Anguilla to St. Martin and Sint Maarten - A Most Delightful Day Trip

Traveling from Anguilla to the neighboring islands of St. Martin and Sint Maarten can fit into a single day when the weather cooperates. The short sea distance makes it possible to sample French-Caribbean markets, quiet bays, and Dutch-side waterfronts without rushing. Many visitors choose the ferry for simplicity, while others arrange a private boat to control the schedule more closely.

Ferry Travel from Anguilla

The most straightforward option starts at Blowing Point on Anguilla. Ferries run regularly to Marigot on the French side of St. Martin. The crossing usually takes between 25 and 40 minutes, though wind and current can stretch that time. Once ashore, a short taxi or walk puts you near the harbor where local vendors sell fresh bread, citrus, and spices. Renting a bicycle lets you reach nearby beaches at your own pace and avoids the need to coordinate with larger tour groups.

Many travelers add a short detour to a rocky cove for a quiet swim before heading back. The return ferry in the late afternoon often offers good light for photos of the water and distant hills. It helps to check the current timetable the day before, since schedules can shift with sea conditions.

Highlights Around Marigot and Grand Case

Marigot’s waterfront mixes open-air stalls with small cafés. The French-Caribbean influence shows up in the food and the pace of the harbor. From there, a short ride north reaches Grand Case, known for its line of beachfront restaurants. Grilled fish and simple salads appear on most menus, often prepared with local produce. A quick swim or snorkel near Creole Rock can be added if the group wants time in the water without a long stop.

These stops work well for a half-day because distances remain short. Visitors who prefer less planning sometimes combine the ferry with a rented scooter to move between the harbor and the beach towns.

Extending the Day to Sint Maarten

After time on the French side, some travelers continue to the Dutch side of the island, commonly called Sint Maarten. The waterfront at Marigot sits close to the border, so a brief taxi ride opens up additional shops and cafés. The change in atmosphere is noticeable: more emphasis on duty-free goods and a busier marina scene. An early-evening stroll along the quay gives a different view of the boats before the return leg to Anguilla.

Crossing between the two sides requires basic entry formalities. When traveling independently, passengers handle their own paperwork. The process is usually quick for day visitors who carry passports and return tickets.

Choosing a Crewed Charter Instead

For groups that want fewer transfers and more flexibility, a private boat can replace the ferry. A typical plan leaves Anguilla in the morning, pauses for snorkeling near Grand Case, includes lunch ashore, and finishes with a relaxed pass along the Sint Maarten coast before heading home. Captains usually handle port clearance so guests avoid lines. The same route can be adjusted if the wind picks up or if the group prefers extra time at one stop. Charter through GetBoat when you want to compare available boats and crew for this itinerary.

Weather remains the main variable. Short legs let the captain shorten or reorder stops if seas build. On-deck snacks and drinks keep everyone comfortable during the longer stretches between islands.

Timing and What to Bring

Most day trips aim to leave Anguilla by mid-morning and return before sunset. This window matches ferry schedules and keeps the boat in daylight. Cash is useful for small purchases at markets and beach cafés, and a light jacket helps on the return crossing once the sun drops. Keeping a simple checklist—passports, printed ferry times, and a small dry bag—prevents last-minute scrambles at the dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ferry from Anguilla to St. Martin take?

The crossing from Blowing Point to Marigot normally lasts 25 to 40 minutes. Actual time depends on wind and sea state on the day of travel.

Do I need to clear customs twice on a day trip?

Yes. Travel between Anguilla and the French or Dutch sides requires passport checks in each direction. Independent travelers handle their own forms; a crewed charter usually manages the paperwork for the whole group.

Is a private charter worth it compared with the ferry?

It depends on group size and preference for flexibility. A charter removes fixed schedules and allows stops at smaller bays, but it costs more than a round-trip ferry ticket. For two or more people who value privacy and adjustable timing, the added expense often feels worthwhile.