Anguilla Catamaran: Swim with Turtles, Snorkel & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Catamaran day trip Anguilla beaches turtles snorkeling lunch

You’ll board a catamaran in Anguilla and spend your day swimming with turtles at Little Bay, snorkeling coral reefs at Shoal Bay and Prickly Pear Cays, then relaxing over a fresh BBQ lunch with cocktails onboard. Paddle boards, noodles, snorkel gear—all included—plus stories from locals and plenty of sun-soaked moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before we were climbing aboard the catamaran at Sandy Ground — shoes off, toes already gritty with sand. The crew greeted us with that easy Anguilla warmth (I’m still not sure if it’s the sun or the people here that feel softer). Our captain, Marcus, explained the plan but honestly I was distracted by the smell of grilled chicken already drifting up from somewhere below deck. We set out fast enough that my hat nearly flew off.

First stop was Little Bay. I’d heard about swimming with turtles in Anguilla but didn’t expect to actually see one so close — its shell flashed green and gold under the water while I awkwardly tried to keep my snorkel on straight. There were maybe six of us bobbing around, laughing when someone spotted a stingray. Marcus handed out paddle boards for anyone who wanted them, though I mostly just floated on a noodle and watched clouds move over the cliffs. The water was so clear you could count each pebble on the bottom.

Shoal Bay was next — that sand is honestly ridiculous, like powdered sugar but somehow even finer? We wandered up and down a bit before jumping back in for more snorkeling. At Prickly Pear Cays, there’s nothing except two restaurants and these wild birds that seemed totally unbothered by us. One of the crew (Li) let me try saying “Prickly Pear” in his accent — he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his drink.

Lunch hit just as everyone started getting hungry: jerk chicken skewers, garlic shrimp, pasta salad with feta (I ate way too much bread). Someone passed me a cocktail that tasted like pineapple and something else I couldn’t quite place — maybe rum? The boat rocked gently while we ate, music playing low enough to hear waves slapping against the hull. It felt like time slowed down for an hour or so right then. I still think about that view back toward Meads Bay — blue on blue on blue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Anguilla's beaches and snorkeling

• Depart from St Maarten by catamaran
• Snorkel and watch turtles at Little Bay
• Relax and swim at Shoal Bay beach
• Snorkel and explore Prickly Pear Cays
• Enjoy beach time at Meads Bay
• Have BBQ lunch and drinks onboard
• Return to St Maarten

Top questions

How long is the Anguilla swim with turtles tour?

The tour is a full-day catamaran trip around Anguilla’s beaches and cays; exact timing may vary based on sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Anguilla day trip?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included for guests during stops at Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Prickly Pear Cays.

Are meals or drinks included on the catamaran tour?

The tour includes a BBQ lunch (chicken skewers, shrimp skewers, pasta salad), tropical fruit platter, and an open bar with cocktails and soft drinks.

Can children join the Anguilla catamaran day trip?

The tour provides life jackets in adult and child sizes and is suitable for all physical fitness levels; however, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the departure point.

What should I bring for swimming with turtles in Anguilla?

Bring your passport (needed for booking), swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any personal items; all activity equipment is provided onboard.

Are there restrooms on board during this Anguilla catamaran trip?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on board the catamaran for guest use throughout the day.

Do I need to send passport info before booking this tour?

Yes—you must email your passport information to complete booking via their online form before joining the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment at every stop—Little Bay’s turtle cove through Shoal Bay’s reefs—plus paddle boards and floating mats if you want them. There’s an open bar serving hand-shaken cocktails along with sodas or juice anytime you want to grab one. Lunch is served fresh onboard: jerk chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers hot off the grill, Greek pasta salad tossed with feta cheese and zesty dressing—and always plenty of bread. There’s fruit platters when you need something light between swims. Life jackets are available in all sizes for safety; restrooms are onboard too so you’re never uncomfortable out at sea.