Ferry vs private boat to Anguilla from St Maarten: which is better?
If you are planning to visit Anguilla from St Martin / St Maarten, one of the first decisions is whether to take the public ferry or go by private boat.
Both can work very well, but they suit very different trips.
The ferry usually makes the most sense when keeping costs down is the priority and you are happy to travel independently once you arrive.
A private boat makes more sense when you value flexibility, privacy, easier group logistics, or want the journey itself to become part of the experience.
There is also an important distinction between taking a private boat simply to transfer to Anguilla and booking a full-day private charter that explores the island by water.
This guide explains the differences so you can decide which option actually makes sense for your trip.
Quick answer
Choose the ferry if you want:
- the lowest-cost option
- a straightforward way to reach Anguilla to explore
- independently once you arrive
- and fixed departure times work for your plans
Choose a private boat if you want:
- more flexibility
- privacy for your group
- simpler group logistics
- a more personalised experience
- or to combine the journey with a day exploring Anguilla by water
For solo travellers and many couples, the ferry often makes excellent sense.
For families and larger groups, or visitors who want the boat day itself to become part of the experience, private can become much more attractive.
The better option depends less on which form of transport is “best” and more on what you actually want to do once you reach Anguilla.
Ferry vs private boat to Anguilla: Side-by-side comparison
Cost
Ferry
Lower per-person cost
Private boat
Higher total cost
Schedule
Ferry
Fixed departures
Private boat
More flexible timing
Privacy
Ferry
Shared with other passengers
Private boat
Your own group
Planning
Ferry
Arrange your Anguilla day separately
Private boat
Can be organised around your group
On arrival
Ferry
Continue independently by taxi/rental
Private boat
Transfer or charter itinerary depending on booking
Best for
Ferry
Solo travellers, couples, budget-focused trips
Private boat
Families, groups, special occasions, flexibility
Overall experience
Ferry
Primarily transportation
Private boat
Transportation or part of the experience itself
The biggest difference: are you buying transport or a boat day?
The ferry and a private Anguilla charter are not really equivalent products.
The ferry gets you to Anguilla. Once you arrive, you continue your day independently by taxi, rental car or pre-arranged transport.
A full-day private charter makes the journey part of the experience itself.
Depending on the charter and conditions, the day may combine:
- cruising
- swimming and snorkeling
- beaches
- lunch
- scenic stops
- and time exploring Anguilla from the water
This is why comparing the ferry ticket price directly with the price of a private charter can sometimes be misleading.
One is primarily transportation.
The other can become the main experience of the day.
Choose the ferry if
- keeping costs down is the priority
- you are travelling alone or as a couple
- you are comfortable
- following a fixed schedule
- you want to explore Anguilla independently
- you already have plans once you arrive
For many visitors, especially solo travellers and couples planning an independent Anguilla day, the ferry is a perfectly sensible choice.
Choose a private boat if
- you are travelling as a family or group
- flexibility matters
- you prefer travelling privately
- you want the journey to become part of the experience
- you want to explore Anguilla from the water
- you are planning a special occasion or memorable full day
Private becomes particularly attractive when the group values the experience itself rather than simply getting from one island to the other.
How should you compare the cost?
The ferry will almost always be the cheaper option if you are simply comparing transportation.
But the comparison changes slightly if you are planning an entire day in Anguilla.
With the ferry, your day may also involve:
- transport to the ferry terminal
- ferry tickets
- applicable taxes or fees
- taxis or transportation in Anguilla
- beach or restaurant arrangements
A private charter costs considerably more, but the boat and captain become part of the day itself.
For couples, the ferry usually remains much more economical.
For larger families or groups sharing the cost of a private boat, the value comparison becomes more interesting — particularly when privacy, flexibility and the boat experience itself matter to the group.
What does taking the ferry actually involve?
A typical ferry day involves:
Travelling to the ferry terminal
- Checking in before departure
- Completing the required departure formalities
- Crossing to Anguilla
- Completing arrival formalities
- Continuing to your beach, hotel, restaurant or other destination
The ferry itself is straightforward, but it is worth allowing time for check-in, immigration and onward transportation rather than considering only the time spent crossing the water.
What does going by private boat actually involve?
This depends on whether you are booking a private transfer or a private day charter.
A private transfer is primarily designed to move your group between St Martin / St Maarten and Anguilla.
A private day charter is different. The boat remains part of your experience, allowing the day to include swimming, beaches, lunch and other stops depending on the itinerary and conditions.
Departure points can also vary, which means the most convenient option may depend on where you are staying.
Departure point can change the comparison
Where you are staying matters more than many visitors expect.
Someone staying close to Marigot may find the public ferry extremely convenient.
Someone staying elsewhere on the island may have private charter options departing much closer to their accommodation.
Private Anguilla charters can depart from several locations around St Martin / St Maarten, depending on the boat and route.
