Planning to take the St. Martin to Anguilla ferry in 2026? This is one of the easiest island hops in the Caribbean, but first-time visitors often get confused about where the public ferry leaves from, how much it really costs, whether you need a passport, and whether it works better as a day trip or overnight stay.
The main public ferry runs between Marigot Port on the French side of Saint Martin and Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla. It is short, practical, and usually the cheapest way to reach Anguilla — but it is not the same as the private airport-side ferries from Dutch St. Maarten.
Quick planning move: compare lodging before choosing your crossing day. Check Saint Martin hotels on Expedia, compare Anguilla hotels on Expedia, browse vacation rentals on Vrbo, and compare rental cars on Expedia if you need flexibility getting to Marigot. Affiliate links — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Because ferry trips can be affected by weather, flight delays, missed connections, luggage, hotel timing, and border formalities, it is also smart to compare travel insurance options before booking a larger island-hopping trip. Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Answer: St. Martin to Anguilla Ferry
- Public ferry route: Marigot, Saint Martin → Blowing Point, Anguilla
- Crossing time: about 20 minutes
- Best for: budget travelers, day trips, overnight stays, and simple island-hopping
- Tickets: usually bought on-site, not through a normal online booking flow
- Passport: required
- Main cost warning: budget for the ferry ticket plus terminal, port, or departure fees
- Airport-side option: private or semi-private ferries from the Dutch side near SXM cost more but can be more convenient
Simple rule: use the public ferry from Marigot if you want the cheapest practical crossing. Use an airport-side private ferry if you are landing at SXM with luggage and value convenience more than price.
Where Does the St. Martin to Anguilla Ferry Leave From?
The public ferry to Anguilla leaves from Marigot Port on the French side of Saint Martin. This is the most important detail for first-time travelers because many people stay near Simpson Bay, Maho, Philipsburg, or Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side and assume the public ferry leaves from there.
It does not. For the public ferry, you need to get to Marigot. From there, the boat crosses to Blowing Point in Anguilla.
- French side departure: Marigot Ferry Terminal
- Anguilla arrival: Blowing Point Ferry Terminal
- Common mistake: assuming the public ferry leaves from the SXM airport area
- Best planning move: give yourself extra time if staying on the Dutch side
If you are staying on the French side, the route is simple. If you are staying on the Dutch side, plan transportation to Marigot before your travel day instead of waiting until the last minute.
Compare Saint Martin hotels on Expedia if you want to stay closer to Marigot before crossing. Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How the Public Ferry Works
The public ferry is more of a practical island transfer than a polished online-booking experience. You go to the terminal, handle the required fees and formalities, board the next available ferry, and cross to Anguilla.
- Arrive at Marigot Ferry Terminal.
- Bring your passport.
- Pay the required ticket and terminal-related fees.
- Board the ferry to Blowing Point.
- Clear customs and immigration on the Anguilla side.
- Continue by taxi, hotel transfer, rental car, or pre-arranged pickup.
Best tip: do not build a tight flight-to-ferry connection unless you are comfortable with stress. Immigration lines, baggage delays, taxis, traffic, weather, and ferry timing can all affect the crossing.
If you want the day to feel smoother, the smartest upgrade is often not a private boat — it is better timing. Stay closer to Marigot the night before, cross earlier in the day, and avoid planning an expensive activity immediately after arrival.
St. Martin to Anguilla Ferry Schedule
The public ferry runs multiple times daily between Marigot and Blowing Point, but ferry schedules can change because of weather, holidays, terminal updates, and operating changes. Always verify the latest schedule close to departure.
As a planning guide, travelers can usually expect departures throughout the day from Marigot to Anguilla, with return ferries from Blowing Point back to Marigot. The route is frequent enough for both day trips and overnight stays if you plan the timing carefully.
- Best for a day trip: leave Saint Martin early and return before the final departures.
- Best for overnight stays: cross during daylight, check into your hotel, and enjoy Anguilla without rushing.
- Best for flight connections: avoid relying on the final ferry of the day.
- Best safety buffer: do not schedule tight ferry-to-flight connections.
Planning note: if your itinerary depends on a specific departure, check the official terminal or ferry information shortly before travel. This is not a route where you should rely on an old screenshot or outdated blog schedule.
For broader island-hopping help, read: Caribbean Ferry Routes.
How Much Does the St. Martin to Anguilla Ferry Cost?
