Private boat charter to Anguilla from Philipsburg
A private boat charter to Anguilla from Philipsburg can be an excellent option for visitors staying on the eastern side of St Maarten or arriving by cruise ship, depending on the length of your visit and the available charter options.
Located close to the cruise port and many hotels, Philipsburg offers a convenient meeting point for selected private boat charters heading to Anguilla.
The crossing to Anguilla typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on the route, departure point and sea conditions. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a flexible itinerary combining beautiful beaches, swimming, snorkelling and time to relax at your own pace.
Quick answer
A private boat charter to Anguilla from Philipsburg can work particularly well for:
cruise ship visitors with sufficient time in port
guests staying in Philipsburg
Oyster Pond
Dawn Beach
Guana Bay
Divi Little Bay
eastern-side hotels and villas
visitors wanting a private full-day island experience
Its biggest advantage is convenience.
Rather than travelling across the island before your charter begins, many guests can meet their captain close to where they’re staying or arriving.
The most suitable departure point will always depend on the boat, the day’s conditions and your itinerary, and we’ll recommend the option that provides the best overall experience.
Private charter overview
Convenient meeting point
Easy access for cruise visitors and guests staying around Philipsburg and the eastern side of St Maarten.
Private experience
Your boat is reserved exclusively for your group, with a flexible itinerary throughout the day.
Simple booking
Reserve your date with a deposit, with the remaining balance paid according to the terms of your chosen charter.
Why choose Philipsburg for an Anguilla charter?
Philipsburg can be a particularly convenient meeting point for guests staying on the eastern side of St Maarten or arriving by cruise ship.
Rather than travelling to another part of the island before boarding, many visitors can begin their private charter close to their accommodation or the cruise terminal.
Although Philipsburg is not the closest departure point to Anguilla geographically, selected private boats can operate successfully from this area, providing a comfortable and flexible full-day experience.
As with every charter, the most important decision is not simply where the boat departs, but choosing the right boat and itinerary for your group.
If another departure point offers a more suitable boat or a better overall experience, we’ll explain the options clearly before you book.
Visiting Anguilla during a cruise stop
Many cruise guests ask whether it’s possible to visit Anguilla during their day in St Maarten.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
However, it depends on several important factors, including:
your ship’s arrival and departure times
the amount of time available in port
immigration and customs formalities
weather and sea conditions
the most suitable private boat available for your group
We only recommend an Anguilla charter when there is enough time to enjoy the experience comfortably while maintaining a sensible margin for returning to your ship.
If a full-day trip to Anguilla isn’t the best option for your schedule, we’ll happily suggest a private charter around St Martin / St Maarten that makes better use of your available time.
How the day trip to Anguilla typically works
Your day normally begins with a meeting point in or around the Philipsburg area, where your captain will welcome you aboard and provide a short safety briefing before departure.
The crossing to Anguilla generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and sea conditions.
Once you arrive, the itinerary remains flexible.
Many private charters include a combination of:
beautiful beaches
swimming stops
snorkelling
relaxed cruising
lunch at one of Anguilla’s well-known beachfront restaurants
Popular areas may include:
Meads Bay
Sandy Island
Shoal Bay
Rendezvous Bay
Little Bay
other beautiful beaches depending on conditions
The best itinerary is usually the one that matches the weather, sea conditions and your group’s preferred pace, rather than trying to visit as many locations as possible.
Who this departure suits best
Cruise ship visitors with sufficient time in port
Guests staying in Philipsburg
Visitors staying in Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond or Guana Bay
Couples looking for a private island experience
Families wanting a flexible full-day charter
Small groups exploring Anguilla
Guests who value convenience and minimal travel before boarding
Visitors looking for a private alternative to the public ferry
What to expect on the day
Your captain will adapt the itinerary throughout the day to suit the weather, sea conditions and your group’s preferences.
Expect a relaxed combination of cruising, swimming, beach time and opportunities to experience some of Anguilla’s most beautiful coastline.
Most groups choose to enjoy lunch at one of the island’s beachfront restaurants before returning to St Maarten later in the afternoon.
Throughout the day, flexibility remains one of the biggest advantages of choosing a private charter.
What to know before booking
Valid travel documents are required for Anguilla.
Immigration and customs formalities apply.
Routes and timings depend on weather and sea conditions.
Lunch arrangements vary and are not normally included.
Boat layout, shade and onboard facilities differ between charters.
Cruise guests should allow a comfortable margin before their ship’s departure.
We’ll recommend the most suitable departure point, boat and itinerary for your group.
Philipsburg or another departure point?
Philipsburg can be an excellent departure point for an Anguilla private charter, particularly for cruise visitors and guests staying on the eastern side of St Maarten.
