Anguilla is a small Caribbean island with picturesque beaches and waters teeming with coral turtles and crystal clear waters. This cozy Caribbean country is a corner of the island paradise.
Anguilla’s captivating coastline offers the perfect escape from reality. They are the epitome of paradise: translucent turquoise waters embrace the pristine white sands of this idyllic Caribbean island. The sand here is soft and silky, you can’t help but sigh as you dip your feet into it.
It’s no secret that Anguilla’s beaches are the best tourist attractions on the island. Surrounded by towering palms and vines on one side and the mesmerizing turquoise ocean on the other, they are so beautiful you won’t want to leave.
Anguilla may be small, but it’s definitely a great choice. More than 33 picture-perfect beaches stretch its shores, providing access to some of the most serene shorelines visitors can see. With so many beautiful beaches to discover, it’s hard to decide which one to visit first. Our list will help you decide where to start your vacation to Anguilla’s best beaches.
1. Sandy Ground Beach
![Sandy Ground Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sandy-Ground-Beach.jpg)
Those looking for a more urban vibe will love Sandy Ground Beach.
This beautiful beach is the most cosmopolitan of the beaches on this list. It is the busiest on the Anguilla coast and is close to the popular village of Sandy Ground. Sailboats and anchored yachts dot the shallows near the mainland, making many tourists want to get out on the water.
The sand here is more golden than the white of the neighboring beaches, but it is just as soft. Due to its popularity (and status as the “hub” of the island), you’ll find plenty of amenities and activities on-site.
You won’t go hungry visiting this beach, but remember to bring cash. Vendors sell food and drink set up on the sand while eateries like Johnno’s, Ripples and the Ship Galley cater to those looking for a heartier, more authentic meal.
At night, the area turns into a music-soaked fun zone as beach goers flock here to have fun with the view. The annual Anguilla Summer Festival is held at Sandy Ground Beach every August and features live music, food and regattas celebrating Caribbean culture.
2. Shoal Bay East
![Shoal Bay East](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Shoal-Bay-East.jpg)
Shoal Bay East Shoal Bay is home to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, some say it is one of the best beaches in the world. Its crystalline waters radiate a kaleidoscope of blue and its soft pinkish-white sand is a dream. The little extra: you will never feel cramped.
Two miles of sand invite visitors to stroll along the coast, enjoying the gentle ocean breezes while taking in the beautiful views from this north coast of Anguilla. Although it’s Anguilla’s most popular beach, there’s always plenty of room to stretch out at Shoal Bay East.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for hire at a reasonable price, and many restaurants offer food along the beachfront, making it easy to stay all day.
Day-trippers from nearby St. Martin flock here for its perfection, meaning services like water sports hire are also available if you’re looking for more active pursuits. If you want to stay in the region, you have the choice of charming seaside resorts.
3. Rendezvous Bay Beach
![Rendezvous Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Rendezvous-Bay-Beach-1024x471.jpg)
A truly unique beach stretches along the southwest coast of Anguilla. It also boasts the clear turquoise waters that are well known in the region, and the soft, sugar-white sand is a real treat for the feet. This pretty beach called Rendezvous Bay Beach is not to be missed. No wonder this is one of the best places to take pictures. A mile and a half of rugged coconut coastline make up this stunning superstar with breathtaking views including views of St. Martin next door, second to none. Rent a beach chair on the beach and enjoy a day of bliss. We’re talking snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, kayaking and relaxing. When it’s time to eat, head to the Sunshine Shack, where the staff serves up delicious food, cold drinks and reggae music in their colorful beachside shack.
4. Meads Bay Beach
![Meads Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Meads-Bay-Beach-1024x576.jpg)
Another Northwest gem, Meads Bay Beach is the perfect place to relax on the pink sands. This beach has a wide expanse of sand so soft it’s almost impossible to walk on it, but it’s a comfortable spot for a siesta. Locals always visit the best places and keep choosing this beautiful beach.
In fact, Meads Bay Beach has a loyal clientele both on the island and around the world. Yes, the bright blue waters draw visitors, but it’s the tranquil setting that draws them back to this Anguilla beach.
Luxury hotels, like the aforementioned Four Seasons, cling to the immense beauty of this beach and pop up between Barnes Bay Beach and this spectacular location. The perks of their attention: well-groomed pools, elegant restaurants, and a luxurious spa. A surprise awaits you
5. Cove Bay Beach
![Cove Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cove-Bay-Beach-1024x682.jpg)
Cove Bay Beach is a tranquil beauty untouched by modern buildings. There are no fancy restaurants or world-class hotels on this pristine coast. Instead, it’s the natural wonders of the coast that draw visitors to this beautiful beach.
