TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin SXM to ANGUILLA- Day Trip or Overnight

Thinking of finally seeing what Anguilla is all about.

Looking for ideas.

Daytrip ferry?, Daytrip sailboat?, What to do for a first daytrip?

Can you fly over?

Overnight trip- 1 night enough? Anyplace do 1 nighters? Are there any reasonably priced lodgings?
Best dinner restaurants?

I've done day trips only so can't address overnights. I love hanging out on Shoal Bay East in front of Madeariman (same owner as L'Astrolabe in Orient). One time I asked the cabbie to show me some of the luxury resorts before taking me to the beach. I think we stopped at three different ones, and that was very enjoyable.

Yes, you can fly over but it tends to be pricey.

Most of the scheduled day trips include a sail up the coast of SXM with perhaps a stop for snorkeling (or not....) and then the ride across the channel to a designated hotel for lunch and some AXA beach time. One of the trips we did included the use of the resort’s pool and chaise lounges after lunch which was a nice touch. Another day sail we’ve done is to one of the AXA out islands for lunch and snorkeling.

Day tripping via the ferry usually entails renting a car or taking a taxi tour of the island with stops for a quick peek at some of the big name resorts and perhaps a drop off at Shoal Bay or one of the other beaches for lunch. We did the tour once and it was okay but subsequent trips we just asked to be dropped off at a beach of choice and picked up in time to catch our preferred ferry back. We always got the name of our driver and paid him on the return to the ferry terminal.

We stayed over a few times, usually 2-3 nights out of our total trip. It's been a while and I think the place where we stayed is no longer in business but you can find reasonable accommodations if you work at it.

Just remember, AXA is known for its beautiful beaches and its dining ops but that’s about where the similarities to SXM cease. Little to no tolerance for nude bathing and topless wasn’t welcomed when we used to go over but again, it was a while ago and things may have changed. No great nightlife that I recall beyond the hotel restaurants and bars. We always managed to enjoy ourselves and never regretted the time we spent over there.

And I almost forgot - the departure tax for stay-over guests is considerably higher than day tripping. When we went I think it was about $20.00 pp but again, that was a while ago. And of course, passports are required on both ends of the trip and copies aren’t accepted. Or weren’t........

Hi PP
My wife and I did a day trip to SBE on Anguilla and we both enjoyed it immensely. Absolutely breathtaking colors.....dreamlike.
We took a cab from Blowing Point to Madeariman and had a very nice visit with the driver. Wonderful man that loved talking about the sights and history of Anguilla. He returned in the afternoon to take us back to the ferry terminal.

My advice would be to do a day trip first, see what you think, and then decide if it would be worth the money to stay for a few nights the next visit. I've considered it, but I have a real hard time pulling myself away from Orient Beach.....lol. BTW, lodging is pricey....along with everything else.

Ya gotta do it once, though.

We did an overnight trip, stayed at Serenity Garden, which was beautiful. We took the ferry from Marigot, and rented a car at the ferry dock. As a British island, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, so that took a bit getting used to, but there's very little traffic on the island. I'm not sure I'd do it again, but agree that you should do it at least once.

I think you mean the driving is on the left side of the road :>)
George

YOU won't want to come back. Easy ferry from Marigot. Stay as long as you can afford to!!!!

Oops, lol.

We have done company trips to SXM, and I on occasion tack on a couple extra days in Anguilla to de-stress, if you want to call it that. Really getting caught up with work and not having to fight over internet use. But I don't mind working in a peaceful and beautiful location like Anguilla. Try to find a place that includes a free breakfast, as groceries very expensive there. Sundays are probably the best day to stay over in Anguilla, as there are several musicians livening things up on that day. Sundays not the best day to day trip there as when things are getting good, you have to leave to catch the ferry. Many places have a 2 or 3 night minimum. Driving on opposite side of the road as US, turning on the lights meant we were turning on the blinker quite a bit instead. Depending on where I was staying, I would probably rely on a cab even if I was staying a couple of days in AXA. I tend to enjoy the boat ride over, but it can be rough, so bring medication or have good sea legs.

