Anguilla’s beaches: Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and the quiet coves

Anguilla trades on its beaches, and the reputation is earned: long stretches of powder-white sand and clear water, most of it quiet. The island is small, about sixteen miles end to end, so you can taste several in a day.

Which beach

Pick by the wind. The sheltered west and south coasts stay calm, which is where Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay sit, the long, soft, swimming-and-snorkelling beaches most people come for. Sandy Ground is the harbour village, better for beach bars and boat trips than solitude. Little Bay is a hidden cove reached by boat or kayak, prized by snorkellers. The exposed eastern side is rougher, though a few reef-protected coves there stay calm.

Where to start

Open 24 hours☆

Rendezvous Bay Beach

Sandy Ground, 2640, Anguilla

Open 24 hours☆

Sandy Island

Sandy Ground, The Valley 2640, Anguilla

Open 24 hours☆

Sandy Ground Beach

Sandy Ground 2640, Anguilla

Open until 9:00 PM☆

Traditional Sailing Charters- Sunset Sail and Cocktail Hour Tour

Sandy Ground, 2640, Sandy Ground, Anguilla

Open until 7:00 PM☆

Open Seas Charters Anguilla

Sandy Ground Rd, Sandy Ground 2640, Anguilla

Open 24 hours☆

Calypso Charters Anguilla

Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, Blowing Point, Anguilla

Open 24 hours☆

Anguilla Youth Sailing Club

Sandy Ground Rd, The Valley 2640, Anguilla

SBeachesOpen until 5:00 PM☆

Sea Pro Charters

Sea Pro Charters, Sandy Ground 2640, Anguilla

Before you go

Boat trips to the quieter coves and the offshore cays are worth arranging ahead. The number on each page is the operator’s own.