TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Friday/Anguilla Day

I will refer to Whale Tails report for the pictures and places we stopped, and I will highlight the trip over and back and the changed in the 10 years since I last visited AXA.

I had arranged with GB Ferries for transportation versus the public ferry from Marigot. It is very convenient if you stay in the area near the airport and no driving to Marigot and dealing with traffic and parking. GB Ferries is owned by Lyle and Cara Connor and I used them several times in the past. Parking at the terminal across from the airport is $10 and the day trip fare is $105pp/rt. Two 300HP engines powered the GB Express and they made for a quick and fairly smooth crossing. Cody was the captain, and Lyle was onboard as well. They offer water and sodas on the boat.

Cara Connor had arranged a driver for us, Wendell Connor (no relation) and he met us outside the new terminal. He is a very fit man who I guessed to be mid-50's. It turns out he was 78. The cost for his services was agreed upon in advance and was $180 for the day plus tip. He did a very good job and had water for us as well.

I always use Raymond on Shoal Bay for beach rentals. He is still there and remembered me even though it had been 10 years. He treated us right and a set was $15 for our time there. Shoal Bay was pristine, the water was calm, and we enjoyed some beach time before being picked up for our return.

Since I had last went to AXA, they have a new and very nice ferry terminal. They also have inflation of prices and a new GST/Government Sales tax of 13.5% added to food and drinks. 15% is also added for a service charge. The going price for a beer at either Uncle Ernie's (he died several years ago but the business is still there, or Maderiman was $5, and drinks were in the $12 and up range. I am guessing the GST has helped build the new terminal and maintain the island but when you add in the 15% SC, it adds up.

It was a smooth ride back to SXM, after you pay the $19 departure tax on AXA for return to the Dutch side.

We had 4 newbies to AXA in the group of 7 and I am very glad the Whale Tails joined us. On both crossings there were a total of 9 people in the boat so it was not at all crowded.

For anyone wanting to see Anguilla, I highly recommend GB Ferries. It is a nice diversion from SXM in many ways.

Thanks again to the Whale Tails for the pictures and joining our group.

The day was finished by me walking to Lee's for HH and then meeting the rest of my group at BBB as they had burgers and tacos there.

A couple more notes. The resorts we visited were very well staffed with friendly workers who seemed to be enjoying whatever their job was. One in our group priced some sort of sun hat in one of the resort shops. I beleive the price was $300+. Anguilla is not for the faint of heart when it comes to finances. I had estimated a total expenditure for our day of in the $200+ range per person. It ended up being slightly over that but was still worth it.

Anguilla had elections on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I guess Friday some sort of government holiday as all public offices, schools and the post office were closed. Previously we had stop at the Anguilla Post office for t-shirts and since 3 of our group are former postal employees, we were hoping to see it.

As Whale Tail stated, the lack of traffic and congention is a drastic change to SXM.

Thanks for the report on the details of your trip. Based on your cost, the day sails over and back which include lunch must be pretty pricy. I am surprised that it had been 10 years since you had been to Anguilla, as I know you used to go there almost every year. Too bad about the post office being closed.

Sounds like a lovely day. I am confused; where is the "terminal across from the airport"?

Just before you get to where you enter the terminal, at one of the sharp curves. There is a small sign. It used tp be further down, across from where Winair was. It is now more towards the airport.