Imagine gliding across turquoise waters, the sun warming your skin as your private yacht approaches a crescent of white sand framed by limestone cliffs. Anguilla’s coastline, dotted with 33 beaches, hides treasures best discovered by boat—where luxury meets untouched nature. Why settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary awaits just offshore?
Little Bay
Tucked between dramatic cliffs on Anguilla’s north coast, Little Bay feels like a secret whispered among sailors. Accessible only by boat or a daring climb down a rope fixed to the cliff (not an actual ladder—caution advised!), this cove rewards intrepid travelers with crystalline waters teeming with sea turtles and rays. Drop anchor and snorkel the vibrant reefs, or channel your inner thrill-seeker with a leap from the iconic limestone cliff (water shoes recommended for the rocky landing). Pro Tip: Charter a water taxi from Crocus Bay (look for Da’Vida’s boat captains) for a hassle-free journey. Pack a picnic and snorkel gear—there are no facilities here, just pure, unspoiled serenity. Related : Why You Should Visit AnguillaPrickly Pear Cays: Snorkeling in a marine sanctuary
Six miles north of Road Bay, this pair of uninhabited islands forms part of Anguilla’s protected marine reserves. Dive into waters alive with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and elkhorn coral, or stroll the powdery sand of Prickly Pear East, where a rustic beach shack serves grilled lobster and rum punch. Why Boat Here? Private charters (like Fun Time Charters) offer tailored day trips, complete with snorkel gear and gourmet picnics. For a luxe twist, arrive via catamaran and toast the sunset with Champagne as stingrays glide beneath your hull.Sandy Island
More sandbar than island, this tiny oasis lies a 10-minute boat ride from Sandy Ground. Arrive early to claim a lounge chair under the palm-thatched gazebo, then snorkel the surrounding reefs bursting with angelfish and brain coral. At lunch, savor coconut shrimp and rum punch at the island’s lone beach bar while reggae tunes drift on the breeze. Local Secret: Book a “Tiger” boat from Sandy Ground for a lively group excursion, or splurge on a private yacht charter (from €4,300) with St. Barts-based operators for a VIP experience.Shoal Bay East: Postcard-perfect shores
Voted among the Caribbean’s top beaches, Shoal Bay’s two-mile stretch of blush-pink sand is a boater’s delight. Anchor near Madeariman Beach Club for lobster salads and frozen mojitos, or snorkel the eastern reefs where neon fish dart through underwater gardens.Boat-friendly perks:
- Ample mooring spots near beachfront villas.
- Rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore hidden coves.
- Stay at Zemi Beach House—their Thai-inspired spa offers post-snorkel massages.
Cap Juluca’s Maundays Bay
This crescent-shaped bay, home to Belmond Cap Juluca, epitomizes barefoot elegance. Arrive by yacht to swim in waters so calm they mirror the sky, then indulge in ceviche and rosé at Cip’s by Cipriani, the resort’s seaside restaurant. While the beach is public, arriving by boat lets you bypass the resort crowds for a VIP vibe. Insider Move: Time your visit for golden hour—the view of St. Martin’s hills bathed in sunset hues is pure magic.Rendezvous Bay: Sunset strolls & beachfront bites
A favorite for long walks, Rendezvous Bay’s soft sands stretch for miles. Anchor near Garvey’s Sunshine Shack, where locals grill fresh lobster served with crispy fries and panoramic views of St. Martin. Post-lunch, wander to Dune Preserve, a driftwood beach bar dubbed the “world’s best” by CNN, and sip a rum punch as reggae legend Bankie Banx performs. Boat Access Note: Calm waters make this bay ideal for novice sailors.Cove Bay: Anguilla’s under-the-radar gem
With no resorts in sight, Cove Bay offers a raw, unfiltered Caribbean experience. Swim in gentle waves, then dock at Smokey’s beach shack for jerk chicken and live soca music on Sundays. On rare winter days, swells on the eastern edge of the bay can create surfable waves—though seasoned surfers often head to Meads or Savannah Bay for more consistent action. Charter Tip: Pair a visit here with nearby Crocus Bay for a day combining solitude and local culture.Why a boat tour elevates your Anguilla experience
- Exclusivity: Access hidden beaches like Captain’s Bay, where wild waves and—with luck and the right season—offshore whale sightings reward the adventurous. Note: this beach is stunning but remote, with strong surf.
- Luxury Add-Ons: From onboard Champagne breakfasts to private chefs (book through CéBlue Villas), tailor your voyage to match five-star tastes.
- Efficiency: Explore multiple beaches in one day without battling island traffic
Anguilla’s shores are more than sand and sea—they’re gateways to moments of pure bliss. Whether you’re sipping rum punch on a floating tiki bar or diving into waters clearer than glass, the island’s boat-accessible beaches promise a symphony of sensory delights. Ready to drop anchor in paradise?
