Sea Excursions in Anguilla

A number of boating options are available for airport transfers, day trips to offshore cays or neighboring islands, night trips to St. Martin, or just whipping through the waves en route to a picnic spot.

Chocolat. This 35-foot catamaran is available for private charter or scheduled excursions to nearby cays. Captain Rollins is a knowledgeable, affable guide. Rates for day sails with lunch (prepared by the captain's wife, Jacquie, of Ripples Restaurant) are about $80 per person. Sandy Ground, AI2640. 264/497-3394.

Funtime Charters. This charter and shuttle service operates five powerboats ranging in size from 32 to 38 feet. They will arrange private boat transport to the airport ($65 per person), day trips to St. Barth, or other boat excursions. A new, fully air-conditioned 42-seat boat, The Sunshine Express, runs late-night and early morning direct to SXM, and also has inter-island excursions. The Cove, AI2640. 264/497-6511 or 866/334-0047. www.funtimechartersanguilla.com.

Junior's Glass Bottom Boat. For an underwater peek without getting wet, catch a ride ($20 per person) on Junior's Glass Bottom Boat. Snorkeling trips and instruction are available, too. Just show up at Shoal Bay Beach and look for the boat or ask for Junior at the Dive Shop. Sandy Ground, AI2640. 264/497-4456. www.junior.ai.

No Fear Sea Tours. In addition to private airport transportation, day snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and fishing trips on three 32-foot speedboats and a 19-foot ski boat, this charter service offers watersports rentals (tubing, skiing, knee-boarding). The Cove, AI2640. 264/235-6354. www.nofearseatours.com.

Sandy Island Enterprises. Picnic, swimming, and diving excursions to Prickly Pear Cay, Sandy Island, and Scilly Cay are available through Sandy Island Enterprises, which also rents Sunfish and Windsurfers and arranges fishing charters. Fans of TV's The Bachelor might recall the Valentine's Day picnic date here in 2011. You, too, can enjoy some rum punch and lobster. The Sandy Island sea shuttle leaves from the small pier in Sandy Ground daily November-July, and by reservation August-October. The Valley, AI 2640. 264/476-6534. mysandyisland.com.