However, the nearest departure point is not always the best one.
Depending on your accommodation, group size, preferred date and the type of private boat that best suits your plans, another departure area may offer a wider choice of boats or a more suitable itinerary.
For example:
Cole Bay offers one of the island’s widest selections of private charters.
Marigot provides one of the shortest and most direct crossings to Anguilla.
Nettle Bay is another convenient French-side departure with straightforward access to Anguilla.
Anse Marcel can be an excellent option for guests staying in the island’s north-east.
In most cases, choosing the right boat, comfort level and itinerary will have a much greater impact on your day than simply choosing the closest departure point.
If more than one departure area is suitable, we’ll explain the advantages of each and recommend the option that genuinely makes the most sense for your group.
How booking works
Tell us your plans
Let us know your preferred date, group size, whether you're arriving by cruise ship or staying on the island, and the type of experience you're looking for.
We recommend the right options
We'll check availability, confirm whether a Philipsburg departure is suitable and recommend the private charters that best fit your group and schedule.
Reserve with a deposit
Secure your booking online, with the balance paid according to the terms of your chosen charter.
Common questions
Can cruise ship passengers visit Anguilla by private boat?
Often, yes.
Whether an Anguilla charter is suitable depends on your ship's arrival and departure times, the available time in port, immigration formalities and the expected sea conditions.
We'll only recommend an Anguilla charter when there's enough time to enjoy the experience comfortably while maintaining a sensible return margin for your ship.
How long is the crossing to Anguilla?
The crossing typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the departure point, the route, the boat and the sea conditions.
Your captain will choose the most suitable route for the conditions on the day.
Can we choose which beaches to visit?
Usually, yes.
Most private charters are flexible, allowing your captain to adapt the itinerary to suit the weather, sea conditions and your preferences.
Popular areas can include Meads Bay, Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, Rendezvous Bay and other beautiful parts of Anguilla.
Are immigration and customs included?
Immigration and customs formalities are required when visiting Anguilla.
Any applicable government fees will be explained before you confirm your booking so you know exactly what to expect.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is normally enjoyed at one of Anguilla's beachfront restaurants and is usually paid directly by your group.
We'll happily recommend restaurants based on the type of atmosphere and experience you're looking for.
Is Philipsburg or Marigot better for Anguilla?
It depends.
Philipsburg is often the most convenient option for cruise visitors and guests staying on the eastern side of St Maarten.
Marigot offers one of the shortest crossings to Anguilla and can be particularly convenient for guests staying on the French side.
We'll recommend the departure point that provides the best overall experience for your group.
What happens if the weather isn't suitable?
Safety always comes first.
If weather or sea conditions make the planned itinerary unsuitable, your captain may recommend adjusting the route, changing the destination or, in some cases, postponing the charter.
We'll explain the available options clearly should this ever become necessary.
Which private boat should we choose?
The right boat depends on your group size, preferred destination, comfort expectations and budget.
Rather than expecting you to compare dozens of options yourself, we'll narrow down the most suitable boats and explain which ones genuinely fit your plans.
Choose the right experience
Anguilla private charters
→ Complete days on the water with time to explore and relax.
Full-day private charters
→ Clear water, beautiful beaches and relaxed full-day experiences from St Martin.
Half-day private charters
→ Shorter private experiences around St Martin with swimming and coastal stops.
Private transfers to Anguilla
→ Direct private transportation between St Maarten and Anguilla.
St Barts private charters
→ Premium island experiences combining boating, restaurants, and time ashore.
Planning an Anguilla day from Philipsburg?
Tell us your preferred date, group size and whether you’re arriving by cruise ship or staying on St Maarten.
We’ll explain the available options, confirm whether a Philipsburg departure is suitable and recommend the private charter that best fits your plans.
You do not need to know which boat to choose before contacting us.
What guests say about booking with EXPLR.SX
Real feedback from guests who trusted EXPLR.SX to plan their time in St Martin & St Maarten — from private boat charters to island day trips.
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Related guides
Most guests have similar questions before booking.
You may also find these guides useful:
→ Compare Philipsburg with Cole Bay, Marigot, Nettle Bay, Anse Marcel, Grand Case & Simpson Bay.
→ Discover half-day, full-day and private island charters departing from Philipsburg.
→ Decide how much time you really need for your private charter.
→ How to choose the right boat based on your group, budget and preferred experience.
Based on the island. Here to help.
Based in St Martin / St Maarten
Speak to someone who knows the boats
Flexible help before and after booking
EXPLR.SX is based in St Martin / St Maarten and helps visitors navigate the many private charter options available across the island. Rather than asking guests to compare dozens of operators themselves, we help identify the most suitable option based on group size, destination, comfort level, budget and availability.
