Anguilla Getaway Cruise

Anguilla’s best scenery is along its shore, and this small-group powerboat trip lets you see a lot of it in one long, sunny day. You skim across from Simpson Bay, stop at several beaches and coves, snorkel from the boat, and eat lunch with the sea around you. The captains, including Sammy, Junior, Lucas, Noah, Miguel, and Nicolas on different departures, are a big part of the experience.

I like the beach-hopping route and the fact that lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear are already covered. You also get a pleasant look at St Maarten from the water, including Marigot Bay and, conditions permitting, the famous airport shoreline. The main caution is simple: this is a fast boat, not a gentle cruise. Rough seas can mean a wet ride, harder boarding, and fewer stops.

Key points to know before you book

• A full Anguilla day from Simpson Bay: The approximately seven-hour outing leaves at 9am and returns to the same meeting point.
• Four main beach areas: The usual route includes Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay, with Rendezvous Bay used as an alternate.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: Expect fresh sandwiches, fruit, chips, dessert, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• A maximum of 20 people: The boat keeps the group smaller than a large ferry or party cruise, though the ride remains active and exposed to the sea.
• Passport and water conditions matter: Every participant needs a passport, and the boat may get wet or change its route when conditions turn rough.
• Not available to cruise ship passengers: This trip is intended for people staying on St Maarten rather than visiting on a cruise call.

Why this Anguilla trip works so well

For $139 per person, this is a strong value if you want several Anguilla beaches in one day without arranging a ferry, taxi, beach chairs, food, drinks, and snorkeling separately. The price also includes a local guide, open bar, lunch, and equipment, so the cost is easier to judge than a bare transport ticket.

I especially like the way the trip combines scenery with time in the water. You are not simply transported to Anguilla and left to fill the day. The crew moves you between beaches, points out parts of St Maarten and Anguilla, and adjusts the route when weather or sea conditions call for it.

The tradeoff is comfort. A powerboat gets you across quickly, but it can slap over waves and spray the people aboard. Some departures have had calm water, while others encountered rough seas and rain nearby. Bring a waterproof bag for your passport, phone, and wallet, and assume that you could get soaked.

Meeting in Simpson Bay at 9am

The day begins at 62 Welfare Road in Cole Bay, near Simpson Bay. You need to arrive before the 9am departure, since this is a full boat outing with a set route and return time. The tour ends back at the same meeting point after roughly seven hours.

You must bring your passport. The boat crosses from Dutch Sint Maarten toward the French side and then onward to Anguilla, so this is not a domestic beach transfer. The experience is not available to cruise ship passengers, a crucial detail if you are arriving by ship and have only a few hours in port.

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, but you need to arrange your own way there and back. Also note that an admission charge of $25 per person is listed separately from the tour price. Since the supplied details do not explain exactly when or how this fee is collected, I would confirm that point before booking.

The crossing past Marigot Bay

Once aboard, you cruise along the French side of St Maarten before leaving Marigot Bay for Anguilla. This opening ride gives you a different view of the island, with the guide providing commentary about landmarks and local history.

The trip is on a comfortable powerboat, but do not picture a quiet sightseeing launch. The boat’s speed is part of the appeal. It lets you cover the distance to Anguilla and move between several shorelines in one day, but the ride can be bumpy when the sea rises.

I would eat a light breakfast before leaving, then use the boat’s food and drinks as the day goes on. One practical tip from the experience: bring sun protection, a towel, and a plastic or waterproof bag. A second towel is useful if you plan to swim more than once.

Sandy Island, a small first taste of Anguilla

The route often begins at Sandy Island, though the captain chooses stops based on the day’s weather and sea conditions. You generally get about 45 minutes here for beach time and swimming.

Sandy Island works well as an early stop because it quickly gives you the classic Anguilla combination of pale sand and clear water. You can settle into the relaxed rhythm of the day, step into the sea, or use the time for photos before moving on.

The limitation is that 45 minutes passes quickly. You are not getting a full beach day at each location. The attraction is variety: several beautiful places in one outing rather than a long, slow stay at one beach.

Little Bay and the best snorkeling window

Little Bay is another approximately 45-minute stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling using the supplied equipment. The crew provides the masks and snorkels, so you do not need to pack your own set unless you prefer a particular fit.

This is one of the more appealing parts of the day for anyone who wants to see the coast from the water. Little Bay is a protected cove, and the boat may anchor or position itself where swimming is practical. The crew also helps people get in and out, an important point because boarding can be awkward when the water is moving.

Snorkeling quality depends on conditions and location. Some days offer a lovely protected area with plenty to see. On another day, you might find only a few fish, especially if the water is stirred up. I would treat snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

A health questionnaire is required before snorkeling. People with conditions such as asthma or heart problems may be unable to participate and should consult a doctor beforehand. You do not need to snorkel to enjoy the beach and boat portions, but the trip does require a moderate level of physical fitness.

Shoal Bay, lunch, and changing plans

Shoal Bay is scheduled for about an hour and usually combines beach time with lunch. It is one of Anguilla’s most famous stretches of sand, with clear water and an easy setting for swimming or relaxing.

