Turtles and cocktails, all in one day. This Anguilla charter from St Maarten mixes open-bar beach time with snorkeling gear and four island stops, all on a stable catamaran that cruises around 15–20 knots with both indoor and outdoor seating.

I really like the combination of onboard food and good timing. The BBQ lunch comes with jerk and curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, and sides you can actually look forward to after time in the sun.

One thing to consider: it is not a slow, luxury day. The day moves fast, and stop times (and the water conditions) can limit how long you feel like you have for snorkeling.

Quick key points before you book

• Open bar all day with hand-shaken cocktails, beer, liquors, sodas, juices, and water
• Snorkeling gear included, plus paddles and float options like life jackets, noodles, and a floating lily pad mat
• Little Bay for calm cove time with turtle watching and easy boat access
• Shoal Bay and Meads Bay for sand-and-swim time at two of Anguilla’s best-known beaches
• Prickly Pear Cays as the wild-card stop, which can change if conditions are rough
• Crew energy matters, and there’s a real safety-first rhythm on board

Anguilla in a single day: why this works from St Maarten

If you like beaches that look like a postcard but still feel real, Anguilla is the move. It is known for powdery white sand and that bright Caribbean water. The smart part is that you do not need to plan a boat rental, find local drivers, or stitch together multiple stops on your own. You show up in St Maarten, then the catamaran takes you north to Anguilla.

You also get structure. Instead of one beach and a lot of waiting, you hit a sequence of coves and bays. That matters because Anguilla’s coast changes fast—some spots are better for swimming, some for reef snorkeling, and some are pure sand-time.

This is also a good way to see the island without turning the day into a logistics project. You return to the same meeting point at the end, and you’re not stuck trying to figure out transport back across the water.

The catamaran comfort: open air, steady cruising, and a deck that’s built for fun

The boat is a catamaran, designed for stability and comfort. It’s set up with both indoor and outdoor seating, which I like because the sun can be intense and you might want shade between water sessions. Cruising at about 15–20 knots also means you’re not spending your whole day stuck on a slow ride.

Then there’s the part most people talk about: the open bar. You get a full bar setup onboard, including hand-shaken cocktails, plus beer, liquors, sodas, juices, and water. It’s not just a few drinks thrown in; it’s part of the pacing of the day. Food and drinks land right when you’re transitioning between stops.

Crew attention is another big reason the day feels smooth. People mention the captain keeping everyone informed at each stop and the bartenders staying efficient. There’s even a story about the first mate, Angelo, jumping in to look for dropped sunglasses. That kind of response tells you the crew’s not treating the day like a checklist.

Yes, the boat is clean and organized, but it isn’t a floating resort. It’s a working day charter. If you’re expecting soft, quiet, luxury-level lounging, you may find it a bit lively and more practical than fancy.

Four beach stops on Anguilla: what you should expect at each one

This day charter is built around four stops. Some are more about reef snorkeling and wildlife spotting. Others are about swimming and sand time. The best strategy is to treat it like a day of short, fun resets—gear up quickly, enjoy the water while it’s your turn, then come back for food and drinks.

Stop 1: Little Bay (about 1 hr 15 min)

Little Bay is boat-only access, so it feels like a secluded cove rather than a crowded beach you can walk to. It’s known for great snorkeling and turtle watching, and the anchorage is described as calm. That calm matters for first-time snorkelers because it usually means an easier entry and more predictable conditions near the surface.

If you like adventure, you might also find people talking about cliff jumping—but don’t assume it’s for everyone or that you’ll have time for it. Your priority here is: get in, scan the water for turtles, and enjoy a quiet pocket of Anguilla.

Stop 2: Shoal Bay (about 1 hr 30 min)

Shoal Bay is famous for powdery white sand and turquoise water. The standout here is the calm water feel, plus nearby coral reef snorkeling. In practice, this means Shoal Bay tends to be the stop where you can relax more. You’re not fighting for the best angle to swim; you can just go in and enjoy it.

Snorkel time is still limited, so don’t plan on a long training session underwater. Instead, treat it as a couple of good passes: one quick look for fish, then another slow look while you’re floating and not in a rush.

Stop 3: Prickly Pear Cays (about 1 hr 15 min)

Prickly Pear Cays sit a few nautical miles north of Anguilla and are uninhabited besides two restaurants. This stop is more about reef snorkeling, island exploring on foot, and wildlife viewing. It’s the more “wild” feeling part of the day because it’s not a developed beach the way some coves are.

A key consideration: the day is weather-dependent. If seas are choppy, you might not reach Prickly Pear Cays as planned. The good news is that the boat still works to keep the day on track with the best available alternative.

Stop 4: Meads Bay (about 1 hr)

Meads Bay is one of Anguilla’s headline beaches, and it shows. You get that feather-soft sand and bright water that makes you want to linger. This stop is shorter, so it’s best as your “choose your vibe” moment: swim if you’re energized, or take it easy on the beach if you used your energy already.

If you’re the type who wants one final long snorkel session, know that Meads Bay here is likely not your longest underwater slot. Plan to savor sand and shallow water, then enjoy the last stretch of the day before heading back.

Overall, the stop rhythm is what makes this tour work. You get variety without having to commit a whole day to one beach.