The public ferry fare is only part of the total cost. Travelers should also budget for terminal fees, port fees, Anguilla-side departure taxes, transportation to Marigot, and transportation after arriving in Anguilla.
For practical planning, think of the cost in four parts:
- 1) Ferry ticket: the base boat fare.
- 2) Saint Martin-side fee: terminal or passenger fee at Marigot.
- 3) Anguilla-side tax or fee: varies depending on whether you are a day visitor or staying longer.
- 4) Ground transportation: taxi, rental car, hotel transfer, or pickup on either side.
Important: do not tell yourself “the ferry is only the ticket price.” The real crossing cost includes the extra fees and local transport.
If you are staying overnight in Anguilla, compare Anguilla hotels on Expedia before choosing your crossing day. Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Do You Need a Passport for the Anguilla Ferry?
Yes. Bring a valid passport. Even though the ferry ride is short, this is an international crossing between Saint Martin and Anguilla, so travelers should treat it like a real border crossing.
- Bring your passport.
- Keep it accessible at the terminal.
- Allow time for customs and immigration.
- Check visa or entry rules if you are not traveling on a U.S., U.K., EU, Canadian, or similar commonly accepted passport.
- Keep a digital copy of your passport saved offline.
Simple rule: do not treat the ferry like a beach shuttle. It is a short international transfer.
Public Ferry vs Private Transfer
There are two main ways to get from St. Martin/St. Maarten to Anguilla: the public ferry from Marigot or private/semi-private ferry services from the Dutch side near Princess Juliana International Airport.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Ferry from Marigot | Budget travelers, day trips, flexible travelers | Usually cheapest, frequent, simple crossing | You must get to Marigot; tickets are usually on-site; extra fees apply |
| Private / Semi-Private Airport-Side Ferry | Travelers landing at SXM, families with luggage, luxury trips | More convenient from the airport side, reservations may be possible, smoother with luggage | More expensive than the public ferry |
Best choice for most budget travelers: public ferry from Marigot.
Best choice after a long flight: private or semi-private transfer from the Dutch side, especially if you have luggage, kids, a late arrival, or a hotel waiting in Anguilla.
If you are turning the crossing into a fuller trip, browse Anguilla and Saint Martin tours and local guides so the ferry is part of a real itinerary, not just a transfer. Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is Anguilla Worth a Day Trip From St. Martin?
Yes, Anguilla can absolutely be worth a day trip from Saint Martin if you leave early, choose one main beach or lunch area, and avoid trying to see the entire island in one day.
Anguilla is known for calm beaches, quiet luxury, soft sand, and a slower pace than busier St. Martin/St. Maarten areas. A day trip works best if your goal is beach time, lunch, and a simple look at the island.
- Good day-trip plan: early ferry, beach time, lunch, one extra stop, afternoon return.
- Bad day-trip plan: late start, multiple beaches, no taxi plan, and last ferry stress.
- Better overnight plan: stay 1–3 nights if you want Meads Bay, Shoal Bay, restaurants, and a slower pace.
If you do not want to rush, stay overnight. Compare Anguilla hotels on Expedia or browse Anguilla vacation rentals on Vrbo. Affiliate links — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Places to Stay Before or After the Ferry
Stay in Marigot or the French Side
This is the easiest option if you want to use the public ferry without crossing the island early in the morning. It works well if your main goal is a smooth ferry day.
- Best for public ferry convenience
- Useful before an early crossing
- Good for travelers who want French-side dining and markets
- Less convenient if most of your St. Maarten plans are near Simpson Bay or Maho
Stay Near Simpson Bay or Maho
This is better if you are flying into SXM, want nightlife, airport convenience, Dutch-side beaches, restaurants, and easier access to airport-side private ferry options.
- Best for airport convenience
- Good for nightlife and restaurants
- Better for private ferry services than public Marigot ferry
- Requires extra travel time if using the public ferry from Marigot
Stay Overnight in Anguilla
This is the best option if you want Anguilla to feel like a real destination instead of a rushed add-on. Anguilla is better when you have time for beach hopping, long lunches, and quiet evenings.
- Best for couples and quiet luxury
- Good for Meads Bay, Shoal Bay, and beach restaurants
- Less rushed than a day trip
- Better if you want a slower, prettier island experience
Compare Saint Martin hotels and Anguilla hotels before deciding where to sleep around the ferry crossing. Affiliate links — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Transportation Tips on Both Sides
The ferry itself is short. The real planning issue is getting to and from the terminals without rushing.
