St Maarten to Anguilla & Prickly Pear: Catamaran Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Summary

Sail turquoise waters from st maarten with bbq lunch and snorkeling stops

You’ll sail by catamaran from St Maarten to Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays for snorkeling in clear blue water, then relax over an island-style BBQ lunch onboard with open bar drinks flowing all day. Expect laughter with your crew, Champagne at sunset, and those little moments you don’t plan for but remember anyway.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that really Anguilla?” I asked, squinting past the rail as our catamaran left Bobby’s Marina. The sun was already up but not too harsh yet — just enough to make the water look almost fake, like someone had cranked the color up. Our guide, Jean-Luc (who kept calling everyone “my friend”), pointed out the mega yachts bobbing near Simpson Bay Bridge. I’d never seen boats that big outside of movies. There was a bit of fuss with passports — you do need yours for this day trip from St Maarten to Anguilla — but they handled it while we munched on baguette sandwiches. I tried not to spill crumbs on my shirt. Didn’t work.

The wind picked up as we crossed toward Prickly Pear Cays. You could smell sunscreen and salt in the air, and someone’s Rhum Punch already (it was barely 10am). Snorkeling here felt different — quieter than I expected, with just the sound of fins kicking and Jean-Luc’s muffled instructions about coral (“don’t touch!”). The water really is that clear. Afterward, snacks showed up out of nowhere, cold beers appeared in hands, and a couple from Toronto started a debate about potato salad recipes with one of the crew. For some reason that stuck with me.

Lunch happened anchored off Meads Bay — ribs, chicken, island rice, all laid out buffet style on deck while everyone found their own spot in the sun or shade. I still think about that Gouda cheese (weird detail maybe). Swimming after eating felt lazy in the best way; nobody rushed us back on board. Sailing along Anguilla’s shoreline later, watching birds skim over water so flat it looked painted — there was this hush for a minute where nobody said anything at all. Then laughter again when someone tried to pronounce “Anguilita” and failed spectacularly.

Heading back toward St Maarten as the sky started changing colors — not quite sunset yet but close — our captain passed around glasses of Champagne. It wasn’t fancy or anything but tasted better than most things do after a day like that. We watched a plane come in over Maho Beach (yeah, right over our heads), snapped some blurry photos none of us will probably print out… and then suddenly we were docking again. Still salty-skinned and tired in that good way you get after swimming all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling around Anguilla

• Check in at Bobby's Marina
• Sail past Sint Maarten snorkeling spots
• Process immigration at Simpson Bay
• Sail past Maho and Mullet Bay
• Cross channel to Anguilita with snacks
• Snorkel and relax at Prickly Pear
• Sail to Meads Bay for lunch and swim
• Sail along Anguilla shoreline at sunset
• Watch planes land at airport beach
• Toast with champagne before disembark
• Return to shore and end tour

Top questions

Do I need my passport for this St Maarten to Anguilla tour?

Yes, you must bring your physical passport—copies or photos aren’t accepted due to immigration rules between St Maarten and Anguilla.

Is lunch included during the catamaran tour?

Yes, a buffet-style BBQ lunch is served onboard featuring ribs, chicken, island rice, salads, cheese, and more.

What snorkeling gear is provided on this trip?

The tour includes snorkel equipment plus vests and noodles; instruction is available if you need it.

How long does this day trip from St Maarten last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from departure at Bobby’s Marina until return in the evening.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes—there’s an open bar with Rhum Punch, cold beers, soft drinks, plus Champagne served as you sail back at sunset.

Can I join if I’m coming from a cruise ship?

This tour isn’t recommended for cruise ship passengers due to timing constraints.

What happens if weather changes during the tour?

The captain may adjust stops (like choosing Little Bay instead of Prickly Pear) based on weather conditions for safety.

Is transportation to Bobby's Marina included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg for check-in by 8:15am.

What’s included

Your full-day adventure includes sailing by catamaran from St Maarten with use of snorkel equipment (vests and noodles too), snacks like French baguette sandwiches before snorkeling stops near Prickly Pear or Little Bay depending on weather conditions; unlimited open bar serving Rhum Punch and beers; a buffet BBQ lunch onboard featuring ribs, chicken, salads and cheese; afternoon cake; Champagne toast at sunset; plus crew handling immigration paperwork for you along the way before returning to port tired but happy.