26/03/2024
Anguilla is renowned for it’s 33 white sand beaches and the best bit is that ALL of them are public, with any new developments on the beach (including private homes) must, by law, allow public access – so it’s not going to change. Here is the list…
⛱ Rendezvous Bay (5 minutes walk from Songbird Villa)
One of Anguilla’s top beaches, Rendezvous Bay is a perfect semi-circle of azure water and glistening white sand and is a favourite for walking. You’ll pass the luxurious Aurora 5 star resort, Bankie Banx’s famous Dune Preserve and Anguilla’s historic Great House. There is a rockier area that is good for snorkelling. Boasting the best views of St. Martin and the volcanic island of Saba.
⛱ Meads Bay
Located on Anguilla’s North shore, Meads Bay is home to many fantastic beach restaurants and bars dotted along it’s long stretch of sand.
⛱ Crocus Bay
With normally calm waters, Crocus Bay is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with plenty of fish and coral. Da’Vida is a lovely beach bar serving food and hiring watersports equipment. You can hire a pedalo or paddleboard and cruise road the bay to nearby Little Bay, stopping at small beach in between.
⛱ Shoal Bay West
Dotted with upscale resorts and restaurants, this beautiful curve of sand meets calm waters that are perfect for swimming. Bask in the Caribbean sunshine while taking in stunning views of the islands of St. Martin and Saba.
⛱ Shoal Bay East
Shoal Bay East is located at the island’s westernmost point and is truly a must see. The sand has a pinkish cast that is a perfect foil for the turquoise waters and the sunsets are postcard worthy. A 90 degree curve, known as “the bend” divides the two-mile slice of paradise into Upper and Lower Shoal Bay. Beach shacks, bars and restaurants dot the sand along the way, offering many opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood or mouthwatering BBQ. Grab a chair under a beach umbrella and drink an icy cocktail while you drink in the spectacular view. Or head into the water and snorkel the live coral reef just off the shore.
⛱ Maunday’s Bay
Beach is completely surrounded by Cap Juluca Resort - to reach this beach you must go through the resort, but that means you have plenty of food options and amenities in close proximity.
⛱ Cove Bay
With views of St Maarten and Saba, this beach is excellent for swimming and is often empty.
⛱ Elsie Bay
A little trickier to find, but well worth the effort to get there with excellent snorkelling and interesting coral formations close to the shore of the beach (requires some swimming). Usually very calm with little wave action.
⛱ Island Harbour
This is a working beach full of small homemade fishing boats that often pull right up to shore. While safe to swim, seaweed is plentiful. There are local fishermen who will take you by boat to Scrub Island or Scilly Cay for great snorkelling. Or try your hand at some offshore fishing. You can rent chairs and umbrellas on the beach and there is a gas station and grocery store.
⛱ Little Bay
If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, put on your Indiana Jones hat and head to Little Bay. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, you can only reach this small but picturesque spot by climbing down a rope, or by boat or kayak from Crocus Bay. Bring your snorkelling equipment as conditions are fantastic. The North cliff wall is especially good for seeing fish. Pack food, water and your sunscreen so you can stop and stay awhile. Chances are you’ll have this idyllic spot all to yourselves, although you may have to share it with a pelican or two. And be sure to experience the thrill of jumping off Little Bay’s “The Rock.”
⛱ Sandy Ground/Road Bay
Sandy Ground is Anguilla’s main port with a harbour full of fishing and excursion boats. Lots of restaurants, bars and nightlife including being “party central” for Anguilla’s annual boat races. But if you want to experience a “deserted island,” jump on a ferry or boat and head over to Sandy Island or Prickley Pear Cay. Spend a few lazy hours swimming and snorkelling among the pristine coral reefs.
⛱ Sandy Point
A thinner white sand beach on a protected bay. Watch the small boats go in and out, or explore Anguilla’s coral reefs as you do a little snorkelling.
⛱ Windward Point
Bring your hiking boots. Windward Point is quite desolate and offers a taste of Anguilla’s rugged wilderness. For a great view of the rest of Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barths and Scrub Island, as well as excellent seabird watching, climb the rock at the eastern end where the light for passing boats is housed. You will need a jeep to navigate the rocky road to the beach and note there is no swimming or snorkelling.
⛱ Captains Bay
This one is a “no swim” beach as strong undercurrents are dangerous, but that said it is beautiful and worth the walk for the scenery or perhaps a picnic. Take a look at ‘The Hole’ which was previously a cave before the roof collapsed. Hiking shoes are recommended.
⛱ Mimi Bay
If shelling is on your agenda, head to Mimi Bay. Although very isolated with no swimming, it’s a great spot to hunt for shells and hike. You will need a jeep to navigate the rocky road to Mimi Bay and please bring a friend. Hiking boots and long pants are recommended.
