Speedboat to Anguilla beats regular beach hopping. This private charter is the easy way to get off St Maarten and spend a full day with your own captain calling the shots, from snorkel breaks to beach time. I like that it’s truly private—you’re not squeezed into the same routine as everyone else.

What also makes it worthwhile is the simple comfort package: unlimited water, soft drinks and beers, plus snorkeling gear. The one real consideration is day-of Anguilla entry—plan around having a current passport and a cash-only clearance fee to pay to the captain.

Think of this trip as a flexible beach-and-water day, with stops designed for clear swimming and good-looking snorkeling rather than check-the-box sightseeing.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Captain-led itinerary with real flexibility for weather and your interests
• Snorkeling gear + unlimited drinks included for the whole day on the water
• Top Anguilla bays in a single day: from Meads Bay to Little Bay
• Dock-to-beach convenience at stops where you can actually access restaurants and shore easily
• Sam and Mel are the team names you’ll likely see for coordination on the ground
• Private means calmer pacing with your group only aboard

St Maarten to Anguilla by speedboat: why a private charter works

Anguilla is the kind of place you’ve seen in photos. The speedboat makes it practical. Instead of “maybe we’ll get there,” you’re out on open water from the St Maarten side and back to your meeting point on the same day, roughly 7 hours total.

The private format matters. When it’s just your group, you’re not waiting around for slow arrivals, forced group photo stops, or being told you have to move on because someone else’s schedule is running late. You can take the time you need for a swim, then get back on the boat before the sun drops or the wind changes. On a day that’s largely about water time, that pacing is everything.

Also, the meeting point is straightforward: Powerboat Adventures at 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The trip ends back at the same place, so you’re not dealing with unfamiliar drop-offs on St Maarten.

Price and what you actually get for $404.42 per person

At $404.42 per person, this isn’t a “cheap day on the water.” But it also isn’t just renting a boat and hoping for the best. You’re paying for the private charter structure plus the stuff that makes a beach day feel like a vacation instead of a chore.

Here’s what your money buys, in real-world terms:

• A professional captain guiding your route and timing
• All taxes and handling charges included in the price
• Unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, and beers) on board
• Snorkeling equipment included
• A private day charter from St Maarten to Anguilla

What’s not included helps you budget too: lunch isn’t included, and there’s an Anguilla clearance fee of US$35 per person paid to the captain in cash only on the day of the trip. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included either, so you’ll want to plan your own way to Cole Bay.

The value angle: you’re essentially buying access to Anguilla’s best bays with minimal friction. If you’re coming as a couple or small group and you want maximum water time (and not just a quick stop), this starts to look like good math.

How the captain customizes your day (and why you should care)

This is a “ride with a plan, then adjust it” style of day. The itinerary you’re given is an example, not a locked schedule. Your captain can shift where you stop depending on weather conditions and what you want to prioritize.

In practice, that means you should think about your own top two goals before you go:

• Is your priority snorkeling and reef time?
• Or is it more about swim stops and beach lounging with plenty of photos?

The best private charters don’t just take you to famous beaches—they also help you choose the right bay when the wind changes. Since your captain is making those decisions for your day, you’ll spend more time where the water is working for swimming and snorkeling, and less time stuck in “pretty but rough” conditions.

Itinerary walkthrough: Cole Bay to Anguilla’s best beaches

Here’s a close look at the typical stops and what each one is good for—plus a couple of practical notes so you know what kind of time to expect.

Cole Bay start: the launchpad for the day

Your day begins in Cole Bay, with the charter departing from the Powerboat Adventures meeting location. There’s a short stop in the Cole Bay area as part of the overall pacing, so you’re not immediately thrown into a nonstop “ride only” schedule.

Since this is early in the day, it’s a good moment to get settled: water, a quick orientation, and getting your snorkel gear ready so you’re not rummaging later.

Cap Juluca (A Belmond Hotel): white sand facing St Martin

Next up is Cap Juluca, with a stop timed around about an hour. This is a beach-facing area that’s famous for classic Anguilla shoreline—white sand and a view toward St Martin.

What I like about this kind of stop is the balance. You get a scenic beach moment without burning your best time on something that’s hard to enjoy. It’s also a good place to reset: swim, stretch out, then decide how you want the next stop to feel.

Sandy Island: small-island snorkeling with a beach bar

Sandy Island is one of those stops that works even if you’re picky. You’re looking at about one hour, with time for beach time plus snorkeling that tends to be enjoyable from the shore.

A practical perk: there’s a beach bar here. So if you’re thinking you’ll want a break from pure water time, you can turn this into a more “hang out” stop rather than a quick dunk-and-go.

