Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience

Introduction

Our review explores the Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience, a popular day trip that promises a blend of sailing, snorkeling, and seaside relaxation. While we haven’t personally hopped on this vessel, the consistently high ratings and detailed traveler reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for those craving a mix of adventure and comfort.

What really shines about this tour are the stunning Caribbean views and the delicious buffet onboard, not to mention the unlimited drinks, including Champagne at sunset. One potential drawback? The trip can sometimes be crowded, and the actual snorkeling spots might not always meet expectations if you’re hoping for extensive underwater exploration.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love boat rides, quick island stops, and good food in a lively, social atmosphere. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with some snorkeling thrown in — and don’t mind a boat full of fellow travelers — this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and relaxed sailing make this a memorable Caribbean day trip
• Snorkeling gear and instructions are provided, making underwater exploration accessible
• The buffet lunch and unlimited drinks offer great value for a full day of fun
• Sunset Champagne toast is a perfect way to end the adventure
• The tour visits Prickly Pear Cays and Meads Bay, offering varied scenic highlights
• Early check-in and passport requirements are essential for smooth boarding

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, where check-in begins at 8:15 am. The group boards the catamaran around 9:00 am, after completing immigration in Simpson Bay. This early start helps maximize your time on the water, though it does mean an early wake-up for some.

Traveling by boat is a key part of the experience, with a roughly 20-minute sail from Simpson Bay to Prickly Pear Cays. The boat itself, a spacious catamaran, can carry up to 45 guests, which means a lively but not overly crowded atmosphere. The crew is praised for their professionalism and friendliness, often noted as a highlight in reviews.

The First Stop: Prickly Pear Cays

Situated about six miles north of Road Bay, this uninhabited island is the trip’s star for snorkelers and beach lovers. We liked how the shallow, soft-sand beaches make it ideal for swimming and relaxing, especially for those less confident with open water. Snorkel gear is included, with instructions, and the crew assist with dinghy rides to the reef.

Reviews highlight the beauty of the bright coral reefs and abundant tropical fish like butterfly fish, snapper, and grouper. Some visitors mention that the water is warm and the snorkeling spots are close to the boat, making it easy to hop in and out. A few reviewers expressed disappointment about the limited snorkeling time or spots, but overall, most found this to be a highlight.

The Snorkeling Experience

The snorkel spots are chosen based on weather conditions, with some reviews noting that if the seas are choppy, the experience might be less enjoyable. However, most travelers appreciate the convenience of provided gear, noodles, and the assistance of the crew, which makes snorkeling accessible to all levels.

One guest summed it up: “You pay to go snorkeling, but what you got was driving around,” highlighting that the experience can sometimes be more about the boat ride than long underwater excursions. Still, the coral and fish viewing in crystal-clear waters are generally considered worth the effort.

Lunch on the Water

After snorkeling, guests enjoy a buffet-style lunch onboard. The menu is Caribbean-inspired, featuring barbecue ribs, chicken, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, and Gouda cheese. Sweets like cake are also served in the afternoon.

Reviews reveal that the quality of the food is a big plus, with comments like “the food was good, and there was plenty for all.” The buffet is served while the boat cruises past Anguilla’s coastline, providing a scenic backdrop. The attention to good timing and tasty dishes means that most guests find the meal a satisfying break from the water activities.

The Second Stop: Meads Bay, Anguilla

Next, the boat sails for Meads Bay, one of Anguilla’s most beautiful beaches. The shallow, turquoise waters and powdery white sands make it a perfect spot for swimming or just relaxing on the beach.

Some reviews describe this as the “most majestic of Anguilla beaches,” with a tranquil vibe that contrasts nicely with the lively snorkeling at Prickly Pear. Here, guests typically spend about 1.5 hours, giving enough time to soak in the scenery, dip in the water, or explore a little if they wish.

Cruising Along the Coast and Sunset

As the day winds down, the boat cruises along Anguilla’s shoreline, passing by Baie Longue and the airport beach, where you might catch a plane landing — a fun photo opportunity. The return journey to St. Maarten is marked by a Champagne toast and a chance to reflect on the day.

Most reviews praise the sunset views and the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere on the boat. Grapes and banana cake are served as they sail back, adding an elegant touch to the trip’s end.

The Overall Value

At $149 per person, including snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and Champagne, many find this to be a good value for a full day of Caribbean fun. The unlimited drinks, especially the Champagne at sunset, elevate the experience, making it more than just a boat ride.

However, some travelers who expect extensive snorkeling or multiple island stops might find the itinerary a bit limited or centered more around sightseeing and socializing. One review captures this sentiment: “Most of the trip is on the boat, and the snorkeling spots are close but not extensive.”

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who love sailing, social gatherings, and short, scenic stops. It suits travelers who enjoy good food and drinks, beautiful waters, and a lively crew. It’s less suited for those looking for long or multiple snorkel excursions, or for travelers with limited mobility, given the boat and water-based activities.

The Sum Up

The Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience offers a charming slice of Caribbean life. Its combination of beautiful scenery, fun snorkeling, and hearty Caribbean food provides great value for anyone wanting to enjoy a day on the water with friends or family.

The relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and sunset Champagne toast are definite highlights that make the trip memorable. While the snorkeling may be brief for some, the overall experience of sailing past islands, enjoying a buffet, and soaking in stunning views makes it a worthy choice for most visitors.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate a lively, social vibe and aren’t overly concerned with long underwater adventures. If you’re looking for an easy, well-organized day that offers plenty of scenic beauty and good food, this tour could very well become a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not included; travelers meet at Bobby’s Marina, and there’s no roundtrip bus service. Parking at Bobby’s is available for $2 an hour.

What should I bring?
You should bring your passport (required for immigration), and it’s helpful to have sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Remember your passport, as copies or phone pictures are not accepted.

How long is the cruise?
The full trip lasts around 8 hours, with sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing. Most of the time is spent on the water, with stops for snorkeling and relaxing on beaches.

Are the snorkeling gear and instructions suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkeling gear and instructions are provided, making it accessible for beginners. Dinghy service helps get to the reefs easily.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour recommended for cruise ship passengers?
No, this tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers, as it’s designed for those staying longer on the island and involves a full-day commitment.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but there is a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lbs) for safety reasons.

What is included in the price?
The price covers snorkel equipment, instruction, snacks, buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and a Champagne toast. Government and parking fees are extra.

In essence, this adventure blends scenic sailing, brief but enjoyable snorkeling, and delicious Caribbean food, all wrapped up in a lively, friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a fun day on the water, it offers a balanced mix of relaxation, activity, and scenic beauty.