Planning a trip to Anguilla requires a bit of thought regarding the journey, as direct flights from the U.S. are limited. Most travelers find their way to the island via a connection through St. Maarten. This introduces a crucial decision point: how to make that final leg from St. Maarten to Anguilla. I’ve explored the options, weighing convenience, cost, and travel time to help you choose the best approach for your visit in 2026.
Navigating the Island Connection
The gateway for many visitors is St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). From here, Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is just a short hop away. While Anguilla does have limited direct flights from Miami, it’s often more practical to fly into SXM, which is well-served by major airlines from numerous U.S. cities. The real task, then, is bridging the gap between islands.
You have three primary methods to consider for this inter-island transfer: the public ferry, a charter boat service, or a short flight. Each offers a different balance of experience and expense, and understanding these nuances is key to a smooth arrival.
Considering the Public Ferry
The public ferry represents the most budget-friendly option for reaching Anguilla from St. Maarten. It’s a point-to-point service that offers significant savings, appealing to those who prioritize cost-efficiency and don’t mind a slightly more involved process.
The ferry departs from Marigot, the main port on the French side of St. Martin (St. Maarten is the Dutch side). While there are no border controls between the two sides of the island, you will need to exit the airport and take a taxi to reach the ferry terminal in Marigot. This taxi ride is typically around 15 minutes and costs approximately $20 for two passengers, adding both time and expense to the journey.
The ferry journey itself takes about 25 minutes and disembarks at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla. The service generally runs frequently, with departures from Marigot between 8:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. The return service from Anguilla operates from 7:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Fares are $20 one-way for adults and $10 for children under 12.
It’s important to factor in departure taxes when leaving Anguilla. For tourists, these fees vary by age, ranging from $3 for young children to $28 for adults. When you combine the ferry ticket, taxi, and departure taxes, an adult can expect to spend roughly $88 to $108 for a round-trip journey, depending on shared taxi costs. Advance reservations for the public ferry are not possible, so flexibility is advised.
Exploring Charter Boat Services
Charter boats offer a more convenient alternative to the public ferry, often departing directly from the Dutch side of St. Maarten, closer to the airport. Several companies provide this service, with options for shared or private charters. I find this middle-ground option particularly appealing for its blend of speed and relative affordability.
Popular operators include Funtime Charters, Calypso Charters, GB Express, and Link Ferry Services. Most operate from the St. Maarten Ferry Terminal, conveniently located across from SXM Airport. GB Express departs from the nearby Simpson Bay Police Station Port. Included in the fare is ground transportation between the airport and the dock, streamlining the transfer process.
Like the public ferry, these charters also disembark at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla. The schedules and rates can vary slightly, but shared charters generally cost around $65 one-way for adults and $35 for children. While these fares are higher than the public ferry, they save you the taxi cost and time associated with reaching Marigot.
You are still responsible for Anguilla’s departure taxes, which are slightly higher for departures to the Dutch side of St. Martin. For adults, this adds an additional $36. Therefore, an adult can anticipate spending around $166 for a round-trip journey, factoring in the charter fare and taxes. Reservations can be made directly with the charter companies or through your hotel concierge, which can be a great help when planning.
The boat ride itself is approximately 25 minutes. While the vessels are generally comfortable, they are functional rather than luxurious. Many travelers appreciate the ease of having their transfer arranged, making the transition from arrival to island relaxation feel seamless. It’s a solid choice for families looking to minimize logistical headaches.
Opting for the Short Flight
For the ultimate in speed and convenience, flying is my preferred method. Anguilla Air Services provides incredibly short flights between St. Maarten (SXM) and Anguilla (AXA), often lauded as the world’s shortest international flight. This option offers significant time savings, which can be invaluable when you want to maximize your time on the island.
The flight duration is only about 10 minutes. The real benefit here is that upon arrival at SXM, you bypass the need to clear immigration if you are connecting directly to Anguilla. This is a major advantage over the ferry options, where you must pass through immigration procedures in St. Maarten.
What I particularly appreciate is that Anguilla Air Services coordinates its flight schedules to align with those of major carriers arriving in St. Maarten. This makes for a smoother connection. Round-trip fares for adults typically range from $200 to $240 and quaintly include one checked bag. Crucially, all taxes and fees are bundled into this airfare, simplifying the overall cost.
While Anguilla Air Services doesn’t have codeshare agreements, booking your onward flight separately is straightforward. It’s wise to leave at least a 90-minute buffer between your flights to account for any potential delays. The transfer process at SXM is designed to be efficient; an airline representative typically meets you upon deplaning to guide you to the transfer desk.
Here, after identity verification, you’ll receive your boarding pass. The airline will handle your checked luggage, transferring it to your connecting flight. You will need to clear security, as you’ve technically arrived internationally, but you avoid the immigration process into St. Maarten itself. This streamlined process is a significant draw for many travelers, especially those with young children.
However, it’s important to note that the return journey from Anguilla to St. Maarten requires you to go through immigration in St. Maarten and recheck your luggage. The aircraft used are typically small Britten Norman Islanders, accommodating a limited number of passengers, with a second plane often used for baggage transport. While legroom is tight, the short flight duration makes it a manageable trade-off for the time saved. For me, the scenic views during the 10-minute flight are an added bonus, turning a practical transfer into a delightful mini-experience.
Choosing Your Arrival Method
When deciding between sea and air, consider your priorities. If budget is paramount and you have ample time, the public ferry offers the most economical path. It requires more steps and time but is a viable way to reach Anguilla.
Charter boats provide a happy medium, offering more convenience than the public ferry by departing from closer to the airport, and many hotels recommend them. They are a popular choice for good reason, balancing cost with a smoother transfer.
For those who prioritize maximizing their time on Anguilla and value a seamless travel experience, flying with Anguilla Air Services is the top recommendation. The minimal price premium compared to a shared charter is well worth the significant time savings and reduced hassle, especially when traveling with family. I always imagine how Julien and Sofia would appreciate reaching the island sooner rather than later, so we can start enjoying all that Anguilla has to offer.
No matter which method you choose, arriving in Anguilla promises a tranquil escape. By carefully considering these transfer options, you can ensure your journey to this beautiful island is as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