If you are budget minded a great stay option (depending on availablity) is the apartment above Roy's Bayside Grill on Sandy Ground. It's a very comfortable studio apartment that they rent out for about $100-125 per night depending on time of the year. It's certainly not fancy at all, but it is located within walking distance of 5-6 beach bars/restaurants and Sandy Ground is also centrally located so you are within driving distance to other great restos as well. We stayed there for a week on our first trip to Anguilla in 2017 just a few weeks before Irma hit and enjoyed it. We went back in 2018 and did a split trip between Anguilla and St Barths and have plans to celebrate my 50th there this July (but I'm doubting that happens).....

I would definitely recommend staying in Anguilla for more than just one day. In the past, I have spent a week there on different trips and thoroughly enjoyed it. We stayed in private villas and also at the Serenity Cottages on Shoal Bay East. So many beautiful beaches and fantastic restaurants there to enjoy! It is a totally relaxing vacation and a much different vibe from St. Maarten/St. Martin.

I am so enjoying living on Anguilla!

Thanks all for the info. I think it is a definite add early on our next trip.

Any more recommendations for a day sail/snorkel with some on land time? How rough is the ride to Anguilla at New Years?

Snorkeling in Shoal Bay is good. Better to just go to Anguilla, take taxi and spend day there.
A lot of snorkeling trips go to a different beach that is not as spectacular.
Cheers
irina

Thx Irina. Are chairs and ☂ umbrellas and beach bars with food nearby

As I said above, at Shoal Bay East there's Madeariman, a wonderful beach bar. It's owned by the same man who owns L'Astrolabe in Orient. Prettiest beach I've ever seen.

We used to like Uncle Ernie's but between the resident drunk and Uncle Ernie passing and things going downhill, Madeariman is our choice.

Chairs and umbrellas are for rent at the beaches and for sure at Shoal Bay, this is for Pelican Pirate.

Thx Jazzgirl.

Thx Rural

So many options for accommodations and dining. Check out the following Facebook groups.

33 Beaches

Anguilla Connoisseurs

Anguilla Uncensored

We did a day trip last January and absolutely loved it. Hubby and I hopped on the ferry in Marigot and just grabbed a taxi to Shoal Bay beach. Absolutely the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been on. We walked all the way left ( if facing the water) to the Tropical Sunset restaurant. Beach chairs were fee with lunch, which was delicious. Probably one of my best days of my life in all honesty.

Stay as long as you CAN. You won't be disappointed!!!!!!

We might stay a few days. AirBNB has a whole villa with pool on a beach for dirt cheap. I had the search in for French collectivity but this appeared in the results.

How much is the ferry?

This may or may not be up to date but the public ferry is pretty inexpensive but there are a lot of add on departure taxes on both ends. I would figure at least $35pp each way when it is all said and done.

ANGUILLA FERRY

ANGUILLA GOVERNMENT

So where is this dirt cheap villa that you found, I’m just curious to see it. Normally over there, any thing that you just described goes for a minimum of $1000 a night, and under that price is a shared room or villa or pool house. Just saying, I’m very curious to see it. Now if there were a BSV over there, I’d be all in.

I agree, nothing is "dirt cheap" on Anguilla unless it is pretty much an undesirable property IMHO. Perhaps this is a find?

Exactly, that’s why I was curious to find out where this villa is. Who knows I might just learn something, never to old!

Well it is real on AirBNb for a whole villa for $270/night Dec/jan looks like the White House decorator did it.

No pool.

Pelican--Link??

It is in Cauls Bottom, wherever that is.

Now, the world will book it and I will lose.

Not if you have in fact booked it.

Ok, I have to admit, I am confused. Previously you stated there was a pool and on the beach, now you say there is NO pool and the area you mentioned is inland. Unless you mention the specific villa, the conversation is useless.

