The tiny island of Anguilla has over 30 beaches with jaw dropping beauty, making it really difficult to highlight just a few recommendations. It really comes down to what you like to do on your tropical vacation – catch the rays on a secluded strip of sand, join the fun at a waterside beach bar, or spend the day snorkeling around the shallow coral reefs. For an adventure, climb down a rope ladder to a little cay or take a boat to an uninhabited island.
You really have to see the sand to believe it at Shoal Bay, one of the most popular beaches on Anguilla. The bright white, luminous quality of the sand has something to do with the coral and fragments of pure white shell that reflect the sun’s rays. You can people watch, enjoy snorkeling around the reef just offshore, and have lunch at one of the beach bars. Try Uncle Ernie’s for crab, lobster and ribs, and do not miss his famous rum punch.
Head over to Rendezvous Bay Beach for a spectacular two-mile stretch of sand with some tranquil undeveloped areas. Enjoy calm waters and take a walk to recording artist Bankie Banx’ Dune Preserve beach bar on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons to hear the mellow sounds of reggae.
If you are in a partying mood, go to Sandy Ground, Anguilla’s main harbor. Here you will experience the true flavor of the island with the bustling activity of boats, bars and night life. Party with visitors and locals at beach bars including Elvis, The Pumphouse and Johnno’s, and savor the jazz, top 40 hits and reggae music.
Little Bay, one of the most picturesque spots on the entire island, is a tiny slice of heaven surrounded on three sides by high cliffs at the edge of crystal clear, pristine blue water. Getting there is an adventure. You climb down a rope ladder if you are very athletic, but a better idea is to take the boat from Crocus Bay or have a local boat owner drop you off. Experience great snorkeling in calm waters and savor amazing, romantic sunsets. If you go, make sure to bring water, towels, sunscreen and lunch.
Take a 15 minute boat ride to the Prickly Pear Cays and discover shallow, calm water and birds that eat right out of your hand. Although no one lives on these little islands, you will find plenty of services like beach chair and water sport rentals and a restaurant that is open Tuesday through Saturday. To get there, you may want to arrange for a private charter because the boat that leaves from Johnno’s Beach Bar at Sandy Ground departs only once daily and comes back for you in six hours.