Eli Fuller from Antigua turned me on to this very cool weather site. I am heading to Anguilla Thursday for the end of Summer Festival and Mayoumba Thur. night. If Dutch Antilles Express flies, I am going. This weather expert is still unsure what this system may do…fingers crossed.
http://crownweather.com/?page_id=325
Press Release from Cape Air
HYANNIS, Mass., July 19 /PRNewswire/ — Cape Air adds a new island destination in the Caribbean with two daily flights between the Island of Anguilla and San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning on December 22, 2010. “This is our 13th year of providing inter-island service in the Caribbean and all of us at Cape Air are excited about our newest destination,” says Cape Air President Dan Wolf. “We have ensured that our Anguilla flight schedule allows for easy connections with major carriers arriving in San Juan and our convenient ticket and baggage agreements with almost all of the major carriers mean you can book your entire trip on one itinerary and check your bags through to your final destination.”
Hon. Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Tourism stated, “Anguilla is a unique destination and Cape Air will compliment its product offerings. Our Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport and staff are ready and anxious to have Cape Air on Anguilla. This will add a new dimension to our destination and I am happy to be part of this.”
Merlyn Rogers, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism says, “We are looking forward to a great season here in Anguilla. With Cape Air’s new island service from San Juan and convenient connections with the other major airlines, access to an Anguilla vacation is easier than ever before.”
This new Caribbean route complements Cape Air’s existing Caribbean service for San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tortola, Vieques, Mayaguez and Ponce. Tickets can be purchased on Expedia or Travelocity or at 866-Cape-Air where there is never a booking fee to talk with a Cape Air agent. Anguilla’s airport code is AXA.
| Schedule—Daily service, year round | |||||
| From San Juan | To Anguilla | From Anguilla | To San Juan | ||
| 9:45 AM | 11:05 AM | 12:52 PM | 2:12 PM | ||
| 2:35 PM | 3:55 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:50 PM | ||
About Cape Air:
Now in its 21st year, Cape Air is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the United States annually flying over 610,000 passengers to destinations around the world including New England, New York, the Caribbean, and Florida, the mid-Atlantic, the mid west and Micronesia. With a fleet of sixty-two Cessna 402s and two ATR-42s, the employee owned company operates up to 575 flights a day. Based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Cape Air also operates flights under the Nantucket Airlines brand. Cape Air is a codeshare partner with Continental Airlines in the Caribbean and Micronesia, with JetBlue Airways in New England and American Airlines in the Midwest. In addition, Cape Air has ticket and baggage agreements with most major airlines. Cape Air’s unique brand of customer service, MOCHA HAGoTDI,* has earned the airline accolades as ‘Best Airline’ on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and in the United States Virgin Islands. The airline has been recognized for outstanding philanthropy in the communities it serves and Cape Air President Dan Wolf was recipient of the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award.
Capeair.com 866-Cape-Air
Harriet Heading to her Anguilla Bliss
Half the fun of getting to Anguilla is the ferry from Sint Maarten or St. Martin. My first trip, Maggie and I were in Grande Case so it made sense to take the public ferry from Marigot. It’s an easy process buying a ticket (15.00 pp) and waiting for the next ferry. Fortunately for us it was The Link Ferry with a big open top so I could feel the breeze. Some of the ferries place the passengers in enclosed cabins (ugh). The ride over was breaktaking and the sea calm. As we came in, Maggie saw a sea turtle . What a warm welcome.
My second trip I arranged a ride on the Link Ferry. A taxi picked me up outside the arrival hall in SXM and within a minute I was at the customs house in Sint Maarten. 20 minutes later I arrived in Anguilla. Coming back I booked a ride on the school bus ferry run by Link Ferry. Captain Franklin had a boat load of kids heading to school on the Dutch side.
My third trip I waited a while for the Link Ferry and finally gave up. The Shauna Ferry was leaving and gave me a ride. This is an enclosed boat but the captain let me sit in his seat so I could hang out his window. I was the only passenger and we flew. I was slightly green upon arrival but made it safe and sound. Within an hour I was at Smokey’s with the girls eating Roti and listening to the Musical Brothers.
What’s the best boat? It’s your call. The boat charters from the Dutch side are around 85 USd pp round trip. This works for me. If you want to take the public ferry from Marigot it is cheaper but you then have the taxi fare and traffic.
To book your ferry contact Ann at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. She offers villa rentals, free concierge for her clients and is now booking rooms at the fabulous brand new Viceroy. Contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com
Marigot Public Ferry Boarding Pass
American Eagle Airlines has annouced a more than 50% reduction in their flights to Anguilla from San Juan. The flights will now service Anguilla Sat. Sun. and Mon. departing 2:35 PM for Anguilla. Low passenger load accounts for the service change. The new schedule changes early March so call AA today to make any necessary changes. AA flies into Sint Maarten so that could be an alternative for AA ticket holders traveling after March.