Cove Bay is a family beach that’s also popular with couples. It offers shallow, calm blue waters and powder-white sand that’s perfect for building sandcastles if you swim in them first. Relax on a beach lounger, snorkel in the sea, splash around in the warm waves or try your hand at kite surfing.
If you’re lucky, you might see visitors driving along Anguilla’s southwest coast while admiring beautiful St. Martin’s Bay across the road.
6. Maundays Bay Beach
![Maundays Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Maundays-Bay-Beach-1024x640.jpg)
A crescent of golden sand and sparkling turquoise waters welcome visitors to Maundays Bay Beach. Somehow the sand on this beautiful coast seems even softer and whiter and the azure water even brighter than on other beaches. Maundays Bay Beach is a local favorite and it is said to be one of the most stylish and beautiful beaches in Anguilla. The waters here are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or swimming, while the beach invites you to laze around without lifting a finger. For luxurious living, book a stay at the exquisite oceanfront Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel. A truly exuberant experience, you’ll feel like royalty at this luxurious retreat with a spa, tennis courts, infinity pool and world-class dining.
7. Crocus Bay Beach
![Crocus Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Crocus-Bay-Beach-1024x768.jpg)
Crocus Bay Beach exudes tranquility. Another wonder off the beaten path, this quiet spot appeals to those seeking privacy.
The velvety white sand of this fine beach has a pink tinge, especially near the sea. Kayak the crystal clear waters, snorkel, sail or simply sunbathe on a chaise longue.
Located on Anguilla’s southeast coast, Crocus Bay Beach is a quiet and sheltered beach ideal for couples looking to lounge around or for the little ones looking to embark on a safe seaside adventure.Tourists arrive daily by boat from nearby St. Maarten, but this beach never seems crowded. The only building on this beach is the Restaurant da’Vida, the best restaurant on the island.
This popular spot has nothing in common with the shacks found on other beaches. This upscale spot is luxuriously open, beautifully decorated, and serves food so good you’ll want to enjoy it right away.Insider tip: They offer vegan and gluten-free options.
8. Barnes Bay Beach
![Barnes Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/photo_2023-08-16_18-46-39-1024x765.jpg)
A secluded paradise awaits beachgoers on the northwest coast of Anguilla. Barnes Bay Beach is the best place on the island to watch the sunset. It’s particularly romantic and less crowded than other local beaches.
If you are looking for a nice place to visit without being attacked by hawkers, this is it.
This beautiful little town is made up of soft fine sand and is located between Meads Bay and West End Bay. Thanks to its proximity to luxury hotels, there are many water activities (such as snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking) and a wide variety of excellent restaurants nearby.
Book a stay at one of Anguilla’s finest resorts, the wonderful Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. You will never be far from the beach and will have three superb swimming pools, sports pavilions and a spa.
9. Island Harbour Beach
![Captain's Bay Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/junks-hole-beach.jpg)
The northeast coast of Anguilla is home to a picturesque beach lined with restaurants. A local favorite, Island Harbor Beach overlooks the charming fishing village of the same name.
The turquoise waters are dotted with colorful sailboats that take tourists on fun adventures to the surrounding islands. Pretty Scilly Cay looms on the horizon, giving visitors another great sight to enjoy.
This ancient place has been home to the island’s fishermen for centuries. You will see their boats floating near the shore. They are kind, friendly and always up for a chat, making it a great place to get to know the locals and learn about their culture.
They will probably guide you to one of the nearby restaurants and tell you to try the tasty pastries. The Falcon Nest is a short walk from the Island Harbor wharf where anglers unload their catch. A popular place to grab a bite to eat, they offer shaded benches and impressively fresh food. Come with an appetite, because you’ll probably want to treat yourself in seconds.
10. Junk’s Hole Beach
![Junk's Hole Beach](https://lalagovn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/junk-s-hole-beach-1024x694.jpg)
Junk’s Hole, Anguilla’s largest and least developed beach, is a beautiful, sheltered spot in which to spend a relaxing day enjoying the area’s three most popular activities: swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Tall, swaying palm trees provide much-appreciated shade from the sun, while the shallow waters are an ideal spot for swimming, particularly for those traveling with children. Be careful though as there can be strong currents and strong winds which can cause the waves to swell.
Please note: the water is quite shallow in some places. So be very careful when diving in the area. You don’t want to harm the reef or marine life on your underwater adventure.
Nat’s Place is the best (and only) restaurant near this coast. It’s a family-run gem, popular with locals and tourists alike, serving delicious Anguillan cuisine. Don’t miss the famous Johnny Cakes, Nat’s donut version. They are cuddly soft and delicious. Junk’s Hole Beach is on the southeast coast of the island, just over a mile down a rutted road from Walter Hodge Road.