by Donnie Hoover
(Groveport, OH)
I was wondering if you knew if there was a cruise to Anguilla that was scheduled to go from the U.S. for people that would love to check the island out for a day or two?
Thanks,
Donnie Hoover
Nori's Reply: Donnie, there aren't any cruises that stop off in Anguilla for much longer than a few hours at best in Sandy Ground. A hand full stop by for maybe a day or two, but they are few and far between. If you are interested in Caribbean cruises, there are many visitors to Anguilla who arrive on cruise boats that dock in Sint Maarten. Sint Maarten is a cruise hub, most boats dock in St. Maarten during the high season. It is not difficult to hop on the Anguilla ferry form there and visit Anguilla for the day. Happy travels!
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by Rui
(Portugal)
Do you know the best way to travel to Anguilla from Portugal?
Nori's Reply: The most efficient way to travel to Anguilla from Portugal would likely be aboard Air France. They offer daily flights to St. Maarten from Paris. From St. Maarten, there are many Anguilla ferries to the island.
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by Jackie
(Toronto, Canada)
Have you ever used LIAT Airline for flights to Anguilla? What is your opinion of them?
Nori's Reply: I have never flown on LIAT Airline, but they are a leading Caribbean airline with a solid reputation.
In terms of Anguilla flights, LIAT flies to Anguilla from major Caribbean hubs like San Juan, Barbados, Antigua, and St. Maarten.
If you are flying to Anguilla from Toronto, LIAT is a good option if you are connecting in San Juan or Antigua.
If you are connecting in St. Maarten, I recommend our friend Carl Thomas with his Anguilla flights company, Anguilla Air Services.
Safe, cheap and reliable, Anguilla Air Services also offers more daily flights from St. Maarten, always leaving on time. LIAT flights that connect in St. Maarten might be connecting from other islands, subject to more delays. But not Anguilla Air Services.
If there is any Anguilla flight service I can recommend, it's Anguilla Air Services.
Click here to read about a tour of Anguilla we did from the sky with Carl Thomas!
by Don
(USA)
Are you aware of any water taxis from San Juan to Anguilla?
Nori's Reply: Don, there aren't any water taxis from San Juan to Anguilla. I am sure you can charter a boat from San Juan to Anguilla, but it will be a bit of a voyage, traveling across open ocean. I would anticipate some pretty high waves! Most people get to Anguilla from Puerto Rico by flying into the Anguilla airport. San Juan runs flights to Anguilla daily. The alternative route is flying into St. Maarten and then taking the Anguilla ferry from there. Happy travels!
by Ellen
(Las Vegas, NV USA)
I had heard that everyone on the private shuttles now has to present themselves at Simpson Bay police station for checkin. Before, one of the crew used to take the passports in to the station and do the paperwork. Do you know if this new rule applies to the public ferry, and if so, where do the passengers go in Marigot to present their passports?
You're good at digging for info, I appreciate anything you can tell me.
Thanks,
Ellen
Nori's Reply: Yep, they have tightened security. I remember back in the day when Funtime would bring us right across from the Dutch side. Now, every charter has to stop at the police station in Simpson Bay. One crew member takes all of the passports inside and does the paperwork though. Thankfully nothing has changed in Marigot!
by Kevin
(St. Petersburg, FL)
I love your website! Can you tell me how long it takes to get from the cruise ship area in Philipsburg St. Maartin to the ferry to Anguilla? We would love to get away from the tourists and head your way. Thanks - Kevin
Nori's Reply: Thank you so much, Kevin. From St. Maarten (Philipsburg) to Anguilla you have two options: you can take a short taxi ride (10-15 minutes) from Philipsburg to the island's French port of entry, Marigot. Anguilla ferries leave from the French side to Blowing Point in Anguilla every half hour or so. When you arrive in Anguilla you will be met with taxi drivers who can bring you wherever you need to go (if it's your first time and you only have the afternoon, my recommendation is to go to the best of Anguilla beaches, Shoal Bay East. You will need to take a taxi to get to most places on the island.).
The other option is to take a more private (and slightly more costly) ferry straight from the Dutch side of St. Maarten to Anguilla. My recommendation is The Link Anguilla ferry system. Give them a call and they will tell you how to reach them in St. Maarten to be picked up. They also drop you off in Blowing Point Anguilla.
Best of luck and I hope you make it to Anguilla! :-)
by Bob Montante
(Pennsylvania, rejoining the world)
I'm reading your very tantalizing account(s) of travel to Anguilla... My wife and I are flying in to Philipsburg at the end of this month (May 2009), and need to get to Anguilla. You've mentioned a couple of possibilities for water taxis from St. Martin to Anguilla.
I would love some contact info for one of these, as we'd like to avoid the complexity of finding our way to the public ferry at Marigot (or whatever it's correctly called).
Suggestions, ideas, help, LINKS, ...pleeeezzzzeee :-)
Thanks,
-Bob M.