BBQ lunch and open bar: what’s actually included and why it’s good value

Food onboard is not an afterthought here. You get a full BBQ-style lunch served on the boat, plus snacks and fruit. The lunch menu includes Jamaican jerk and curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, Greek pasta salad with feta and zesty dressing, plus baguette and garlic bread. That’s a lot more than the usual “something grilled” situation.

You’ll also get tropical fruit like pineapple and watermelon, and you’ll have snack breaks while you’re moving between stops. This matters because Anguilla sun can drain you fast. If you’re drinking alcohol, eating matters even more—your future self will thank you.

The open bar is a real part of the experience. It is described as an open bar with hand-shaken cocktails, plus multiple non-alcohol options (sodas, juices, and water). In a practical sense, that means you can pace your day without giving up on the fun. You can have a drink, then switch to water and still feel like you’re keeping up with everyone else.

One more practical note: restrooms are available onboard. That’s not the headline feature, but it makes the day feel less stressful.

Snorkeling with turtles: gear, currents, and how to maximize your time

Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets (adult and child sizes). You also have noodles, float options like a floating lily pad mat, and paddle boards to help you stay active without feeling like you have to swim constantly.

Now, here’s the honest part: wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. You might see turtles, and you might not. You might also see other sea life. But your best odds come from calm water and patience. Little Bay is specifically positioned for turtle watching, so treat that stop as your main chance rather than spreading your hope evenly across all four locations.

Also, the water conditions can be stronger than you expect once you’re in it. A review-style tip (useful even if you’re an experienced swimmer): use the pool noodles that are provided. They help you keep your head up, relax, and save energy for looking instead of fighting your balance.

If you own flippers, bringing them can help, especially when current makes floating harder. If you do not, the included gear and life jackets should still get you into the water safely, but you’ll likely feel it more in your legs than you planned.

Quick safety mindset: follow what the crew says at each stop, and don’t try to do the longest or farthest swim on day one. The best snorkeling moments are often the ones where you slow down.

Price and timing: where the real value sits, and the small fees that matter

At $179 per person, this is a full-day charter price point that includes a lot. You’re paying for catamaran transport, four beach stops, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, life jackets and float aids, and an onboard BBQ lunch plus snacks and an open bar.

That value equation is the key. If you tried to replicate this day on your own, you’d likely pay for boat transport, pay separately for beach access logistics, and then still have to figure out food and gear. Here, the hard parts are handled for you, and you can focus on swimming and enjoying the coast.

One extra cost to plan for: there’s a $25 per person Anguilla port and immigration fee, cash only. This is separate from the $179 ticket, so budget it before you get to check-in.

Timing-wise, the tour runs about 8 hours and starts at 8:30 am. The meeting point is at Sint Maarten Police Station in Simpson Bay (34 Simpson Bay Road). You return back to that same meeting point at the end.

A few more practical details that affect your comfort:

• Towels are not included, so bring your own if you need one.
• There is no WiFi on board. Plan on living in the moment.
• You’ll need passport information to complete booking, and you must send an email for an online form to finish it.
• The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers, so it should feel lively but not chaotic.
• It is not suitable for cruise ship passengers.

Weather matters too. If conditions are poor, the experience can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great match for you if:

• You want Anguilla beaches without building an itinerary from scratch.
• You want organized snorkeling breaks plus genuine beach time.
• You like the idea of a fun crew, good music, and an open bar while you’re on the water.
• You enjoy a day that’s active but not exhausting because the boat does the traveling.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want deep, long snorkeling sessions. This is multiple short water windows rather than one long, focused reef dive time.
• You are sensitive to crowds. With a full boat, it can feel a bit tight even if everything is clean and organized.
• You expect ultra-luxury. This is practical comfort, not a quiet spa experience.
• You’re traveling with very small kids who may need a perfectly fitting life jacket. Life jackets come in adult and child sizes, but if sizing is tricky, you might find the crew needs to adapt.

Should you book Boomerang’s Best of Anguilla: Swim with Turtles?

If your dream is white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling gear in hand, and a day charter that keeps moving without being stressful, I think you’ll like this one. The strongest points are the combination: four classic Anguilla stops, a solid onboard BBQ lunch, and an open bar that keeps the vibe up between swims. Add in a crew that clearly knows how to run the day and you get a day that feels fun rather than complicated.

Book it if you want convenience plus beach variety, and you’re okay with a day that moves at a vacation rhythm instead of a slow, lounge pace. Skip it if your priority is long, detailed snorkeling time or quiet luxury.

FAQ

How long is the Boomerang Anguilla day charter?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

What does the tour cost, and are there extra fees?

The tour price is $179.00 per person, and there is an additional $25 per person Anguilla port and immigration fee that is cash only.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Sint Maarten Police Station – Simpson Bay, 34 Simpson Bay Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddle boards and floatation items provided?

Yes. Paddle boards are provided, and there are life jackets (adult and child sizes), noodles, and a floating lily pad mat.

Is WiFi available on board?

No. There is no WiFi on board.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a BBQ served on board with items such as jerk and curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, Greek pasta salad with feta, and bread items. Drinks include an open bar with hand-shaken cocktails, plus assorted beers, liquors, sodas, juices, and water.

Do I need passport information to book?

Yes. Passport information is needed to complete the booking, and you must send an email for the online form to finish it.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. It is not suitable for cruise ship passengers.