Four stops, one unforgettable day.

This Anguilla discovery speed boat trip runs from St Maarten to the British island just 7 miles off the coast, with a captain-led plan so you skip the logistics headache. You’ll spend the day bouncing between standout swimming and snorkeling spots, then end back near where you started at Cole Bay. I especially like that the package includes an open bar and lunch, so the day stays simple.

I love the straightforward payoff: you get multiple beaches in one go, not just one long stop. I also like the hands-on feel, with snorkeling equipment plus floating devices, and a crew that keeps an eye on safety without making it stiff.

The main thing to consider is pacing. A few stops are only about an hour, so if you want long beach lounging at every location, you may feel a bit shorted, especially if the water is choppy.

Key highlights at a glance

• A true day trip to Anguilla: just a short hop from St Maarten, with four beach and snorkel stops
• Tiny-bay beach time at Sandy Island: accessible by boat size, so it feels special and secluded
• Shoal Bay Village + lunch on the sand: a famous beach moment with a sandwich-style meal included
• Open bar during the ride: rum punch and mixed drinks keep the vibe relaxed
• Small group size (max 18): easier to move around, get questions answered, and keep track of everyone
• Meads Bay stop for turquoise-water fun: feed fish in shallow, clear water on the way back

Anguilla From St Maarten: Why This Day Trip Works

Anguilla is one of those islands that feels like it should take more than a day to reach. Yet this tour turns it into a smooth day plan: you start in St Maarten at 9:00am and spend about 7 hours on the water and in the bays, ending back at the same meeting area in Cole Bay.

What makes it worth your time is the mix. You’re not doing a checklist. You’re doing a rhythm: swim, snorkel, hang out on a quiet beach, repeat. If it’s your first time in the region, it’s also a fast way to get your bearings for which Anguilla beaches you’d return to later for a longer stay.

Price and Value: $149 Plus the Anguilla Immigration Fee

The headline price is $149 per person, but the total cost is a little more once you factor in the Anguilla immigration fee of $25 per person (not included). That brings the all-in figure close to $174+ per person before any personal spending.

Here’s how I think about the value. You’re paying for (1) the speed boat transfer, (2) multiple beach stops rather than one, (3) snorkeling equipment and floating devices, and (4) a lunch plus an open bar day. If you tried to replicate this on your own with taxis, boat rentals, and entry fees, it usually turns into a bigger headache and often costs more in the end.

If you’re the type who wants drinks and food handled, this package style is a big plus. If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll still get the included food and snorkeling gear, but you may feel like the open bar value matters more to everyone else on board.

Getting There: Meeting Point, What the Ride Feels Like

You meet at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, and the tour finishes back there. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you aren’t totally stuck if you’re not driving, though finding the exact spot can still take a few minutes.

The boat ride is a key part of the experience, and it’s also where you should be ready for real Caribbean conditions. One traveler noted the water got choppy after a hurricane passed north a few days earlier, and they used motion sickness prevention with good results. If you’re sensitive to boats, I’d treat this as a normal “bring a plan” moment—pack your preferred motion remedy so you don’t have to decide mid-ride.

Sandy Island: The Tiny Bay Stop That Makes Anguilla Feel Untouched

Stop one is Sandy Island, and it sets the tone fast. This isn’t a big, wide shoreline you can see from far away and then drift into. The description is specific: it’s a tiny spot where only a relatively smaller boat can get into the secluded bay. That access detail matters because it helps explain why the place feels calm and set apart.

You’ll get about 1 hour here for swimming and snorkeling. In plain terms, it’s the kind of stop where you’ll want to slide into the water early, because once you hear the boat noise and group conversations fade, that’s when the bay really clicks into vacation mode. The tradeoff is time: you’re there long enough for a swim and a proper snorkel, not long enough to turn it into a full-day beach camp.

Little Bay: Snorkeling With Turtles, Cliff-Jump Energy, and Cold Drinks

Next up is Little Bay for about 1 hour. This stop is built for fun: you get snorkeling, a relaxed hang, and even the option to jump from a cliff if you dare. The description also hints at turtles at times, which is the kind of wildlife bonus you always hope for in Anguilla, even though nature decides the schedule.

A practical note: with snorkeling, you should calibrate your expectations. You’ll see fish when conditions cooperate, but you’re not guaranteed a zoo-like show every time. What I like about this stop is that even if snorkeling isn’t packed with action, the water and the quiet vibe still make it worth the stop—especially with the open bar in the background.

Shoal Bay Village: Famous Beach Time Plus Sandwich Lunch

Stop three is Shoal Bay Village, and the pitch is clear: Shoal Bay is described as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. That’s a bold claim, but the real takeaway for you is that this is a postcard beach moment you’ll recognize instantly when you’re there.

