Planning an Anguilla day trip from St Maarten isn’t always as simple as it sounds.
With so many options available — from shared boat tours to private charters — it’s not always obvious which experience is actually worth it.
Anguilla is known for its powder-white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water, but the way you choose to get there can completely shape your day. The right experience turns it into one of the highlights of your trip — the wrong one can feel rushed and forgettable.
The most popular tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
If you see a tour you like, don’t wait.
The most popular are often gone months in advance.
There isn’t just one way to experience Anguilla — some travelers prefer a relaxed group cruise with snorkeling stops, while others choose a more private and flexible day on the water. Here are the best options depending on how you want to spend your day.
Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip from St Maarten Including Lunch
4.5 ⭐ (360+ reviews)
Full day / lunch included / snorkeling
Why people love it:
A complete and well-balanced day — great atmosphere, food included, and one of the most popular ways to experience Anguilla and Prickly Pear.
Boomerang’s Best of Anguilla: Swim with Turtles Adventure
4.8 ⭐ (370+ reviews)
Full day / snorkeling / multiple stops
Why people love it:
One of the most booked tours — combines snorkeling with turtles, beach stops, and a full Anguilla experience in one day.
Anguilla Getaway Cruise
4.8 ⭐ (670+ reviews)
Full day / relaxing / beach hopping
Why people love it:
A smooth and easy cruise with great reviews — perfect if you want a relaxed day exploring Anguilla without overthinking it.
Anguilla In Style
4.9 ⭐ (200+ reviews)
Full day / shared boat / scenic stops
Why people love it:
A great balance between price and experience — ideal if you want a high-quality day trip without going full luxury.
Private Speed Boat Charter to Anguilla
5.0 ⭐ (40+ reviews)
Private / flexible itinerary / fast transfer
Why people love it:
A fully customizable day with no crowds — perfect if you want to explore Anguilla at your own pace.
For most travelers, the answer is yes — but only if you choose the right type of experience.
Anguilla is just a short boat ride from St Maarten, yet it feels completely different. The beaches are quieter, the water is even clearer, and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed and refined. That contrast is exactly what makes an Anguilla day trip so appealing.
The best Anguilla day trips from St Maarten aren’t just about getting there — they combine the journey with snorkeling stops, beach time, and enough flexibility to actually enjoy the island without feeling rushed.
Most St Maarten to Anguilla excursions depart from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg and take between 20 and 60 minutes depending on the boat. These tours often include snorkeling stops, beach time, drinks, and sometimes lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Popular stops include Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay, three of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Most Anguilla day trips from St Maarten start with a scenic ride across the Anguilla Channel, where the deep blue Caribbean waters gradually shift into the bright turquoise tones the island is known for.
Depending on the experience you choose, the day often includes one or more snorkeling stops along the way — giving you the chance to swim in clear, shallow waters before reaching Anguilla itself.
Once on the island, the focus shifts to its beaches. Places like Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay are not just beautiful — they’re the reason many travelers choose to make the trip in the first place.
Most tours include time to swim, walk along the beach, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, often combined with a stop at a beachfront restaurant where lunch becomes part of the experience.
One of the main reasons travelers book an Anguilla day trip from St Maarten is simple — the beaches.
The island is known for having some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean, and many boat tours are built around them.
Shoal Bay is often considered one of the most iconic beaches in Anguilla. Its bright white sand and calm turquoise water create the kind of scenery people expect from the Caribbean — and rarely forget.
It’s also one of the most common stops on Anguilla boat tours from St Maarten, offering time to swim, relax, or enjoy a drink at one of the laid-back beach bars.
Meads Bay offers a slightly different experience, blending natural beauty with a more refined atmosphere.
Lined with beachfront restaurants and upscale resorts, it’s a popular stop for travelers looking to combine beach time with a relaxed lunch by the sea.
Rendezvous Bay is one of the most peaceful beaches in Anguilla, with a long stretch of soft sand and calm, shallow water.
On clear days, you can even see St Maarten in the distance — a reminder of how close the island is, and how different it feels.
Many Anguilla day tours include time here, making it one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
For many travelers visiting St Martin, a day trip to Anguilla is absolutely worth it. The island is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and incredibly clear turquoise water. Because Anguilla is located just a short boat ride away, it’s easy to spend a full day exploring its stunning coastline before returning to St Maarten in the afternoon.
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular excursions from St Maarten. Many boat tours depart from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg and take visitors across the Anguilla Channel in less than an hour. These excursions usually include snorkeling stops, beach time, drinks, and sometimes lunch.
Most Anguilla day trips from St Maarten include a combination of beach hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing at some of the island’s most famous beaches such as Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, or Rendezvous Bay. Visitors can swim in crystal-clear water, enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and experience the relaxed atmosphere that makes Anguilla so special.
The best way to visit Anguilla from St Maarten is usually by catamaran cruise or speedboat excursion. These tours often include multiple beach stops, snorkeling opportunities, drinks, and plenty of time to relax on Anguilla’s beautiful beaches. Some travelers also choose private boat charters for a more exclusive experience.
Yes. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so visitors traveling from St Martin or Sint Maarten must carry a valid passport. Most organized excursions assist guests with the immigration process upon arrival.
