Day Trip to Anguilla

I saw a post on facebook this morning from some folks who had taken the ferry to Anguilla and rented a car and spent the day exploring the island. I read a book about Anguilla on one of our recent trips to St. Maarten and last trip (June) we did a Catamaran trip to Shoal Bay (with the group out of Simpson Bay - can't think of the name right now!). It was a great trip. I am so intrigued by Anguilla and want to see more of it. Have any of you done this kind of day trip - ferry, car rental, etc? Could you share your experience?

My husband has a tendency toward sea-sickness so I'm concerned about the ferry ....

Was renting a car easy?

Where did you go? What would you recommend doing?

Thanks so much!

We found it very easy to take the trip first thing in the morning. No problem from a sea-sickness standpoint as we picked a very calm day to go over there. We did not rent a car though. Rather, we had a taxi driver give us a tour and take us to the beach at Shoal Bay. We gave him a pickup time and he was there with no problem. (we paid after the pickup).

We ate at a little place on the beach and had a pleasant lunch.

I must admit that having a car would have given us a better ability to explore; but, we really wanted the beach and the water for that trip.

My wife and I a couple years ago did 3 days in SXM and then 7 in AXA. Anguilla is lovely place and a day trip will only make you long for more time on island. Driving on island is not hard or confusing. Do a search on Anguilla in the SXM trip report section and you will find lots of info by folks who did day trips.

loislynn,

This is just my personal opinion and I know many others may think differently, but IMHO, AXA is not a place to go and to do, but more of a place to go and to chill and enjoy the wonderful and equally beautiful beaches and dining ops across the island.

The first time we went we did an island sight-seeing tour but that was probably 35 years ago, and for the next few years we were pretty much content to just go and enjoy the beaches - each one is just a little different from the one before and they're all gorgeous.

Then we started doing 3-4 night stay-overs and that was really the best of the best. We didn't do anything there that we couldn't do on St. Maarten/St. Martin but it's a very different vibe there as far as I've experienced. It's way more laid-back and much calmer than many of the islands we've explored, but if you're not into the water activities or the simple acts of beaching and dining, we never found much more to do. It's not a shopping mecca, for sure, but it's a great place to chill and enjoy.

We never bothered with renting a car but I know it's a very easy thing to do - there will be people there right outside of immigration and at one time, you could even make the arrangements on the ferry over. You do have to get an island driving permit - basically show your license and pay the fee - and remember, it's opposite side of the road drive from in the States. Not much traffic but just be careful on the roundabouts and watch for wandering animals darting in front of your car.

As for the ride over, unless the seas are very rough, I truly doubt you'll have a problem with seasickness but wrist bands would probably help if you think it necessary, and if the seas are that rough, you probably don't want to go anyway.

Andy's car rentals are very easy (www.andyrentals.com). He can arrange everything. Even has a US #, 215/550-7010. Also, try GB Ferry service. They're across from the airport and use high speed boats that only hold 6-8. They're more expensive than the regular ferry in Marigot, but smoother and quicker. Serenity Cottages on Shoal Bay East are sublime if you want to stay over for a day or so.

Just spent 20 minutes with directions....it timed out....
kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Best to do something that long in a word document and then cut and paste to here.

Cost for cab or cost for day of rental??? We would just want to go to one beach and drink quite a few so more than likely cab. We be in sxm in November.

Depending on how long you have the cab, where you go and the number of people, I would count on $35-$50 total plus tip for two people. One you get past 2 people the cost per person goes down. If you want an island tour, beach time, etc, you can negotiate but rates are pretty much set. There is a taxi dispatcher at the ferry terminal and they will have up to date information.

Personally, I would go with a cab and not do a car rental.

BTW, bring your passport with you as you will be entering another country. Also there is an entry/exit fee. As I recall it was approximately $10 or $!5 per person, but I am sure someone has more up-to-date information on that.

Correct on the passport. There is a departure tax that is paid when leaving SXM and again when leaving Anguilla. It will vary depending on which side of SXM you are returning to also.

I agree. Do not rent a car, just take the public ferry from Marigot to AXA, do it on a weekday. Take your passport and cash. When you get to AXA tell the taxi you want to go to Elodias on Shoal Bay EAST. It will be about $30.00 each way. Tell him what time you want to be picked up – last ferry is around 6pm- give yourself enough time for the return to the dock. Set up there, they rent chairs, towels, umbrellas; they have good lunches and drinks. You are on one of the top ten beaches in the world – it is what drew me to Anguilla many moons ago – a picture in the 1996 Conde Nast Traveller – front page entitled “World Best Beaches”.

Forget renting a car, driving on the left, roundabouts and drinking do not mix. Maximize your time with the cab – the ferry is 20.00 each way per person and 5.00 departure tax – all cash.

Have a fun trip – Anguilla is magical – special, and unsurpassed for beauty, quiet and endless empty beaches.

Ellen

I believe you also need to get a temp drivers licence for Anguilla too.

Bluebeard Charters I believe does tours to Anguilla(Shoal Bay) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" /> from Simpson Bay

We started out by visiting Anguilla for day trips. A friend showed us how to take the public ferry over. We have been in love ever since! We have also done a day trip via a catamaran trip but not what we wanted. Once we get to Anguilla we take a taxi to Shoal Bay East. Finally, we decided to try some over nighting and LOVE it! For a day trip, unless you want to spend most of your time in a taxi, you should just choose one beach. (Maybe you will decide in the future to return!) If you choose to do more than one beach you will have to arrange with the driver to pick you up. Shoal Bay East is great as is Mead's Bay. I don't recommend renting a car just for a day especially if you want to just relax and enjoy some island drinks!

As far as sea-sickness, I am sometimes prone. I get anxious on boats on a good day! The crossing is short (20-25min) and like other posters said choose a calm day. I also know that paradise awaits on the other end. I sometimes use Bonine or drops I bought online called Motion Eaze (you just put a drop or 2 behind your ear).

Besides bringing your passport (KEEP it in a safe place on the beaches) you will need to bring CASH for the return trip. I have seen many people who arrive on the island and because ATMs are few and far between and most places have a CC limit they go into panic mode. We always pay cash for the departure from Anguilla as well as the ferry and the taxis. I'm not sure if they even take a CC- but perhaps others know.

Happy planning!!