Best Places to Visit in Anguilla, Top Attractions

Exploring Anguilla’s multiple beaches is an adventure in itself, with each one offering a distinct atmosphere and activities. But there’s also lots to do away from the white sand—you can delve into the island’s history, hike the rocky eastern edge, and shop for local crafts. Anguilla is one of the most renowned Caribbean islands thanks to its remarkable and environmentally significant coral reefs as well as white sand beaches. Despite being a British overseas territory, Anguilla has some elements of American flavor and is much more tourist-friendly than many islands in the Caribbean. It is an ideal destination for serenity seekers thanks to its reclusive villas and private beaches as well as several offshore islands. There are plenty of things to do in Anguilla, from swimming in luminous water and playing Robinson Crusoe on one of the offshore islets to snorkeling and browsing art museums and galleries. There are a lot of fun activities and landmarks within this 3 miles wide and 25 miles long country. Despite being so tiny, Anguilla has astonishingly 33 beaches, some of which are unspoiled. Generally, the beaches on the island are usually less crowded, even the most popular ones such as Shoal Bay East. Just rent a car from one of the many car rental services providers on the island and explore all the 33 white sandy beaches of Anguilla. Visiting one beach after another is one of the best things to do in Anguilla for families visiting the island. Expect typical Caribbean scenes of sparkling white sands, shimmering turquoise waters, coconut palms, brightly colored reefs, secluded coves, lashings of rum punch, gorgeous resorts, and of course that world-famous laid-back Caribbean vibe!

#1- Crocus Bay Beach
Both tourists and locals love Crocus Bay, mainly because there are no villas or hotels in the area. There is one restaurant that people seem to love but its overall secluded atmosphere makes it a favorite for everyone who needs a little private rest and relaxation time. It is a very quiet beach that allows you to hear the sounds of the waves as you sunbathe or swim, and if you love beautiful sunsets, this is the beach you want to visit. 

#2- Sandy Island
Sandy Island is small but luxurious. If you love water that you can see to the bottom of and a secluded and private atmosphere, this is the place for you. It is a small cay off of Sandy Ground and is a very popular site for visitors and locals alike. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Anguilla, and visiting it just once will prove to you why. Small and personal, it is gorgeous and offers the opportunity to enjoy all types of water activities, making it a very popular place indeed.

#3- Savannah Bay
Savannah Bay is indeed remote, and the first time you visit it, it may feel as if you’re headed out into the middle of nowhere. Afterwards, though, it will be easy to find and definitely worth the visit. It isn’t a crowded beach or a very “commercial” one, but you’ll love the fact that it is so secluded and that you can hear the wonderful sounds of nature as you sunbathe or swim.

#4- Scilly Cay 
Scilly Cay is located on the east end of Anguilla in the Island Harbor area and is a true gem. In fact, between the friendly people, great dining opportunities, and, of course, the exquisite beaches, Scilly Cay is one area of Anguilla that you won’t want to miss when you visit this part of the Caribbean. While celebrities often get there via a helicopter, most people choose to take a boat to arrive in Scilly Cay, and when you see it the first time, it will literally take your breath away.

#5- Barnes Bay Beach
Barnes Bay is located in the northwestern section of Anguilla and is considered a beach lover’s paradise. It is rather secluded and therefore rarely crowded, and its white sand and sparkling water will ensure you’ll be back again in the future. Barnes Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that allows you to enjoy the best that Anguilla has to offer, making it the perfect place to visit for couples, families, and everyone in between.

#6- Captain’s Bay
Captain’s Bay is located in the northeastern part of the island in the Island Harbor area, and it boasts a large surf and a huge body of water to enjoy. The sand is nice and white, the water is crystal-clear and blue, and it is rather remote compared to the other beaches in the area, which is one of the things that visitors love most about it. There are numerous things to do there, including hiking, and though some people consider it a little challenging to find, it’s worth the effort because everyone who visits it considers this an experience they’ll never forget.

#7- Maundays Bay
Maundays Bay is beautiful and will lure you in before you know it. You can spend the day on the water in a catamaran or simply stay on the shore and work on your suntan. The beach itself is shaped like a half-moon and the waters are both clear and very calm, allowing for the ultimate in relaxation every time you visit. When beach time is what you need to escape the stressors of life, paying a visit to the Maundays Bay beach area is the perfect solution every time.

#8- Rendezvous Bay Beach
Rendezvous Bay Beach a super-popular beach area, but it has historical significance as well. This site played an important role in the war between the French and English over control of the area, and a key battle was conducted here. That fact aside, the beach is exquisite, hilly, and chock full of eateries, hotels, and ways to enjoy the beach even more. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax here, so if you love crystal-blue water and white sandy beaches, this is the place for you to be.

#9- Sandy Ground Beach
Sandy Ground is a village in Anguilla and covers less than half a square mile. The beach itself has white sand and is backed by high cliffs and a salt pond that is no longer used. While the village itself is home to only a few hundred people, the beach is very popular, and one look at it will prove why. It’s also the for Anguilla‘s beach entertainment and is home to several restaurants and some popular beach bars too!

#10- Prickly Pear Cays
Prickly Pear Cays is a small island located roughly six miles from the mainland of Anguilla, and if you’re looking for a place to swim or snorkel that is a little less crowded than most beaches in the area, this is it. There are numerous places to eat and the water is so massive you can enjoy some incredible long-range views. The island is also filled with lush greenery and water that is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, making this an exquisite place to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax.

#11- Anguilla Arch
it’s worth the trip there because of how unique it is. There is quite literally an arch-shaped cliff that is a vibrant red and yellow and very noticeable as soon as you get anywhere near it! It has numerous cliffs nearby and is a great sight to see. Regardless of where you are when you look at the arch, it will amaze you every time. The Anguilla Arch is exquisite even when viewed from far away, and make sure you take your camera as this place is beautifully picture-perfect.

#12- Little Bay 
This is a very secluded area of Anguilla that you can only get to by boat, but its out-of-the-way trait makes it the perfect outing for anyone who wants some privacy while sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling allows you to see some beautiful and colorful marine life, and it boasts beautiful scenery as well.

#13- Shoal Bay Beach
With its white sand and turquoise waters, there’s little wonder this area is such a popular one, but if you prefer seclusion, you can find that as well. The marine life is exquisite, and there are numerous facilities in case you want a hotel room nearby, which means you can stay here for your entire vacation and never miss out on anything important.