Anguilla: Speed Boat Tour with Sandy Island, Shoal Bay & Lunch

Summary

Swim with turtles off Sandy Island and relax on Anguilla’s quietest beaches

You’ll hop aboard a speed boat in Anguilla with a local captain, swim at Sandy Island’s hidden bay, snorkel among turtles in Little Bay’s calm waters, and relax over lunch at Shoal Bay Beach. Expect fresh sandwiches and fruit plus an open bar—all while soaking up sun and sea air. It’s those little moments—the laughter, salt spray, quiet drift—that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is how Captain Ray grinned when he handed me a cold drink before we’d even left the dock in Anguilla. He joked about the “Caribbean time” — apparently, that means you leave when everyone’s ready, not by the clock. We all laughed, and honestly it set the tone for the whole day trip. The engine started up, and suddenly we were flying over water so blue I kept squinting like maybe my sunglasses were lying to me.

Sandy Island was our first stop — it’s this tiny spit of sand you’d almost miss if you blinked. Only smaller boats can get in close, so it felt like we had the place to ourselves except for one local fisherman who waved at us from his boat (I tried waving back but nearly dropped my phone). The air smelled salty and warm; when I slid into the water for snorkeling, I could hear nothing but my own breathing and the soft click of parrotfish nibbling coral. Our guide Li pointed out a turtle gliding past — I probably squeaked louder than I meant to.

Lunch was sandwiches and fruit right on Shoal Bay beach — honestly, way better than I expected. There was this moment where someone spilled chips in the sand and a gull swooped down so fast we all jumped. After eating, some people just lay back on towels while others went for another swim. The open bar definitely helped loosen everyone up (maybe too much in my case — rum punch hits different under that sun). Little Bay was next; super calm water, almost glassy. We floated around feeding fish and trying to spot celebrities on Meads Bay nearby (no luck there).

I still think about how quiet it got as we drifted near Little Bay, just sunlight flickering through clear water and nobody talking for once. It’s weird what sticks with you after a day like that — not just the beaches or swimming with turtles, but those small pauses where everything feels kind of suspended. Anyway, if you’re looking for a speed boat tour of Anguilla that actually lets you slow down sometimes… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Anguilla speed boat tour highlights

• Stop at Sandy Island for swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy drinks and snorkeling at Little Bay
• Lunch and beach time at Shoal Bay
• Stop at Meads Bay to feed fish and relax

Top questions

How long is the Anguilla speed boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included on the Anguilla boat tour?

Yes, freshly made sandwiches, chips, fruit, and an open bar are included.

Can you snorkel with turtles during this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling at Little Bay often includes seeing sea turtles.

Are cruise ship visitors allowed to book this tour?

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

Which beaches do you visit on this Anguilla speed boat trip?

The main stops are Sandy Island, Little Bay (marine reserve), Shoal Bay Beach, and Meads Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests should arrange their own transport to the departure point.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and floating devices are provided as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day covers all essentials: use of snorkeling gear and floating devices at each stop; freshly prepared sandwich lunch with chips and fruit served either on Shoal Bay beach or aboard; unlimited drinks from an open bar throughout; plus guidance from friendly local crew as you explore Anguilla’s best beaches by speed boat before returning in the afternoon.