Anguilla by speedboat is the shortcut to wow. You’ll charter your own boat from Cole Bay and build a day around what you want to do, with the captain adjusting for weather. I especially like the custom itinerary you can shape on the water, and the fact that snorkeling gear plus unlimited drinks are handled for you. One thing to plan for: you’ll need a passport and there’s an extra US$35 per person clearance fee paid in cash to the captain.

From the dock, this feels smooth and organized. Reviews mention Sam as the responsive point person and a captain who shows up ready to go, with a clean, well-kept boat and a solid plan to hit Anguilla’s best bays. Still, this is a true day charter: there’s no hotel pickup, and the route depends on conditions, so you’ll want a little flexibility.

If your goal is beaches and sea time, this tour is built for it. You’ll swim and snorkel off Anguilla’s reefs, then hop between coves that can be hard to reach any other way. The main trade-off is simple: the day isn’t cheap once you add lunch and that cash clearance fee.

Key things that make this charter work so well

• It’s truly private: just your group on your boat for the day
• You steer the day with the captain adjusting the itinerary for your interests and weather
• Snorkeling gear is included, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, and beers on board
• You visit multiple bays instead of doing just one long stop
• Sandy Island and Little Bay give you that boat-only feeling, with great swim access
• Bring passport and cash for the US$35 per person clearance fee

A speedboat day to Anguilla that feels built for beach people

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if you’re staying in St Maarten and want a big Anguilla hit without doing the whole logistics shuffle yourself. Your boat leaves from Cole Bay (Philipsburg area), and you spend about 7 hours on the water exploring Anguilla’s coast.

The biggest value isn’t just speed. It’s control. You’re not stuck with a fixed bus-like schedule. The captain can shift timing, pick better conditions for snorkeling, and move you between beaches based on what your group actually wants that day.

And yes, it’s all about water. You’ll be swimming and snorkeling more than you’ll be strolling. If you enjoy that, you’ll love how the day flows: swim, cool off with a drink, snorkel, then hop again.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $404.42 per person for a private charter day (for your group). That can sound steep until you price out the real components you’re getting:

• Boat time for a full day (private)
• A professional captain
• Unlimited drinks on board (water, soft drinks, beers)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Taxes and handling charges included

The cost balance is why this is popular for groups. If you’re traveling with several people, the per-person “ship time” cost drops, and you’re effectively buying a whole moving beach club.

Two add-ons you should budget for:

• Lunch is not included
• There’s a US$35 per person clearance fee you pay to the captain on the day of the trip, and it’s cash only

So for a realistic budgeting mindset, you’re planning around the charter price plus that clearance fee, then adding lunch based on where you decide to eat.

Where you meet, how you get going, and what to bring

Meet at Powerboat Adventures, 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

A few practical things I’d treat as non-negotiable:

• You must bring a current valid passport on the day of travel.
• Alcohol is only for 18+, so plan accordingly if you have younger travelers.
• Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
• This tour isn’t for everyone physically; you should have moderate physical fitness for getting on and off the boat and moving around at beach stops.

One review also flagged communication around entry requirements, so I’d handle this like a grown-up project: confirm what’s needed well ahead of time, and make sure you have your travel documents organized before departure day. If you’re asked to provide passport details ahead of time, don’t wait until the last minute.

Also: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to Cole Bay on time.

The captain’s day plan: how the itinerary flows

Your itinerary is customizable, but the planned order gives you a great feel for the day’s rhythm. Think of it as a string of bays designed for variety: quick beach stops, then longer swim-and-snorkel hangs, with good odds you’ll find sun and calm water.

Here’s what the day looks like in the default flow, with what each stop usually offers and how you can think about your time:

Stop 1: Cole Bay (about 15 minutes)

This is short, and that’s the point. It’s a quick start phase rather than a long beach event. Use this window to get your bearings, grab what you need for the water (snorkel-ready gear, sunscreen, a dry layer), and settle into boat mode.

If you’re the type who likes to be ready, this stop helps you get there fast.

Stop 2: Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel area (about 1 hour)

This is a beach-facing stop with a “pretty card photo” vibe: private white sand facing Saint Martin. Expect a relaxed hour to swim, hang out, and enjoy views across the water.

The one consideration here is simple: hotel areas can mean you’ll be sharing the general feeling with the place next door, even if your boat stop keeps it casual. You’ll likely want to time swims for when the water looks best.

Stop 3: Sandy Island (about 1 hour, includes it)

This stop is all about that small-island feeling: white sand, great snorkeling, and a beach bar. It’s the kind of location that makes the speedboat worth it because it feels like you reached it the fun way, not by taking a normal road.

