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Anguilla
Honeymoon Planner
Ideas for a romantic getaway on this Caribbean island
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Beaches
in Anguilla
Anguilla is deservedly
noted for its spectacular beaches, stretches of near white sand
against an aquamarine backdrop. The atmosphere at the various
beaches varies from playful to placid. Regardless of which beach
the two of you select, the mood is friendly and low-pressure.
A few beach vendors are found on the island's busiest stretch
of sand, Shoal Bay, but even here the sales are very low-key
and you'll be able to enjoy undisturbed sunbathing all afternoon.
Here's a look at some of the top romantic beaches on Anguilla:
•Shoal
Bay. Even if you opt for a quieter stretch of sand, you've
got to budget time for a look at this classic beach, one of
the best in the Caribbean. Nearly chalk white sand stretches
for two miles and just yards away snorkelers find reefs and
even a snorkel trail (see Adventures Underwater, above). Shoal
Bay has the most typical "beach bar" atmosphere
in Anguilla, with casual eateries and bars sprinkled along
the sand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are rented by the day
for a few dollars.
•Sandy Ground. This beach, stretching alongside
the community of Sandy Ground, is a favorite with boaters,
windsurfers, water-skiers, and sunbathers. Some of the island's
top restaurants are located nearby.
•Rendezvous Bay. Largely undeveloped, this beach
runs past Sonesta Anguilla and The Dunes Preserve. Take a
long stroll on the chalky sand that's occasionally interrupted
by rocky shoreline.
•Little Bay. This secluded beach is primarily
reached by boat and is popular with snorkelers, scuba divers,
and birders.
•Barnes Bay. Located on north side of the west
end, this beach is popular with snorkelers and windsurfers.
•Maundays Bay. Home of Cap Juluca, this half moon
crescent invites sunbathing but snorkeling is best enjoyed
elsewhere.
Cays and Islets
The waters surrounding
Anguilla are home to several small cays and islets that are
accessible by boat for a day of sunbathing, snorkeling and bird
watching. Check with boat operators for a romantic day trip
to these sites:
- Prickly Pear
Cays. Good for snorkeling.
- Sandy Island.
Another popular snorkeling site. The island is located
out from Sandy Ground. To reach the island, stop by the Sandy
Island Beach Bar and Restaurant offices next to the Police
Station in Sandy Ground between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily for
transportation out to the island. Once there, the restaurant
serves Anguillian lobster as well as fish, chicken, and ribs.
For information, call (264) 497-6395.
- Scrub Island.
Located just off the eastern end of the island, this site
is a popular day trip. One of the larger islets surrounding
Anguilla, Scrub Island runs two miles long by one mile wide
and includes the ruins of an abandoned resort and even an
old dirt airstrip.
- Anguillita
Island. Located off the southwest shore; uninhabited.
- Sombrero
Island. Home to many sea birds.
- Dog Island.
This desert island is home to blue-footed boobies. Visitors
can walk the perimeter of the island and enjoy a day with
a real Robinson Crusoe feel. Get a boat to drop you at this
island for a full day's excursion; depart from Sandy Ground.
- Scilly Cay
Just off Island Harbour lies the tiny cay of Scilly Cay,
home of Gorgeous Scilly Cay Restaurant. This private island
offers a free boat ride (or a moderate swim if you choose),
a lunch restaurant, and a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Snorkelers (bring your own gear) will find nearby reefs.
Related
Pages about Anguilla:
> Honeymoons,
Destination Weddings, and Romantic Getaways in Anguilla
> Anguilla chapter
of "Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean"
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