TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Day trip to Anguilla from SXM

Hi there!

We are going back to Royal Islander for the 5th time in 2 more weeks. We'd like to take a day trip to Anguilla, since we've never been and have heard so many wonderful things about it.

We're beach bums in our late 60's and love nothing more than just hanging out on a beach all day. We were thinking of taking the ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point then taking a taxi to Shoal Bay East.

QUESTIONS:

1. We use the buses on SXM a lot, but have never taken one to Marigot. Any help on how to get there (Marigot) from the Royal Islander in Maho?

2. I've read there are no reservations on the ferry. We'd like to be on the first one (8:30am). Thoughts on how early we need to get there to make sure we get on the ferry?

3. Any other thoughts about alternative ways to get there, beach bars/restaurants to check out, where to rent beach chairs, etc. would be most welcome!

Thanks!
Rick & Mary

We have taken the earliest ferry to Anguilla several times. If you get there about 20 minutes before departure, you should be fine. Don’t forget to bring your passports. I’m not sure if they take cash or cards but I think it’s only cash .if you were going on a day where there are a bunch of cruise ships in and there is a market by the port parking is a nightmare so you would be better off to take a cab. I do believe the cabs only take cash, however, all the restaurants take credit cards. No euros just US dollars.
Shoal Bay is beautiful however I would recommend going to Meads Bay, specifically to Blanchard‘s Beach shack. Last time I was there a chair rentals were five dollars and they would apply the fee to your food bill. The food is very good and reasonably priced and the beach is beautiful. As early as you are going you’ll probably get there before they open which is I believe 10 o’clock, But just take one of the chairs that are out on the beach and you will be fine. As you are facing the ocean to the right, there is a decent little beach bar about 200 feet down. If you are looking for something higher end continue to the right past (red roof) to the end of the beach and go up the steps to the Maiuihana .Very nice restaurant bar and pool area but much more expensive.
If you want to hit Shoal Bay would do so in the afternoon as most of the beach bars there don’t even get going until lunch early afternoon. I would highly recommend Tropical Sunset , However, Gwen’s and Elodia’s are also good. Service at tropical sunset is quite a bit better than the other two. If you find a taxicab driver at the port you can arrange for them to come and pick you up from wherever you are at specific times. I have done this several times and they always show up.

While Anguilla is somewhat more expensive than Saint Martin, The places I have mentioned are more budget oriented and the food is very good. The beaches are beautiful, the people are friendly, and there is no traffic. Have them pick you up at least one hour before the ferry departure you want to leave on. I would take the last ferry back to Saint Martin. Also, of note is the cell phone service on Anguilla is different than Saint Martin, at least the French side. However, if you have a phone issue the people at the restaurant I’ve mentioned are happy to call a cab for you

We went last Friday and I did a report on it. Check it out.

Thanks for the info, guys! Very helpful and very much appreciated!

R & M

The French Gov't now requires cash Euros for the departure fee in Marigot
Check out the ferries from the Dutch side, across from the airport!

read ruralcarriers recent report which has helpful information about a ferry to Anguilla from near the airport. That's closer to Royal Islander and you wouldn't have to travel to Marigot.

Also a fan of Mead's bay along with Blanchard's beach shack for a reasonable, tasty lunch.

Straw hat is about a 10 minute walk down the beach for another lunch option while Malliouhana Resort and Four Seasons are on the opposite ends for an very high end experience

Since you are arriving early, you may request a taxi tour of some of the island and other beaches before being dropped off at beach.
You may be able to arrange for driver to pick you up at a designated time.
Don't be surprised if they do not request any payment until they return you to exit terminal

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and recommendations!