A smooth private boat day beats rushing. This full-day Anguilla charter from St Maarten is built around Pierre steering you to great swim spots and giving you real time in the water, not quick photo stops. I really like the snorkeling gear and water toys included, because it turns the day into something you can actively enjoy from the first stop.

You’ll spend hours at classic Anguilla bays and cays, with a simple rhythm: swim, snorkel, paddle, and then eat and relax when you’re ready. The only real catch to plan for is cost creep—dock fees and optional add-ons (like a water slide) can push the final total up, and the day depends on good weather.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Pierre runs the day like a pro and keeps the ride comfortable while you’re hopping between stops.
• Up to 10 people, private by design so you’re not sharing space with strangers.
• Long water time at four main locations gives you actual chances to snorkel and swim.
• Snacks plus an open bar are included, so lunch-and-drinks work without extra stops.
• Paddleboards and a floating mat mean you can relax even if you don’t want to snorkel nonstop.
• Dock fees are extra (35EUR per person), so check your budget early.

Private Anguilla charter: what you’re really paying for

This is a group charter, priced per boat for up to 10 people. That matters because Anguilla is one of those places where “just taking a day trip” can get pricey once you add boat time, access, and convenience. Here, the value comes from bundling the day into one smooth package: you get the boat, the captain, the snorkeling setup, and a built-in plan for multiple swim stops.

At $1,740.23 per group, the math gets much easier if you can fill your boat with friends or family. Even if you’re a smaller group, you’re buying control: your schedule, your pace, and your ability to choose whether you want to snorkel, paddle, or mostly lounge under the rear canopy.

Just keep one budget item in your head: dock fees. The tour doesn’t include a 35EUR per person dock fee, and that’s the kind of surprise charge that can sting if you’re not expecting it. (Optional fun like a water slide also isn’t included, at €150 per booking.)

Meeting at Anse Marcel and getting set up for a 9am start

You’ll start at Anse Marcel 97150, St Martin at 9:00am, and you’ll return to the same meeting point. That “back to where you started” design is a big deal in island logistics: no extra transfer, no mystery end point, no hunting down rides later.

This is also the kind of tour that runs best when you arrive with an easy plan. The day is built around time on the water, so don’t show up with a long list of errands you’d rather squeeze in first. A mobile ticket keeps things simple, and you’ll get confirmation within 48 hours of booking, as long as availability holds.

One practical perk: it’s described as being near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but because it’s a boat day, expect that you’ll still want to be comfortable being on the water for hours and climbing in and out at swim stops.

Pierre at the helm: smooth ride, smarter stop choices

The captain on this charter is Pierre, and the standout theme in the experience is how he handles the ride and the route. A lot of people get hung up on beaches, but on a boat day the real difference-maker is how the captain manages conditions—especially when you’re bouncing between coves.

From the way Pierre is described, he’s not just driving; he’s hosting. He’s also managing waves so you can focus on the fun parts: swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. That matters because a rougher ride can drain your energy fast, and you end up spending the day recovering instead of enjoying it.

The other “host” angle is that this isn’t a rigid factory tour. The day is set up around signature Anguilla highlights, but it’s still shaped by what you want. If you love snorkeling, you’ll likely prioritize the water-focused stops and spend your time there. If you’d rather paddle and lounge, you can do that too—without feeling like you’re missing the point.

Rendezvous Bay: the first long swim at crystalline water

Your day starts at Rendezvous Bay with about 2 hours there. This is the kind of first stop that sets the tone. You’re not just stretching your legs; you’re getting into the water right away, which is the best way to shake off travel and start enjoying the day on Anguilla time.

You’ll have time for a proper swim, and there’s snorkeling gear available so you can make the most of the water. Since the stop is two hours, you can take it slow—go in when you’re ready, linger, rinse off, then head back to the boat without rushing.

One consideration: if you’re the type who hates crowds, early timing can help even on a private charter. You’ll still be on your own boat, but you’ll benefit from arriving before your energy drops and before you feel like you’re “working” at the day.

Crocus Bay Beach: snorkeling under the cliffs

Next up is Crocus Bay Beach for another 2 hours, with the focus on snorkeling under the cliffs. This stop is built for people who want to look around underwater rather than just float and swim.

Snorkeling here is the main event, and that’s exactly what the included gear is for. If you’re new to snorkeling, you can keep it simple: short sessions, breathe steady, and focus on staying calm rather than chasing far distances. If you’re more experienced, you’ll likely enjoy having enough time to actually explore at a comfortable pace.

What I like about this kind of stop is the balance. You get a defined time window, so you can plan your energy. And because you’re on a private boat, you can adjust how much you want to do—more time in the water, or more time using the paddleboards and floating setup when you want a break.

Sandy Island lunch: small sand, big reset

Then you head to Sandy Island for about 3 hours, which is the longest stop of the day besides the overall travel time. This is also where lunch fits in, and it’s described as a wonderful lunch on this tiny but beautiful island.

Three hours sounds like a lot until you’re actually in it. That extra time makes a difference because it gives you room to enjoy the beach without the clock feeling like it owns you. You can eat first, then swim or snorkel around, then come back to relax.

For me, this is the “reset” stop: you go from water time to food time to more water time, but at a relaxed rhythm. If you’re traveling with mixed groups—someone who loves snorkeling and someone who prefers shade—this long island block is how you keep everyone happy.

