The Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience takes adventurers on a captivating full-day sailing adventure from St Maarten’s Simpson Bay. Guests can expect to embark on a catamaran cruise to the stunning Prickly Pear Cays and Anguilla, indulging in thrilling snorkeling and a delectable buffet lunch. With a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this all-inclusive excursion promises an unforgettable day on the Caribbean waters. But what makes this experience truly extraordinary? Let’s dive deeper.
Key Points
- Full-day sailing adventure from St Maarten’s Simpson Bay to the Prickly Pear Cays and Anguilla, with activities including snorkeling, buffet lunch, and sunset Champagne toast.
- All-inclusive package with snorkel equipment, instruction, snacks, and an open bar.
- Majority of travelers report a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence for the exceptional service and crew engagement.
- Buffet lunch described as delicious and varied, and the stunning natural beauty of the snorkeling locations praised by reviewers.
- Certain restrictions apply, such as weight limit, not being wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Overview and Experience
This full-day sailing adventure departs from St Maarten’s Simpson Bay, taking travelers on a catamaran cruise to the picturesque Prickly Pear Cays and the island of Anguilla.
Guests can snorkel among tropical fish and coral, enjoy a buffet-style lunch, and toast the sunset with Champagne.
With a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this excursion offers an immersive experience in the Caribbean.
This excursion offers an immersive Caribbean experience, boasting a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
The tour includes snorkel equipment, instruction, snacks, and an open bar, providing a well-rounded and all-inclusive day on the water.
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Itinerary and Activities
The excursion begins with check-in at Bobbys Marina at 8:15 am, followed by departure at 9:00 am aboard the catamaran. The first stop is the Prickly Pear Cays, where guests can snorkel for an hour among tropical fish and coral. Afterwards, a buffet lunch is served onboard, featuring barbecue ribs, chicken, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, and desserts. The afternoon is spent snorkeling at Cove Bay or Meads Bay on Anguilla for 1.5 hours. The day concludes with a sunset Champagne toast on the return to St Maarten.
| Itinerary | Time |
| — | — |
| Check-in | 8:15 am |
| Departure | 9:00 am |
| Snorkel Prickly Pear Cays | 1 hour |
| Buffet Lunch | – |
| Snorkel Anguilla | 1.5 hours |
| Sunset Champagne | – |
Inclusions and Costs
The excursion includes snorkel equipment, instruction, snacks, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks from an open bar.
Guests should budget for a $25 port fee per person, payable on the day of the trip. Secure parking is available at Bobbys Marina for $2 per hour.
There are a few important things to note:
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This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
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It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
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There’s a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lbs).
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Participants must provide their passport details.
Safety and Accessibility
When it comes to safety and accessibility, there are a few important considerations for this excursion.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. There’s a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lbs), and participants must provide their passport details.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 45 travelers, and alternate stops may be made based on weather conditions.
While the crew prioritizes safety, the snorkeling activities and catamaran cruise may not be suitable for everyone, so participants should carefully consider their abilities before booking.
Stellar Reviews
Although the tour has received a mix of reviews, the majority of travelers have been overwhelmingly positive about their experiences.
The tour boasts a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, reflecting its exceptional quality.
Reviewers have highlighted:
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The exceptional service and engagement of the crew.
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The delicious and varied buffet lunch.
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The stunning natural beauty of the snorkeling locations.
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The overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the full-day adventure.
While some noted rough waters affecting snorkeling, the positive comments outweigh the negative, making this a stellar option for a sailing and snorkeling experience in the Caribbean.
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Snorkeling at Prickly Pear Cays
One of the highlights of the full-day sailing adventure is the snorkeling experience at the Prickly Pear Cays. Guests spend an hour exploring the warm tropical waters, swimming amongst vibrant coral reefs and schools of colorful fish. The snorkeling gear and guidance provided ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
| Snorkeling at Prickly Pear Cays |
|——————————–|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Depth | 2-15 ft |
| Visibility | 40-60 ft |
| Species | Angelfish, parrotfish, snapper, sea turtles |
| Equipment | Mask, snorkel, fins provided |
An excellent introduction to the diverse marine life of the Caribbean, the Prickly Pear snorkeling excursion leaves guests in awe of the underwater beauty.
Scenic Lunch Cruise to Anguilla
After the exhilarating snorkeling experience at Prickly Pear Cays, the sailing adventure continues with a scenic lunch cruise to the neighboring island of Anguilla.
Guests savor a delectable buffet featuring barbecue ribs, chicken, island rice, and refreshing salads as the catamaran glides along the turquoise waters.
A delectable buffet of barbecue ribs, chicken, island rice, and refreshing salads, enjoyed as the catamaran glides along the turquoise waters.
The afternoon snorkeling at Cove Bay or Meads Bay offers:
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Opportunities to discover vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
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Breathtaking vistas of Anguilla’s pristine beaches and rugged coastline.
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A chance to relax and soak in the island’s tranquil atmosphere.
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Unforgettable memories of this idyllic day on the water.
Champagne Sunset Celebration
As the day draws to a close, the sailing adventure culminates in a Champagne sunset celebration. Guests gather on the deck to toast the stunning Caribbean sky with a glass of bubbly. The crew ensures a smooth and memorable end to the day, providing attentive service and a festive atmosphere.
| Sunset | Champagne |
| — | — |
| Spectacular views of the sun dipping below the horizon | Refreshing and celebratory drink to mark the end of the journey |
| Vibrant colors paint the sky in shades of orange and pink | The perfect accompaniment to the picturesque scenery |
The return to St. Maarten is filled with lasting memories and a true sense of relaxation after a day of sun, sea, and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Excursion?
This full-day sailing adventure doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. However, it’s not recommended for young children as the activities may not be suitable for them.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour provides high-quality snorkel gear, so it’s not necessary. Bringing personal equipment may not provide the same level of support and instruction offered by the tour’s gear and staff.
Are There Any Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?
The tour provides a buffet-style lunch with vegetarian and vegan options. Guests with dietary restrictions can notify the crew in advance to accommodate their needs. The crew aims to cater to all participants’ preferences for a comfortable experience.
Is There a Discount for Families or Groups?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for families or groups, but it does provide an open bar and a buffet-style lunch that can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to Anguilla?
The boat ride to Anguilla takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. The full-day sailing adventure departs from St. Maarten and includes an afternoon snorkeling stop at Cove Bay or Meads Bay on Anguilla before returning to St. Maarten.
The Sum Up
The Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience offers an unforgettable full-day sailing adventure that showcases the stunning Caribbean scenery. With snorkeling, a delectable buffet lunch, and a sunset Champagne toast, this all-inclusive excursion ensures a memorable day filled with thrilling activities and breathtaking vistas, making it a must-do for anyone visiting St Maarten.
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