Logistics · Destination Guide
Sandy Ground dive boats, protected reefs and a handful of properly arranged cay days.
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
The two principal arrival models are flying into Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Anguilla, or flying to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on Dutch Sint Maarten and transferring by road to the Marigot port on French Saint-Martin for the public ferry to Blowing Point. Private cross-border sea transfers may be available but were not independently accepted as fixed scheduled products. The Government of Anguilla posts ferry times and fees, but both schedules and charges must be rechecked around the booking date. Plan passport controls in the countries/territories you cross and enough buffer for baggage, ground travel and the last ferry. Accommodations are on Anguilla's main island, with taxis or rental cars for Sandy Ground, The Valley and West End. Ferry terminal; Airport.
Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport
AXA • TQPF
Anguilla's own airport near The Valley, suitable for on-island arrival by scheduled regional services and some direct flights. Confirm an airline's actual current service rather than assuming historical routes.
Transport: Prearranged taxi, Rental car subject to local driving permit, Accommodation-arranged transfer
Princess Juliana International Airport
SXM • TNCM
Main connecting airport across the border on Dutch Sint Maarten. Travellers typically need onward ground transport to Marigot in French Saint-Martin for the public Anguilla ferry, or an individually arranged private cross-border water transfer.
Transport: Prebooked road transfer to Marigot public ferry, Private cross-border sea transfer subject to operator confirmation
Driving is on the left. The Tourist Board specifies a temporary local driving licence in addition to a valid home licence, normally arranged with a car-rental company. Taxis are useful for airport and ferry pickup, but a rental car is often more convenient for moving between Sandy Ground, The Valley, West End and Island Harbour. Arrange early or late rides instead of assuming an app-based ride network. Offshore cays require separately booked boat operators; ordinary road transport does not reach them. Tourist Board transport advice.
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory with its own immigration rules, not simply a UK or Saint-Martin entry stamp. Bring a valid passport and a return/onward ticket; you may be asked about accommodations and funds. Visa requirements depend on nationality and valid third-country visas or residence permits. The official Anguilla eVisa portal flags processing delays, so apply early if required. UK advice mentions up to 90 days visa-free for qualifying British visitors, not every passport. Travelers coming through SXM/Marigot must independently satisfy Dutch or French transit/entry rules. Clear immigration and customs at AXA or Blowing Point; private craft require appropriate port clearance. Check current official rules and airline requirements immediately before travel. Tourist Board entry information; government visas.
Bring certification records, computer, relevant medical and travel insurance details and masks that fit; confirm what each local boat supplies. Scuba Shack publishes certified 1- and 2-tank trips both with tanks/weights alone and with full equipment rental, plus refresher options. Quest lists BCD, mask and fins in packages, but do not assume the rest of the kit or a night-dive torch is included. Snorkeling operators often lend masks and fins; check flotation and sizes. Dedicated freedive equipment and rescue resources were not verified. Protect electronics and paperwork during wet embarkations and avoid flying too soon after diving. Operator equipment options; Quest inclusions.
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist businesses; prices can be quoted in USD or EC, so verify the denomination before payment. This guide does not convert fees. Cards work at many accommodation and dive operators, but carry suitable cash for boat shuttles, small vendors and tips. Official country facts.
The Anguilla Tourist Board says ATMs are available at convenient locations island-wide and suggests withdrawing by Friday if staying through the weekend. Confirm bank hours and card-network access before relying on cash at a small cay vendor. ATB FAQ.
110 V AC (government description) • 60 Hz (secondary visitor-source confirmation) • A, B
US-style outlets and voltage are standard according to government information; travelers with non-US plugs need an adapter and must check device voltage compatibility. Government facts; Frequency corroboration.
Communications
English is used for bookings and emergency communications. Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are available around settled parts of Anguilla, but verify your SIM or roaming agreement and do not assume mobile reception on outlying reefs and cays. Ask your skipper about marine radio and emergency communication backup. Use telephone country code +1 264 for Anguilla; consider downloading confirmations and maps before offshore departures.
Language
English is the official and everyday visitor-facing language. Local Anguillian speech and Caribbean cultural context are part of the island experience. Reservations, marine-park rules and medical questions can ordinarily be handled in English. Government facts.
Insurance
Buy insurance that explicitly covers recreational scuba at your intended maximum depth, any training or breath-hold activity, emergency oxygen/medical treatment, decompression illness and inter-island or international evacuation. Check DAN or another diving-specific assistance provider and verify the actual policy wording. Standard travel medical coverage may exclude scuba or limit evacuation. Storm disruption and separately booked flight/ferry connections deserve flexible terms in June-November. Travel health advice.
Packing list
Take a passport and confirmed itinerary, dive certification and logbook, computer if diving, fitted mask, sun-protective clothing, a light rain/wind layer, reef-conscious sunscreen, refillable water, personal medications and a dry bag. Bring hiking shoes if joining a National Trust coastal walk and cash for small ferries. Avoid packing anything that suggests collecting shells, coral, animals or shipwreck artifacts; taking marine resources from protected areas is restricted. Keep important medication and travel documents in hand baggage.