Nori's Reply: I agree, taking the public from Marigot after a long day of traveling can be a real hassle. There are many boats that offer semi private taxi service. We took "The Link" over to SXM... Comfortable trip and very kind and accommodating staff. Their phone number: 264-497-2231/3290
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by Nicole
(Las Vegas, NV, USA)
We will be in Anguilla this summer and we would like to take a day trip to Dominica. Can you recommend an Anguilla airline to charter? Or, any ideas on the best way to get there?
Thanks,
Nicole
Nori's Reply: Nicole, what a wonderful idea! My Dad and I have been dying to get ourselves to Dominica. Many friends of ours have visited and only have wonderful things to say about the island. That being the case, we don't know of any Anguilla flights to Dominica or the best way to get there. We haven't done it yet!
My best recommendation is to contact Anguilla Air Services. You can read about this Anguilla flights company by clicking here.
They provide Anguilla flights to many Caribbean islands. Dominica may not be on their list of islands that they fly to, but it wouldn't hurt to ask and see if you could charter it just the same. Captain Thomas is a very adventurous man and nothing is totally out of the question with him!
Have a wonderful trip, and please do tell me about the magical Caribbean island when you have a chance!
by Diana Belisario
(Peckvill, Pa, USA )
We will be visiting Anguilla for our first time and have thoroughly enjoyed all the information you offer! Thank you!
Taking your "getting to Anguilla" advice, we will be landing in St. Maarten on a Friday night and staying the night before taking the Anguilla ferry over on Saturday morning.
I was wondering if you could offer any advice as to where to stay in St. Maarten before we begin our sure to be enjoyable vacation at Almond Tree Villa in Seafeathers Bay.
Thank you for your time,
Diana Belisario.
Nori's Reply: That is a good question, Diana! Although I visit St. Maarten often, I haven't stayed in many of their hotels. I stayed over on the Dutch side of St. Maarten once. I stayed in "Holland House." It was nice, simple, standard hotel rooms and amenities, for a very reasonable price right on Front Street.
On the French side I have stayed at "La Plantation" near Orient Bay, which was lovely, with a very Caribbean flair and very private, thought not on the water. My parents however really enjoyed "Hotel L'Esplanade." Their prices run a bit higher but are extraordinary!
Have a good night in St. Maarten and a wonderful time in Anguilla!
by Kelly
And, so I think that what you know about getting to this little island paradise has been more helpful than ninety percent of the other web hits.
You have done a great job... getting to Anguilla is worth the hassle and I feel like you have given me a real sense of the flavor of the island.
My husband and I have been trying to figure out our first real "vacation" in almost ten years and it isn't easy! There are so many options, as well as cost factors!!!!
When he played professional basketball, we lived all over the world. Now, with a son in college and both of us in different full time jobs, it is a another story in terms of finances and time.
So, one of the biggest issues is getting to Anguilla and then where to stay... I have seen that you recommend a local agent. Any other great insights for an Anguilla vacation?
Best,
Kelly
Nori's Reply: Thank you Kelly for your kind words! Getting to Anguilla is a pretty deciding factor for people thinking about visiting Anguilla. BUT it doesn't have to be a deal breaker! You can do it in just two easy steps.
Step #1) Fly into St. Maarten, Step #2) Take the Anguilla ferry from St. Maarten to Anguilla. Zipping across the channel between St. Maarten and Anguilla is my favorite way to start a trip! You can read more about getting to Anguilla by clicking here.
For more general information on Anguilla vacations, I recently wrote a one page "introduction to Anguilla vacations" article. It covers some of our favorite Anguilla hotels and Anguilla villas, Anguilla restaurants (cheap to five star), and some of our favorite activities! Please click here to read about Anguilla vacations.
Anguilla may be out of the way, but its hidden nature is just what makes it so special. Have a wonderful Anguilla vacation! The extra boat ride is worth it ;-)
I am traveling from Newark to St. Maarten via Continental.
If all goes as planned we will be in St. Maarten around noon.
How do we get from St. Maarten to Anguilla?
Can we get the Anguilla ferry or small plane?
How do we use the Anguilla ferry system?
Nori's Reply: There are three ways to get to Anguilla from St. Maarten, each of them a breeze.
#1) Anguilla Ferry System
From Princess Juliana International Airport (on the Dutch side of St. Maarten) take a taxi to Marigot on the French side.
It is a 20 minute ride, and shouldn't be more than $20.
The Anguilla ferry system leaves from the port in Marigot every 45 minutes starting at 8:15 AM, closing at 6:30-7:00 PM.
The Anguilla ferry system costs $20.
#2) Anguilla "Taxi"
An alternative to the Anguilla ferry system is booking an Anguilla "taxi" ahead of time.
These boats will pick you up from Princess Juliana International Airport, and bring you directly to their dock about a 5 minute drive away. They depart from the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
They will also drop you off at the airport on your way home.
Take a private Caribbean charter for a steeper cost, or hop aboard a semi private one for a more reasonable price.
Our top choice? Link, a semi private boat.
They make traveling to Anguilla so smooth. Always on time and efficient, my sister and I know we are home when we see Frankie (the man who owns Link)!
You can reach them at: 264 497 2231/3290
#3) Anguilla Flights
Getting to Anguilla from St. Maarten on the sea is a popular method, but by no means the only one.
There are daily flights to Anguilla from within Princess Juliana International Airport.
