Introduction to Anguilla’s beaches
Anguilla’s shores have always been well-loved by travelers and beach enthusiasts alike.
As an upscale tourist destination, the beaches are a must-see for anyone planning a trip.
- The pristine white sands and turquoise blue waters are unmatched.
- Anguilla has over 30 public beaches, each with unique charm and character.
- From secluded coves to bustling stretches of coastline, Anguilla has something for everyone.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, snorkeling along some of the island’s breathtaking reefs is also available.
One interesting feature of these beaches is that they remain free from crowds all year round. The laid-back atmosphere here promises quiet relaxation in awe-inspiring surroundings.
These picturesque shores have been around since early 1960 when they first started receiving tourists in small numbers. Since then, the reputation of Anguilla’s beaches has grown globally and continues to attract visitors worldwide.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, swimmer, or just like to sit and stare, these beaches in Anguilla have covered you.
The Best Beaches in Anguilla by Category
As you plan your Anguilla getaway, explore the island’s stunning beaches by category. Here are the best beaches in Anguilla to suit every taste:
- For seclusion and relaxation: Shoal Bay East, Limestone Bay, and Cove Bay offer the ultimate escape from crowds and endless sea views.
- For water sports and activities: Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay, and Barnes Bay are perfect for surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand.
- For family-friendly fun: Maundays Bay, Sandy Ground, and Little Bay cater to a range of ages with playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and calm waters for swimming.
If you prefer a unique experience, explore lesser-known beaches like Captain’s Bay, known for its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. And don’t miss out on the island’s stunning sunsets, with views best enjoyed from Windward Point. For the ultimate beach day, rent chairs and umbrellas from vendors or pack your picnic under the Caribbean sun.
Pro tip: Respect the island’s wildlife, including sea turtles and nesting birds, by avoiding marked nesting areas and steering clear of fragile habitats.
Take your family to Rendezvous Bay and enjoy sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and the perfect opportunity to ignore your kids while sipping on a piña colada.
Best Beach for Families – Rendezvous Bay
Rendezvous Bay is the ideal choice for families seeking beach getaways in Anguilla. This Bay offers a perfect blend of fun, entertainment, and relaxation opportunities. Its calm turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches make it perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply lounging on the beach.
Moreover, Rendezvous Bay boasts some of the best amenities for family vacationers, including beachfront resorts and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. The Bay also provides breathtaking views of St Martin and beautiful sunsets that make for memorable moments with the family.
To explore more adventurous activities around Rendezvous Bay, you can swim to the nearby small island fondly called “Sandy Island.” There are beach bars where you can grab food or drinks before returning to Rendezvous Bay.
Don’t miss out on experiencing what makes Rendezvous Bay the ultimate destination for families in Anguilla. So get your loved ones together and head over there now!
If you’re tired of laying on the beach, Meads Bay has covered you with gnarly water sports options.
Best Beach for Water Sports – Meads Bay
Meads Bay – Beach to Satisfy the Thrill-Seekers
Meads Bay is the perfect destination for adventurous water sports enthusiasts. This beach offers thrilling activities that will enhance your vacation experience.
Here are five reasons why Meads Bay is the go-to spot for water sports lovers:
- It has crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- The beach has gentle waves, making it perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.
- You can find jet skis and other fun equipment to rent on-site.
- The beach has a beautiful coral reef worth exploring, accompanied by lively marine life.
- The serene Bay is breezy year-round, allowing visitors to windsurf and kiteboard any day.
Meads Bay’s unique features make it an ideal location for thrill seekers. From adrenaline-thumping rides on jet skis to the underwater exploration of marine life, this beach caters to all adventure levels.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to book in advance, as this paradise may get crowded during peak seasons.
Looking for peace and serenity? Head to Shoal Bay East – the perfect place to forget about all your problems and realize you forgot to pack sunscreen.
