Cruise

I would recommend this to couples, families with older children, and active adults who want to see several beaches without arranging every detail. It also suits people who enjoy a social boat day, cold drinks, music or conversation, and a little adventure in the crossing.

Families should judge each child’s comfort with speed, spray, swimming, and boat transfers. One family with an 8-year-old and a 14-year-old had a good day, but rough conditions can change the experience for everyone.

I would be cautious about booking for anyone with serious motion sensitivity, limited mobility, or fear of open water. The crew can help, but assistance does not remove the need to manage steps, water, and a moving boat.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your ideal Anguilla day includes several beaches, snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar, and you are willing to trade a smooth ferry ride for speed and flexibility. The beaches are the payoff, while the crew, food, and drinks make the long day easy to manage.

Skip it if you want inland Anguilla, a quiet ferry crossing, or a guaranteed visit to every named stop. For the right kind of beach lover, though, this is a strong use of a St. Maarten day, especially when the sea is calm and the crew can follow the full route.

FAQ

Where does the Anguilla boat trip start?

It starts at 62 Welfare Road in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, near Simpson Bay.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure time is 9 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is a passport required?

Yes. All participants need to bring a passport.

Is this tour available to cruise ship passengers?

No. The experience is not available to cruise ship passengers.

What food is included?

Lunch consists of freshly made sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert, served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included through the open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, though the snorkeling conditions and fish sightings can vary.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The route may change, and some stops may be replaced by alternatives such as Rendezvous Bay. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.