Anguilla is home to some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean — long white-sand bays, shallow turquoise water, and a low-key atmosphere.
There are no big cruise ports, no high-rise hotel strips, and no huge nightlife district. The appeal is relaxation, food, scenery, and villa or resort stays.
Anguilla is a strong fit for beach lovers, couples, luxury travelers, families looking for calmer water, and anyone who wants a quieter Caribbean trip.
Plan Your Anguilla Escape
Anguilla’s beaches and island scale reward travelers who sort out transport before arrival.
- Find top hotels & stays:
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How to Get to Anguilla
Option 1: Fly to St. Maarten → Ground Transfer to Marigot → Public Ferry to Anguilla
- Fly into SXM (Princess Juliana International Airport) on the Dutch side.
- For the main public ferry, take a ground transfer to Marigot on the French side of St. Martin. Do not assume the public ferry pier is next to the airport.
- Take the public ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point, Anguilla.
The Government of Anguilla identifies Marigot–Blowing Point as the main public-ferry connection. Current departure times can change, so verify the live schedule before travel rather than relying on a fixed timetable copied into an article.
If you are spending time on both islands, the St. Maarten / St. Martin Travel Guide helps connect SXM, Maho, Grand Case, Orient Bay, and the French-side ferry logistics.
Important: Private and semi-private sea shuttles may use different docks, including locations closer to SXM. Those services are separate from the main Marigot public ferry.
Option 2: Fly Direct to Anguilla (AXA)
Direct and regional flights serve Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA). Routes vary, so compare current schedules for your travel dates.
Option 3: Private or Semi-Private Boat Transfer
Private and semi-private transfers operate between St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla. Confirm the exact departure dock, immigration process, luggage rules, and fare before booking.
Pro tip: If you are using the public ferry after landing at SXM, build enough time for airport formalities, the cross-island drive to Marigot, ferry check-in, and immigration.
✈️ Compare flights to SXM or Anguilla
Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shoal Bay East | Turquoise water + relaxed beach days | First-timers & families |
| Meads Bay | Luxury resorts + sunsets | Couples + upscale travelers |
| Rendezvous Bay | Long quiet beach | Privacy + calm |
| Sandy Ground | Beach bars + dining | Social travelers |
Booking tip: If beach access is your top priority, Shoal Bay or Meads Bay are strong bases.
Best Beaches
| Beach | Why Go | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shoal Bay East | Long white-sand beach and turquoise water | Check current sea conditions before swimming |
| Meads Bay | Luxury stays + sunsets | Conditions vary by day |
| Rendezvous Bay | Long, peaceful beach | Good walking beach |
| Maundays Bay | Photogenic turquoise water | Resort area |
| Little Bay | Cliff-backed cove | Boat/kayak access |
Shoal Bay is one of Anguilla’s signature beach stops, but no beach should be described as “perfect every day”; wind, swell and currents can change conditions.
Top Things to Do
1) Shoal Bay Day
Beach time, swimming when conditions suit, and a relaxed waterfront lunch.
2) Meads Bay
Combine beach time with restaurants and sunset.
3) Little Bay Snorkeling
Reach by boat or kayak and check water conditions before entering. Use sun-protective clothing and avoid touching or standing on coral; the reef-conscious sunscreen guide explains the practical options.
4) Sandy Island / Prickly Pear Cays
Use a reputable boat operator and verify weather and return times.
5) Dining
Anguilla is well known for seafood, grills, beach restaurants and upscale dining.
Transportation
- Rent a car if you want to explore several beaches independently.
- Taxis are widely used but can become expensive for repeated long trips.
- Road quality, lighting and traffic conditions vary. Drive cautiously, especially at night or on unfamiliar roads.
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days:
Day 1: Shoal Bay
Day 2: Meads Bay
Day 3: Little Bay + sunset dinner
5 Days:
Day 1: Shoal Bay
Day 2: Meads Bay → Sandy Ground
Day 3: Prickly Pear Cays
Day 4: Rendezvous Bay
Day 5: Meads Bay sunset
7 Days: Add Sandy Island, extra beach mornings, and additional restaurant nights.
Safety & Practical Notes
Current advisory — August 2026: Anguilla is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. The U.S. State Department describes it as generally safe for travelers, but normal precautions still apply and hurricane risk remains part of trip planning.
- Secure valuables and use normal awareness, especially after dark.
- Use trusted transport and reputable boat operators.
- Check beach and marine conditions before swimming or snorkeling.
- Use strong sun protection.
- Verify current ferry and flight schedules close to travel.
Ready to Book Your Anguilla Trip?
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Anguilla es conocida por sus playas tranquilas y ambiente relajado. Si llegas al aeropuerto SXM y quieres usar el ferry público principal, debes trasladarte por tierra hasta Marigot, en el lado francés de St. Martin, y desde allí tomar el ferry a Blowing Point. Anguilla está actualmente en Nivel 1: precauciones normales; sigue usando transporte confiable, protege tus objetos de valor y revisa las condiciones del mar y los horarios actuales del ferry antes del viaje.