Anguilla has no scheduled international jet service from most of the U.S. and Europe, so most families still connect through St. Maarten (SXM) via ferry or a short regional flight. There are exceptions: American Airlines flies nonstop from Miami, and BermudAir runs seasonal nonstop service from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore. Outside those routes, expect a connection — and that extra step catches first-time visitors off guard, particularly parents managing car seats, strollers, and overtired kids. This guide breaks down every part of the journey so you know exactly what to expect before you leave home.
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Discover My Ideal Resort →- St. Maarten (SXM) is the primary connecting gateway, though American Airlines flies nonstop from Miami and BermudAir runs seasonal nonstop service from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore.
- The Blowing Point ferry crossing from Marigot, St. Martin takes roughly 20–25 minutes on the water.
- Ferry operators run departures throughout the day; the first boats typically leave early morning and the last around early evening — confirm current schedules directly with operators before travel.
- An Anguilla departure tax is charged at Blowing Point; verify the current amount with your resort or the Anguilla Tourist Board before travel, as it is paid in cash.
- Regional airlines including Tradewind Aviation and Winair operate short-hop flights from SXM to AXA (approximately 10–15 minutes in the air) — confirm current carriers directly, as routes on this run change seasonally.
- Charter and private aviation options exist for families wanting to skip the ferry queue entirely.
- Children under a certain age travel free or at reduced ferry fares — confirm age thresholds with the operator when booking.
- Build at least 90 minutes of buffer between your SXM arrival and your ferry or onward flight departure, especially during peak season (December–April).
I. Why St. Maarten Is the Connection Point
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of St. Maarten is a well-served regional hub with direct service from several major U.S. and European cities, including New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), and Charlotte (CLT). American Airlines, United, Delta, and JetBlue all operate routes into SXM from the U.S. From there, Anguilla is approximately 8 miles to the northwest — close enough to see on a clear day from the ferry.
Some families also route through San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico, which has its own set of connections to SXM and occasionally to AXA directly via regional carriers. If you’re flying from the U.S. East Coast, SXM is usually the more direct option. From the U.K., there are seasonal charter and direct services into SXM worth checking. See what to do in St. Martin with kids — worth knowing if a transit day turns into a longer stopover.
II. The Ferry: Blowing Point to Marigot (and Back)
The public ferry is how the majority of visitors — and most families — cross into Anguilla. The route runs between Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on the southwestern tip of Anguilla and the waterfront at Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin. The crossing itself takes roughly 20–25 minutes when seas are calm.
Multiple ferry companies operate the route, including Funtime Ferries and GB Ferries. Boats run throughout the day starting early morning, with frequency tapering off in the late afternoon and evening. Check current departure times directly with the operators or through your hotel before you travel — schedules shift seasonally and can be affected by weather.
What parents need to know at the terminals:
- Marigot’s ferry area is a dock, not a modern terminal. There’s limited shade and seating while you queue, so bring water and sun protection, especially with younger children. Our best sunscreen for kids guide is worth a look before you pack.
- You’ll go through an immigration/customs check on both sides of the crossing — on departure from St. Martin and again on arrival in Anguilla. Have passports accessible, not buried in a checked bag.
- An Anguilla departure tax applies when you leave Anguilla by ferry. It is typically paid in cash (Eastern Caribbean dollars or USD) at the terminal. The exact amount changes periodically — confirm it with your resort or the Anguilla Tourist Board ahead of arrival so you’re not caught short.
- The ferry is an open boat in most cases. If there’s chop, the crossing can feel rough. For children prone to motion sickness, consider seating them in the center of the vessel where movement is reduced, and bring appropriate medication if needed. A compact carry-on first aid kit with motion sickness tablets is a practical addition to your ferry day bag.
- Strollers and larger gear fit on board but must be managed by you — there are no dedicated luggage handlers on the public ferry. Fold your stroller before boarding.
Getting from SXM airport to the Marigot ferry dock: The airport is on the Dutch side; Marigot is on the French side. The drive takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, which can be significant during peak season. Taxis are the standard option. Check airport transfer options in advance to arrange a family-sized vehicle, especially if you’re traveling with bulky gear.
III. The Flight Option: SXM to AXA
Flying from SXM to AXA takes roughly 10–15 minutes in the air — barely enough time to reach cruising altitude. The aircraft are small turboprops and small jets, typically 9–19 seats. Carriers that operate or have operated this route include Tradewind Aviation, Cape Air, and Winair; verify current schedules and book directly with the carrier or through a travel agent, as availability is limited and flights book out during high season.
A few practical notes for families choosing the flight option:
- Luggage allowances on these aircraft are strict, often 20–30 lbs per passenger for checked bags and limited carry-on dimensions. If you’re bringing a car seat or large stroller, confirm with the airline whether it can be accommodated and whether there’s an oversize fee. A car seat travel bag helps protect gear in the hold of a small aircraft.
- Young children sitting on laps occupy adult space in a very small cabin — in practice, most families with lap infants find it worth purchasing an extra seat for the short hop for comfort and safety reasons, even when not legally required.
- AXA (Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport) is a small facility. Arrivals clear immigration in a compact terminal. It’s manageable with kids, but don’t expect the amenities of a major hub.
- Some high-end resorts on Anguilla offer private charter arrangements or can connect you with charter operators. If budget allows, this removes the ferry queue entirely and gets the family onto the island faster.
