Anguilla feels far, but the ride is quick. This day charter runs from St Maarten on a sturdy catamaran that cruises at about 15–20 knots, then sets you down at a string of world-class beaches for swimming and turtle spotting. I also like how the boat is built for comfort with indoor and outdoor seating, so the trip feels easy even before you hit the sand.

My second favorite thing is the all-day setup: you get an open bar plus snorkeling gear and extra water toys, so you are not scrambling for extras once you arrive. The one thing to keep in mind is that the schedule is tight by design—four stops means each beach window can feel short if you want a longer snorkeling session or slower hang time.

Quick hits before you go

• Four beach stops across Anguilla, including Little Bay and Meads Bay
• Snorkeling gear + water toys (snorkels, paddleboards, floaties, noodles, life jackets)
• Open bar with hand-shaken cocktails and snacks plus a BBQ lunch onboard
• Turtle watching is a real goal, not just a marketing line
• Small group size with a maximum of 55 travelers on the boat

Catamaran comfort from Simpson Bay to Anguilla

This is not a “sit in a bus and rush” kind of trip. It’s a catamaran day charter that leaves from Simpson Bay area (meeting at the Sint Maarten Police Station) and spends the morning cruising north toward Anguilla. Once you are aboard, you can pick where you want to be: shade and indoor seating when you need it, or deck time when you want the sun and the spray.

A cruise speed in the 15–20 knots range matters more than you might think. Faster sailing means less time cooped up at sea, and you arrive with more daylight left for real beach time. The boat also has a restroom onboard, which is a small detail until you are a few hours in and happy it’s there.

One practical note from the vibe of the day: expect the Caribbean to do what the Caribbean does. Water gets everywhere on boat days. If you bring anything you care about, plan for it to get wet.

The onboard food, snacks, and open bar (yes, it’s a big deal)

Food here is not an afterthought. Lunch is a BBQ served onboard, timed so you can eat without feeling like the whole day revolves around a meal schedule. The BBQ menu includes things like Jamaican jerk & curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, Greek pasta salad with feta, and baguette with garlic bread.

Then there are the snack and fruit moments that keep you from running on beach-water enthusiasm alone. You get a tropical fruit platter (pineapple and watermelon), plus snacks during the day.

Now the bar. This is an open bar day, with assorted beers, liquors, sodas, juices, and water. The crew also emphasizes hand-shaken cocktails, so you’re not just choosing from whatever’s left in a cooler. Drinks are part of the energy level of the trip, and it helps explain why so many people describe the day as fun from start to finish.

No Wi‑Fi on board also matters here. If you want to post photos, you’ll have to wait. If you want to actually enjoy the day, the lack of Wi‑Fi is one less distraction.

Stop 1: Little Bay for turtle watching and calm-cove snorkeling

Little Bay is the kind of place you expect on a postcard: secluded, quiet, and boat-access only. It’s also a great turtle-watching stop. That matters because turtle spotting is never guaranteed on a reef day, but this stop is specifically used for that kind of wildlife encounter.

What I like about Little Bay for first-time snorkelers is the overall vibe: it’s calmer and more protected than open-water stretches. If you’re trying to ease into snorkeling and swimming without the sea feeling intense, this is a strong opener.

The only drawback is timing. This stop runs about 1 hour 15 minutes, and you’ll want to balance your time between getting in the water and enjoying the shore. If you go hard on snorkeling from the first minute, the sand part can blur together. My advice: do one good snorkel session, then save a chunk of time just to sit, cool off, and look for turtles again from the edge.

Stop 2: Shoal Bay for powder sand and easy snorkeling conditions

Shoal Bay is famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise water. This is the stop where the beach “wow” factor is obvious the second you step off the boat. It’s also set up for snorkeling and swimming over calm water.

If you want an easy-going water day, Shoal Bay is built for that. The reef experience here is meant to be accessible, and the water style tends to make it more comfortable for people who are not hardcore gear-head snorkelers.

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes in this area. That’s enough time to: rinse in, grab gear, do a couple of swims, and still end with a beach moment. Still, it’s not an all-day beach camp. Come with the mindset that you’re sampling multiple bays across Anguilla, not staying in one place long enough to forget the rest of the trip.

Stop 3: Prickly Pear Cays for uninhabited-island reef time

Prickly Pear Cays are five nautical miles north of Anguilla and mostly uninhabited, aside from restaurants. The energy here is more “island day” than “just another beach stop.” The goal is reef time, wildlife encounters, and a chance to walk around a little and change scenery between swims.

Snorkeling is a big part of this stop. It’s not only about seeing fish—it’s about getting that island-meets-reef feeling where the water changes from shallow nearshore to deeper spots you can’t quite resist exploring.

One consideration: conditions can change. If the water is choppy, the captain may adjust the itinerary. That’s not a failure of the day; it’s how day charters stay safe and keep the experience enjoyable. If a planned cays stop gets rough, you may see a substitute route or alternative anchorage options instead.

Stop 4: Meads Bay for the last big swim and soft sand reset

Meads Bay is often the name people remember after an Anguilla trip. It combines gorgeous turquoise views with feather-soft sand that feels like the definition of Caribbean relaxation. This is a great closer stop because it’s the kind of beach where you can switch from snorkeling mode back to lounging and enjoying the water.

