How Long Is Ferry Ride From St Martin to Anguilla

The channel separating St. Martin and Anguilla spans just seven miles at its narrowest point, making it one of the most traversed stretches of water in the Eastern Caribbean. Modern passenger ferries capable of carrying 100 to 150 travelers complete the run in under half an hour, cutting through the turquoise waters between Marigot Bay and Blowing Point with mechanical efficiency. What surprises first-time passengers is not how long the ferry ride from St. Martin to Anguilla takes on the water—that part moves quickly—but rather the compound effect of international border formalities on both ends. Departures run throughout the day from Marigot Ferry Terminal, the primary embarkation point on the French side of St. Martin. Passengers must arrive early enough to purchase tickets, pay departure taxes collected separately at the terminal window, and clear French-side exit procedures before boarding. The one-way ticket costs 30 USD, with additional taxes applied at the point of purchase. Once aboard, the crossing itself is straightforward: open-air upper decks offer views of the surrounding islands, while enclosed lower cabins provide relief from sun and spray. The vessel's wake cuts a white line across water that shifts from deep cobalt to pale aquamarine as the hull approaches the shallower banks surrounding Anguilla. Arrival at Blowing Point brings the second round of formalities. Anguillian immigration officers process each passenger individually, reviewing travel documents and confirming the purpose and duration of stay. During peak travel windows—mid-morning and early afternoon—queues can extend the disembarkation process significantly. The ferry duration from St. Martin to Anguilla becomes a small fraction of the total transit time when the administrative layers are factored in, a reality that reshapes how visitors structure their itineraries. Experienced travelers build in buffer time on both ends. Those returning to St. Martin for an evening flight typically board the last ferry no later than mid-afternoon, ensuring they clear Anguillian departure procedures and arrive back at Marigot with daylight and margin to spare. The crossing operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00, with the final departure slots filling quickly during high season. Booking return passage in advance removes one variable from an already layered process, allowing the journey itself to remain what it should be: a brief, scenic passage between two distinct island worlds.