During my recent visit to Anguilla, I wanted to capitalize on the proximity to other islands and add a second destination to my itinerary. So I planned what turned out to be an easy day trip from Anguilla to Saint Martin, including a fantastic private tour of the island. (Be sure to see the photo gallery below.) Here’s how to visit Saint Martin from Anguilla, including suggestions on which island to use as a base…
(You can read all about my trip to Anguilla in a previous blog post.)
Two Nations, One Island
Although many Americans refer simply to “Saint Martin,” the island actually consists of two territories— the French Saint-Martin and the Dutch Sint Maarten. The two sides share an open border, so it’s easy to pass between them at will. But they have distinct personalities that are suited to different types of travelers.
Recommended Full-Island Tour
Because I only had time for a day trip from Anguilla to Saint Martin, I wanted to see as much as possible on both sides of the island. (Truthfully, I was scouting things out for a possible lengthier return.) I stumbled upon a private tour offered by Premium VIP Services SXM. At $189 (per person) for 4 hours, it seemed like the best way to hit all the the highlights efficiently and economically— and it was! (It would be perfect for cruise passengers, too.)
My driver, Maria, picked me up promptly at Marigot marina in a brand-new Silverado. (The company will meet you anywhere you choose.) She outlined a variety of possible itineraries and let me select our route. Along the way, I was free to choose among beaches, shops, cultural spots, historical sites, and photo ops. Maria made sure I ticked every place on my list and saw sights I didn’t know to ask about. And at each one, we stayed as long or as briefly as I wanted. It was exactly what I hoped for. Maria was good company, too, and could not have been easier to work with. So, what did I learn?
Dutch Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is the more developed, commercial side of the island. The capital, Philipsburg, hosts the cruise ship terminal. As you might expect, the port area is packed with shops, restaurants, and bars that extend a couple of blocks from the coast. There is a wide, concrete boardwalk along the waterfront in Philipsburg, where you’ll also find Great Bay Beach. It’s a decent stretch of sand with loungers and umbrellas for rent. Everything else you might need is within easy walking distance. But Great Bay Beach is immediately adjacent to the pier used by water taxis to shuttle passengers from the cruise ships…
I deliberately chose to visit on a day in May with no cruise ships in port. (You can check the port schedule here.) To my surprise, the waterfront area was an absolute ghost town. Shops and restaurants were open, but the beach and boardwalk were empty. I saw just a handful of tourists. The place felt somehow sterile to me— in part, I think, because of the broad, empty expanse of concrete. It felt nothing like being in the Netherlands, and frankly, not very tropical, either.
World Famous Maho Beach
I was surprised to discover that Sint Maarten is home to “that beach” — Maho Beach— where planes approach quite low over the sand while landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). You’ve likely seen videos of jets flying mere feet above sunbathers’ heads. Or daredevils desperately clinging to the perimeter fence as jet blast propels a plane during takeoff.
The beach and runway are separated by a two-lane road. The beach itself is nice but narrow, with bars at either end. If you time your visit to coincide with the arrival of larger planes, it’s entertaining to watch them land— and people being foolish. Check the daily schedule of arrivals at SXM here.
A couple of safety notes: There’s a knee-high concrete retaining wall where the road meets the sand— it’s easy to imagine how people were injured and even killed here trying to defy physics. And the blast zone is much wider than indicated on the signs. You and your camera will be pelted by sand even while standing to the side. (Otherwise, I’d have better footage to share!)
French Saint-Martin
The French side of the island has, well, a more European flavor. Although I saw more tourists in Saint-Martin it, too, felt very sleepy. The capital, Marigot, is home to a marina of the same name where many inter-island ferries transit, including the one you’ll take for your day trip from Anguilla to Saint Martin. Most of the shops and restaurants— and some enticing bakeries— again were concentrated around the port. And the hilltop ruins of Fort Louis overlook the harbor and offer great views. (It does require several flights of steps to get from the parking lot to the ruins.)
The French side felt much less commercial and more intimate to me. But it also felt somewhat run down— chiefly because several large buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2019 still stand vacant in disrepair. (Sint Maarten still shows signs of damage, too, but the French side seems to have recovered more slowly.)
Public Ferry from Anguilla to Saint Martin
The public ferry from Blowing Point Marina in Anguilla to Marigot Marina in Saint Martin runs 9 roundtrips daily and takes about 20 minutes each way. It’s a fully enclosed passenger vessel— no cars— with a capacity of about 100 people. I am sometimes susceptible to sea sickness but arrived unfazed both times— others weren’t as lucky.
The official schedule of departures and returns is posted here. Plan to be at the marina at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure to buy your ticket, pass through security, and clear immigration— it can be a bit crowded, especially on weekends. Both boats were filled to capacity when I traveled on a Saturday during off-season.
Note there are more expensive, private ferries that run to Anguilla from a spot near Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten. They are aimed primarily at arriving air passengers traveling in groups or with lots of luggage— and people who don’t want the hassle of a 15-minute cab ride to Marigot.
Cash Only
A day trip from Anguilla to Saint Martin won’t break the bank. The one-way fare is $30 per person (12 and older) and $20 per child under 12. It must be paid in cash. I didn’t know that beforehand and was surprised to discover there are no nearby ATMs on the Anguilla side. (They’re close by on the French side.) So I had to persuade the lady at the tapas stand outside Blowing Point Marina to swipe my credit card and give me the cash, for a 10% fee.
There’s also an exit fee each way— $11 in Anguilla and $10 in Saint Martin— for which you can pay with a credit card.
Impressions
I’ll take any opportunity to explore two— or three! — places easily with one trip. So when I realized how close the two islands are, there was no doubt I’d visit Saint Martin from Anguilla. Especially after seeing those lush mountains from the plane.
There’s a perennial debate online about whether the French or Dutch side is better. Despite the lure of Maho Beach, I’d give a slight edge to Saint-Martin. But honestly, my 4-hour whirlwind tour was enough for me. I’m glad I visited, and I enjoyed my time in Saint Martin, but I have no desire to return. Frankly, I think your time and money would be better spent on one of the more attractive, less commercial islands in the Caribbean.
Final Thoughts
Anguilla is just 20 minutes from Saint Martin by boat and chock full of gorgeous beaches and pristine water. And it can hold its own in the culinary department, as well. Admittedly, Anguilla probably falls short in terms of nightlife, but sea, sand, and sun are the main draws in the Caribbean. As I see it, Anguilla is a better base than Saint Martin. And if you just have to go shopping, clubbing, or gambling, you can scratch that itch with an easy day trip or overnight to Saint Martin!
