This long, low lying island is known worldwide for its more than 30 white sandy beaches and exclusive hotels where you can most often spot celebrities enjoying this British island of total relaxation.
Diving Anguilla
Like St Eustatius and Saba, Anguilla dive operations that are more than willing to take you out snorkeling and diving the big blue. Anguilla has a lot of wrecks of which most have been sunk on purpose in the upright position to serve as an artificial reef. Over the years they’ve become overgrown with corals and lots of fish and other marine creatures have made these wrecks their home. The biggest wreck is The Sarah and the only wreck that didn’t sink on purpose is the Kathlee H, she burned out and sank. Beautiful reef systems are found around Sandy Island and a wall dive can be done by experienced divers at Dog Island.
Snorkel Anguilla
Shoal Bay East Beach offers several snorkel opportunities alongside the limestone ridge that protects the beach from the waves. A 40 minute snorkel trail starts from the Eastern point where the reef touches the beach, you follow the reef heading East and follow it around to the North all the way around back to the East.
Little Bay is another favourite snorkel spot in Anguilla, this secluded bay has a small beach with shade all morning. Little Bay can be most comfortably reached by boat or if you’re up to the steep descent by rope from a cliff, you could access it from land too. The underwater world boasts loads of small fish, baby turtles, stingrays and brown pelicans diving into the water to catch a meal
Prickly Pear Cays
One of the "must visit" snorkel areas of Anguilla is the uninhabited islands of Prickly Pear Cay. When staying on St Maarten / St Martin we highly recommend making a day trip on a sailing catamaran to visit this beautiful underwater park. It is also possible to go from St Maarten by speed boat. Prickly Pear has two small restaurants offering delicious barbecue fare and cold drinks including really, really good Pina Coladas.
Snorkel trips from Anguilla can be done with one of the dive shops located in Road Bay as all offer trips to various snorkel spots around the Anguilla and it's islands.
Anguilla’s crystal clear waters offer great opportunities for underwater photos.
How to get to Anguilla
Anguilla is easily accessible by ferry (20 minutes) from either Marigot or Simpson Bay and is easily visited in a day. Prickly Pear Cays can be visited on a day trip on a sailing catamaran or powerboat from St Maarten.
Book Anguilla - There are many day trips from St. Maarten to Anguilla. Let us know when you will be on island, where you will be staying and what your preferences are so that we can suggest a trip just for you.
Saba, the highest point of the Netherlands, with it's lush hiking in the cloud forest above and diving deep walls and pinnacles below, is a must visit for a quint, off the beaten track island. Day trip or weekend visit, a bucket list dive destination for advanced divers.
Anguilla is world-renowned for its powder-white beaches and relaxed charm, complemented by its excellent diving. The island is dotted with wrecks, many purposefully sunk to create artificial reefs that now attract vibrant coral growth and marine life. Sites like the Sarah and Kathlee H showcase Anguilla’s wreck diving heritage, while reefs around Sandy Island and Dog Island add variety for advanced divers. Snorkelers flock to Shoal Bay East Beach for its 40-minute reef trail or to the secluded Little Bay, where baby turtles and stingrays are common. A must-visit is Prickly Pear Cays, where pristine reefs meet the charm of small beachside restaurants.
St Barths, meanwhile, adds a touch of luxury to the underwater adventure. The island’s Reserves Naturelles protect diverse marine habitats, with standout dive sites such as La Baleine featuring giant barrel sponges. Snorkelers will find turtles grazing at Lorient Beach or Anse de Colombier, while Ile Fourche, an uninhabited island nearby, offers some of the most stunning and rarely visited underwater landscapes. Travel to these islands is simple—Anguilla is just a 20-minute ferry ride, and St Barths can be reached in under 90 minutes by ferry or just minutes by plane. Together, they provide a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and rich underwater life.
Statia, The Golden Rock, nicknamed after its golden trade era during the 17th and 18th century. This island has lots of its history preserved and offers great diving and hiking too. Best done as an overnight excursion.
Whether you dream of diving Saba’s pinnacles, searching for trading beads in Statia, exploring Anguilla’s wrecks, or snorkeling alongside turtles in St Barths, The Scuba Shop connects you to unforgettable island adventures just a short ride from St. Maarten. Each island offers something unique: dramatic volcanic landscapes, historic ruins, celebrity hideaways, or pristine white sand beaches. With quick and convenient ferry or flight connections, these destinations can be enjoyed as easy day trips or short overnight escapes. By partnering with local dive shops and guides, The Scuba Shop ensures that both divers and snorkelers can experience the best these islands have to offer, from deep technical dives to calm reef explorations. For reservations, equipment, and travel advice, The Scuba Shop is your trusted resource for creating island-hopping experiences that combine breathtaking underwater encounters with the charm of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands.
