The Caribbean Island You’ve Never Heard Of— And Want to See

Where is Anguilla? I must have heard the question a couple dozen times as I made my way a couple weeks ago to the tiny island in the British West Indies. The time spent there ranks highly among my favorite vacations. With gorgeous beaches, great restaurants, incredibly friendly people, and a relaxed vibe, there’s a lot to love about this uncrowded Caribbean gem. (Be sure to see the photo gallery below.) Even better, I scored a half-price airfare thanks to the travel service Going. In this article I’ll share things to see in Anguilla, including the best beaches and a couple of nearby islands that make for an easy day trip. I’ll thrown in a rare lodging recommendation and two great dining suggestions, too, to make your trip there especially easy to plan.

But don’t confuse Anguilla with Antigua— another small and relatively unknown Caribbean island.

New Direct Flights to Anguilla

In January 2024, American Airlines launched twice daily flights from Miami (MIA) to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla using regional jets. It’s presently the only airline that flies directly from the US mainland to the island. In the past, most people flew to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten on larger planes and then took a 20-minute ferry ride (public or private) to Blowing Point Marina in Anguilla. Unless you’re a private boater, the only other option is to catch an inter-island commuter flight from elsewhere in the Caribbean.

No Cruise Ships!

There are no cruise ships in Anguilla, so it’s blissfully free of the hordes that plague so many of the island’s neighbors. But as a result, Anguilla also lacks name recognition. Add the previous inconvenience of getting there, and it’s easy to understand why so many people asked me, “Where is Anguilla?”

Stunning Beaches

Stunning beaches are Anguilla’s claim to fame and the main reason for visiting. The shoreline here rivals even the breathtaking vistas of the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos.

I capitalized on my rental car and explored several stretches of sand that frequently top the lists of best beaches in Anguilla. To be fair, even the “worst” beach here is pretty darn nice. But here are my quick takes to help you find just the right one, culminating with my pick for the #1 beach in Anguilla.

#5 – Barnes Bay Beach

For reasons that elude me, Barnes Bay Beach occasionally appears as a “best beach” recommendation for Anguilla. Just southwest of the Four Seasons, it’s rocky and narrower than the other beaches. But apparently some people like the contrast. Check out the photo gallery below and decide for yourself.

#4 – Sandy Ground Beach

Sandy Ground Beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and entertainment. But there’s a pier which attracts lots of boats. And there’s a small shipyard nearby which detracts from the aesthetics. While the area is relatively active, the main stretch of beach is less attractive than other options. See my comments below about the Pamead shipwreck to find a quieter place to relax nearby. 

#3 – Rendezvous Bay Beach

Rendezvous Beach has the beautiful white sand and turquoise water you’d see on a post card. It’s a large stretch of beach with several bars and restaurants on hand. My only objection here was an accumulation of sea grass on shore at the time of my visit. Otherwise, it’s a fine place to hang out.  

#2 – Shoal Bay East Beach

Shoal Bay East, or SBE as it’s often called, is equally photogenic. Just don’t confuse it with the far less appealing Shoal Bay West on the other side of the island. SBE is popular and considered by some (erroneously, I think!) to be the best beach in Anguilla. But its popularity is its downfall— day trippers from nearby Saint Martin add to the crowds in peak season.  

#1 – Meads Bay Beach

Meads Bay Beach gets my vote for the best beach in Anguilla. It’s a magical crescent of fine white sand and clear, blue-green water where I spent my first week on the island. Sunsets here are extra special. A moderate number of great restaurants— some with entertainment— are spread out along the shore. You could plant yourself here and never need, or want, to leave.

And if you walk all the way to the northeastern tip of the bay, you’ll find my favorite, secluded spot. Named Nims Nook (aka Pelican Cove and Little Nook), it sits just below the hilltop Malliouhana Resort. Many visitors mistakenly believe it’s private property. The bowl-shaped beach is just as pretty as the rest of Meads Bay— but bordered by a rocky bluff that gives it a hidden, exclusive vibe. As you draw closer to it by land, you’ll notice steps carved into the rock that allow you to comfortably descend into this little bit of paradise.

Other Things to See in Anguilla

Again, the beaches are the main attraction in Anguilla. Of course, they all come with the usual water activities. The restaurant scene is notable, too— seafood lovers especially are in for a treat. But if you want to expand your horizons, there are a few more things to see in Anguilla…

Anguilla Arch

Anguilla Arch is a scenic natural wonder found near the southwestern tip of the island. Start at Picante Restaurant on Albert Hughes Drive, head southwest, and follow the signs to “The Arch”. Note the paved road gives way to a very bumpy and heavily rutted dirt one. At the end of it, there’s plenty of space to park and walk about. It’s a perfect spot to launch a drone.