Crocus Bay Beach: clear water and lunch dock access at DaVida

Then it’s Crocus Bay Beach, also about an hour, with clear waters that are ideal for a swim. This stop has one major advantage: a dock that gives access to DaVida’s restaurant for lunch.

Because lunch is not included, this is where you’ll probably make that decision. Having dock access matters. It saves you from awkward logistics like figuring out how to get to shore and back without wasting time.

One drawback to keep in mind: restaurant stops depend on your timing, and the day is still about the boat schedule. If you want a full sit-down meal, you’ll need to plan how much time you realistically have before the captain moves you on.

Little Bay: boat-access-only paradise (and cliff-jump energy)

Little Bay is another beach stop that’s essentially “worth it because you got there by boat.” Expect about an hour, with clear water and a small, more secluded feel.

This is also the stop associated with fun like cliff jumping. If that’s your thing, you’ll have time for it. If it’s not, you can still enjoy the water and keep it chill. Just be aware that the vibe here can be more active.

Meads Bay Beach Villas: one of Anguilla’s standout bays

Finally, you’ll get time at Meads Bay, about an hour, and it’s the kind of Anguilla beach that makes the trip feel “real.” This is the stop where you get white sand, clear water, and nice snorkeling—and where the whole day starts to come together.

If you’re someone who wants one last big swim before heading back, this is the stop that fits. I’d treat Meads Bay as your “save the best water for later” moment, especially if you’ve already snorkeled a couple times and want one more strong session.

Drinks, snorkel gear, and comfort details that actually matter

This charter is designed so you don’t have to overpack for a day at sea. You’ll have unlimited water, soft drinks and beers on board, along with snorkeling equipment.

A couple of practical notes you should plan around:

• The minimum drinking age is 18, so plan for who in your group can handle the beers (and who should stick to water/soft drinks).
• You’re doing a beach-and-water day, so think about basic swim-day essentials: sunscreen, a towel, and water-friendly footwear if you prefer it. None of that is complicated, but it makes the day easier.

Also, your physical comfort matters. The trip calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean “athletic only,” but you should be comfortable with boat transfers, swimming time, and the general movement that comes with changing locations by sea.

Who this private speedboat charter suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want:

• Maximum beach and water time in a single day
• A day that follows your interests, not a forced group schedule
• A charter format where you can snorkel with gear provided and cool off with drinks

It’s probably not your best choice if:

• You’re visiting on a cruise ship (this experience is noted as not suitable for cruise passengers)
• You’re traveling with kids and need a charter that’s built around child-friendly structure (children are allowed only with an adult)
• You don’t want to manage the day-of entry requirement—especially the cash-only clearance fee to the captain

If you want a “smooth day with minimal decisions” and you’re okay handling passport and entry basics, this is one of those tours that can feel like you got the expensive version of Anguilla without the stress.

Anguilla entry and the cash-only clearance fee: plan this part early

To enjoy the charter, you’ll need to show a current valid passport on the day of travel. That’s non-negotiable.

You should also budget for the clearance fees of US$35 per person, paid to your captain in cash only on the day of the trip. This is the kind of detail that can ruin the start of a day if you forget to prepare. If you take one planning step seriously, make it this one.

Should you book this private Anguilla speedboat day?

Yes, if your top goal is a day built around beaches and water—and you’re the type who prefers fewer people, faster decisions, and a captain who can adjust based on conditions. The combination of private charter time, snorkeling gear included, and unlimited drinks is the backbone of why this works.

I’d book it with confidence if your travel style is: get out there early, enjoy several bays, snorkel when the water looks good, and keep lunch flexible. Meads Bay and the other stops are the payoff, but the real win is that you’re not trapped in a rigid routine.

I’d think twice if you’re unsure about passport readiness, hate cash-only fees, or are cruising in and hoping the operator can make it work. In those cases, you’ll likely spend the day stressed instead of relaxed.

If you’re ready to trade “maybe we’ll get to Anguilla” for a full day of actual saltwater time, this is a strong charter option from St Maarten.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat charter to Anguilla?

The experience runs about 7 hours (approximately), and it ends back at the starting meeting point.

Where do we meet for the charter?

You’ll meet at Powerboat Adventures, 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a private tour, a professional boat captain, all taxes and handling charges, unlimited water/soft drinks/beer, and snorkeling equipment.

What’s not included?

Not included: lunch, Anguilla clearance fees of US$35 per person paid in cash only to the captain on the day of the trip, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Do we need a passport?

Yes. You need a current valid passport required on the day of travel.

Is there an age limit for drinking?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is this suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. This charter is noted as not suitable for cruise ships passengers.