IV. Ferry vs. Flight: Which Works Better for Families
For most families, the ferry is the more practical choice. It runs more frequently than scheduled small-aircraft departures, handles more luggage without the weight-limit friction, and costs significantly less per person. The 20-25 minute crossing is short enough that even young children handle it without issue in calm conditions.
The flight makes more sense when: you have a child with severe motion sickness; you’re traveling during a weather window where seas are rough; you’re already running tight on time after a delayed international connection; or your resort package includes the air transfer.
One hybrid approach worth knowing: some families fly into SXM, spend a night on the Dutch or French side to decompress from a long-haul flight, then take the ferry to Anguilla the following morning rested. St. Martin’s family-friendly beaches make that stopover feel like the trip has already begun rather than a logistical delay. Families flying in from the U.S. West Coast or Europe, where travel time exceeds 10–12 hours, often find this approach significantly reduces arrival-day stress.
V. Timing Your Arrival — Building the Right Buffer
The single most common mistake families make is under-estimating the time between landing at SXM and reaching their Anguilla resort. Here’s a realistic timeline for the ferry route:
- SXM immigration and baggage claim: 30–60 minutes (longer during peak season when multiple international flights land simultaneously)
- Ground transfer SXM to Marigot dock: 20–30 minutes (allow 45 minutes during peak-season traffic)
- Ferry wait and boarding: 15–30 minutes
- Crossing: 20–25 minutes
- Anguilla immigration and customs: 15–30 minutes
- Transfer from Blowing Point to your resort: 10–30 minutes depending on location
Total realistic door-to-door time from SXM touchdown to resort check-in: 2–3 hours on a smooth day, 3.5–4 hours if anything runs late. Plan your international flights accordingly — an arrival at SXM after 3:00 PM during high season can mean cutting the last convenient ferry close or arriving at your Anguilla resort after dark with tired children.
If your international flight lands late or is delayed, you may need to overnight in St. Maarten and ferry across the next morning. Travel insurance that covers trip interruption is worth having for exactly this scenario.
VI. Documents, Entry Requirements, and Customs
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory. U.S., Canadian, and most EU citizens do not require a visa for short stays, but you will need a valid passport — not just a passport card. Check the current entry requirements with the Anguilla tourism resources and the official government guidance before travel, as requirements can change.
Children’s passports must be current. Anguilla immigration officers are thorough; a child with an expired passport will not be admitted. If you’re traveling with a child and the other parent is not present, some destinations in the Caribbean require a notarized letter of consent — while Anguilla does not currently publish this as a firm requirement, it is good practice to carry one anyway, as it can be requested at the discretion of immigration officers.
Customs at Blowing Point is straightforward for families arriving with typical vacation gear. Declare any food items. Commercial quantities of any product attract scrutiny; a couple of snack packs for the kids do not.
VII. Getting Around Once You’re on the Island
Anguilla drives on the left (British side). Renting a car is the most flexible option for families, particularly if you want to reach multiple beaches across the island — Anguilla is approximately 16 miles long and 3 miles wide. Browse rental car options before you arrive; local rental companies at Blowing Point and near the airport handle most of the supply, and inventory tightens in peak season. You’ll need a temporary Anguilla driving permit, which rental companies arrange for a small fee.
Taxis are plentiful but operate on fixed government rates, not meters — confirm the fare before you depart. Most resorts can arrange taxi transfers from the ferry terminal or airport as part of arrival logistics; confirm this with your property when you book. Anguilla’s best family beaches are spread across the island, so your own transport gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.
For activities and day excursions once you’re settled, browse family-friendly tours and activities or compare kid-friendly day tours to line up boat trips, snorkeling excursions, or island tours in advance.
VIII. What to Pack for the Transit Day
The SXM-to-Anguilla leg is not a day to have everything buried in checked bags. Pack a dedicated transit carry-on or day bag with the following:
- Passports and printed/digital copies of hotel confirmation and return travel documents
- Cash in USD for the departure tax and incidentals (ATMs exist in SXM; Anguilla also has banking facilities, but don’t rely on card-only transit)
- Sunscreen, hats, and a change of clothes for kids — the ferry dock involves outdoor waiting
- Snacks and a full water bottle per person
- Motion sickness medication if your child needs it, taken 30–45 minutes before boarding the ferry
- Entertainment for airport and dock wait times — a loaded tablet or a few downloaded audiobooks handles the gaps well
- A light rain layer — Caribbean afternoon showers are brief but can soak an uncovered ferry queue
IX. Where to Stay Once You Arrive
Anguilla’s resort concentration runs along the southern and western coasts, within reasonable distance of Blowing Point. Properties on the eastern end near Shoal Bay East are the furthest from the ferry, roughly 20–25 minutes by car.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Shoal Bay VillasFor families who want a self-catering base with full kitchens on Shoal Bay East, see our Kitchen-First, Beach-Always: Shoal Bay Villas Family Review. If a resort with a waterpark and kids club is higher priority, see our Waterpark, Kids Club, and 5-Star Beach: Aurora Anguilla Reviewed. For a broader look at accommodation options across the island, the ranked best family-friendly stays in Anguilla list covers the full range.
Things to Do in Anguilla
Browse family-friendly tours and activities in Anguilla, ranked from real traveler reviews.
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