Four beach stops beat a slow island day. This Anguilla outing from St Maarten is built for speed and simplicity: a captain and guide run the schedule, so you spend your time swimming instead of planning. You’ll cross to the British island of Anguilla (about 7 miles away) and jump straight into classic Caribbean water.

I especially like the snorkeling-first approach. Stops are timed so you can get in the water, use the provided gear, then dry off and reset. I also love the open bar plus lunch, because it turns the ride into a full-day beach break rather than a quick photo stop.

One thing to think about: this is not a do-nothing, all-day beach lounge. Each stop is brief (roughly an hour, with one longer lunch stop), so you’ll want to be ready to snorkel, swim, and move on.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-bay Sandy Island access: A tiny secluded bay that only a relatively smaller boat can reach
• Snorkel gear and floating devices included: You can swim and snorkel without extra rental fuss
• Open bar with lunch on the schedule: Drinks are part of the day, not a separate purchase
• Shoal Bay Village for the long-ish beach break: You’ll get time to relax and eat
• Meads Bay is shorter: Great water and fish-feeding, but plan on a quick hit
• Anguilla immigration fee is extra: Budget $25 per person on top of the $149 tour price

Speed-Boat to Anguilla: What the 7-Hour Flow Feels Like

You start in Cole Bay, St Maarten, at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, with a 9:00am departure. The tour ends back where you started, so you’re not left figuring out last-mile transport after a long day on the water.

This is built around one big idea: Anguilla is close enough to reach quickly, but far enough that a speed boat turns it into a real day trip. You’re not trying to drive, park, or map your way around an unfamiliar island. Instead, you settle in on a boat with shade, follow the crew’s lead, and let the day happen.

Expect about 7 hours total, and remember the sea and tides can shape the exact timing. If the water is choppy after recent weather, your comfort will depend on how your body handles boat rides. I’d pack for that mindset: sunscreen, a dry bag for your phone, and motion-sickness support if you’re sensitive.

Price and value: When $149 really makes sense

The tour price is $149 per person, and it includes a lot that you’d otherwise pay for separately: snorkeling equipment, a guide, floating devices, lunch, and an open bar. If you’re landing in St Maarten and want Anguilla without renting a car or paying for multiple separate excursions, this price starts to look practical.

The one clear extra cost is the Anguilla Immigration Fee of $25 per person, which is not included. That means the true all-in total is higher, but at least it’s straightforward. Add it to your budget before you go, and you won’t get surprised at the border.

Also look at what this day trades away. You’re paying for water access and beach time, not for a town tour or a long sit-down meal plan. If you want hours and hours at one beach, you may feel time-pressed. But if you want to see multiple Anguilla beaches and snorkel spots in one day, this is usually the kind of value that works.

What you get on board: Snacks, drinks, and snorkel setup

This tour is set up so you can gear up fast. The boat includes snorkeling equipment, floating devices, and a guide who runs the day and helps keep everyone comfortable in and out of the water.

Lunch is included as freshly made sandwiches, chips, and fruit. There’s also a vegetarian option if you tell the operator in advance. In real life, food timing can vary with sea conditions and where lunch makes the most sense that day, but you should plan on getting your meal during the run, not after you return.

And then there’s the open bar. The basic promise is open bar, and the vibe on board is that the drinks keep coming. That matters because it changes the feel of the excursion. You’re not waiting for a break to refuel or rehydrate. You’re already on island time, with shade, snacks, and drinks while you bounce between beaches.

Stop 1: Sandy Island and its tiny-bay snorkeling

Your first beach stop is Sandy Island, and the reason it’s special is physical. The bay is so small that only a relatively smaller boat can access it. That detail matters: you’re not just visiting another beach; you’re getting into a secluded pocket of calm.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. This is the kind of stop where you swim, use your snorkeling gear, then rinse off and enjoy the quiet. Since it’s secluded, it tends to feel like a break from the main tourist route that people can’t avoid on St Maarten.

What I’d expect for snorkel quality: usually good water visibility when conditions are calm. In rougher weather, the water can get a bit choppy, and you may see less wildlife close to the surface. Still, even when fish are harder to spot, this is a great first stop to reset and get your bearings in Anguilla’s water.

Stop 2: Little Bay, turtles sometimes, and a cliff-jump option

Next is Little Bay, another roughly 1 hour stop. This is the stop that often comes with the most “do something” energy. You’ll snorkel, soak up the sun, and yes, there’s a cliff feature where you can jump if you dare.

Some days include a chance for turtles, though marine life is never guaranteed. What you can count on is that the crew keeps the day moving and makes sure you’re equipped. With floating devices provided, this is also a place where non-expert swimmers can still feel included.

