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The prickly pear catamaran trip from st maarten including lunch crosses international waters to reach Anguilla's uninhabited offshore cays, where a single open-air restaurant serves the island's only hot meals. Most operators depart from Simpson Bay and sail northeast for 60 to 90 minutes, clearing customs at Blowing Point before anchoring in the shallows. This guide covers departure logistics, what to expect from the onboard and island meal service, and how the day's rhythm unfolds.
Quick answer
A prickly pear catamaran trip from st maarten including lunch typically departs Simpson Bay or Philipsburg between 9:00 and 10:00, sails 60 to 90 minutes to Anguilla, and moors off Prickly Pear Cays for four to five hours. Lunch is served either onboard the catamaran or at the island's beach restaurant, which operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Most tours include the meal, snorkel gear, and rum punch during the return sail.
Prickly Pear Cays lies six nautical miles northwest of Anguilla's mainland and twelve miles northeast of St Maarten's Simpson Bay, making the crossing one of the longer inter-island sails in the Leeward chain. The two cays—Prickly Pear East and Prickly Pear West—are uninhabited except for a seasonal beach bar and restaurant that opens mid-morning and closes by late afternoon. There is no ferry service, no pier, and no overnight accommodation. Access is by private charter or scheduled catamaran excursion, nearly all of which originate in St Maarten and build the lunch service into the itinerary. The catamaran crossing begins in Dutch waters, enters the open channel between Anguilla and St Martin, and terminates in British territory. Operators handle customs clearance at Blowing Point or via a licensed captain's manifest, so passengers rarely disembark in Road Bay. Once anchored, the catamaran either ferries guests ashore in a tender or moors close enough for guests to wade. The island's restaurant, also called Prickly Pear, prepares grilled lobster, conch fritters, ribs, and catch-of-the-day plates over charcoal. Service runs from 11:00 to 16:00 Tuesday through Sunday; the restaurant is closed Monday. Tour operators coordinate meal times to align with the kitchen's midday window, so most boats arrive between 11:30 and 13:00. Sailing trips to Prickly Pear from St Maarten bundle the meal into a flat per-person rate rather than itemizing it separately. Some catamarans serve a buffet onboard before anchoring; others issue a voucher or pre-ordered plate at the beach restaurant. Drinks beyond water and punch are typically paid for separately, either in cash or via a bar tab settled before departure. The beach itself is free to access—the island charges no landing or conservation fee—but the meal and boat passage are the billable components. The return crossing to St Maarten usually departs between 15:00 and 16:00, timed to clear Anguillian waters before the immigration office in Road Bay closes for the day. Afternoon wind builds as the trade flow accelerates, so the sail back is often faster and choppier than the outbound leg. Operators serve snacks and rum punch during the return; some play music, others let the boat run quiet. The catamaran day sail to Prickly Pear with lunch remains the most efficient way to visit the cays without chartering a private vessel, and the meal window dictates the day's entire structure.
“Prickly Pear Cays lies six nautical miles northwest of Anguilla's mainland and twelve miles northeast of St Maarten's Simpson Bay, making the crossing one of the longer inter-island sails in the Leeward chain.”
Most catamaran charters depart St. Maarten mid-morning and return by late afternoon, offering a full day on the water with a stop at Prickly Pear Cays for swimming, lunch, and beach time.
Board the catamaran at Simpson Bay Marina or Philipsburg and sail north toward Anguilla. The crossing takes roughly 60–75 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Anchor off the beach and transfer ashore by tender or wade in from the shallows. Most operators allow 3–4 hours here.
Swim in the shallow lagoon, snorkel the nearby reefs, or walk the white-sand shore. Gear is typically provided by the charter.
Sit down for a prepared meal, either served aboard the catamaran or at one of the island's beach restaurants if the operator has arranged it. Expect grilled fish, ribs, salads, and rum punch.
Last chance to explore the beach or collect shells before boarding. Operators usually signal a 15-minute warning.
Sail back across the channel, often with music and drinks on deck. The return leg takes about an hour.
Disembark at the original marina, with time to rinse off and collect belongings before the operator closes out the trip.
Prickly Pear Cays are located off the coast of Anguilla, requiring a maritime journey from St. Maarten. Most visitors depart via organized catamaran charters from major marinas such as Simpson Bay or Philipsburg.
Catamaran charter from Simpson Bay
Catamaran charter from Philipsburg
Check weather conditions and charter requirements with your provider before departure, as maritime access depends on sea states. Arrive at your designated marina early to complete boarding procedures.
Prickly Pear Cays operates daily from Tuesday through Sunday, remaining closed on Mondays. Planning your visit within these operational hours ensures access to island amenities and restaurant services.
Admission to Prickly Pear Cays is free for all visitors. Total trip expenses are determined by the costs associated with your chosen catamaran tour provider and their provided lunch services.
Verdict: While the island entrance fee is 0 USD, your total cost depends entirely on the specific catamaran package and catering options selected from your tour provider.
The best arrival window for a catamaran trip to Prickly Pear Cays is 11:00–15:00. Arriving during this mid-day period ensures alignment with restaurant service while helping to avoid peak afternoon boat traffic.
Dry, pleasant with 75-82°F (24-28°C)
These months offer stable conditions and active social environments for catamaran visitors.
Warmer with 80-88°F (27-31°C)
Travelers often find more space on the island and less competition for beach seating.
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Arriving between 11:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday through Thursday provides the most relaxed experience while keeping lunch options available.
Verdict: The optimal time to visit is Tuesday through Thursday between 11:00 and 15:00 during the months of May or October to balance favorable weather with manageable crowd levels.
Dining options on Prickly Pear Cays are centered around established beachside service, though many catamaran excursions from St. Maarten include a prepared meal as part of the trip. Visitors arriving independently or seeking alternatives can utilize local facilities or bring their own provisions.
restaurant
Located directly on the beach, this venue provides sit-down dining options during the established operational hours.
picnic
Most organized boat trips from St. Maarten include a lunch service, typically consisting of grilled items or buffet-style meals served on the boat or beach.
picnic
Visitors may bring their own food and beverages to the island to enjoy on the beach, as there are no public markets available on the cays.
Everything you need to know about prickly pear catamaran trip from st maarten including lunch
A prickly pear catamaran trip from st maarten including lunch is a popular way to experience the turquoise waters of Anguilla. These excursions typically provide a full day of sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine shores.
These trips usually involve a sail from St. Maarten to the Anguilla archipelago, allowing time for snorkeling in crystal-clear reefs. Most packages feature a prepared meal served on the island or boat, completing the prickly pear catamaran trip from st maarten including lunch experience.
While the tour price covers your transport and often your meal, you may want to bring extra cash for personal purchases at the restaurant or beach bar. The cays themselves are natural areas, so be prepared for a rustic environment.
The best arrival window is 11:00–15:00 to align with restaurant service and avoid peak boat traffic. Planning your visit for these mid-day hours ensures the most consistent island experience.
Yes, visitors often arrive via private charters or organized sailing groups to explore these reefs and white sand beaches. Ensure your operator coordinates with local island facilities if you require specific services.
The Prickly Pear Cays are a protected natural area, and the beaches are accessible for visitors to enjoy the marine life and scenery. Always follow local environmental guidelines to protect the coral reefs and native wildlife.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate swimwear for snorkeling. While the boat provides shade, the Caribbean sun is intense, so sun protection is essential for your day on the water.
Entry to the island itself is 0 USD, meaning there is no direct government access fee for the beach. Note that while entry is free, individual tours, catamaran services, and restaurant meals involve separate costs.