Enlarge Photo

Photo by: Zach Stovall

Shoal Bay East

A day on the island’s most famous beach is an irresistible proposition. Beachside eateries and bars, water-sports opportunities and beach-chair rentals, not to 
mention coral reefs for snorkeling, mean there’s something for everyone.

Meads Bay

A handful of small hotels and high-end resorts, such as the jaw-dropping Viceroy, dot the southwestern portion of the island. Aside from the hotel guests, the mile-long stretch is quiet. It’s also home to fine eateries such as Straw Hat and Blanchard’s, whose owners helped make Anguilla a household name with their book A Trip to the Beach.

Little Bay

The journey just adds to the reward of reaching this tiny cove backed by rocky cliffs and island scrub ablaze with red turk’s-head cactus. Getting here requires a boat, maneuvering down a rope ladder or negotiating a goat path. Bring your provisions, as there’s nothing there but sand, water and pelicans.

Sandy Ground

This narrow stretch lines a strip between the salt pond and the bay, so many people overlook the golden beach, where calm waters cradle bobbing boats at anchor. A village-like atmosphere attracts an eclectic and international crowd to the patchwork of shops, eateries, and hot spots such as Elvis’, Johnno’s and the Pumphouse.

Maundays Bay Beaches

here are open to the public, but the warm waters of Maundays Bay appear to be reserved for guests of Cap Juluca, which presides over the silky sands. Scenic strolls, long naps, listening to lapping waves and calm cerulean seas make this beach a winner.