That speedboat-to-Anguilla day can feel unreal. You get private time on the water with a dedicated captain and guide, plus snorkeling in calm coves and a proper beach rotation that’s hard to copy on your own. Champagne and rum cocktails on board don’t hurt either.

I especially love how much care the crew puts into safety and on-the-spot fun—Junior and Ignacio stood out for clear safety tips and hands-on help in the water. Captain Sammy also brought a steady mix of information and smooth timing, and Captain Nicolas made the day feel like it was planned around our group. One thing to consider: this is a speedboat charter, so you’ll want a good weather window and you should be ready for a few long stretches on the water.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• True private charter for up to 9 people, with your own captain and guide
• Snorkel gear included, plus floating devices for an easier swim session
• Beach hits that match the hype: Shoal Bay Village and Meads Bay
• Easy access to boat-only areas like Little Bay
• On-board drinks with an open bar, including champagne and rum cocktails
• Staff who actually guide—from history and safety to creature-spotting in the water

Price and what you’re really paying for (up to 9 people)

At $1,500 per group (up to 9), this charter isn’t cheap—unless you split it like a small group. If you fill the boat, you’re roughly in the $167-per-person range. If you only have a couple people, the price will feel steeper fast. So I’d think of it as a “buy the whole day” style outing: you’re paying for private boat access, a captain, and guide attention, not just transport.

Where it becomes good value is the way the time is used. In about 7 hours, you’re not just “going somewhere.” You’re getting multiple Anguilla stops: snorkeling time, beach time, and a lunch stop arranged along the route. Public options tend to limit your schedule and cut down your comfort once you’re on the island. Here, the boat is for your group’s pace.

Meeting at Cole Bay and the start-of-day rhythm

You meet at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, St Maarten, with an 9:30 am start. The tour ends back at the same meeting point. Because it’s a speedboat charter, the day moves with the crew’s timing: you’ll likely spend portions of the day cruising between beaches and coves while the captain works the route.

A smart prep move: bring your towel and swimsuit (the day is built for water time). And don’t forget your current passport—you need it for travel on the day of the charter.

Your captain and guide: the part that makes it feel personal

This is listed as a private tour, but the difference is how it feels in real time. The best reviews I saw highlighted names—Junior and Ignacio helped make the day smoother and more fun, especially when it came to safety and filming in the water. Captain Sammy was praised for mixing information with a great day plan and good swim stops. Captain Nicolas got called out for not missing a beat and taking the group to the most beautiful beaches.

In practical terms, that means you’re not just handed a route. You get guidance that helps you get comfortable faster—especially for snorkeling. And since the crew is local to the route, you’re less likely to burn time asking for directions or guessing which areas are best when your group arrives.

The on-board experience: open bar, snorkeling gear, and floating comfort

You’ll have an open bar with beers, sodas, and water, and the day includes complimentary champagne and rum cocktails from the boat. That’s a nice touch because it matches the vibe of Anguilla without turning the day into a party. It’s more like a “vacation in motion” setup.

Snorkeling gear is included, along with floating devices. That matters because even if you’re comfortable in the water, floating help can make your snorkeling session easier and more relaxed—especially for first-timers or families. If your group has mixed comfort levels, those flotation extras reduce the stress.

Stop 1: Cap Juluca and the luxury-cruise feel from the water

Your first major stop is Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Think of this as the “big arrival moment.” You’re coming from St Maarten on a high-energy speedboat, and reaching a spot associated with top-end beach life sets the tone.

During this phase, the experience typically includes time to enjoy the water and drinks on board, and the day is designed to include snorkeling and downtime. You can also expect a lunch plan to happen later—one important note is that lunch is not included in the base price. The crew stops at one of the nicest beach restaurants of your choice, so you’re budgeting separately for lunch.

Possible drawback here: if you’re someone who hates waiting for the group to get sorted, you’ll want to arrive ready. The day runs on cruising time and water time, so there’s less “wander around at your own pace” than with an all-day beach pass.

Stop 2: Little Bay Marine Park—boat-only access and sea life

Next up is Little Bay, part of the Anguilla marine park. This is special because it’s described as only accessible by boat, so you’re not just showing up to a crowded beach from the road.

This stop is built around snorkeling. In clear, calm water, Little Bay is a place where you can look for undersea life, and it’s particularly associated with spotting sea turtles. There’s also the option to enjoy a smaller private-feeling beach moment, depending on how the crew times your arrival.

One consideration: the snorkeling quality will depend on conditions. The good news is this charter explicitly requires good weather, and the timing often prioritizes calm water windows. Still, if your group is sensitive to choppy water, you’ll want to take the “good weather” requirement seriously.

Stop 3: Shoal Bay Village—two hours on one of the world’s top beaches

Then you head to Shoal Bay Village, where you get about 2 hours. This beach is consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches, and that reputation lines up with what you’re doing today: relaxing sand time plus water time.

