Anguilla – Discovery Speed Boat tour

This experience made our article of St Maarten’s 15 Best Boat Tours & Cruises (With Prices & Reviews).

Discover the Best of Anguilla with a Speed Boat Tour from St. Maarten

When looking for a way to enjoy the Caribbean’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Anguilla – Discovery Speed Boat Tour offers a fantastic option. For around $149 per person, you’ll spend approximately seven hours exploring several of Anguilla’s most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, all with a knowledgeable crew and a lively, fun vibe. The experience is based out of St. Maarten, with a convenient meeting point, and it’s perfect for travelers who prefer an active day on the water, with plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.

What we love about this tour is how it combines secluded beaches like Sandy Island and Little Bay—places often missed by visitors—with a delicious, freshly-made lunch and unlimited drinks from an open bar. Plus, the small group size (max 18) ensures you get personalized attention and a laid-back atmosphere. The informative guides make sure you’re comfortable and in the know about each stop, which adds a lot to the overall enjoyment.

However, a point to consider is that timing can sometimes feel rushed, especially at the stops, as some reviews note shorter stays than expected. If your priority is ample beach time, you might wish for a longer stay at each location. Still, for those seeking a lively, efficient day of exploring, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This trip suits visitors who want to see multiple beaches in one day, enjoy snorkeling with the chance to spot turtles, and appreciate good value for a full day out on the water. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors wanting an overview of Anguilla’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes lunch, open bar, and snorkeling gear, making it a hassle-free day.
• Secluded Beaches: Stops at Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Meads Bay showcase some of the Caribbean’s most stunning and less crowded beaches.
• Expert Guides: The crew is praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness.
• Comfortable Boat: The vessel is spacious, shaded, and equipped with floating devices, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Flexible Dining: Lunch can be enjoyed on the beach or on the boat, with options for vegetarians available.
• Limited Cruising for Cruise Ship Visitors: Not available for cruise passengers, so plan accordingly if you’re docked nearby.

A Deep Dive into the Anguilla Discovery Speed Boat Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown — What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off early at 9:00 am at 62 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, St. Maarten, with a short boat ride crossing the channel to Anguilla. From the outset, it’s clear this trip is designed to maximize your time on some of the most beautiful beaches Anguilla has to offer.

Stop 1: Sandy Island — This tiny, private island is a highlight. Only a small boat can access its secluded bay, setting the tone for an exclusive escape. You’ll love the way the waters sparkle around you and the chance to snorkel in a quiet, untouched setting. It’s a picture-perfect spot, ideal for swimming and floating, with a review noting that it’s “truly amazing” and perfect for snorkeling. However, the stop is limited to about an hour, so don’t expect to lounge there all day.

Stop 2: Little Bay — Known for its calm, crystal waters, Little Bay invites you to relax, sip drinks, or perhaps take a leap from the cliffs if you’re feeling brave. The reviews rave about the quiet beauty and calm waters, sometimes sharing stories of swimming with turtles. It’s another hour-long stop, so you’ll get to enjoy the serenity without feeling rushed.

Stop 3: Shoal Bay — Often ranked among the top beaches worldwide, this is a crowd favorite. The sand here is soft and white, and the waters are warm and inviting. The crew delivers a tasty sandwich lunch right on the beach or on the boat, depending on your preference. Guests consistently mention the delicious food and the breathtaking scenery. Expect about an hour and a half to unwind, swim, and soak in the views.

Stop 4: Meads Bay — On the way back, there’s a quick stop at this luxurious beach, where you can feed the fish or enjoy spotting some famous faces relaxing in the exclusive resorts nearby. This shorter stop, around 45 minutes, still offers enough time to dip your toes or take a few photos, with some guests noting the crystal-clear waters and the chance to see celebrity-worthy scenery.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The guides, often named in reviews as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, truly enhance the experience. They don’t just give a spiel but actively ensure safety and comfort, especially during snorkeling or when jumping from cliffs. The boat itself, equipped with floating devices and shaded areas, ensures a comfortable cruise even in the Caribbean heat.

The lunch and drinks are clearly a highlight. Reviews mention the freshly made sandwiches, chips, fruit, and the bottomless rum punch or soda, which keep everyone in good spirits. The open bar flows throughout the day, making it easy to unwind and socialize. For vegetarians, a special lunch option is available if requested at booking, adding to the inclusive nature.

Authenticity and Value

Many travelers highlight the value for money — a full-day trip with multiple stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, and unlimited drinks— all for $149. With 172 reviews averaging 4.8/5, it’s clear that most guests feel it’s well worth the cost. One reviewer even called it the “best boat tour on the island,” emphasizing its fun, scenic stops, and friendly staff.

The Realities — Considerations and Caveats

While the tour is packed with highlights, some reviews mention the timing can be tight. If you’re someone who prefers very relaxed, lengthy beach stays, this might feel a bit hurried. The stops are usually around an hour each, with one slightly longer break. This means you get a taste of each location rather than deep immersion.

Another point is the tour not being suitable for cruise ship visitors— it’s designed more for day-trippers based out of St. Maarten who want a full, active experience. Also, parking can be tricky, and the meeting point is in Cole Bay, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re looking for a lively, fun-filled day on the water— perfect for first-time visitors eager to see multiple beaches quickly. It suits travelers who enjoy snorkeling, socializing with friendly guides, and sampling Caribbean-style lunch and drinks. It’s especially good for those who want to explore secluded beaches without the hassle of planning individual trips or transportation.

Final Thoughts

The Anguilla Speed Boat Tour from St. Maarten offers an exciting blend of scenic beauty, active snorkeling, and relaxed beach time. For a reasonable price, you get to visit some of the Caribbean’s most renowned beaches, snorkel in unspoiled waters, and indulge in a delicious meal and unlimited drinks. The small group size and friendly, knowledgeable crew make it feel personalized and fun.

If you’re after a well-organized, all-in-one day trip that highlights the natural beauty of Anguilla, this tour is a strong contender. It’s especially perfect for first-time visitors, beach lovers, and those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers looking for a full day of fun and exploration with an emphasis on secluded beaches and snorkeling will love it. If you value good food, drinks, and friendly guides, this experience will satisfy. However, if you prefer longer stays at fewer beaches or a more relaxed pace, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s also best suited if you’re not arriving by cruise, as the tour isn’t available for cruise ship visitors.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from my hotel?
No, the tour starts at a designated meeting point in Cole Bay, St. Maarten. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting spot.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a guide, floating devices, lunch (with vegetarian options available), and an open bar with drinks flowing throughout the day.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and the minimum drinking age is 18, but most travelers of all ages can participate, especially if they enjoy water activities.

How long are the stops?
Stops vary from about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Expect some quick transitions, especially at Meads Bay.

Can I snorkel with turtles?
Yes, some reviews mention snorkeling at Little Bay, where turtles are sometimes seen.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, snorkeling gear and floating devices are provided. If you’re not comfortable swimming, you can still enjoy relaxing on the boat or on the beaches.

Is this tour available if it’s raining?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In all, this speed boat tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to see Anguilla’s stunning beaches without the hassle of planning your own trip. It’s a perfect match for travelers craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and Caribbean beauty.