Anguilla’s beaches are hard to beat. This St Maarten–to–Anguilla speed boat tour packs Sandy Island snorkeling and Shoal Bay Village beach time into a guided, no-logistics day. I like that the crew builds in swimming and snorkeling stops plus an easy meal plan with an open bar. One thing to pencil in: the Anguilla immigration fee ($25 per person) is not included.

If you want an Anguilla taste without planning ferries or routes, this is a strong pick. You’ll be with a small group (max 18), you get snorkeling gear and floating devices, and the ride is designed to get you to multiple “wow” bays in one day. The main trade-off is that it’s not a slow beach day; expect focused time at each stop.

Key points worth clocking before you go

• Small-boat access to Sandy Island for swimming and snorkeling in a tiny secluded bay
• 4 beach stops in about 7 hours, so you get variety without feeling stranded
• Open bar + lunch included, which makes the day feel like a proper outing, not just transport
• Snorkeling gear and floating devices provided, so you don’t have to pack extra stuff
• Shoal Bay is a top beach by reputation, plus you’ll get lunch options right there

St Maarten to Anguilla in One Day: The Core Idea

Anguilla sits just off St Maarten’s coast, close enough for a day trip but far enough to feel like you changed countries. The whole point here is simple: you get a fast boat ride, a guided itinerary, and a full “beaches plus water time” schedule. You don’t need to map out routes, hunt down tickets, or figure out how to get from one bay to the next.

What I like most is how the plan balances different moods. You’re not only doing snorkeling. You also get time to hang on sandy shores, swim, and reset on the boat between stops. That matters because Anguilla’s best feature is the water and the coastline, and the tour is built around letting you experience both.

Also, this is designed for real-time flexibility. The day depends on sea conditions and what’s accessible, so the crew can shift details when the ocean isn’t cooperating.

Price and Extras: Is It Worth $149?

At $149 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to get to Anguilla, but it includes the stuff that normally costs time and money. You’re getting lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an open bar, plus a guide. That’s the difference between paying for transport and paying for a full day on the water.

Then add the one extra cost you should know up front: Anguilla Immigration Fee is $25 per person. If you’re budgeting, treat the total as closer to $174 per person rather than $149.

If you’re already thinking about renting gear, buying beach food, and paying for drinks separately, the value gets clearer fast. And because this is a day trip from St Maarten, you’re also buying back your planning time. You’re essentially paying for a ready-made itinerary that hits multiple beaches instead of one.

Where You Meet and What the 7-Hour Schedule Feels Like

You start at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten with a 9:00 am departure, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. In other words, you’re committing to a full morning-to-afternoon rhythm.

The schedule is built around three main blocks:

• A sequence of short beach and snorkel stops
• A lunch window at Shoal Bay (on the beach or on the boat)
• A final pass through another popular bay on the way back

The stop durations are roughly: Sandy Island (about 1 hour), Little Bay (about 1 hour), Shoal Bay Village (about 1 hour 30), and Meads Bay (about 45 minutes). In real life, that timing can feel a bit tighter if conditions are choppy or if snorkeling traffic is spread out, but it’s still a fair structure for squeezing in multiple highlights.

One practical note: the meeting location is in Cole Bay, so give yourself a little buffer to park, find the group, and get settled. A few people mention it can take a moment to locate parking and the exact meeting spot, so arriving early is smart.

Stop 1: Sandy Island’s Tiny Bay Snorkel Hour

Sandy Island is the “how is this place real?” stop. The bay is small enough that only a relatively small boat can get in, which is exactly why it feels secluded. The water and the shoreline setup make it an ideal first swim: you get to drop in early, settle your nerves, and start enjoying the day right away.

This is a great stop if you like snorkeling but don’t want it to become the whole mission. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and just chill in a quieter pocket of sea that doesn’t feel like a public beach scene.

What to expect: conditions can vary. If you’ve had rough seas recently, visibility may not be perfect, but the stop still delivers because the environment is so scenic.

Stop 2: Little Bay Snorkeling, Possible Turtles, and Cliff-Jump Fun

Little Bay is where the day gets a bit more playful. You’ll spend about an hour here, with time to snorkel and to soak up sun. One of the stand-out possibilities: you may see turtles during snorkeling. You’re also in a spot where jumping off a cliff is part of the vibe if you’re feeling brave.

The “good snorkeling” reputation plus the potential for turtles is why this stop often feels like a highlight. Even if you don’t see turtles, you’re likely to get plenty of reef-life views because the water here is typically clear enough to make snorkeling worthwhile.

Two practical tips from the kind of day this tour creates:

• If you get motion sick, bring something for that. Some people do find the ride can get choppy depending on recent weather.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, use the gear and floating devices early. Getting comfortable at the first snorkel stop makes the rest of the day easier.

Stop 3: Shoal Bay Village, Lunch on the Sand, and Beach Time

Shoal Bay Village is the “get your beach photos and slow down a bit” stop. It’s often listed among the top 10 beaches in the world, and the tour leans into that with a longer stay (about 1 hour 30).