Drawback to watch for: since the stop includes a beach bar, if your group wants it extra quiet, plan your timing so you’re not stuck in peak moments.

Stop 4: Crocus Bay Beach (about 1 hour, includes it)

Crocus Bay is prized for clear water and classic beach views. Your tour plan also connects you to lunch options: there’s a dock to DaVida’s restaurant.

If you want a smooth day without hunting around, this is often where lunch can work best. Give yourself time to swim, then factor in that lunch means you might want to stay put for a bit instead of rushing back to the boat.

Stop 5: Little Bay (about 1 hour, includes it)

Little Bay is for people who want more than a float-and-sit beach. It’s accessible only by boat, has clear waters, a smaller tucked-in beach, and there’s cliff jumping.

You’ll want to check the day’s conditions through the captain’s eyes. If the water looks calm and the access points are safe, this stop can be a highlight. If you’re not into jumping, you can still enjoy the swim and the scenery.

Stop 6: Meads Bay Beach Villas (about 1 hour, includes it)

Meads Bay is the “finish strong” stop: one of the most beautiful beaches, with white sand, clear waters, and nice snorkeling. This is a great location to end with swimming when your legs are tired but your motivation is still high.

A realistic tip: plan to save some energy for this last stretch. If you snorkel hard earlier, you may feel it by the end.

Snorkeling and sea time: what you’re set up for

This charter is built around water time. You’re going out specifically to explore coral reef systems and see native marine life, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment.

That matters because it removes the two usual barriers:

1) You don’t have to hunt down gear at the last minute.

2) You don’t have to worry about whether the equipment fits or works.

The day still depends on weather and sea conditions. The captain’s job is to make sure you’re in the right places when the water is friendly. Your best move is to be flexible about where you snorkel and when you swim—conditions can change fast.

For comfort, I’d also bring practical swim stuff like reef-friendly sunscreen and water shoes (some shore access can be uneven). Those aren’t listed as included, so plan for your own basics.

The small touches that make it feel like a real private day

Private tours succeed or fail based on how the crew handles details. The strongest praise in the feedback points to exactly that: responsive communication and a captain who runs a smart itinerary.

A couple of “this is why it’s worth it” moments show up repeatedly:

• Sam is described as very responsive and on top of questions before the day.
• The boat is described as clean and well maintained.
• The day often includes a steady flow of drinks—water, soft drinks, beers—so nobody is stuck rationing.
• One review notes the crew greeted them with hot coffee and croissants, which is such a small thing but instantly sets the tone.

Also, since it’s private, you don’t have to negotiate the day with other groups. You’re on your own clock, within the captain’s weather reality.

Who this charter is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A beach-first day with real swim and snorkel time
• A private group experience where you’re not sharing with random schedules
• A group that appreciates spending time on a boat and hopping between bays

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re on a cruise ship (it’s not suitable for cruise ship passengers)
• You need hotel pickup (it doesn’t include it)
• You dislike entry paperwork and document requirements (passport is required, and you should be ready for document requests before travel)
• You’re traveling with people who can’t handle boat transfers and moving around at stops (moderate physical fitness is required)

Quick-read tips so your day stays smooth

• Confirm what documents you need and have them ready before travel day.
• Bring cash for the US$35 per person clearance fee to the captain.
• Plan for lunch yourself; you can aim for a sit-down option when the route passes the right beach areas.
• Wear swim gear that can handle boat spray, and bring a dry bag for phones and passports.
• Keep your schedule flexible. The “custom itinerary” part works only if you’re open to small changes.

Should you book this private speedboat to Anguilla?

I think this is a strong pick if Anguilla is on your list and you want a day that feels like it was designed for water lovers. The combination of private boat access, a captain-led route you can tailor, and included snorkeling gear plus unlimited drinks is the value engine here.

But if you’re looking for a low-effort, no-paperwork outing, or if you need hotel pickup and guaranteed fixed timing, you might feel annoyed by the entry requirements, the cash clearance fee, and the weather dependence.

If your group is willing to plan a little and lean into the sea day, you’ll likely come away remembering the bays more than the schedule. And for many people, that’s the whole point.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat charter to Anguilla?

It runs about 7 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a professional boat captain, all taxes and handling charges, unlimited water/soft drinks/beers, and the use of snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What documents do I need?

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

Are there age limits for drinking?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I book this if I’m arriving on a cruise ship?

No. This tour is not suitable for cruise ships passengers.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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