Port information & tips for Prickly Pear Cays
The Prickly Pear Cays off the coast of Anguilla embody the epitome of an untouched Caribbean island paradise, offering guests an exclusive getaway amidst vibrant turquoise waters. These uninhabited twin islands impress with their powdery white sand beach and a relaxed atmosphere, while the colorful coral reef just offshore invites you to world-class snorkeling experiences. Highlights include a visit to the charming Prickly Pear Bar & Grill as well as observing rare seabirds in the protected nesting areas. Since there is no fixed pier on the cays, cruise ships anchor offshore and bring guests directly to Prickly Pear Beach by tender boat. Thanks to this location, travelers reach the pristine nature immediately upon arrival and enjoy complete tranquility far away from urban centers.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The Prickly Pear Cays off Anguilla are a picturesque cruise destination, primarily reached via boat excursions from the main island of Anguilla or neighboring St. Maarten. Smaller luxury cruise ships usually tender at the ports of Road Bay or Blowing Point on Anguilla, from where the journey continues to the Cays.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region typically involves international flights to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten. From there, short connecting flights to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Anguilla are available, taking about seven minutes, or alternatively, sea shuttles to the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Anguilla with a travel time of 25 to 30 minutes. Direct flight connections to AXA are also available from several US cities.
Transfer by Ferry and Boat
From Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, you can easily reach the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Anguilla using one of the numerous sea shuttles. Alternatively, public ferries are available from Marigot (St. Martin) to Blowing Point, taking approximately 20 minutes. The Prickly Pear Cays themselves are located about six miles northwest of Anguilla and are only accessible by charter boats or water taxis from ports such as Sandy Ground (Road Bay) on Anguilla.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe and the necessary transfers, an overnight stay on Anguilla or St. Maarten is recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to your cruise while offering the opportunity to explore the beauty of the islands beforehand. Many hotels on Anguilla are happy to assist you with organizing your local transfers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to the idyllic Prickly Pear Cays is usually by tender boat or organized excursions, as these uninhabited islands are a pure natural paradise without a permanent port terminal.
Water Taxis and Tender Boats
The transfer from the cruise ship or the main island of Anguilla is conveniently carried out by water taxis and tender boats, which drop guests off directly at the shallow shore and guarantee a direct connection to the beach.
On Foot
On the islands themselves, you move exclusively on foot and can reach all beach sections and the small beach bars within a few minutes' walk via fine sand paths and along the coastline.
Private Charter Boats
Private charter boats are available for individual travel, anchoring directly in the protected lagoon and, in addition to transport, offering exclusive opportunities for snorkeling in the surrounding coral reefs.
To make the most of your stay on the Prickly Pear Cays, a combination of complete relaxation on the dream beach and exploring the colorful underwater world directly off the coast is ideal.
Prickly Pear East
The main island welcomes guests with a snow-white coral sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, while the cozy beach restaurant provides for your physical well-being amidst this pristine Caribbean setting.
Prickly Pear Reef
The protected coral reef extends directly in front of the cays and, thanks to the calm water, is perfect for extensive snorkeling trips where you can observe nurse sharks and colorful schools of fish in their natural habitat.
Sandy Ground & Road Bay
As a lively gateway to the main island of Anguilla, this nearby neighborhood impresses with its historical significance for salt mining and, thanks to the short boat connection, is ideal for a stroll through the charming boutiques and cafes along the shore.
Prickly Pear East
The idyllic island of Prickly Pear East is reachable by boat in a short crossing of about twenty minutes and offers a paradise-like backdrop for those seeking tranquility with its snow-white coral sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. Thanks to the excellent beach bar on site, you can enjoy cool refreshments and local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere, while the shallow reef is ideal for snorkeling directly from the shore. It is best to visit this untouched spot in the morning to experience the complete peace of the lagoon, and be sure to plan your return trip by boat in good time to be safely back at the starting point about ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey from the pristine Prickly Pear Cays to your cruise ship is exclusively by boat and is particularly straightforward thanks to the fixed schedules of the excursion providers.
Excursion Boats and Catamarans
The transfer back to the ship starts directly at the bright sandy beach, where the captains pick up their guests again at the agreed time. Thanks to direct communication with the crew on site, you know exactly when your boat departs, ensuring a relaxed return trip across the turquoise waters.
Meeting Point Prickly Pear Bar and Grill
The well-known restaurant on the island serves as a central landmark and meeting point for all travelers before departure. From here, the path to the shore is very short, and you can spend the time until boarding comfortably in the shade; additionally, you can keep an eye on the boat docking area at all times.
Orientation and Safety
As there are no roads or motorized land transport on the cays, movement is exclusively on foot along the beach. The clear layout of the small island makes the path to the boat easy and safe, and the guides also assist with boarding and ensure a punctual return to your main ship or the port of Anguilla.