The best option is therefore not always determined by crossing time alone. It is worth considering the entire journey from your accommodation to Anguilla.
What about weather and sea conditions?
Sea conditions between St Martin / St Maarten and Anguilla vary with wind, swell, route and the conditions on the day.
A private boat is not automatically smoother simply because it is private.
Boat type, departure point and route can all affect how the crossing feels.
If anyone in your group is particularly concerned about seasickness or comfort, it is worth mentioning this before choosing the charter rather than simply selecting the largest boat available.
Common mistakes when comparing the ferry and private boat
- Comparing only the crossing time rather than the entire journey
- Comparing a ferry ticket directly with a full-day private charter
- Forgetting about transportation once you arrive in Anguilla
- Assuming private automatically means smoother water
- Choosing a departure point without considering where you are staying
- Trying to fit too much into a single Anguilla day
The easiest way to compare the two is to decide first whether you primarily need transportation or want the journey to become part of the experience.
Which option do we usually recommend?
There is no reason to push every visitor toward a private boat.
If you are travelling alone or as a couple, want to keep costs down and are happy exploring Anguilla independently, the ferry can make excellent sense.
If you are travelling as a family or larger group, value flexibility and privacy, or want the journey itself to become one of the highlights of the day, a private charter becomes much more compelling.
The important thing is choosing based on the experience you actually want rather than assuming one option is universally better.
Local insight
The biggest mistake is comparing the ferry and a private charter as though they provide the same experience at different prices.
They don’t.
If your goal is simply to reach Anguilla, the ferry is difficult to beat on price.
If your goal is to spend the day exploring Anguilla from the water with your own group, a private charter is an entirely different type of experience.
Decide which day you want first.
Then choose how to get there.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ferry cheaper than a private boat to Anguilla?
Yes. If you are comparing transportation alone, the public ferry will normally be considerably less expensive than booking a private boat.
A private charter becomes a different value proposition when the boat itself forms part of your Anguilla day.
Is a private boat faster than the ferry?
Not necessarily in every situation.
Actual journey time depends on departure point, check-in and customs procedures, boat, route and conditions.
The advantage of private boating is often flexibility and simpler group logistics rather than a guaranteed crossing-time saving.
Is the ferry to Anguilla rough?
Conditions vary.
Wind and swell can affect any crossing between St Martin / St Maarten and Anguilla, whether travelling by ferry or private boat.
Guests particularly concerned about seasickness should consider route, departure point and boat type when planning.
Is a private boat better for families?
It often can be.
Families may particularly value privacy, flexible pacing and having the experience organised around their own group.
However, families prioritising cost can still use the ferry perfectly well.
Should couples take the ferry or a private boat?
For many couples simply travelling to Anguilla, the ferry offers much better value.
A private charter becomes more attractive when the couple wants privacy, a special occasion, or a full boat day exploring Anguilla rather than transportation alone.
What is the difference between a private transfer and a private Anguilla charter?
A private transfer primarily moves your group between the islands.
A private Anguilla charter turns the boat into part of the day's experience, with time for beaches, swimming, lunch and other stops depending on the itinerary and conditions.
Can private charters depart from different parts of St Maarten?
Yes.
Private Anguilla charters can depart from several locations around St Martin / St Maarten depending on the boat, itinerary and availability.
The most convenient departure often depends on where you are staying.
Is Anguilla worth visiting by private boat?
For many visitors, yes — particularly those who value beautiful beaches, clear water, relaxed pacing and spending the day on the water.
Whether it represents good value for your particular group depends on group size, budget and what you want from the day.
Not sure which makes sense for your Anguilla day?
Tell us your date, group size, where you’re staying and what you would actually like to do in Anguilla.
We can help you understand whether a private charter makes sense for your plans — and if it doesn’t, there is no reason to overcomplicate the day.
Related charter experiences
Half-day private charters
→ Shorter private experiences with time to swim, relax, and explore the coastline.
Full-day private charters
→ The most popular option for a complete day on the water.
Sunset cruises
→ Relaxed evening experiences with drinks and sunset views.
Anguilla private charters
→ Clear water, beach stops, and one of the Caribbean’s most popular island day trips.
St Barts private charters
→ Premium island experiences combining boating, restaurants, and time ashore.
Why guests book with EXPLR.SX
Carefully selected experiences, clear communication, and local guidance — reflected in the feedback we receive from guests.
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Related guides
Most guests have similar questions before booking.
You may also find these guides useful:
→ Understand when a private Anguilla day is genuinely worth the extra cost.
→ Typical prices, additional costs and what affects the total.
→ Understand how your location can affect convenience, routing and the start of the day.
→ How route, boat type and conditions can affect crossing comfort.
→ Compare St Maarten’s two most popular private island day trips.
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EXPLR.SX is based in St Martin / St Maarten and works with a small network of trusted local operators. We match each enquiry with the most suitable private charter option based on your group, route, comfort level, and availability.
