Beaches in Anguilla
Including Barnes Bay, Maundays Bay, and Meads Bay. On the map.
The vibe
The island’s beaches feel like a laid‑back Caribbean paradise with powdery sand and turquoise waters, yet some stretches are wild and untouched. The dry season from December to April offers the clearest skies. The main shorelines attract many tourists, while quieter coves feel more local and relaxed.
Barnes Bay
Anguilla
LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Barnes Bay features a wide, deep pocket of soft white sand and striking blue waters that occasionally kick up gentle waves. Flanked by striking private villas and high-end resorts, it feels exclusive yet remains welcoming for a day of swimming and sun. The dramatic coastal bluffs bordering the bay add a touch of rugged contrast to the soft shoreline.
Access. Easily accessible by car on the island's west end, with short paved paths leading directly from parking areas to the sand.
Maundays Bay
West End Village
LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Maundays Bay is shaped like a perfect crescent of soft, brilliant white sand framing exceptionally calm, azure waters. Home to a legendary luxury resort, the beach maintains pristine conditions and a tranquil ambiance. It is an idyllic destination for peaceful swimming and sunset strolls along the southwest coast.
Access. Reached via the main resort entrance road on the southwest coast, with designated public parking and easy shore access.
Meads Bay
Anguilla
LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Meads Bay boasts a stunning stretch of powdery white sand paired with vibrant turquoise water that invites effortless swimming and long walks. Upscale resorts and renowned beachfront dining line the shore, blending natural beauty with relaxed luxury. It stands out as one of Anguilla's premier spots for both sunbathing and experiencing world-class coastal cuisine.
Access. Easily reached by car or taxi on the western end of Anguilla, featuring public parking areas and straightforward access from nearby luxury resorts.
Prickly Pear Cays
Prickly Pear Cays
Prickly Pear Cays — Wikidata / Wikimedia Commons
Prickly Pear Cays features blindingly white sandy shores and unbelievable neon-blue shallows that rival any tropical dreamscape. Located just off the main island, these deserted-island cays boast incredible clarity for wading and relaxing between reef snorkels. A renowned beach bar operates here, turning a pristine escape into a comfortable day-trip haven.
Access. Accessible only by boat charter or organized catamaran day trips departing from Island Harbour or Sandy Ground.
Notes. Boat schedules depend on sea conditions; check weather before booking excursions.
Rendezvous Bay
Anguilla
LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Spanning a sweeping crescent of blindingly white sand, Rendezvous Bay offers calm, shallow waters ideal for wading and distance swimming. With views stretching across the channel to St. Martin, it delivers a classic Caribbean postcard setting. Beach bars and casual eateries dot the shoreline, making it a favorite for unhurried beach days.
Access. Accessible via paved roads with multiple public parking points and beach access paths along the south coast.
Shoal Bay East
Anguilla
onj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Two miles of soft white sand on Anguilla's northeast coast, with shallow, calm water that stays swimmable most of the year. Beach bars and low-key resorts line the sand without overwhelming it. A standout even on an island famous for white beaches.
Access. Taxi or rental car from the ferry port; beach clubs and public access points along the strip. Easy day trip from St. Martin by ferry.