Geocaching

Anguilla hosts a couple of traditional geocaches and numerous EarthCaches. They’re a great way to explore and learn about the island. Note the cave on South Hill is no longer open to the public, though. (If you’re unfamiliar with geocaching, check out my previous blog post about it.)

The Pamead Shipwreck

In 1999, Hurricane Lenny tossed the cargo ship Pamead onto shore, where it remains today. The shipwreck’s at the southwestern tip of Sandy Ground Beach. Start at the main stretch of sand and walk south, under a couple of piers, until the beach runs out. You can’t miss the wreck. Or drive to Waves— a solitary beach bar at that end of the bay— park in the lot and walk down to the shoreline. The approach by car is somewhat desolate, and you’ll think you made a wrong turn— trust your GPS. On foot or by car, the reward is an isolated stretch of white sand and crystalline water worth a visit— the shipwreck is just a novelty. 

Day Trip to Saint Martin

The island of Saint Martin is split between the French Saint-Martin and the Dutch Sint Maarten. Major cruise lines dock on the Dutch side. But the French side boasts Marigot Marina, which hosts public and private ferry service to Anguilla and other islands in the general vicinity. Check out the separate blog post about my day trip from Anguilla to Saint Martin.

Lodging and Dining Recommendations on Meads Bay

I usually abstain from lodging and restaurant recommendations, since both are easily found on other sites. But I make an exception here to help you create the perfect stay.

Turtles Nest Beach Resort

Turtles Nest Beach Resort rents 23 studio and one-bedroom condos in two buildings directly on Meads Bay Beach. I stayed in a one-bedroom penthouse with a breathtaking, 180-degree view of the coastline. With full kitchens, a walkable grocery store, washer/dryer in each unit, exceptional A/C, and free WiFi, you can comfortably stay put and save money throughout your vacation. The beach and ocean are steps away, with free water toys, loungers, and umbrellas on hand. In the unlikely event you tire of the sea, there’s a beachfront pool, too. Best of all, several fantastic restaurants line the same stretch of beach.

The Straw Hat Restaurant

Among them is the covered, open air Straw Hat Restaurant at the Frangipani Beach Resort. Its commanding view of the beach and attentive staff make this spot a great place to dine and hang out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I ate there four times in one week, and the food and service were great each time.

Blanchard’s Restaurant and Beach Shack

Blanchard’s also deserves special mention. Here you have two options. Blanchard’s Restaurant is the pricier, fancier indoor choice. The adjacent Blanchard’s Beach Shack is the uber-casual, walk-up, outdoor alternative with picnic tables and rockers on the sand, shaded by umbrellas. The beach shack, with more of a fast-food menu, is surprisingly affordable. It’s a nice break from otherwise high prices on the island. Parking on the street side can be scarce, so walk up from the beach for a stress-free visit.

Bryans Rental Car

Lodging on Meads Bay essentially eliminates the need for a vehicle. But if you want to explore, consider Bryan’s car rentals. All arrangements and paperwork are managed online.  When you arrive— at AXA airport or Blowing Point Marina— your car will be in the parking lot with the keys and temporary Anguillan driver’s license in the glovebox. You’ll identify your vehicle by the tag number sent to you in advance.

When you’re done, re-fill the gas tank and leave the vehicle at the airport or marina with the keys in the glovebox— it’s as simple and convenient as that!  The business promptly answers emails, even on weekends. But arrange your own comprehensive insurance coverage— the policy offered by Bryans at $5 a day has some significant limitations. And remember to drive on the left!

When to Visit Anguilla 

Anguilla’s high season ends in April, and I found May to be the perfect time to visit. Airfare and accommodations were less expensive (though still not cheap), and there were zero crowds. It was sunny in the low 80s every day, but wherever I went I nearly had the beach to myself. It was heaven. Bear in mind that June to November is hurricane season throughout the region. And from December to April, you’re unlikely to find the same degree of solitude— although there won’t be any cruise ships to contend with.

Whenever you choose to go, the island is a beach lover’s paradise. And despite a few additional things to see in Anguilla, the beaches remain the primary lure. But as word spreads about this once-secret spot in the Caribbean, people won’t be asking “where is Anguilla” much longer.