American Eagle
I met the owner of a restaurant in June when I was in Anguilla. He told me he needed a house sitter Aug. 1 so I jumped at the chance. Steve Sloop at Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) told me there was a 400 ANG air promotion so I grabbed that. I left Bonaire 8 AM on Aug. 1 and was at Smokey’s by 12. My buddy Lisanne picked me up in her sexy jeep wrangler and off we went. Smokey’s a a way cool seaside beach bar restaurant. 3 other lovely ladies joined us, Chantal from LAX, Mary Alice from Saratoga Springs and Magda from Poland. They are all ex pats and had a lot to share about island life. I had lovely Roti and Ting, my favorite drink. The Musical Brothers played music. It was a little too loud but great. There was a sad scared stray dog we all tried to feed and befriend. I had a dip in the tropical blue. The beaches on island are simply amazing.
Smokey's Roti
I went to my little casa that I was housesitting and got organized. It is a comfortable house in Long Bay area. I had views of Sint Maarten. Very cool.
At night I met Mandy and Craig, friends from Trip Advisor. We dined at Straw Hat. This great restaurant is owned by Peter who has run the place for 12 years. It is now located at Frangipani Hotel. The views are to die for and it’s the best spot for sunset. I had a Ti Punch which is one of my favorite alcoholic drinks. It was perfect. My dinner choice was Spring Rolls for an app and Crayfish for my entree. Both were delicious. I love Mandy and Craig. We had a great night.
Crayfish
I was offered a house sit and free car for the week of Aug. 1-8 so here I am back less than a month from my last trip. What a treat. I had arranged to take the Link Ferry again from the Dutch side and confirmed it a few times. When I arrived at the airport after flawless flights on Dutch Antilles Express, I waited 30 min. for my ride. After a taxi man called someone showed up. When we got to the ferry it was gone. Capt. Franklin’s son was inside and could not explain why they left without me. He said it would be 45 min for the next ferry. Then he said maybe 2 hours. He seemed confused which created much anxiety for me. I asked if I should go to Marigot and he said yes. Just then the Shauna Ferry came and dropped off about 10 people and agreed to take me back. I paid them 35 USD and off we went. The ride was rough and the boat is enclosed with some windows. Sea spray was the norm so the captain let me sit on his seat and he stood and steered. I felt a bit ill upon arrival but was ok. Customs and Immigration was swift. My friend Lisanne met me and drove me to my house sit at Mead’s Bay. I changed and by 12 30 we were at Smokeys. We grabbed a nice table and ordered lunch. I always seem to get roti (15 USD) and Ting. Loved it. Lisanne ordered a burger and crazy good looking tempura style onion rings. I met Tina from Trip Advisor next door and we chatted a bit. Later some more girls joined our party. The music was enjoyable but very loud. There was a terribly shy male puppy running around. 3 of us fed and watered him. I am fearful of his destiny. He is too timid and not well liked by the staff at Smokeys. I ended the afternoon with a lovely swim.
Dinner was with Mandy and Craig at Straw Hat. I met Mandy online on Trip Advisor. Straw Hat was great. It is located on Mead’s Bay at the Frangipani Hotel. Peter, the owner is a super host and his staff amazing. I started a Ti Punch watching sunset. It was 8 USD and wonderful. Mandy and Craig came at 7 and we had a lovely table.andy has to share her menu choices. I had the Spring rolls (16 USD) and enjoyed them. I didn’t love them madly but they were tasty. I chose crayfish for my entree (48 USD). They served 3 split crayfish with lovely plantains and rice and peas and delicious grilled veggies. It was a great choice. I LOVED the crayfish. Mandy and Craig had dessert. She shared her banana bread pudding. I had a few bites. It was a traditional West Indian style slice. Craig seemed to enjoy his creme brulee.
I headed to Dune after as Maggie the PR rep promised there was a show. I got there at 10 and met pitch black. No show no Dune. I went “home” and read a great mystery falling asleep. At 1 AM a rooster woke me up. Egads..
Today is a new day. I woke at 6 and headed called Gerauds, the French Bakery, to see what time they open. The women said the oven was broken (this happened last Aug. too) and they were closed. I drove to Island Harbour and Le Bon Pain and ordered a tuna baquette for lunch and two almond croissants. The place was packed with local men ordered bags of food. Whilst waiting I met two lovely white and black kittens. Fortunately I had bought a big bag of cat food to feed the Meads Bay cats and gave these two loveys a nice breakfast. One loved to be cuddled and I almost took him home. I took my treats and drove to Shoal Bay East for a swim and ate a lovely breakfast. Now I am home working a bit. It’s Carnival and the island is still sleeping after Battle of the Bands last night. I have done Carnival in Sint Maarten, St. Kitts, Bonaire and Antigua so that’s enough for me. I am here mostly to cover the sail boat races. Regretfully I will not be posting photos until Aug. 9 so please come visit again.
