Day trips, sunset cruises, offshore cays, snorkeling stops, and private charters — the best ways to experience Anguilla from the water.
Most popular
Sandy Island
Classic offshore day trip from Sandy Ground
Shortest ride
~10 min
Sandy Ground to Sandy Island by shuttle
Sandy Island shuttle
$40
Round trip per person on the public shuttle
Best for
All ages
Families, couples, groups
If you want a simple, classic offshore day trip, start with Sandy Island. The shuttle boats — Happiness, Bliss, Joy, and Euphoria — depart hourly from 11 AM at Sandy Ground wharf for $40 round trip per person. It is close, easy, and works well for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
If you want dedicated snorkeling, quiet cays, multiple stops, or a fully custom day on the water, Prickly Pear or a private charter will usually be a better fit — though both come at a higher cost.
Sandy Island gives you the easiest classic offshore cay experience — $40 round trip by shuttle, ~10 minutes from Sandy Ground.
Private charters (from ~$1,200) let you choose stops, timing, snorkeling, drinks, and lunch style — full control of your day on the water.
Families and groups usually benefit from a private or semi-private charter, especially when different beach and snorkeling stops are wanted.
Shuttles start at 11 AM. Morning trips often have calmer water and better snorkeling visibility — aim for an early departure.
Compare the most popular boat trip styles, from quick cay transfers to full private charter days.
Trip
#1
A tiny cay off Sandy Ground with a beach bar, restaurant, turquoise water, and easy snorkeling. The shuttle boats — named Happiness, Bliss, Joy, and Euphoria — depart hourly from 11 AM at Sandy Ground wharf. Reservations are preferred. This is the classic Anguilla offshore island experience and one of the easiest boat trips for first-time visitors.
Time
~10 min boat ride
Cost
$40 round trip per person (includes a drink)
Best For
Families, couples, first-time visitors
Trip
#2
Two small offshore cays with pristine beaches, clear water, and strong snorkeling in a marine reserve. Prickly Pear feels more remote than Sandy Island. The direct shuttle from Sandy Ground runs once daily at 11 AM ($50 round trip per person). Full guided day tours from St. Martin are also available at higher prices.
Time
20–30 min boat ride
Cost
$50 RT (Sandy Ground shuttle) to $140+ (guided day tour from SXM)
Best For
Snorkelers, beach explorers, day charters
Trip
#3
A relaxed evening cruise along Anguilla's coastline with golden-hour views, drinks, and a slower pace. Sunset cruises are ideal for couples, anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions. Operators like Tradition Sailing are well regarded for this style of trip.
Time
2–3 hours
Cost
$100–200 per person
Best For
Couples, celebrations, sunset photos
Trip
#4
Build your own boat day with multiple cays, snorkeling stops, beach time, swimming, drinks, and lunch options. Private charters give full control of route, pace, and timing. Operators include Calypso Charters, Funseaker, and others. Private charters are the best choice for families, groups, and travelers who want flexibility.
Time
4–8 hours
Cost
$1,200–3,000+ total (depending on duration, boat, and stops)
Best For
Groups, families, private experiences
Use this quick comparison to match the boat trip to your budget, schedule, and travel style.
Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, sunset cruises, and private charters.
| Category | Sandy Island | Prickly Pear | Sunset Cruise | Private Charter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Easy beach day | Snorkeling | Romance | Custom groups |
| Typical Time | Half day | Half/full day | 2–3 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Budget Level | Lowest ($40 RT) | Medium ($50–140+) | Medium/high | Highest ($1,200+) |
| Flexibility | Simple (shuttle schedule) | Once daily shuttle or charter | Scheduled departure | Most flexible |
A little planning makes your boat day smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
December through April can be busy, so reserve popular boat trips early if your dates are fixed. The Sandy Island shuttle prefers reservations even outside peak season.
The Sandy Island shuttle includes a drink. For other trips, confirm whether snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, beach chairs, towels, or park fees are included before booking.
Wind and swell can affect smaller boats, snorkeling visibility, and comfort on offshore trips. Morning departures tend to have calmer water.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring cash where possible — the restaurants on Sandy Island and Prickly Pear often charge an extra fee for card payments.
If you get motion sick, take medication before departure and choose calmer morning conditions when possible. The trip to Prickly Pear can be choppier than Sandy Island.
Sandy Island shuttle departs hourly from 11 AM at the Sandy Ground wharf. Prickly Pear's shuttle runs once daily at 11 AM from the same pier. Private charters may use different pickup points — confirm before arrival.
Use these guides to plan snorkeling, sunsets, hidden beaches, and private boat days.
Sandy Island is the easiest classic boat trip — $40 round trip by shuttle from Sandy Ground, departing hourly from 11 AM. For a more custom experience with multiple stops, snorkeling, and flexible timing, book a private charter from ~$1,200.
Common questions about boat trips from Anguilla.
The three most popular destinations are Sandy Island (a tiny sandbar in Road Bay), Prickly Pear Cay (two small islets with excellent snorkeling and a beach bar), and Scilly Cay (famous for its lobster lunch accessible from Island Harbour). All three are day-trip islands reachable in 15–30 minutes and operate seasonally — typically daily in peak season, fewer departures in off-season.
Most boat trips are run by local fishermen and operators rather than large tour companies. Sandy Island boats depart from Sandy Ground; Scilly Cay has its own ferry from Island Harbour (call ahead or wave from the dock). Prickly Pear trips can be arranged from Sandy Ground. Your hotel concierge or accommodation host can usually arrange any of these with a day's notice.
A return boat ride to Sandy Island typically costs $10–$20 per person. Prickly Pear day trips with snorkeling run $60–$100 per person depending on the operator and what's included. Scilly Cay charges separately for the ferry and the famous lobster lunch. Private speedboat charters for a half or full day start around $400–$800 depending on the boat and duration.
Yes — you don't need to swim to enjoy a day trip to Sandy Island or Scilly Cay. The beach areas are shallow and calm, and you can simply relax on the sand or eat lunch without entering the water. Life jackets are provided on most boats. If you're nervous on the water, avoid rough-weather days and stick to the shorter crossings to Sandy Island or Scilly Cay.
