REVIEW · ST MAARTEN
Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter to Anguilla
Book on Viator →Operated by Billy Bones · Bookable on Viator
Speedboat days beat ferry days. This Billy Bones private charter is made for beach time on Anguilla at your pace, with a full-day open bar and a crew that handles the logistics. One heads-up: the crossing can feel choppy, so plan for motion if you get uneasy on the water.
I like that you are not stuck with a rigid schedule. Your guide steers you toward beaches such as Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and more, so you can follow your group’s energy—swim, snorkel, soak up sun, or just slow down.
This is also a smart fit if you want simple planning. Meeting is clear in Cole Bay, you return to the same point, and you get a mobile ticket. The main thing to watch is that lunch and certain check-in fees are not included, so bring a plan (and some cash) for the extras.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Private speedboat to Anguilla: what this day feels like
- Price, fees, and why the open bar changes the value
- Beach day done your way: Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and more
- Shoal Bay: the classic “set your towel down” stop
- Sandy Island: a change of scenery, often with water fun
- Rendezvous Bay: built for a slow swim-and-sit day
- Meads Bay: for that “vacation postcard” feel
- Little Bay: a good fit if your group wants water time
- More beaches, same approach: ask for the vibe
- Crew and captain energy: who you might sail with and what it means for you
- The practical stuff that makes the day better
- Bring a waterproof way to handle your phone
- Dress for sun and boat transfer
- Plan for water movement and possible chop
- Budget for meals and check-in fees
- Booking timeline and what you need to provide
- Who should book this Anguilla private charter?
- Should you book Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter to Anguilla?
- FAQ
- How many people can be in the private group for this charter?
- Where does the charter start on St Maarten?
- What time does the charter start, and how long is it?
- Is this a private tour or will other groups join?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there an open bar?
- What extra fees should I expect at check-in?
- What information do I need to provide as a cruise ship passenger?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Key points before you go

- Flexible beach stops with your own guide: you choose the vibe, not a fixed lineup
- Unlimited open bar during the charter: drink what you like while you cruise
- Professional captain and crew: they handle the run and the day’s pacing
- Natural Reserve fee at check-in: budget $6 per person in cash
- Crossing can be rough: if you’re motion-sensitive, prepare
Private speedboat to Anguilla: what this day feels like

This is a full-day private boat charter from St Maarten over to Anguilla. You start at 9:00 am from 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, and you’re back at the same meeting point when the day ends. The duration is listed as about 7 hours, which is long enough to feel like you did something big, but short enough that you don’t lose the whole day to transit.
What makes it different from a typical excursion is that it’s private. Only your group is on board, so you can move as a unit—fewer negotiations, fewer “wait for everyone” moments. And because a guide is included, you’re not figuring out which beach is best or where to meet next. Your crew handles the practical side, while you focus on the part you came for: water, sand, and time.
You’ll also want to keep the physical side in mind. The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, which usually means there’s some walking and moving around—getting on and off the boat, stepping around beach areas, and dealing with sun and heat. If that sounds fine, you’ll likely enjoy the pace.
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Price, fees, and why the open bar changes the value

The price is $1,400 per group for up to 10 people. That’s a useful number because it lets you think in “shared cost” terms instead of “per person ticket” math. If you fill the group, it can work out to roughly $140 per person before extra fees. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost rises—but it’s still a private charter, not a seat on a crowded boat.
The big value boost here is the unlimited open bar during the cruise. On a day like this, drinks can easily become a surprise expense. With this charter, you’re paying for one price and then enjoying beverages all day while you’re out there. It turns the trip into a full-on beach day rather than a strict “spend only what you planned” outing.
Two add-ons can catch people off guard:
- An immigration fee is payable at check-in.
- A $6 per person Natural Reserve fee is required by the St Maarten government and must be paid by cash at check-in.
Lunch is not included. That means you’ll either want to eat on your own schedule (bring something if allowed by your day plan, or plan to purchase food elsewhere before/after). If you tend to get hungry on beach days, I’d budget for it ahead of time.
Also worth knowing: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Translation: you should only book if your date is flexible enough to handle weather uncertainty—but you should not count on a refund if you decide to cancel.
Beach day done your way: Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and more
This charter is built around beach variety. Your guide takes you where you want to go, and common stops include Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and other beautiful Anguilla beach areas. Since the exact order and mix can vary, think of the day as “several quality beach stops with time at each,” not one long beach followed by a quick look.
Here’s how I’d think about the most named areas and what you might be aiming for at each:
Shoal Bay: the classic “set your towel down” stop
Shoal Bay is one of those Anguilla beaches people reference for a reason: it’s a go-to beach choice. I’d expect time here to work well for swimming, relaxing, and getting that iconic Caribbean beach feel without rushing.
Possible drawback: because it’s popular, you may want to arrive early in your stop timing (your captain controls the pacing more than you do). If your group likes quiet, ask the guide to help you find the calmer rhythm during the time you’re there.
Sandy Island: a change of scenery, often with water fun
Sandy Island is another stop that tends to make the day feel special because it feels like you’re transitioning from one beach mood to another. It’s the kind of place where you can spend time enjoying the water and taking in the views from the shore.
Some past charter experiences have also included water time like snorkeling around the day’s stops. If that’s your priority, you’ll want to be ready to move from boat to beach quickly and then get into the water when it’s offered.
Other Anguilla day trips we have reviewed in St Maarten
Rendezvous Bay: built for a slow swim-and-sit day
Rendezvous Bay is a solid option if your group wants a beach stop that feels like it’s made for lingering. The biggest payoff is time: the charter style gives you room to actually enjoy the water instead of bouncing on and off a beach in a hurry.
Watch-out: the day is long and the sun is strong. If you burn easily, don’t treat this like a quick photo stop—bring real sun protection and take shade seriously.
Meads Bay: for that “vacation postcard” feel
Meads Bay shows up as a stop option on Anguilla day charters from St Maarten, and it’s easy to see why. This is the kind of beach where you’ll enjoy the water color, the relaxing vibe, and the feeling that you’re really escaping routine.
If your group likes to swim and then “hang” (rather than do constant activities), Meads Bay is the kind of stop that fits that rhythm well.
Little Bay: a good fit if your group wants water time
Little Bay is mentioned as a snorkeling-friendly stop in charter experiences. If your group is excited about seeing sea life, this is one of the areas you’d hope your captain includes.
Practical note: snorkeling days are all about gear and phone protection. Even if snorkeling isn’t your main plan, you’ll still be moving between boat and beach, and water splashes happen.
More beaches, same approach: ask for the vibe
The charter is described as exploring the best beaches around Anguilla, with choices beyond the names above. The real win is that the guide can match stops to your group’s mood: calmer beach time, more active water time, or a mix of both.
If you want your captain to tailor stops, say it plainly before the first landing. It’s your private charter, so you should use that advantage.
Crew and captain energy: who you might sail with and what it means for you