Bonaire- Dutch Antilles Express(DAE) currently has a great fare from Bonaire to Sint Maarten. The price is 400 ANG or 225.00 USD roundtrip/return. This is a substantial savings. Act now to plan your escape to the serene island of Anguilla. Carnival is July 28- Aug. 9. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with the many tourists and locals that take to the beach and streets to party. There are boat races, Mas troups, Jump Up, and typical island “lime” sessions. Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com to book your trip. Contact DAE at reservations@flydae.com for more airline details.
From North America AA, DL, Jet Blue and Continental fly to Sint Maarten. Air is running 400+ right now. I flew CO from Newark and was drinking a ginger pina colada by 2 PM. From Europe take KLM or Air France to Sint Maarten.
Heading to Anguilla on DAE
I planned a short sojourn to Anguilla. Due to a family situation my trip was delayed and regretfully shortened.
Air: I chose Continental out of Newark leaving 20 min. late at 8:20. We arrived into Sint Maarten (SXM) at 12. The lines thru immigration were short and the wait time for luggage long. I met The Link Ferry outside the airport and was transported free to the Link Ferry, 5 min by taxi. Captain Franklin and his reliable crew took our passports, created a manifest and off we went. The ride was swift and fun. I met Laurie and Steve from Maine and a few locals. I was in Anguilla by 1 15 PM. The ferry is 85.00 round trip from the Dutch side. It works out the same if you take the public ferry from the French side factoring in taxi and all. For me I prefer no long taxi and leaving right from the Dutch side.
Accommodation: I chose Ambia B and B based on reviews on www.tripadvisor.com and a lovely email dialogue I had with a long term tenant. Magda, the house manager met me and whisked me away to my retreat. The views of Sandy Ground were magnificent. The design of the house very lovely and pleasing. I had a nice comfy room with mini fridge, comfy bed, nice linens and thirsty white towels and a lovely shower. I used the AC at night. Breakfast was included. I made my own and had a choice of lovely fresh pastries from Gerauds as well as cheeses, breads, yogurts and more. My room came with a bottle of water and more was always available. A plus was free wifi and the use of the owner’s Vonage line. One mention there are no locks on the doors which are Japanese screen sliders. I used my suitcase to secure the door but did recommend locks for bedrooms to the owner. No one seemed the least bit concerned at the property.
I will post photos soon. My camera is not cooperating.
I am a licensed agent for Travel Guard Insurance. Due to the recent outbreak of swine flu I am again strongly recommending Cancel for Any Reason Protect Assist Trip Insurance. Purchase within 15 days of your first payment for the best coverage. There is no reported Swine Flu in Anguilla. I have seen many clients lose significant money when they would not have had they purchased trip insurance. Most clients save all year for their two weeks in paradise. Surely the investment is worth the added protection of trip insurance. Hurricane season commences in June. If you are headed to the Caribbean it is even more prudent to be covered. Email me at ann@bonairecaribbean.com for details.
I admit it, I over think, over research and over analyze things. I am trying to chill more but when it comes to travel I am obssessive about trip planning. My friend Mark, who lives in Antigua told me about his June 2008 trip to Anguilla. This was one island I had not visited. My 16 year old and I needed a short getaway so we found air and a condo and took off. We booked air from Bonaire on DAE to Sint Maarten. I used a few travel newsgroups as resources to determine how to get to Anguilla from Sint Maarten. It’s a short 2o minute tripon the ferry so what’s the big deal. Well the big deal is major choices and many opinions. The short is you can ferry from the Dutch side or from Marigot. If you ferry from Marigot you have to pay the taxi fare but then only pay 15.00 USD pp each way for the public ferry. The Dutch side ferries are more money and private. They include Funtime and the Shauna Ferry. We opted to spend a night in St. Martin (the French side) and shop and lunch in Marigot the next day before heading to Anguilla. We entered the ferry terminal and easily and quickly bought tickets for the Link ferry. We paid our fee and gave out suitcases to the porter. Maggie and I secured upper deck seats offering a splendid view of Marigot. The ride was smooth and enjoyable. Coming home we had an early departure on the first ferry. It was the Link again and was the “school bus” taking kids to school on the Dutch side. The ride was a bit longer but very enjoyable. We arrived at the immigration station, surrendered our passports and then reclaimed them to then take the free taxi to the airport. It was a piece of cake. Next time I will book The Link. You may contact them:
www.link.ai
Tel# 264-497-2231/3290
Fax: 264-497-3290
Email: fbconnor@anguillanet.com
Elvis’s Beach Bar