Hello. I am near the beginning stages of planning our vacation for next spring (yes, I like to plan early and dream ahead).
Anguilla is now on the top of my list, but I have a few questions.
A little about us:
- husband and wife, early 30's, love to travel, love great beaches, love to snorkel, and for this trip we want to basically lay back and relax (maybe one day trip/excursion).
Now for the questions:
1) if we fly into St Martin how long is the ferry process to get to Anguilla?
2) Are the Shoal Bay Villas too good to be true? Sounds like a great price on a perfect beach.
3) do we need a car? Specifically if we stay at the SBV? We love funky beach bars (which sound close by), but how about nicer restaurants?
4) is St Barths worth the trip? (vague question, just curios if it is worth the hype of a one day trip)
5) snorkeling - any options? Sounds fairly bland.
I may have more questions, like I said this is stage one of planning. I appreciate any advice.
Anguilla questions - flights, ferries, hotels, beaches, etc!
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It's about a 15 to 20 minute drive from SXM Airport to the ferry dock in Marigot. The ferry itself takes about 20 minutes to get between islands.
Shoal Bay Villas are decent units on one of the best beaches on the island. They've been around for quite a number of years and are not "luxury" but they are not shabby either.
Yes, you'll need a car. There are a few beach bars on Shoal bay within walking distance of SBV's but most of the restaurants (including all of the "top places" are too far to walk.
I'm a fan of St. Bart's so I say Yes, it's worth the trip. Keep in mind that it's a little difficult to get to from AXA - you can either fly or you have to take a ferry or fly from SXM - FYI, the ferry ride crosses "open water" and can be a bit rough.
Snorkeling around Anguilla is just OK. There's a decent but small reef at Shoal Bay, some interesting snorkeling around the rocks at Little Bay and a little bit of snorkeling at Savannah Bay. It's nothing to write home about, though.
We really loved SBV. One of our favorite vacations. Our balcony was the closest to the sand that we have ever experienced. Yes, it's a bit older, but very clean & well run. The beach is stunning. There are several beach bars & restaurants that you can walk to, but if you want to go to the "biggies", you will need a car. Plus the car was good to go to the grocery store and pick up snacks, etc.
We took a cab across St. Martin and then the ferry. It was very easy but time consuming. That said, I'd do it again because I'm not a fan of those tiny planes.
Here's a photo of SBV and one of on our balcony on the sand(room 8, if I remember correctly.) I know I have some gorgeous photos and if I can locate them, I'll pass them on.
http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww90/TMPAYT/Document%20Folder/FH000032.jpg
http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww90/TMPAYT/Document%20Folder/DSC00083_0010.jpg
I have to agree with the above post that the snorkeling was just OK.
Thank you both! TPAYT- thanks for the pictures, too