Anguilla, minus the stress, on your own boat. This private full-day charter from St. Maarten lets you pick beach stops like Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, and Rendezvous Bay, with your guide handling the route and timing. The best part for me is the unlimited open bar during the cruise, so you’re not working around “bar lines” or drink coupons all day.

One thing to plan for: the price isn’t the whole number. You’ll also pay the $6 per person Natural Reserve fee in cash at check-in, plus an immigration fee at check-in, and lunch is not included.

Quick highlights

• Private charter up to 10 people: just your group on the boat.
• Unlimited open bar all day: beverages included while you cruise and at beach stops.
• Guide drives the logistics: you focus on beach time, not schedule chaos.
• Beach choices like Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, and Rendezvous Bay: plus other stops your guide can fit in.
• Easy start point in Cole Bay: meeting at 62 Welfare Rd makes finding the boat simpler.

St. Maarten to Anguilla: the point of a private speedboat day

The big appeal here is control. You’re not waiting on ferries, renting a car, or trying to coordinate taxis after a beach. With a private boat charter, I like that the day feels like you’re “owning” the schedule, even while a professional crew runs the details.

Anguilla itself is the reason people do this day trip: you’re going to multiple beaches around the island rather than betting everything on one shoreline. In practice, that means you get more variety in sand color, water clarity, and beach vibe, depending on which stops your guide and captain set you up with.

One reality check: the ride across can feel a bit bouncy. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s smart to come prepared with whatever usually helps you on boats, since you’ll be on the water for the day.

Your open bar isn’t a gimmick

An unlimited open bar can be either a nice bonus or a waste of money. Here it’s the main comfort feature because it stays with you through the long stretches: cruise time plus the “we’re anchored, time to relax” moments.

You’ll want to use that time well. If your group enjoys the laid-back Caribbean rhythm—sipping something cold while you watch the coastline go by—this format fits perfectly. And if your group includes non-drinkers, the open bar still helps because the overall vibe tends to be relaxed and social, without you needing to organize separate plans.

Practical note: drinks are included, but lunch is not. So if your plan includes staying at beaches until it gets hungry, you’ll want to budget for food on your own. (Some groups snack on the go; others plan a proper meal after a couple of stops.)

Picking beach stops: Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and more

This charter is built around choice. Your guide takes you to where you want to go, and the listed options include Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, and Rendezvous Bay. The rest is basically “tell your captain what you want,” within the time window.

Here’s how those stops tend to work for a beach day:

Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay is a top pick because it’s the kind of beach where you can settle in. You get that classic Anguilla feel—bright sand, easy water time, and plenty of room to spread out if your group brings beach towels and water gear. It’s also a good anchor stop if you want a calmer swim moment.

Sandy Island

Sandy Island works like a change of scenery without needing a complicated plan. It’s a great stop when you want that “sandbar” feeling and an easy day flow: boat to beach, relax, and repeat. If your group loves photos, this is usually the moment everyone wants to be camera-ready.

Rendezvous Bay

Rendezvous Bay is often chosen for its beauty and overall beach atmosphere. If you want variety—something that feels distinct from other shorelines—this is a strong option. It also tends to fit well when your group wants a mix of swimming time and just hanging out.

Other likely add-ons like Little Bay or Meads Bay

In real-day use, groups often add extra stops such as Little Bay or Meads Bay when time allows. That’s one of the advantages of a private setup: you can adjust based on how long you want each beach to be “your main event.”

A drawback? The more beaches you try to fit in, the more “short stops” you can end up with. If your group includes people who want longer swims or just want to relax, it can help to pick fewer stops and give each one time to breathe.

Snorkeling, sea life, and what to bring so you enjoy it

You’re going to be on the water a lot, and many people use the beaches for swimming and snorkeling time. Some captains and crews help set you up for that kind of water play, and snorkeling at Anguilla sites can be a good opportunity to see sea life like turtles and starfish, along with different reef fish.

You don’t need to be an expert. The key is planning for comfort. Bring a way to protect your phone because water time happens fast—especially if you’re hopping between boat and beach. A waterproof bag is an easy win, and it keeps your day from turning into dry-land anxiety.

Also consider footwear. You’ll be stepping off a boat and walking on sand or near rocky edges depending on the specific beach. If your group has sensitive feet, water shoes can save the day.