You’ll have about 1 hour at Meads Bay. That’s the one short stop on the list, so be strategic. If you snorkel, do it first and don’t wait too long. If you’re more into the sand-and-swim combo, this is also where you can spend time just floating, using the provided floaties or noodles, and letting the saltwater take over.

If you are chasing turtles, this is still a place where wildlife may appear, but the focus here is more about beach perfection and the end-of-day reset.

Snorkeling reality check: current, gear, and what to bring

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, plus extra gear like paddleboards, floaties, and life jackets (adult and child sizes), along with noodles and a floating lily pad mat. That covers a lot of bases, including for families.

Still, don’t assume snorkeling will feel effortless the whole time. One practical lesson from real-world experience is that the current can be stronger than expected. If you’re used to calm pools and beginner snorkeling spots, bring a little caution to the reef.

A tip that makes a difference: consider bringing flippers if you have them. The gear provided may be fine, but extra foot support can help when you feel pulled a bit more than you hoped.

Also, plan for wet clothes and wet bags. If you pack a dry set, seal it well. You’ll thank yourself later.

Meeting point and how the day runs (so you’re not flustered)

Check-in starts at the Simpson Bay area around the St Maarten Police Station. The tour starts at 8:30 am, and it’s an approximately 8-hour day charter that returns back to the meeting point. That early start is part of the value: you get multiple bays while the morning air is comfortable and the light is good for photos.

If you like having a backup plan for breakfast, there’s a McDonald’s right near the meeting spot. It’s not everyone’s vibe, but it’s there for easy timing. Either way, plan to eat before you board or at check-in.

No Wi‑Fi on board means your best bet is using your phone like a camera and living in the moment. Save charging for when you’re off the boat.

Price and value: what $179 really buys (plus the port fee)

The headline price is $179 per person, and that covers the catamaran charter day with the core experience: four stops around Anguilla, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards and floating gear, and an onboard BBQ lunch. It also includes open bar drinks and snacks.

Then add the Anguilla port and immigration fee: $25 per person, cash only. That fee is not included in the $179, so budget for it up front.

For me, the value case is strongest if you plan to do the full day the way it’s designed: you’ll drink, swim, snorkel, and eat onboard. If you show up only for beach time and skip snorkeling, the price can feel less “all-in-one.” But if you want a full Anguilla sampler with gear and drinks handled, it’s a convenient way to do it without having to arrange anything complicated yourself.

One more detail: this tour is limited to a maximum of 55 travelers. A smaller group usually means less chaos at check-in and more practical handling on boat time.

Who this trip fits best (and who might want a different option)

This is ideal for people who want an active, scenic day without managing schedules. It works well for couples, groups, and families with kids who are comfortable in a boat and want a mix of snorkeling and beach time.

It’s also a good choice if you want a safe, organized outing with crew attention and a steady flow of activities. Several people highlight that the crew runs the day like a well-timed operation, keeping passengers moving and supported without turning it into a stressful race.

On the other hand, this is not an ideal pick if you’re expecting a slow luxury day or a deep reef-only snorkeling itinerary. The day is built around multiple locations, and the time at each is designed for variety. If you want to pick one beach and spend hours practicing snorkeling techniques, you might feel slightly rushed.

Booking tips that make a real difference

This experience requires passport information to complete booking, and you’ll need to send an email for the online form. Don’t wait until the day before you go—passport details are easy to misplace when you’re packing.

Also note: it’s not suitable for cruise ship passengers. If you’re on a cruise, check other Anguilla options that match cruise timing and shore logistics.

Finally, bring swim-focused mindset gear:

• a change of clothes if you want to feel human again after the boat
• reef-safe sun protection and sunglasses you don’t mind getting splashed
• if you have them, flippers for snorkeling comfort

Should you book this Anguilla turtles-and-snorkel catamaran day?

If you want an easy Anguilla day with big beach payoff, snorkeling gear included, and an open bar that keeps the mood upbeat, I think this is an excellent choice. The combination of four stops, onboard BBQ lunch, and the realistic goal of turtle spotting is exactly the kind of “one-day effort, multiple memories” trip that’s hard to beat.

I would not book it if you’re chasing a slow, luxury-style beach day or if your main goal is long, uninterrupted snorkeling time at one reef. The schedule is efficient, not lingering. But for most people, that’s the point.

If you’re ready for a full day on a catamaran, expect wet fun, pack a little smart gear, and you’ll likely leave with the kind of Anguilla photos and stories that make the trip feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Boomerang’s Best of Anguilla Swim with Turtles Adventure?

The tour is about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Sint Maarten Police Station, Simpson Bay (34 Simpson Bay Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How much does it cost?

The price is $179.00 per person.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. There is a $25 per person Anguilla port and immigration fee that is cash only.

What’s included in the price?

You get an open bar, a BBQ lunch onboard, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, life jackets, noodles, floating lily pad mat, and snacks like tropical fruit. There is also a restroom onboard.

Is Wi‑Fi available on the boat?

No, there is no Wi‑Fi on board.

Do I need passport information to book?

Yes. You must provide passport information to complete the booking.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, it is not suitable for cruise ship passengers.

If you’d like, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re traveling with kids or snorkel beginners, and I’ll help you decide if this fits your exact pace.

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