Anguilla has a reputation for two things: some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, and price tags to match. The small British Overseas Territory sits just north of St. Maarten, and while its powder-white sand and turquoise water deliver on the hype, accommodation — especially beachfront rooms — can strain a holiday budget. That's why many travellers now treat Anguilla as a day trip from St. Maarten rather than a standalone stay.
Getting there is straightforward once you know the drill. St. Maarten has the region's main international airport, and from there you can hop a short flight, catch the public ferry from Marigot on the French side (roughly 20-25 minutes), or book a private boat transfer. One thing that catches people out: Anguilla is a separate territory, so you need your passport even for a day visit. Bring some US dollars too — the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but USD is widely accepted, and cash helps with taxis. There's no public bus system, so plan your transport around the island or let a tour handle it.
For day-trippers, there are four main styles of boat tour from St. Maarten. A seven-hour getaway cruise (around 9am departure) hops between Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay with lunch, snorkel gear and an open bar — expect an extra $25 USD per person entry fee. A private speedboat charter gives you your own captain and a flexible route, ideal for families who want Crocus Bay lunch stops and quiet snorkel coves on their own schedule. Active groups might prefer a catamaran option with paddleboarding, a floating mat, and a BBQ of jerk chicken and garlic shrimp, with a chance of spotting sea turtles and stingrays. And beach purists can take a six-hour speedboat tour hitting four stops — Sandy Island, Little Bay, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay — with about an hour at each, baguette lunches and rum on board.
Staying longer? There's more than sunbathing. Scuba Shack in Sandy Ground runs beginner dives at Little Bay Marine Park — no certification needed, a maximum depth of 6 metres, and small groups of four divers per instructor. Just note it only runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For something memorable after dark, a night kayaking tour from Crocus Bay uses transparent kayaks fitted with underwater lights, so the water glows beneath you as you paddle toward Little Bay and spot marine life under the stars.
Who is this for? Anyone dreaming of a high-end Caribbean beach day without committing to Anguilla's hotel prices. Base yourself in St. Maarten, book one boat tour, and you get the island's best coastline — Sandy Island, Shoal Bay, Meads Bay — sorted in a single day. If you've got the budget for a few nights on Anguilla itself, add the diving and glowing-kayak experiences to make the most of those famously calm, clear waters.
