Public Ferry vs Shared Charter: Best Way to Get to Anguilla
March 12, 2026
6 min read min read
Share:
Copied!
Jahmal Richard
Anguilla Ferry Times
Article
Choosing between the public ferry and a shared charter depends mostly on where you are starting, how much convenience you want, and how carefully you are watching the total cost. The public ferry is the lowest-cost scheduled crossing between Marigot, St. Martin and Blowing Point, Anguilla. Shared charters cost more, but they are much easier if you are landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and want airport pickup, luggage help, and a smoother transfer.
Travel tip
Quick answer: choose the public ferry for the best price. Choose a shared charter if you are arriving at SXM Airport with luggage, children, tight timing, or a same-day resort/villa check-in.
Jahmal Richard is a born-and-raised Anguillian who frequently uses the Blowing Point ferry crossing for personal and business travel. As an experienced software engineer, he built Anguilla Ferry Times to give local and international travelers clear ferry schedules, practical trip-planning tools, and useful insights for visiting Anguilla.
Public Ferry from Marigot
The public ferry connects Marigot on the French side of St. Martin with Blowing Point in Anguilla. It is the best-value option and does not require advance booking. Tickets are purchased on site, and the crossing usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Route: Marigot, St. Martin to Blowing Point, Anguilla
Typical crossing time: about 20 to 25 minutes
Adult fare: $30 USD one way
Child fare ages 2-11: $15 USD one way
Infants under 2: free
Booking: walk-up service at the terminal
Payment: public ferry fares are paid in cash; bring USD or XCD
The main catch is that the ticket price is not the full cost. Taxes and port fees are handled separately. Travelers leaving Marigot pay a EUR 7 exit fee for passengers ages 4 and up. When leaving Anguilla for St. Martin, non-resident adults pay $28 USD in departure taxes. Children have lower tax amounts depending on age.
Shared Charters near SXM Airport
Shared charters operate from the Dutch side near Princess Juliana International Airport and are designed around smoother airport arrivals. Operators such as Funtime Charters, Calypso Charters, and GB Ferries typically offer reserved service, airport meet-and-greet support, luggage help, and a more premium transfer to Blowing Point.
Route: Dutch-side charter dock near SXM Airport to Blowing Point, Anguilla
Typical crossing time: about 20 to 25 minutes
Planning price: shared charter adults from about $75 one way before taxes and fees
Planning price: shared charter children from about $40 one way, depending on age and operator
Booking: usually reserved ahead with a selected operator
Best for: airport arrivals, families, checked bags, tight connections, and travelers who want less uncertainty
Good to know
Always ask the operator what is included. Airport pickup, luggage handling, refreshments, Anguilla departure tax, St. Maarten fees, child pricing, and infant pricing may be included or billed separately depending on the operator and booking.
Cost Comparison
Feature
Public Ferry
Shared Charter
Best for
Lowest-cost scheduled crossing
Smoother airport arrival from SXM
Departure point
Marigot Ferry Terminal, French side
Dutch-side charter dock near SXM Airport
Arrival point
Blowing Point, Anguilla
Blowing Point, Anguilla
Adult planning fare
$30 USD one way
From about $75 USD one way before taxes and fees
Child planning fare
$15 USD ages 2-11
From about $40 USD, varies by operator
Booking
Walk-up service at terminal
Usually booked ahead
Airport connection
Requires taxi from SXM to Marigot
Often includes airport pickup or meet-and-greet support
Luggage help
More self-managed
Often includes baggage support
Taxes and fees
Separate from fare
Often separate; confirm with operator
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the public ferry if price is the priority, you are already on the French side, or you do not mind taking a taxi from SXM to Marigot. It is simple, frequent, and affordable.
Choose a shared charter if you are flying into SXM and want fewer moving parts. The higher fare can be worth it when you factor in airport pickup, luggage support, reserved timing, and avoiding the extra taxi leg to Marigot.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the public ferry cheaper than a shared charter?
Yes. The public ferry adult fare is $30 USD one way, while shared charter adult planning prices start around $75 USD before taxes and fees. The public ferry is the better budget option, especially if you are already near Marigot.
Do I need to book the public ferry in advance?
No. The public ferry is generally walk-up service at the terminal. Bring your passport and cash for the fare.
Are taxes included in the ferry fare?
No. Public ferry fares and departure taxes are separate. From Marigot, passengers ages 4 and up pay a EUR 7 exit fee. From Anguilla to St. Martin, non-resident adults pay $28 USD in departure taxes.
Which option is better from SXM Airport?
A shared charter is usually easier from SXM Airport because it can include airport meet-and-greet support, luggage help, and transfer coordination. The public ferry is cheaper, but you must arrange your own taxi from SXM to Marigot.
Bottom Line
The public ferry is the best-value route to Anguilla. Shared charters are the smoother, more convenient choice for SXM Airport arrivals. If your goal is the lowest total price, take the public ferry from Marigot. If your goal is less stress after a flight, book a shared charter.