Best Beach for Relaxation – Shoal Bay East
Shoal Bay East- A Haven for Relaxation
A tranquil escape from bustling life, Shoal Bay East is a haven for relaxation. This picturesque beach offers a quiet and serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The soft white sands and calm turquoise waters provide the perfect setting to soak up the sun, read a book or take in the beauty of Anguilla.
You will feel rejuvenated after spending time on this peaceful beach. Swim, snorkel, or walk along the shoreline to experience the calming effect of Shoal Bay East. Its secluded location makes it a great option for those seeking solitude in natural surroundings.
Pro Tip: Plan your weekday visit to avoid crowds and enjoy this tranquil paradise to its fullest potential.
Little Bay: where the only thing more secluded than the beach is your chance of finding a public restroom.
Best Secluded Beach – Little Bay
Hidden Gem of Anguilla – Discover Little Bay, the best-kept secret of secluded beaches. Hear the sound of waves at this isolated location, nestled on the northern coast of Anguilla.
Little Bay is a hidden gem with an unspoiled and picturesque landscape. The Bay boasts calm turquoise water, offering an ideal environment for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. No restaurants or facilities are available here, enhancing this beautiful beach’s exclusivity.
Not many tourists visit Little Bay due to its remoteness; therefore, it retains its natural beauty. You can access it only by boat or through a somewhat challenging hike over hills that immerses you in natural beauty. Additionally, guests might spot dolphins while boating to and from Little Bay.
The history of Little Bay dates back to earlier times when smugglers used it as a hideout for illegal activities during periods of colonial rule in the Caribbean region. Its isolation helped them avoid detection from the authorities.
Discovering stunning beaches where few tourists venture is among the best ways to experience local culture in Anguilla. So whether you love pristine waters for relaxation or adventure, take time to see Little Bay, one choice visitors will never regret making!
Prepare to see more fish than Finding Nemo on Sandy Island, Anguilla’s best beach for snorkeling.
Best Beach for Snorkeling – Sandy Island
Sandy Island is ideal for excellent snorkeling with its clear turquoise waters.
- Visitors can enjoy the diverse marine life, including colorful corals and exotic fishes.
- The sandy beach encircles the island, where tourists can relax after an immersive snorkeling experience.
- The convenience of boat travel to Sandy Island from surrounding areas like Sandy Ground, Blowing Point, or Shoal Bay West ensures easy access.
- The amenities on-site, such as restrooms and restaurants, provide a comfortable day trip.
Furthermore, Sandy Island’s tranquil ambiance provides a natural backdrop for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Sandy Island is a must-visit destination for vacationers looking for an adventure that offers relaxation mixed with exploration. Tourists are encouraged to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and have unobstructed views of marine life.
In addition, bringing sunscreen and water-resistant cameras enhances comfort while exploring.
These hidden gems may require extra effort, but the reward is a beach experience.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches
Off-the-Beaten-Track Shorelines
Discover Anguilla’s hidden jewels with these secluded and pristine shorelines. Venture off the tourist trail and explore these lesser-known beaches with calm waters, expansive sands, and a refreshing atmosphere.
- Savannah Bay – Enjoy this quiet, secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs that provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling.
- Little Bay – Accessible only by boat, this tranquil cove is ideal for swimming and relaxation.
- Shoal Bay East – Travel to this postcard-perfect beach with stunning turquoise waters and a stretch of powdery sand.
- Limestone Bay – Take a dip in the calm waters of this secluded and peaceful beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs.
- Captain’s Bay – This hidden gem boasts a stunning beach with vast sandy terrains and gorgeous sunsets for those seeking privacy and seclusion.
- Barnes Bay – A quiet and undeveloped shore with golden sand, calm waters, and palm trees swaying in the wind.
These isolated beaches offer peace and tranquility away from the crowds, perfect for those who want to unwind and escape the buzz. Visit these hidden gems, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while enjoying the ultimate beach experience.
Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the unexplored wonders of Anguilla. Add these off-the-beaten-track shorelines to your itinerary, and embark on an adventure that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.
