Anguilla is 8 nautical miles north of St Martin. On paper, that’s a 25-minute boat ride. In practice, most travelers spend 2-3 hours getting there, queue, customs, delay, confusion, and arrive at their restaurant reservation already stressed.
Here’s the guide we wish someone had given us.
The two ferry options
Public ferry (Marigot → Blowing Point): Runs roughly every 45 minutes from 8am to 6:30pm. Around $25-30 one-way per adult (rates change, verify current fares before you go), cash preferred. No reservation needed. Boarding is first-come-first-served.
Private speedboat (various departure points): On-demand, 15-20 minutes crossing, around $350-500 return for up to 6 guests. Customs still required but can be expedited.
If you’re going for the day, the public ferry works. If you have a reservation to keep or kids who don’t love boats, the speedboat is worth it.
Customs, the part nobody mentions
Anguilla is British territory. St Martin’s French side is EU. The Dutch side is part of the Netherlands.
Leaving St Martin French side → you clear French customs at Marigot. 5-10 minutes if the line is short, 30+ minutes on a busy morning.
Arriving in Anguilla (Blowing Point) → British customs. Expect 15-30 minutes. They charge an arrival fee (~$20 per adult, higher for longer stays) that catches many tourists off guard.
On the way back, same in reverse plus a separate departure tax (around $28 per adult, paid at the terminal in addition to your ferry ticket). Rates do change, so check both before you travel.
Bring your passport, your return plan, and small bills.
Timing traps
- The 8am ferry is the most reliable. After 10am, expect full boats and waits.
- The last ferry back is usually 6:30pm. Miss it and you’re stuck paying $600+ for a private pickup.
- Sundays: reduced schedule. Check before going.
- Hurricane season (June-November): services can be canceled last-minute.
Where to land
Blowing Point is the only ferry terminal. From there:
- Shoal Bay East (the famous beach): 15 min by taxi
- Meads Bay (quieter, higher-end): 12 min
- The Valley (main town): 10 min
Taxis are metered at the airport/port, about $25-35 for most trips. No Uber.
The shortcut
If you want the customs part to disappear entirely, we do it for you. Our crossings are booked in advance, customs is pre-cleared with known agents, and your driver is waiting on the other side with your name on a sign. You skip every line.
Not magic, just relationships, repetition, and paperwork filed at 6am.
Planning a day in Anguilla from St Martin? Tell us your dates and we’ll send you a proposal within 2 hours.