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the tour includes a tasty sandwich lunch with chips and fruit. Lunch can be enjoyed on the beach or on the boat as you prefer. One traveler said they served lunch later than expected and it wasn’t at the best temperature, so I’d suggest you treat lunch as included but not as a guaranteed minute-by-minute “right on schedule” event. If you’re hungry, eat early; if you have food preferences, ask on board what’s available.

For planning: this is also the stop where you can take a proper beach walk and not feel rushed. If you want one place to slow down and soak, this is the best bet on the route.

Meads Bay: The Fish-Feeding Stop and Celebrity-Watching Without the Stress

On the way back, you stop at Meads Bay for about 45 minutes. The highlight here is playful: you can feed fish in turquoise shallows while you scan the golden sands of the exclusive resort area. The guide may also point out that celebrities sometimes chill there—so if you enjoy light celebrity spotting, this is your quiet, breezy moment to look without turning it into work.

Forty-five minutes sounds short, and it is. Still, it’s a classic “finish strong” stop: swim, photos, maybe a quick look around, then back onto the boat before the energy drops.

The Crew, Safety, and the Open-Bar Vibe

This is one of the most consistently praised parts of the day: the crew. Many travelers called out captains and first mates by name—Sammy, Lucas, Miguel, Coco, Nico, Junior, Jae, and Schneider showed up across the experience. The pattern is what matters: people felt safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Safety is handled in an easy way. Life vests are part of the routine, and at least one traveler described being reminded to wear theirs while forgetting they couldn’t swim. That’s exactly what you want: friendly reminders, not drama.

Then there’s the social side. The open bar doesn’t feel like a separate event—it’s built into the day. Multiple travelers mentioned rum punch, and a lot of people talked about drinks staying in hand. If you’re riding for the vibe, that matters. If you’re trying to stay in control, just remember that the party energy ramps up on a boat, so pace yourself.

Timing Reality: When Short Stops Feel Great or Feel Too Fast

The itinerary is structured around four stops, but the lived experience can vary based on sea conditions and what the captain decides is safe and possible that day. The positive version is that you never feel stuck in traffic on land—you keep moving and you keep seeing.

The negative version shows up when you wanted more time in each place. One traveler felt the stops were shorter than what the pacing looked like on the schedule and called it rushed. So I’ll put it simply for you: treat this as a “best-of beaches” sampler, not a slow, sit-anywhere beach day.

If you want a calmer pace, you can still enjoy this tour, just keep your expectations realistic. Spend your time efficiently: get in the water early, take photos quickly, and use the included snorkeling equipment while you’re still fresh.

What to Pack (So You Can Actually Enjoy the Day)

You don’t need much to do well on this tour, but a couple items make a big difference:

• Passport: a current valid passport is required on travel day
• Swim gear: you’ll be in and out of the water at multiple stops
• Motion sickness help if you get queasy on boats
• Cash for the Anguilla immigration fee: $25 per person is not included
• Sun protection: you’ll be outside for hours, often with sea reflection
• Vegetarian needs if you have them: there’s a vegetarian option available if you flag it at booking

If you’re the type who hates last-minute surprises, print or save your mobile ticket and plan on arriving a little early for the 9:00am start.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This Anguilla speed boat trip is a great match if you want to check off the biggest Anguilla beach highlights without spending your trip arranging transport. It’s also strong for groups and families because the boat size is capped at 18 travelers, which keeps the day organized and makes it easier for the crew to manage everyone.

It’s also a smart pick for first-time visitors to St Maarten and nearby islands. You get “here’s the real Anguilla look” in one day, and you’ll know what beach you want to return to later for more time.

Two groups should think twice:

1) If you need long beach stays at a single location, this is more of a sampler route.

2) If you’re a cruise passenger, note that it’s not available for cruise ship visitors, so you’ll need another plan.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this tour if your goal is a high-reward Anguilla day: multiple beaches, snorkeling gear, lunch, and an open bar, all handled by a crew that prioritizes safety and keeps the mood friendly. The value works best when you like variety and you don’t need hours at one spot.

I wouldn’t book if you’re the type who hates time pressure on trips or you’re very sensitive to boat motion without medication. In that case, Anguilla might feel better with a longer single-beach day instead of a four-stop route.

If you want my quick decision rule: choose it when you want the best-of Anguilla sampler. Pass if you want slow beach life only.

FAQ

How long is the Anguilla Discovery Speed Boat tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

Is the Anguilla immigration fee included in the price?

No. The Anguilla immigration fee is $25 per person and is not included.

What’s included in the tour?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floating devices.

Is this tour available for cruise ship visitors?

No, it’s not available for cruise ship visitors.