Savannah Bay: where the sand is as white as my lies when I tell my boss I’m sick and head to the beach instead.
Savannah Bay
Nestled in a secluded region, this hidden gem offers pristine white sands but can only be accessed via a hiking trail. Surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for private relaxation and snorkeling. In addition, the Bay’s sheltered location provides calm conditions for swimming and water activities.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, as no facilities are available on the beach. Exploring surrounding trails is recommended to make the most of your visit here, which opens up panoramas of stunning natural beauty.
Savannah Bay has always been an enigmatic place with a history dating back to 500 AD.
According to local legends, Amerindians initially inhabited this land – long before Columbus’ arrival. In addition, many ancient artifacts have been unearthed from the area, further emphasizing this place’s rich culture and history.
Limestone Bay may not have white sand, but its breathtaking karst formations will make you forget all about it.
Limestone Bay
Tucked away amongst the beautiful crystalline waters, this secluded spot can only be accessed through a winding path. Lying off the beaten path, one can glimpse at the untouched beauty of this hidden gem.
The Bay is embraced by towering limestone cliffs that protect it from unfiltered sunlight, providing ample shade to relax and unwind. The azure waters conceal a rich diversity of marine life for those with an adventurous spirit.
A must-see for nature enthusiasts, Limestone Bay, offers a stunning view and several other recreational opportunities, such as snorkeling or kayaking. Visitors will find peace in this serene cove, far away from the crowds and noise of commercial tourist beaches.
Unwind on the sand or take a quick dip in the sea with rays of sunshine penetrating through the lush green canopy of trees surrounding you. Get lost in reading your favorite novel under a shade tree on comfortable rocks rather than lying beneath an umbrella on beach chairs.
Don’t miss out on experiencing Limestone Bay beach – an idyllic escape destination for those seeking seclusion and tranquility while basking in natural surroundings and letting Mother Nature award you with complete calmness.
Anguilla’s off-the-beaten-path beaches prove paradise doesn’t have to be crowded with tourists and their selfie sticks.
Conclusion
Anguilla boasts the world’s most picturesque beaches and pleasing climates year-round. Discovering its crystal-clear waters and idyllic shorelines is an ideal way to plan your next beach vacation.
Allow yourself to explore its sandy stretches, such as the secluded Rendezvous Bay Beach or Shoal Bay East Beach, popular amongst water sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the tranquil Maundays Bay Beach would make a perfect choice for those seeking more privacy with less crowd.
Anguilla offers something for everyone if you adore long walks on the sand or participate in thrilling water sports activities surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you choose Mead’s Bay Beach or Little Bay Beach, it’s sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip: Make sure to pack a waterproof camera with you to capture memorable moments underwater
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best beaches to visit in Anguilla?
Some of the best beaches in Anguilla are Shoal Bay Beach, Meads Bay Beach, Rendezvous Bay Beach, and Maundays Bay Beach.
2. Are there any secluded beaches in Anguilla?
Yes, several secluded beaches in Anguilla provide a serene and peaceful retreat. Little Bay Beach, Limestone Bay Beach, and Savannah Bay Beach are some of the best.
3. Are the beaches in Anguilla safe for swimming?
Yes, the beaches in Anguilla are safe for swimming. However, being cautious of strong currents and rough water conditions is crucial.
4. Are there any beaches in Anguilla that are good for snorkeling?
Yes, several beaches in Anguilla offer great snorkeling opportunities. Some top spots include Shoal Bay Beach, Little Bay Beach, and Crocus Bay Beach.
5. What facilities are available at the beaches in Anguilla?
The most popular beaches in Anguilla offer restrooms, showers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and restaurants. Some of the secluded beaches, however, may not have any facilities.
6. Is there an entry fee to access the beaches in Anguilla?
No, there is no entry fee to access the beaches in Anguilla. However, some of the beaches located within resorts may only be accessible to guests staying at the resort.