Anguilla Air Services provides 3 daily flights between St. Maarten and Anguilla. Click here for more information about Anguilla flights on Anguilla Air Services.
They depart from St. Maarten at 10:55 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:10 PM.
Flying in the tiny prop plane, soaring above the Caribbean sea is truly a memorable experience.
Anguilla flights to St. Maarten cost $80.00 per person aboard Anguilla Air Services.
Whether you are enjoying the "last leg" of your travels to Anguilla from boat or plane, the hop from St. Maarten to Anguilla is beautiful, the perfect way to start an exclusive Anguilla vacation.
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by Joanne
(Sparta, NJ)
What is the best way to get from St. Maarten airport to Anguilla? Would you recommend an Anguilla ferry service?
Thank you,
Joanne
Nori's Reply: The #1 way to get from the airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla is by air, aboard Anguilla Air Services.
Anguilla Air Services is the safest and most reliable Anguilla airline. It is owned by Captain Carl Thomas, who has taken us on a personal tour of his planes. We can safely say that there is no pilot as dedicated to the safety and comfort of his passengers as Carl Thomas.
The flight over from St. Maarten is just that... Safe, comfortable and very smooth. They have 2-3 daily flights from St. Maarten, which cost $80/person.
The real bonus of flying to Anguilla (instead of taking the ferry) is the time you save! You do not have to clear immigration in St. Maarten. You are simply whisked away from your international flight to your Anguilla flight.
After a long day of traveling from Canada, by the time we would reach St. Maarten we were aching to be on a beach in Anguilla. Getting to Anguilla was the last hurdle, and taking a boat to Anguilla from St. Maarten always added more minutes and extra stops to an already too-long journey.
There are three ways to get to Anguilla...
#1) By public Anguilla ferry system from "Marigot" on St. Maarten's French side...
You will need to take a taxi from Princess Juliana Airport (on St. Maarten's dutch side), and catch a ferry from Marigot that leaves every 45 minutes to Anguilla. The taxi will cost roughly $30, the ferry's departure tax costs $5, the ferry itself will cost $20.
Note: If you're coming back to St. Martin from Anguilla on public ferry, the departure tax is $20 for visitors permanently leaving the island. This is different from visitors who are going to St. Martin for a day trip. The departure tax for day trips is $5.
The cost is cheaper than the plane, but does add extra minutes in terms of the taxi, and waiting for the boat, which can get crowded depending on the time/day of the week.
#2) By private or semi-private Anguilla charter...
There are two types of "private" boats... Private Anguilla charters, and semi-private Anguilla charters.
Traveling by private or semi-private boat is very relaxing, and may be a good way to end your Anguilla vacation. Gliding along the turquoise sea (or bouncing, depending on the weather!) is a wonderful way to say good-bye.
For the private boats... you can book the entire boat (which will run you upwards of $300). Just call ahead, give them your flight details. They will meet you at the airport in St. Maarten, and bring you to the oat.
The semi-private ones run on a schedule. Call ahead for their schedule. They will also meet you at the airport in St. Maarten.
You will have to clear immigration in St. Maarten, which adds more time to your trip. Also, these boats aren't always on time, causing some delays either coming to or leaving Anguila.
I do recommend booking ahead, but you can also just show up and call when you land in St. Maarten.
Here is a list of Anguilla boats...
by Dave C
(Boulder, Colorado, USA)
Hi Nori,
We leave for St Martin on April 27 for one week and then to Anguilla for one week (Shoal Bay Villas). We have a rental car reserved at SXM for the week in St Martin and will rent a car for some of the week at SBV. So, my questions:
1. Since we will be returning the car to SXM on May 4, we will take a ferry to Anguilla. Do you recommend we take a ferry directly from SXM or use the public ferry in Marigot? Can we take the Link directly from the Airport? It looks like the fare is $20 from their web site. This seems very reasonable
2. And reverse, we have a 2:25 PM departure from SXM on May 11. It would be convenient to take the Ferry directly to SXM. Again the Link seems to run directly from Blowing Point to the Airport with a fare listed as $15
These fares seem very cheap, am I missing something?
Thanks!
Dave Clark (only two more weeks till We leave and there is 2 ft of snow out my window in Colorado!
Nori's Reply: Sounds like a wonderful vacation mixed with the liveliness of St. Martin and the quiet, peacefulness of Anguilla.
To answer your question...
The quotes from the Link are outdated.
You can take any of the boats that dock in the new Ferry Terminal at the aiport (actully across the street from the aiport. Just ask anyone and they will tell you where it is located). However, you should book ahead and the cost will not be $20. One-way fares can run from $45 upwards per passenger. You can do a return fare catching a boat going back to St. Maarten for your return trip home.
Alternatively, you can take a public ferry from Marigot on the French side (St. Martin). They run every 45 mins with the first boat going to Anguilla at 8AM. This fare is $20/person and there is also a departure tax of $5/person.
There is also a departure tax from Anguilla of $20/person.
For more on how to get to Anguilla via sea, click here.
Finally you can always fly using Anguilla Air Services. Their cost is $80/person each way.
Have a great vacation!
Nori