Small tip: if you want the most comfortable day, plan to use shade and take your sunscreen seriously. Long stops mean you can feel the sun even when you’re not constantly in the water.

Prickly Pear Cays: a clean, focused finale

Your final stop is Prickly Pear Cays for about 1 hour. This is the shortest stop, but it works as a finale because you’re closing the loop: you’ve already done the bigger “time blocks,” and now you get one last hit of pristine water before heading back.

Even with only an hour, having included snorkeling gear means you can make it count. You can also keep it relaxed: float on the floating mat, paddle for a bit, then return to the boat without feeling you’ve fallen behind.

The main consideration here is timing. One hour goes fast when the water’s good. If you’re the type who likes to take photos, plan to do that quickly and then shift into enjoying the water—otherwise you can end up spending the whole stop half-looking and half-waiting.

Snacks, open bar, paddleboards, and floating mat: the practical stuff

One of the easiest ways to judge this charter is what it removes from your mental load. You don’t have to plan a snack run or guess whether the boat will be stocked. The day includes snacks and an open bar with beers, sodas, rosé wine, and white wine, plus things like crisps.

You also get the toys that make a boat day feel like a boat day: snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and a floating mat. That combo is ideal because not everyone wants the same activity. You can snorkel for a while, then switch to paddling, then float and relax when you want a slower pace.

If you’re traveling with people who are less confident in the water, the paddleboards and mat are a great compromise. Nobody has to commit to snorkeling the whole time, but everyone can still feel included in the “on the water” part of the day.

Also, open bar doesn’t mean you should treat the day like a party and ignore safety. Stay mindful of sun, hydration, and how you feel on the ride between stops. A smooth captain helps, but your body still needs basic care.

How to shape the day without turning it into stress

This charter is set up as a signature loop of Anguilla highlights—Rendezvous Bay, Crocus Bay, Sandy Island, and Prickly Pear Cays—but it’s flexible. The captain is described as crafting a journey around your desires, so you’re not stuck doing the exact same routine regardless of your mood.

In practice, that means you should arrive with a clear idea of what you want more of:

• If you’re here for snorkeling, focus your energy on the swim and snorkeling-heavy stops and keep your non-water time lighter.
• If you’re here for relaxation, you’ll still get the water time, but you can use the floating mat and paddleboards to keep things easy.
• If you’re feeding a mixed group, use Sandy Island as your “everyone can enjoy something” anchor point.

I like this style because you get structure without feeling boxed in. You’re on a private boat, so small adjustments can make the day feel custom instead of generic.

Price and logistics: where the real costs show up

Let’s do the value check like a smart traveler. You’re paying $1,740.23 per group for up to 10 people. For a private day charter with a captain, multiple swim stops, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and included snacks and drinks, that can be a fair deal—especially when you spread it across a full group.

But remember the extra fees:

• Dock fees: 35EUR per person (not included)
• Water slide: €150 per booking (not included)

Those two details are where your “final total” can differ from the headline price. If you’re budgeting, convert the dock fee into your own currency and decide early whether you’re interested in the water slide add-on. If you aren’t, you won’t need to factor it into your decision.

Also note how far ahead people book: on average it’s scheduled about 61 days in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it suggests this is a popular option. If you’re traveling during a peak window, I’d treat early planning as a way to avoid disappointment.

Weather rules and sea comfort: plan for a calm day

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because on a boat tour, conditions can change fast, and it’s better when the day runs with calm seas rather than fighting them.

What you can control is how you prepare. Wear sun protection, bring water-ready clothes, and think about footwear for hopping around at stops. Even when the captain runs a smooth ride, you’ll still be moving around on a boat deck, so keep things practical and easy.

If you’re sensitive to motion, it helps to plan your timing and eat lightly before you go. And since the day includes wine and beer, be extra cautious about alcohol if you know you react to it on boats.

Who this Anguilla private charter fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A private day with a real captain-host (Pierre) rather than a crowded group experience.
• Multiple quality water stops with enough time to enjoy snorkeling and swimming.
• A day that blends activity with downtime, thanks to paddleboards, floating time, and shade.

It also fits families or friend groups who don’t all want the same pace. Sandy Island gives you a break from constant swimming. Prickly Pear Cays adds a quick “one more swim” finish.

If you’re a solo traveler, you can still book, but the value mainly shines with a full group. That’s when the per-person cost becomes easier to swallow.

Should you book this Anguilla private charter?

I’d book this if you want a structured, no-stress Anguilla day with a captain who’s focused on ride comfort and smart stop timing. The combination of long water time at multiple spots, included snorkeling gear, and an open bar setup makes it feel like you’re paying for convenience as much as you’re paying for scenery.

Skip it or rethink it if your budget can’t absorb dock fees and you’re not comfortable with weather-dependent schedules. Also, if you’re the type who hates being on a boat for much of the day, this will feel like work instead of fun.

FAQ

How long is the full day Anguilla private charter?

It runs for about 8 hours.

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

You meet at Anse Marcel 97150, St Martin at 9:00am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included on the boat?

The tour includes snacks, an open bar (including beers, sodas, rosé wine, and white wine), snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and a floating mat.

What extra costs should I expect?

Dock fees are not included and are listed as 35EUR per person. A water slide is also listed as €150 per booking and is not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No—snorkeling equipment is included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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