Anguilla Cruise: Snorkeling, Sandy Island & Shoal Bay Lunch

Summary

Anguilla small group cruise snorkeling sandy island lunch

You’ll board a small-group Anguilla cruise from Simpson Bay with a local guide, stopping at Sandy Island for snorkeling with turtles and colorful fish. Enjoy fresh sandwiches and fruit for lunch on Shoal Bay’s sand, unlimited drinks from an open bar, and plenty of time to relax or swim at Meads Bay before cruising back home.

What’s the experience like?

I forgot my sunscreen at the hotel — classic me — so I started this Anguilla cruise already a bit flustered. Our guide, Marcus, just grinned and handed me some extra from his bag (he called it “Caribbean gold”). The boat left Simpson Bay right on time, and the sea was that kind of blue you only see in postcards. There were maybe ten of us, all swapping stories about where we’d come from while the engine hummed underneath. I could smell salt and something sweet — maybe rum punch already?

The first stop was Sandy Island. I’m not sure what I expected but stepping onto that tiny stretch of sand felt unreal. Shoes off, toes in powdery sand, water warm enough to forget about everything else. Marcus passed out snorkel gear and pointed out where turtles usually hang out. I tried to follow but mostly floated around watching little fish dart between rocks. At one point I heard someone laugh underwater (it’s a weird sound) — turned out to be Li from our group who’d spotted a turtle before me. We all cheered her on like she’d won a medal.

Shoal Bay was next if the weather held (it did). Lunch was simple but hit the spot: sandwiches with cold fruit and chips, eaten right on the sand under a faded umbrella. The open bar meant beers for some, rum punch for others — I stuck with soda after my last sunburn incident (lesson learned). There was this moment where everyone just went quiet looking at the water; even Marcus seemed lost in it for a second. Not sure why that sticks with me.

We finished up at Meads Bay before heading back across to Sint Maarten. My skin felt salty and tight by then — not unpleasant though, more like proof I’d actually been there. Someone played music quietly on their phone and nobody said much until we docked again. Sometimes these day trips feel rushed or crowded but this one didn’t; maybe because Marcus kept things loose or maybe just luck of the group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Anguilla island excursion

• Meet at Simpson Bay by 9am
• Board power boat to Anguilla
• Stop at Sandy Island for snorkeling
• Visit Little Bay for beach time
• Enjoy lunch with sandwiches and fruit
• Relax at Shoal Bay beach (weather permitting)
• Spend time at Meads Bay beach
• Alternative beach stop if weather bad

Top questions

Do you need a passport for the Anguilla cruise?

Yes, all travelers must bring a valid passport for this day trip to Anguilla.

Is lunch included on the Anguilla getaway cruise?

Yes, freshly made sandwiches with fruit and chips are included for lunch.

What beaches do you visit on this Anguilla tour?

The usual stops are Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay (weather permitting), and Meads Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests during the tour.

Can cruise ship passengers join this Anguilla excursion?

No, this tour is not available for cruise ship visitors.

How many people are on each boat?

The tour runs with small groups; minimum 8 passengers required per trip.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar with unlimited beers, rum punch, and sodas throughout the day.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is in Simpson Bay; be ready before 9am departure.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip powerboat transport from Simpson Bay with a local guide leading your small group to Anguilla’s best beaches. All snorkeling equipment is provided along with unlimited drinks from an open bar—beers, rum punch or soda—and lunch featuring freshly made sandwiches with fruit and chips before returning in the afternoon.