Map of Ferries to Anguilla
To reach this destination in the Lesser Antilles, most travelers take the 20-minute public ferry from Marigot or a private shuttle from Princess Juliana Airport, both departing from Saint Martin. Operators like Anguilla Ferry System and Calypso Charters provide the primary high-speed links across the Anguilla Channel. Since this is an international crossing within the Caribbean, you must clear customs at the Blowing Point terminal immediately upon arrival.
De Saint-Martin à Anguilla
Showing all 2 services
The St. Martin Cross: Marigot vs. Simpson Bay
Accessing Anguilla is almost exclusively done via St. Martin, as the island’s own airport accommodates limited commercial traffic. With over 90% of arrivals coming by sea, the primary transit decision is choosing between the public ferry from the French side (**Marigot**) or the private semi-private shuttles from the Dutch side (**Simpson Bay**).
| Departure Port | Operator Type | Logistics Score |
|---|---|---|
| Marigot (French Side) | Public Ferry | High Frequency: Departures every 45 minutes (approx. $30). No reservations required; operates on a “turn up and go” basis. Note: Requires full entry through French customs. |
| Simpson Bay (Dutch Side) | Private Charter | Speed & Convenience: Located minutes from SXM Airport. Operators like Calypso or Funtime offer “In-Transit” transfers, allowing you to bypass Dutch immigration queues. |
| Blowing Point (Anguilla) | Terminal Hub | Central Access: All international ferries arrive here. Modernized in 2023, but customs queues can still take 30+ minutes during peak flight arrival windows (2 PM – 4 PM). |
Unlike many integrated transit systems, the ferry terminals here operate with separate departure taxes that must be paid before boarding. Even if you have a prepaid ticket, you must queue at a separate booth to pay the port fee (approx. $5–$28 depending on the port and residency). Cash is significantly faster than card machines, which frequently go offline.
Winter swells & peak season
While the crossing is short (20–25 minutes), the open channel is subject to significant seasonal changes:
- The “Christmas Winds” (Dec–March): Strong trade winds can create 4–6 foot swells in the channel. While the ferries rarely cancel, the ride can be wet and jarring; passengers prone to seasickness should choose the larger private shuttles over the smaller public catamarans during these months.
- The “Last Boat” Cutoff: The public ferry from Marigot strictly stops running around 7:00 PM. If your flight lands at SXM after 5:30 PM, you risk missing the connection due to traffic. In this scenario, pre-booking a private shuttle from the Dutch side (which runs later) is the only reliable option.
Using this data helps you decide if the premium cost of an airport shuttle outweighs the hassle of a taxi transfer to the French capital. Check specialized maps to plan your route from the Blowing Point terminal.