The ferry to Anguilla is $20.00 each way pp
The departure tax is $5.00 from SXM to AXA pp
The departure tax from AXA to SXM is $8.00 for day trippers and $23.00 for overnighters.
Cauls Bottom is not near any beaches, it would be a 20 minute drive to the nearest best beach which is Shoal Bay East. Taxi's are expensive. Rental cars are $35-45 per day and the license is $15-25.00.
If it means anything, one of the reviewers for your B&B lives on the island, perhaps he had relatives staying there, I think you can do better pricewise and location. From your previous posts, it seems as if you are looking to stay over New Years, it is busy then, but with the pandemic, who knows.
Fountain Residences on Shoal Bay East are very nice, 5 minute walk to the beach. Very good pricing.
Good luck and happy planning.
Ellen

First off I want to thank rural and Carol, did not mean for this to go side ways with Pelican. But when someone says Anguilla and “dirt cheap” in the same sentence, perks my interest, knowing the island as I do. That being said I have to respond to Pelican. This is totally on the joking side and do not want to offend anyone, especially Pelican, so take this with a grain of salt, PLEASE.

1) Pelican, the way you explained and described this new find, sounded amazing! To be honest, I could not wait to see the pictures of this villa. That was my inquiry to you. You set this new find up to fail (for us only).

2) Some background for you from me. Me and my wife have been vacationing in SXM for years. We always rented homes over in Dawn Beach area, anywhere from 8000sq ft to 12000sq ft in low season, and have had a ton of fun! So when I read this tread, once again it perks my interest.

3)Just a little more background! It took years of me showing my wife pictures of Carol and Eric’s vacation pictures on this site at BSV! I had to drag her over there like an anchor, LOL! And now I cannot blow her out of there with a stick of dynamite. So once again, when I see this, we are just looking, NOT TRYING TO JUMP YOUR SECERT SPOT! I actually do not think anyone on this site is. We just want information, and to learn from what you have learned! I thought this was the reason for this board, right?

4) Ok now this is for joking content ONLY! I finally saw the pictures of your “dirt cheap” find, ocean front, with a pool.
PLEASE TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN Of SALT, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! This is not meant to offend anyone, just my opinion, and everyone else and feel free to judge me, I do not wear my heart string on my sleeve. With that being said , drum roll, PLEASE!

5) ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! I really didn’t know that Elvis had actually decorated a house in Anguilla. Aren’t those some of his concert scarfs above the windows? I can see why you my have been confused about this being a beach front villa from the paintings on the walls! VERY TASTEFUL! LOL! But seriously I would never rent this out from underneath you Pelican. Not our taste, not even in the same universe!

6) Now in saying this, I’m really not judging your opinions or taste. I let that up to the individual-poster , what suits them. But as for us, not really staying here, so go ahead and book it! Please refer back to mine and R/C’s post earlier. VERY MISLEADING, so I guess that’s why we’re all scratching our heads. It started out great and then ran off the rails. But if anyone has a GREAT find in Anguilla, by all means please post it!

Pelican, I have been to SXM about a half dozen times, so not as often as many here, but did go to Anguilla for a day the year before Irma, and when we went back to SXM last year, we seriously considered a day trip, but decided not to. Shoal Bay is everything that say it is, gorgeous white beach, unlike what you see in SXM. IIRC, the prices Ellen quoted are right, though we rented a taxi , and that was extremely expensive, I think $30 pp , before tip each way. All in, without counting lunch, we figured it cost about $200 for the trip. For us, that seemed like a bit much since the last ferry back was 6 pm. . Again, Shoal Bay beach was gorgeous, though for us, not $200 more gorgeous than SXM,

And particularly when you can book an all day cat charter that includes drinks and lunch as well as snorkeling and maybe fishing along the way depending on who you charter with, for not too much more than that.

Me? I still prefer a stay-over if I’m going to the trouble of leaving SXM in the first place. But that’s me..... 😊😊

Save up a bunch of money, spend a bunch of money in Anguilla, never want to leave Anguilla.