One practical note: sea conditions affect everything. If the water is a little choppy, your entry experience and comfort will change. I’d go in with a calm plan: life vest on, take it slow at the edge, and let the crew guide your comfort level. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is one of the stops where you’ll want to have taken precautions already.

Stop 3: Shoal Bay Village for lunch time and long beach minutes

The lunch stop is Shoal Bay Village, with about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the day gives you more breathing room. Shoal Bay is known for its beach reputation, and it’s one of the places you’ll want to just sit for a while, take photos, and enjoy the water.

Lunch here is flexible. The food is included, and you can have your sandwiches and chips either on the beach or back on the boat, depending on what feels easiest. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll want to make sure that preference was noted when you booked.

This is also the stop that works best for mixed groups. People who want to snorkel can do that, and people who just want the beach vibe can relax. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to switch between activities every few minutes, this stop hits the right balance.

Stop 4: Meads Bay and the quick, fun finish

On the way back, you’ll make a stop at Meads Bay for about 45 minutes. This is the shorter finale, but it’s still a strong one.

Two things people love about Meads Bay: the water can look stunning in the light, and there’s a chance to feed fish right from the shoreline. Another bonus is spotting celebrities who spend time at the nearby exclusive resort area. You might see something fun and famous, but even without that, the water and beach setting make this a satisfying last stop.

Because it’s shorter, don’t wait until the last ten minutes to get your swim in. I’d jump into the water early, then use the remaining time for photos and lounging. Think of this as your “wrap up the day” moment, not a full beach afternoon.

The crew: Safety-first fun and a steady open-bar rhythm

A lot of the magic in a speed boat day trip is the crew’s tone. The captains and first mates on this route focus on safety while still keeping the mood fun. One helpful detail is how often they remind people to use life vests properly, even if someone thinks they’re an okay swimmer. That tells you they’re watching the basics first, not just performing for the day’s checklist.

You’ll also notice the boat setup is built for comfort. People mention plenty of shade on board and a comfortable ride, plus music that keeps things light during the ride between stops.

In terms of the drink vibe, the open bar is a real part of the experience, not a side perk. The day often includes things like rum punch and beer, and the crew tends to keep drinks coming while you’re on board and between beach moments. If you’re 18 or older and you like a social, party-within-reason atmosphere, it can feel like a floating beach club for the day.

Timing reality check: Why some days feel rushed

Here’s the honest tradeoff with a multi-stop Anguilla day trip: you’re moving between beaches on purpose. That means you get time at each place, but not endless time.

The planned rhythm is stop-by-stop, with Sandy Island around an hour, Little Bay around an hour, Shoal Bay around an hour and a half, and Meads Bay around 45 minutes. In practice, conditions like tides and weather can shorten or swap stops. Some captains may adjust the route if one beach is hard to reach due to sea conditions, and they’ll take you to another spot instead.

So if you’re someone who needs long, slow beach time, you might feel the schedule is tight. If you’re someone who wants a sampler day with swims, snorkel chances, and multiple settings, this pace can feel perfect.

My advice: go into this day with a “do the water first, then relax” approach. You’ll feel like you got more out of the time, even when each stop is brief.

Who should book this Anguilla speed-boat day and who should skip

This is a strong fit if:

• You’re a first-time visitor who wants Anguilla’s beaches without arranging transport
• You want a day that includes snorkeling plus beach time rather than just one activity
• You prefer a small-group feel, since the tour caps at 18 travelers
• You like a social vibe with an open bar and a crew that keeps the energy up

It’s not the best fit if:

• You want a quiet, unhurried beach day at one location
• You hate boats or you know you get sick on the water
• You’re on a cruise. This tour is not available for cruise ship visitors

Kids are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult. Alcohol is for adults, with a minimum drinking age of 18.

Should you book this Anguilla Discovery Speed Boat tour?

I think this is worth it when your goal is a fun, structured day trip: you want Anguilla beaches, you want snorkeling gear included, and you don’t want to deal with ferries or island logistics. The value comes from getting a full mix of beach time + lunch + open bar + gear, all in one run.

You should book with eyes open if you’re expecting long stays at each beach. This is a “see, swim, snorkel, then move” format. Also remember the $25 Anguilla immigration fee is extra, so budget it before you go.

If you want an Anguilla day that feels like a hit parade of gorgeous water, this one fits. If you want one beach and all-day lounging, you’ll probably be happier with a slower, single-location plan.

FAQ

How long is the Anguilla Discovery Speed Boat tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes an open bar, snorkeling equipment, a guide, floating devices, and lunch (sandwiches, chips, and fruit).

Is the Anguilla immigration fee included?

No. There is an Anguilla Immigration Fee of $25 per person that is not included.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a current valid passport on the day of travel.

Is this tour available for cruise ship passengers?

No. It is not available for cruise ship visitors.

What are the rules for alcohol and kids?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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