Sandy Island

Top choice in Anguilla


A trip to this tiny solar-powered islet is the quintessential Anguilla dream experience. Picture pure white-sand beach fringed by palm trees, translucent waters for snorkeling amid the turtle- and grouper-filled coral. The on-site restaurant runs hourly boat shuttles from the second pier in Sandy Ground and cooks up delicious barbecued lobster, chicken, ribs and other tasties. The bar serves island-inspired cocktails including potent JoJo rum punch. Buy tickets at the office in Sandy Ground (reservations requested but not necessary).

The ride is about 10 minutes but the captain often slows down the boat in the bay to point out sea turtles coming up for air. Food is only served from noon to 3pm, so it's best to order as soon as you get to the island since it takes the tiny crew a while to cook. Staff also rents sun loungers (US$5 with lunch, US$10 without) but no snorkeling gear. If needed, pick some up at Scuba Shack in Sandy Ground.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Anguilla attractions

1. Sandy Island Office

2.02 MILES

Buy tickets for the trip out to Sandy Island at this little office next to Johnno's.

2. Sandy Ground

2.05 MILES

Fronting bobbing yachts and a couple of small piers, this golden-sand beach is calm, shallow and free from coral, making it a good spot to splash about…

3. Rendezvous Bay

2.46 MILES

Cradled by calm, crystal-clear waters, this pearly white crescent is idyllic for an extended stroll with a rum-punch stop or live music at Bankie Banx's…

4. Meads Bay

2.47 MILES

This long majestic white-sand beach exudes sultry languor and is a lovely spot to swim or take a sunset stroll. It's bookended by the Four Seasons and…

5. Cove Bay

3.01 MILES

Sea grapes hem in this fairly narrow sliver of sand along Cove Bay, a refreshingly undeveloped beach that's great for whiling away an afternoon in…

6. Crocus Bay

3.41 MILES

Although off the charts in terms of beauty, Crocus Bay beach is often overshadowed by Anguilla's more famous strands. This calm crescent oozes dreamy…

7. Little Bay

3.48 MILES

Among Anguilla's more secluded beaches, west-facing Little Bay is a sublime sliver of sand with excellent swimming, snorkeling and sunsets. It can only be…

8. Shoal Bay West

4.2 MILES

The island road ends at this divine and often deserted south-facing sweep of white powdery sand with views of St-Martin/Sint Maarten and great sunsets…