This stop is also where you’ll eat. Lunch is served as freshly made sandwiches, chips, and fruit, and you can have it on the beach or on the boat depending on how you feel.

I like this layout because it gives you options. If you want the beachy reset, you can eat on shore. If you’d rather stay in shade and protect yourself from sun, you can eat back on the boat. Either way, you avoid the day-long problem of getting hungry during a beach-and-snorkel itinerary.

Keep your expectations realistic: it’s a top beach, but it’s not a whole-day resort stay. You’ll enjoy it best if you treat Shoal Bay as your main “anchor stop” and focus on swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing rather than trying to explore every corner.

Stop 4: Meads Bay Fish-Feeding and Celebrity-Watching

Meads Bay is your final big payoff, with about 45 minutes here on the way back. This is a popular bay, and the tour gives you two fun things to focus on.

First, you’ll be in water where you can sometimes feed fish in turquoise shallows. That can turn an ordinary swim into a memorable little moment. Second, the coastline has an “exclusive resort” feel, which is why people look for celebrities on the golden sands.

Can you actually spot a famous person? It’s never guaranteed. But Meads Bay is scenic enough that even if you don’t, you still get a gorgeous final water stop before returning.

This is also a good place to slow down and take photos before the ride back to St Maarten. By this point, you’ll know what you loved most and can prioritize it.

Open Bar, Lunch, and On-Board Comfort That Make the Day Easier

The “included” part of this tour is a big part of why it works. You get an open bar, lunch, and snorkeling equipment all handled for you. People often highlight that the crew keeps drinks flowing during the day, and you’ll usually find a mix of rum punch and other bar drinks as part of the open-bar setup.

I also like that the boat setup is designed for comfort. Several departures are run on boats with a canopy or shade, which matters when you’re hopping between sun and water all day. On hot Caribbean days, that shade becomes a real rest zone between stops.

Snorkeling equipment being included is another practical win. You avoid the “did I pack the right thing” stress. Floating devices are also included, which helps if you want an easier time getting comfortable in the water.

Crew style is a major factor too. Names that show up again and again include captains and mates like Sammy, Lucas, Miguel, Coco, Niko, Schneider, Junior, and Damian. The common theme is clear: they focus on keeping things safe and enjoyable, with lots of attention paid to comfort and making sure you’re set before you head into the water.

Snorkeling Real Talk: What You Can Control and What You Can’t

Here’s the honest snorkeling truth: marine life depends on conditions. Even on a great day, you might see plenty of fish, and on another day the water might not be as lively. That said, the stops are chosen for snorkeling potential, and you often get chances to see interesting reef creatures.

From the range of wildlife people talk about on this route, don’t be surprised if you see things like turtles (especially around the Little Bay stop) and a mix of other underwater life such as rays and larger reef fish. You may even spot sea life that feels like it belongs in a nature documentary.

What you can control is your comfort:

• Use the life vest and floating devices early if you want an easier entry
• Don’t rush the first snorkel session
• If you get motion sick, plan ahead for boat time

And remember: the goal is multiple chances. This isn’t one long snorkeling session where one bad moment ruins the day. You get several water experiences across the itinerary.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is best for you if:

• You’re visiting St Maarten and want a simple Anguilla day trip without logistics headaches
• You want multiple beaches in one outing rather than committing to a single beach for hours
• You like the combo of snorkeling plus beach time plus a proper included lunch
• You enjoy a social day on the water with an open-bar vibe

It may feel less ideal if:

• You’re the type who wants long beach stays at one location. The stop durations are designed for variety, not for a slow, lounging-only day.
• You’re sensitive to boat motion and the sea gets choppy. The tour runs on speed-boat time, so it’s worth preparing if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Also, it’s capped at 18 travelers, which helps keep the experience from feeling chaotic. If you want a small-group feel rather than a big bus-style excursion, that limit is a plus.

Should You Book It: My Verdict

I think this is a smart booking for a first Anguilla day trip from St Maarten. You get real value in the way the day is packaged: snorkeling gear and floating devices included, lunch taken care of, and an open bar that keeps the day from feeling like a chore. The itinerary is built around iconic bays like Shoal Bay plus extra-special stops like Sandy Island’s tiny-bay access, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a day trip feel worth it.

The main reason not to book is if you’re chasing the one beach-and-do-nothing style day. This is more of a “see a lot, swim a lot, relax between stops” experience.

If you’re ready for that style, prebook and go. Anguilla’s coastline is the star, and this tour is one of the more efficient ways to meet it head-on.

FAQ

What’s included in the Anguilla Discovery Speed Boat tour?

Lunch (freshly made sandwiches, chips, and fruit), an open bar, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, and a guide are included.

How long is the tour and how many stops are there?

The tour is about 7 hours and includes four stops: Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay Village, and Meads Bay.

Is the Anguilla immigration fee included in the price?

No. There is an Anguilla Immigration Fee of $25.00 per person that is not included.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Can cruise ship visitors join this tour?

No. It is not available for cruise ship visitors.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

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