If you are planning to take the St. Martin to Anguilla ferry, the main things you need to know are where to leave from, how the public ferry works, what extra fees to expect, and whether you should stay overnight before or after the crossing. If you still need a place to stay, you can compare hotels in St. Martin and Anguilla here before you lock in the rest of your trip.
The public ferry runs between Marigot on the French side of Saint Martin and Blowing Point in Anguilla. It is one of the simplest island hops in the Caribbean, but first-time visitors often get confused because the public ferry does not leave from the airport side of Dutch St. Maarten. If you arrive near SXM, you still need to make your way over to Marigot for the public boat.
Quick Answer
The St. Martin to Anguilla public ferry leaves from Marigot, takes about 20 minutes, and is usually the cheapest practical way to reach Anguilla. Tickets for the public ferry are generally bought on-site, not online, and travelers should expect both the boat fare and additional terminal or port fees. If you are staying on the Dutch side and want more flexibility before departure, it can help to check car rental options in St. Martin so you are not depending on a last-minute transfer to Marigot.
Where Does the Ferry Leave From?
The public ferry to Anguilla leaves from Marigot Port on the French side of Saint Martin. This is important because a lot of travelers search for the Anguilla ferry while staying near Simpson Bay, Maho, or the airport, then realize later that the public route starts in Marigot instead.
If you are already staying on the French side, this route is easy. If you are staying on the Dutch side, just plan enough extra time to cross the island and get to the terminal without rushing.
How the Ferry Works
For most travelers, the public ferry is the best-value option. You arrive at the terminal, buy your ticket on-site, pay any required fees, clear the necessary formalities, and board the next available departure. It is more of a practical island transfer than a polished online-booking experience.
If you want the trip to feel smoother, the smartest upgrade is usually not a private boat but better trip planning: stay closer to Marigot the night before, give yourself buffer time, and avoid trying to connect too tightly to a flight.
St. Martin to Anguilla Ferry Schedule
The ferry runs multiple times daily between Marigot and Blowing Point. Because schedules can change and official pages are updated separately, this is one route where it is best to tell travelers to verify timing close to departure instead of assuming an old schedule screenshot is still right.
In practical terms, the route is frequent enough for both overnight stays and day trips, especially if you leave early and return later in the afternoon. That is why this page works well for people searching terms like Anguilla ferry schedule, Marigot to Anguilla ferry, and Anguilla public ferry schedule even when they are all really asking the same thing.
How Much the Ferry Costs
The public ferry fare is usually straightforward, but the total crossing cost is not just the boat ticket. Travelers should expect the base fare plus additional terminal or port fees, and possibly different taxes depending on whether they are visiting for the day or staying longer.
The easiest way to explain it to readers is this: budget for four parts of the crossing:
- the ferry ticket itself
- the departure or terminal fee
- the Anguilla-side arrival fee or tax
- your transport to Marigot if you are staying elsewhere on the island
That is the real cost picture, and it is much more useful than only listing the base ticket price.
Do You Need a Passport?
Yes. Travelers should bring a valid passport for the ferry to Anguilla. Even though the crossing is short, this is still an international island transfer, so it should be treated like a real border crossing rather than a casual beach shuttle.
Public Ferry vs Private Transfer
The public ferry is best for travelers who want the cheapest practical crossing and do not mind handling the process themselves. A private transfer is usually better for travelers with a lot of luggage, a tight arrival window, or a higher-end trip where convenience matters more than price.
If you are turning the crossing into a fuller day rather than just moving between islands, you can also look at local guide and experience options here to build out the trip beyond the ferry itself.
Is It Worth Doing as a Day Trip?
Yes, for many travelers it is. The crossing is short enough that Anguilla works well as a beach day, lunch day, or quick island add-on from Saint Martin. The main thing that makes a day trip stressful is not the ferry itself but poor timing on the Saint Martin side.
If you do not want to rush, the better move is to stay overnight. In that case, one of the most natural next steps is to check hotel options in Anguilla or near Marigot before you choose your crossing day.
What to Know Before You Go
- Leave from Marigot, not the Dutch airport side.
- Bring your passport.
- Expect to buy public ferry tickets on-site.
- Budget for more than just the base fare.
- Give yourself extra time if you are coming from the Dutch side.
- Check the latest official schedule shortly before departure.
FAQ
Is there a ferry from St. Martin to Anguilla?
Yes. The main public route runs between Marigot in Saint Martin and Blowing Point in Anguilla.
Where does the Anguilla ferry leave from?
The public ferry leaves from Marigot Port on the French side of Saint Martin.
How long is the ferry ride?
The crossing is short and usually takes about 20 minutes.
Can you book the public ferry online?
In general, travelers should expect to buy public ferry tickets on-site rather than through a normal online booking flow.
Do you need a passport?
Yes. A valid passport is required for the crossing.
Is the public ferry cheaper than private transfer?
Yes, usually. The public ferry is the lower-cost option, while private transfer is mainly about convenience and speed.
Final Take
If your goal is simply to get from Saint Martin to Anguilla without overspending, the public ferry from Marigot is usually the best choice. It is short, practical, and straightforward once you understand how the route works. The main mistakes travelers make are assuming the ferry leaves from the Dutch side, underestimating extra fees, or waiting too late to sort out where they will stay before or after the crossing.
That is why this page monetizes best through natural planning links like hotels, car rentals, and occasional local experiences instead of trying to force a ferry ticket CTA where travelers usually cannot book the public route online anyway.