How many excursions do you know that not only take you to another island country but also to a completely deserted island, all while offering an open bar, BBQ lunch, and snacks along the way? Aqua Mania Adventures delivers this and more, which is why they have such stellar reviews—and why I couldn’t resist booking their tour to Prickly Pear Cays and Anguilla!

For this adventure, we were instructed to arrive at the marina at Simpson Bay Resort by 8 a.m., with passports in hand, for a prompt 9 a.m. departure. The check-in process was clear and efficient, and finding the marina was a breeze, even if you’re not staying at Simpson Bay Resort. Simply follow the signs for the hotel, head down the steps to the Aqua Mania Adventures tour desk, or ask someone for directions to the marina.

Since you’ll be visiting a different country (Anguilla), it’s crucial to bring your passport—they’ll check this at check-in, and you’ll need to sign a quick form. Other essentials to pack include sunscreen (the sun can be intense, especially with all the water activities), a towel (I used a microfiber quick-dry towel), and a hat. You don’t need to worry about drinks, as water, soft drinks, and alcohol are provided on board.

There may be a few different excursions departing that morning, so pay attention when your boat is called. At check-in, you’ll be given a laminated boarding pass with your boat’s name. Around 8:45 a.m., they’ll begin boarding. We were on the Lambada, a sailing catamaran. When called, we handed our boarding passes to the crew, removed our shoes for safety, and placed them in bins provided—ready to be returned when we got back.

Once we boarded the boat, there was plenty of room to spread out. Whether you wanted sun or shade, there were spots for everyone. The crew gave us a quick safety briefing and explained the schedule for the day. They all introduced themselves, and even asked for a few volunteers to help hoist the mainsail once we got going, which was a fun touch!

After the volunteers helped raise the mainsail, the bar opened and the crew made sure everyone had a drink in hand. They also came around with a selection of baguettes, cheese, and apples to snack on. The sail to Prickly Pear Cays took about two hours, but it was a smooth and enjoyable ride with music playing and drinks flowing. Guests were invited to lounge on the nets at the front of the boat and just relax.

Before long, we arrived at what can only be described as paradise. Prickly Pear Cays are two small islets off the coast of Anguilla, completely uninhabited except for a couple of seasonal bars and restaurants that open when there’s enough demand. It felt like stepping into a scene from Swiss Family Robinson—a true desert island experience!

For those who wanted to snorkel, the crew provided gear and pointed out the best spots at the reef just off the shore. I opted to explore the beach on foot instead. While I didn’t feel like swimming to shore, that was no issue—one of the crew took us beachgoers to the island by dinghy. We had about an hour and a half to explore, and I spent that time walking the beach and soaking in the incredible views.

The cayes were absolutely breathtaking—the water was some of the bluest I’ve ever seen, and the sand was soft and powdery. Other guests lounged on the beach chairs, swam in the shallows, or snapped photos of the pristine surroundings. When it was time to head back, we took the dinghy to the boat where a delicious BBQ lunch awaited us, freshly prepared by the crew. It was the perfect way to enjoy our time in this little slice of paradise.

The lunch was a delicious serve-yourself buffet featuring a mix of coleslaw, orzo pasta salad, sautéed potatoes, BBQ chicken and ribs, and Johnny cakes. Plus, the bar was open for whatever drinks you wanted. Seconds and thirds were encouraged, and we all left with very full bellies! If you have any dietary restrictions, though, I’d suggest packing some snacks just in case.

After lunch, we set sail again, this time toward Mead’s Bay, Anguilla—a quick 30-minute ride. It was my first time in Anguilla, and wow, I can definitely see why people rave about it! The beach where we anchored was absolutely stunning, with water just as clear and blue as what we had seen around the cays. I grabbed a float noodle and spent my time simply relaxing in the calm waters, but we were warned not to drift too far or risk missing the boat’s departure! On one end of the beach was the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, and I could instantly see why this stretch of sand is so sought after by high-end travelers. I loved that we got a taste of another island during this trip—it left me wanting to come back and explore Anguilla more, perhaps with an overnight stay next time.

After we returned to the boat, those who were up for it helped raise the main sail again, and the music came back on as we sailed back to Sint Maarten. Spirits were high after a full day of adventure! We arrived back at the port around 4:45 p.m., and it was time to grab our shoes and say goodbye to the amazing crew.

This excursion was hands down the best thing we did during our time in Sint Maarten, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat! It was so unique to visit not only a deserted island but also another beautiful island like Anguilla, with plenty of options to snorkel, relax, or just enjoy the boat.

Here’s a quick recap of what the Prickly Pear Cayes and Anguilla excursion includes:

• Light snacks onboard before lunch
• Open bar (yes, including alcohol!)
• A full BBQ buffet lunch
• All port fees
• Snorkel gear, fins, float noodles, and belts for water fun

Ready to book your excursion to Anguilla and the Prickly Pear Cayes? Click here! 

Looking for places to stay in St Maarten? Check out my review of “Cocovaa Beach Resort”

You can find out more about my stay on my “St Martin/Maarten” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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