What I like about making Shoal Bay a timed stop rather than an open-ended one is that your day stays balanced. You’re not rushed through it, but you also don’t lose the rest of the itinerary to beach distraction.

For your group, it’s a good match if you want:

• easy beach lounging
• a straightforward swim option
• time to reset after snorkeling

If your priority is snorkeling above all else, you might wish the Shoal Bay time leaned longer. But the itinerary spreads your water experiences across multiple sites, so you’re not stuck repeating the same type of stop.

Stop 4: Meads Bay for an extra beach hit

The final beach stop is Meads Bay, with about 1 hour. Compared with Shoal Bay, Meads Bay is shorter here, so treat it like a “last look” beach session: swim, grab a few photos, and soak up the coastline before the return cruise.

This is a nice way to keep energy up for the ride back. If you tried to do both Shoal Bay and Meads Bay for hours each, the schedule might get tight and you’d spend more time moving than enjoying. In this layout, you get a clear top-two beach rotation without turning it into a marathon.

Crocus Bay and Sandy Island—why these names matter

The charter’s highlights include snorkeling in the clear, calm waters around Crocus Bay, and island time on spots like Sandy Island. Even without long explanations, these names carry weight because they signal the kind of water experience Anguilla is known for: smooth conditions where snorkeling feels more accessible and visually rewarding.

Here’s what that means for you:

• You’re choosing a route designed around water visibility, not just beach glamour.
• The snorkeling isn’t an afterthought. It’s a core part of the day plan.
• The captain has reason to position the boat for calmer water pockets.

The lunch piece: plan to pay extra, but choose with intention

Lunch is not included in the price, and the charter says you’ll stop in one of the nicest beach restaurants of your choice. That’s an important value point: you control the lunch decision, and you’re not paying for a set meal that might not fit your taste or appetite.

My practical advice: treat lunch as a planning moment, not a wait-and-see scramble. If you’re the planner of your group, be ready with preferences (seafood vs. chicken vs. simple options). The day already has snorkeling and beach time, so a long, complicated lunch can shorten your enjoyment elsewhere.

The real deal on safety and pacing

A recurring theme in the reviews was how the crew handles safety and hands-on support in the water. One guide even helped film an octopus at Creole Rock—an example of the crew paying attention to what’s happening under the surface, not just checking boxes.

What this means for you as a rider:

• You’ll likely get clear tips before and during snorkeling.
• You’re not left to figure everything out with strangers.
• The captain’s job is route + timing, while the guide supports comfort and water moments.

The speedboat pacing is also part of the experience. You’ll spend enough time moving that the day feels like a mini vacation within a vacation. But you should still think of it as a physically active outing—towel, sunscreen, and a steady mindset help.

Extra costs you should expect: clearance and customs fees

Not everything is included in the base price. Clearance and custom fees are payable to the agency upon arrival in Anguilla. That’s the main “hidden” cost category to budget for ahead of time.

Also remember: the charter duration is about 7 hours. If you’re trying to cram other activities into the same day on either island, leave room for travel timing and the rhythm of charter schedules.

Who this charter is perfect for (and who should think twice)

I’d book this if your group wants:

• top beaches like Shoal Bay and Meads Bay with proper time on each
• snorkeling included with gear and floating devices
• a private, guided day instead of a crowded tour
• a boat ride that feels like vacation, not transportation

It’s also great for families and mixed-age groups because the crew can adapt support. The flip side: if your group hates boat rides, or if you know you’re sensitive to weather changes, you might want to compare other ways to get to Anguilla.

Should you book Captain Flint Boat Charters to Anguilla?

If you’re aiming for a full Anguilla day without the stress of organizing transport, this charter is a strong pick. The combination of private access, included snorkeling equipment, an open bar, and time at both Shoal Bay Village and Meads Bay adds up to a day that feels designed for enjoyment, not logistics.

I’d book it when you have:

• 3–9 people (so the group price makes more sense)
• a flexible schedule and a weather-tolerant plan
• interest in snorkeling in clear, calm water

Skip it (or at least rethink) if you’re on the fence about speedboats or you can’t handle weather delays. When the day goes well, it’s exactly the kind of trip that makes you remember Anguilla as more than postcards.

FAQ

How much does the private speedboat charter cost?

The price is $1,500.00 per group, up to 9 people.

How long is the charter?

It’s listed as about 7 hours.

Where do we meet in St Maarten?

The meeting point is 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

What beaches and spots are included?

The itinerary includes Cap Juluca, Little Bay, Shoal Bay Village, and Meads Bay, with snorkeling time in calm waters like Crocus Bay and island time including Sandy Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floating devices.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. The tour stops at a beach restaurant of your choice.

What’s included in the open bar?

The open bar includes beers, sodas, and water on board, and the experience includes complimentary champagne and rum cocktails.

What travel documents do I need?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Are there extra fees in Anguilla?

Clearance and custom fees are payable to the agency upon arrival in Anguilla.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.