- From SXM airport to Marigot: plan taxi or rental car time before your ferry.
- From Dutch-side hotels: leave extra time for traffic and island crossing.
- From Marigot to Blowing Point: the boat ride is short, but immigration and fees add time.
- From Blowing Point to Anguilla beaches: plan taxi, hotel pickup, rental car, or transfer ahead.
- For day trips: arrange return transportation before heading to the beach.
If you want flexibility on Saint Martin, compare rental cars on Expedia. If you are only doing a simple transfer, taxis may be easier than managing parking and ferry timing. Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to Know Before You Go
- Leave from Marigot if using the public ferry.
- Do not confuse the public ferry with airport-side private ferries.
- Bring a valid passport.
- Expect to buy public ferry tickets on-site.
- Budget for more than just the base fare.
- Have cash and card available because payment rules may differ by fee.
- Give yourself extra time if coming from the Dutch side.
- Check the latest schedule shortly before departure.
- Do not rely on the last ferry if you have a flight connection.
- Plan transportation after arriving at Blowing Point.
Best stress-free strategy: travel earlier in the day, avoid tight connections, and choose one main goal for Anguilla instead of trying to do everything.
What to Pack for the Anguilla Ferry
Pack light and keep important items easy to reach. Useful items include a passport holder, RFID wallet, waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, sunglasses, portable charger, motion-sickness bands, small cash, and a compact first-aid kit.
I created a separate Amazon import CSV for useful St. Martin to Anguilla ferry items instead of placing Amazon links directly inside this article.
Versión en Español: Resumen Rápido
El ferry público de St. Martin a Anguilla sale desde Marigot, en el lado francés de Saint Martin, y llega a Blowing Point en Anguilla. El viaje dura aproximadamente 20 minutos, pero debes considerar el tiempo para llegar al puerto, pagar las tarifas, pasar inmigración y organizar transporte al llegar.
Necesitas pasaporte válido. También debes presupuestar más que el precio base del ferry, porque pueden existir cargos de terminal, impuestos o tarifas en Anguilla, y transporte terrestre en ambos lados.
Si quieres ahorrar, usa el ferry público desde Marigot. Si llegas por el aeropuerto SXM con maletas o poco tiempo, un ferry privado o semi-privado desde el lado holandés puede ser más conveniente, aunque más caro.
FAQ
Is there a ferry from St. Martin to Anguilla?
Yes. The main public ferry runs between Marigot on the French side of Saint Martin and Blowing Point in Anguilla.
Where does the Anguilla ferry leave from?
The public ferry to Anguilla leaves from Marigot Port on the French side of Saint Martin. It does not leave from the Dutch airport side.
How long is the St. Martin to Anguilla ferry?
The ferry ride is short and usually takes about 20 minutes, not counting terminal time, immigration, fees, or ground transportation.
Can you book the public ferry online?
Travelers should expect to buy public ferry tickets on-site rather than through a normal online booking flow. Private and semi-private services from the Dutch side may offer reservations.
Do you need a passport for the Anguilla ferry?
Yes. A valid passport is required because the crossing is an international transfer between Saint Martin and Anguilla.
Is the public ferry cheaper than a private transfer?
Yes, the public ferry is usually the lower-cost option. Private or semi-private transfers are mainly for convenience, luggage, airport arrivals, families, luxury trips, or tighter timing.
Can Anguilla be done as a day trip from St. Martin?
Yes. Anguilla works well as a day trip if you leave early, choose one beach or lunch area, and return before the final ferry pressure. Staying overnight is better if you want a slower trip.
Should I stay in Anguilla overnight?
Yes, if you want the trip to feel relaxed. Anguilla is better with at least one night because you can enjoy the beaches, restaurants, and slower pace without worrying about the return ferry the same day.
What is the biggest mistake travelers make?
The biggest mistake is assuming the public ferry leaves from the Dutch airport side. The public ferry leaves from Marigot, so travelers staying near SXM, Simpson Bay, or Maho need extra time to reach the terminal.
Final Take
If your goal is to get from Saint Martin to Anguilla without overspending, the public ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point is usually the best choice. It is short, practical, and straightforward once you understand where to go and what extra fees to expect.
The main mistakes are assuming the ferry leaves from the Dutch side, underestimating extra fees, forgetting passport requirements, and building a tight connection around the final ferry or a same-day flight.
Plan your lodging, transport, and crossing time first. Then decide whether Anguilla is a simple day trip or a slower overnight beach escape.