Billy Bones runs the charter with a professional guide and crew. In real-world terms, that means you’re not just paying for transportation—you’re paying for a captain who knows how to manage the day and a team that keeps things running.
From actual experiences with this operator, names you might hear include Captain Sam, Captain Sam’s co-captain Jr, Captain Junior Gong, first mate Damian, Captain Nico, Matt, Captain Miguel, Coco, Nacho, Nicholas, Captain Frankie, and first mate Erwin. Crews like Junior, Coco, and Damian also show up as attentive, safety-minded guides who keep the experience fun.
What I take from that: service here tends to be relationship-based. You’re likely to feel like the crew is working with your group, not just checking off stops.
One balanced consideration: a private charter is only as smooth as its staffing on the day. There have been reports of uneven staffing even when the beach portion was great. My advice is simple: if something feels slow or off, talk to your captain early. You’re on a private charter—use that access.
The practical stuff that makes the day better

This is a beach-and-boat day, so the “small” items are the ones that save your afternoon.
Bring a waterproof way to handle your phone
One repeated tip from past charter experiences: bring a waterproof bag for your cell phone from the boat to the beaches. It’s the kind of detail that prevents the day from turning into a worry session. Even if you’re careful, splashes happen, and you’ll want photos without stress.
Dress for sun and boat transfer
You’re out for about seven hours. That’s a long stretch under strong Caribbean sun. Bring sun protection you’ll actually use, like sunscreen and a hat, and plan for quick changes if you get wet.
A light cover-up helps between swims. For footwear, think practical: something that won’t turn into a problem on wet sand and boat steps.
Plan for water movement and possible chop
The crossing can feel tumultuous. If you’re sensitive, consider motion-prep in advance and keep your expectations realistic. Sit where you feel best, keep hydrated, and don’t treat the speedboat like a calm pond.
Budget for meals and check-in fees
Lunch is not included, and there are fees at check-in. That means your “what will I eat” and “how will I pay the extras” should be handled before you’re far out at sea. The Natural Reserve fee is $6 per person payable at check-in by cash, so bring it.
Booking timeline and what you need to provide

This charter is typically booked about 55 days in advance, which suggests it’s a popular option—especially for vacation weeks and cruise schedules.
After booking, you receive confirmation, and you get a mobile ticket. The meeting point is clear, and it’s noted as near public transportation, which can be handy if you’re not staying right next door.
If you’re on a cruise ship, you’ll need to provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking. That matters because boat days can be timing-sensitive, and the crew needs the window to plan the day.
Who should book this Anguilla private charter?

This charter fits best if you want a day that feels like yours. I’d put it at the top of your list if:
- You’re traveling with a group up to 10 and want a true private outing.
- You care about beach variety and want a guide who can adjust the day.
- You like the idea of an open bar that turns the trip into a proper vacation day.
- You’re comfortable with a moderate activity level and don’t mind moving between boat and beach.
It may be less ideal if you’re very prone to motion sickness, because the crossing can be rough. It may also be a mismatch if you want your day to include lunch with no extra planning, since lunch is not included.
If you’re in a hurry and just want one beach, this is still fun—but you’ll get more value from the fact that you’re likely sampling multiple Anguilla stops in one day.
Should you book Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter to Anguilla?

I’d book this if you want a simple, private way to reach Anguilla’s best beaches from St Maarten without wrestling with ferry times, transportation logistics, or figuring out where to go next. The open bar and private guide make it feel like a full-on day out, not a quick excursion.
Before you hit book, do three things:
- Confirm your group count so the per-person value feels right.
- Plan for the Natural Reserve fee ($6 per person in cash) and the immigration fee at check-in.
- Think honestly about the crossing. If you get choppy-water symptoms, prepare.
If you do that, you’ll likely come away with exactly what this charter is built for: sand time, water time, and a day that feels tailored to your group.
FAQ
How many people can be in the private group for this charter?
The charter is priced per group and is listed as up to 10 people.
Where does the charter start on St Maarten?
The meeting point is 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.
What time does the charter start, and how long is it?
It starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 7 hours.
Is this a private tour or will other groups join?
This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
The included items are a private tour, a professional guide, unlimited drinks via an open bar, and beverages.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
Is there an open bar?
Yes. The charter includes an unlimited open bar for the duration of the cruise.
What extra fees should I expect at check-in?
There is a $6 per person Natural Reserve fee payable by cash at check-in, and an immigration fee payable at check-in.
What information do I need to provide as a cruise ship passenger?
You must provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, but the experience itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed for other reasons.
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