The crew serves freshly made sandwiches with fruit and chips, along with dessert. The portions are described as plentiful, and the meal is practical rather than fancy. After swimming, having lunch ready on the boat saves you from losing time searching for a restaurant or returning to St Maarten hungry.

Shoal Bay depends on the weather. If the sea or wind makes that stop unsuitable, the captain may choose another location. Rendezvous Bay is listed as an alternate, and the crew may also spend more time at the beaches that are safe and comfortable that day.

This flexibility is useful, but it means you should not book with the expectation that every named beach is guaranteed. The route is selected for the actual conditions, not just the printed schedule.

Meads Bay, a relaxed finish

Meads Bay usually provides about 45 minutes of beach time and is a fitting final stop. It sits within the Anguilla Marine Park and is known for its protected beach and floating bar.

After the faster boat rides and several swims, Meads Bay gives you a calmer place to finish the Anguilla portion of the day. You can wade, sit on the sand, or enjoy the remaining drinks before the ride back. The floating bar adds a bit of holiday color, though food and drink service from the tour itself already comes through the boat’s open bar.

The stop may feel short if you prefer slow beach days. Still, I find the shorter visits worthwhile for people who want a broad look at Anguilla rather than one resort beach. The usual sequence is Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay, but the captain may rearrange it.

What the open bar and lunch really add

The open bar is more than a minor inclusion on a hot day. Drinks are available throughout the outing, with rum punch receiving particular praise, along with other alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices. The crew handles the serving, so you can focus on the water and views.

Use good judgment. A powerboat, sun, heat, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly, especially if you skipped breakfast. Drink water, use sunscreen, and pace yourself. The open bar improves the value of the package, but it should not become the main activity.

Lunch is similarly well judged for this type of excursion. Sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert are easy to eat aboard and provide enough fuel after swimming. You are not paying for a formal Anguilla restaurant meal, but you are also not left to find and pay for lunch during a tightly timed day.

The crew makes a real difference

The crew names vary by departure, but Sammy, Noah, Junior, Lucas, Miguel, Nicolas, Kion, Alfie, Jad, Jr, Akil, and others are praised for keeping the day friendly and organized. The strongest pattern is hands-on help, especially when people need assistance stepping into or out of the boat.

That matters because the boat may not always reach a sandy shoreline. Depending on the water level and beach access, you could use a few steps or enter the water before reaching the sand. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew early and consider whether this format suits you.

The guides also provide commentary during the crossing and around St Maarten’s landmarks. You may pass the marina with large yachts, well-known beaches, and the airport area where planes land close to the shoreline. The return timing can offer a fine view of aircraft arriving at SXM, though that sight is dependent on the day’s schedule and conditions.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would choose this trip if you are staying on St Maarten and want to see Anguilla’s famous beaches without spending the day on one ferry route and arranging local transport afterward. It is also a good fit for couples, families with older children, and groups who enjoy swimming, sun, and a lively boat ride.

The maximum group size is 20, which keeps the outing more personal than a large excursion boat. It does not make the experience quiet or private, however. You are still sharing the boat, the lunch service, the equipment, and the beach schedule with other people.

I would hesitate if you want a gentle cruise, long stretches of shade, or a slow cultural tour of Anguilla’s towns. This outing is primarily a coastal beach trip. It gives you limited time on land and may provide less island exploration than a ferry-and-taxi day.

I would also think carefully if you have difficulty climbing steps, entering moving water, or staying comfortable on a fast boat. The crew can be helpful, but the sea sets the conditions. Rough water can make the ride tiring and can force a change in stops.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. The operator also requires at least eight passengers, so a departure can be canceled if that minimum is not met. In that case, you are offered an alternative or a full refund.

The group has a maximum of 20 people. Confirmation is issued when you book, but I would still keep your schedule flexible enough to handle a weather-related change.

Should you book the Anguilla Getaway Cruise?

Book it if your ideal day means clear water, several beaches, a fast boat, casual lunch, and drinks without having to organize each piece yourself. At $139, the included meal, open bar, snorkeling gear, guide, and full-day transport make the package appealing.

Skip it if you are expecting a calm cruise or a detailed land tour of Anguilla. The honest description is a high-energy beach-hopping day by powerboat, with real exposure to wind, spray, and rough water.

For the best chance of enjoying it, bring your passport, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, extra towels, and a willingness to adjust the route. If you accept those conditions, this is a lively and efficient way to see some of Anguilla’s finest shorelines from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Anguilla Getaway Cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, beginning at 9am and ending back at the original meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 62 Welfare Road in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, near Simpson Bay.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to and from the meeting point.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. All participants need to bring a passport.

Is the trip available to cruise ship passengers?

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

Which beaches and islands are visited?

The usual route includes Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay. Rendezvous Bay may be used as an alternative when weather affects another stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes freshly made sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included through an open bar, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You must complete a health questionnaire before snorkeling.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not met?

If bad weather or insufficient bookings cancels the trip, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.