One more practical point: this charter lists moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should feel comfortable with boat boarding and time spent moving around beaches. If your group has mobility limitations, you’ll want to talk with your captain ahead so you’re not scrambling mid-day.

How private boat days feel: service, crew, and “your group only”

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That matters more than it sounds. It changes the whole energy: you can spread out, talk to each other without background noise from strangers, and you’re not rushing to fit into someone else’s agenda.

The crew makes a big difference too, and the names that show up frequently in strong past experiences include captains and mates like Captain Sam with co-captain Junior, Captain Junior Gong with First Mate Damian, and captains such as Nico, Miguel, Frankie, and Sammy. Different days mean different combinations, but the overall pattern in the names is consistent: people remember the crew for safety, attention, and keeping the day enjoyable.

Music can also play a role in the vibe. On some trips, the mood feels like a party-lite beach day—loud enough to be fun, not loud enough to ruin conversation.

If you like a day where someone else solves the logistics so you can focus on sun, water, and conversation, this setup delivers.

Price, natural reserve fees, and how to judge value

The headline price is $1,400 per group (up to 10 people). That’s how you should think about value: it becomes far more reasonable when you’re actually filling your group.

Here’s a simple mental math:

• At 10 people, you’re at about $140 per person before extra fees.
• At 6 people, you’re closer to $233 per person before extra fees.

Then remember the extras. The itinerary price doesn’t include the $6 per person Natural Reserve fee paid at check-in in cash, and it also doesn’t include an immigration fee payable at check-in. Lunch is not included either, so you may add that based on your group.

Why I still think this can be good value: the day already includes a professional guide plus unlimited drinks. If you were going to spend that kind of money anyway on transportation, taxis, entry fees, and multiple drink purchases, the private format often comes out cleaner.

Meeting point, timing, and the small details that save the day

Start is 9:00 am at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten (Cole Bay), and you end back at the same meeting point. The whole day runs about 7 hours, which includes travel time.

If you’re cruising, you’ll need to share cruise timing details at booking—your ship name and docking/disembarkation/re-boarding times. That matters because private charters need to align boat time with your ship’s schedule.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is a simple plus if you hate paperwork. And since the meeting point is listed as near public transportation, it can be easier to get there if you’re not taking a dedicated taxi directly.

One more comfort detail: bring sun protection and plan for extended time outdoors. This is a water-and-beach day, so you’ll want to be ready for sun, wind, and the fact that you’re not going back to your hotel for a reset.

Who should book this Anguilla charter (and who should skip it)

This charter is a great fit if you want:

• Flexibility to choose beaches like Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay.
• A private day where your group can move at your pace.
• An experience where drinks are handled and you can focus on the beach.
• A crew-and-guide setup that manages the hard parts.

It might be less ideal if:

• Your group expects everything to be fully covered, because lunch and check-in fees are extra.
• People in your group are very sensitive to boat motion, since the crossing can feel choppy at times.
• You only want one beach stop. With a private day, the value comes from getting multiple beach moments without the hassle.

If your group includes teens or adults who want a lively day, the open bar and crew attention tend to match that energy well.

Should you book Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter to Anguilla?

If you’re traveling with a group (and especially if you can get near the 10-person max), this is a strong “value for experience” choice. The math gets easier, and the open bar plus guide logistics start to feel like you’re buying peace of mind.

I’d book it if Anguilla beaches are your main goal and you want to avoid the stress of figuring out how to get around once you land. I’d also book it if you care about the vibe: private time, music, and a crew that keeps the day running.

I’d think twice if your budget is tight after adding the Natural Reserve fee and possible immigration fee, or if your group needs a very calm boat ride. In those cases, you might prefer a simpler plan where you can spend less time on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Billy Bones charter to Anguilla?

The duration is approximately 7 hours.

What is the price and how many people can go?

It costs $1,400 per group for up to 10 people.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

You meet at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, and the start time is 9:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What beaches can we visit?

Beach options include Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay, and more.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is an unlimited open bar with beverages included.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The Natural Reserve fee is $6 per person, paid in cash at check-in. An immigration fee is also payable at check-in. All fees and taxes are not included in the listed price.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity and only your group will participate.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.