Off the Beaten Path in Anguilla

By Ensemble Travel Staff

Discover these four local spots to understand why the island is so beloved, from serene beaches to wild habitats.

Anguilla offers something truly unique – an island paradise with natural beauty, pristine beaches and warm hospitality far from the crowds of tourists. The best way to explore it is to take the road less travelled, venture off the beaten path to discover something new. These four destinations on Anguilla are well worth including in your vacation plans.

PRICKLY PEAR CAY

Prickly Pear Cay is a small island located 10 kilometers from Anguilla’s mainland and popular among swimmers and snorkelling enthusiasts looking for a more private experience. The Eastern Caribbean Natural Area Management Programme has classified the cays as wildlands. A boat channel between Prickly Pear East and Prickly Pear West divides the small pair of uninhabited islands.

Visitors can swim between the rocky coral reef and shrubs on the Western smaller cay. Marine fauna includes schooling goatfish, crabs, lobsters, barracuda, angelfish, nurse sharks and more. Those who love scuba diving will enjoy discovering the several sunken ships in the area. After your swim, watch for nesting birds, a common sight along the coastline.

PRICKLY PEAR BAR AND RESTAURANT

© ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD

While visiting Prickly Pear, check out Prickly Pear Bar and Restaurant, a local favourite for more than 20 years. The chef-curated menu features BBQ chicken and ribs, freshly caught lobster and crayfish, burgers, sandwiches, salads and beverages to complement your meal.

After lunch, consider renting paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear, or a Seabob (also called a water scooter) to round out your secluded day at this picturesque cay. If relaxation is what you’re looking for, then book a cabana, umbrella, or beach massage instead. You can also opt for sunset cruises, sportfishing tours, or bar and beach hopping.

SCILLY CAY

After two years of cleanup and rebuilding what Hurricane Irma demolished, Scilly Cay is open again. This familyowned and operated restaurant and private island has been welcoming families for the past 35 years. Located on the eastern part of Anguilla, this offshore cay is not to be missed. The 55-metre-long island is less than half a kilometre from the mainland and accessible by boat from Island Harbour.

FRESH SEAFOOD AT SCILLY CAY

© ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD

If you don’t see a boat at the dock upon arrival, just wave, and it’ll be there in a few minutes to pick you up. The serene waters within the bay are always calm, making it the perfect setting to spend the afternoon snorkelling, swimming, or lounging on a floatie. The restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesdays and Sundays with a live reggae band from noon until 5 pm. Indulge in lobster, crayfish (native to Anguilla), and its famous potent rum punch, considered the best on the island. The lobster is served on a bed of coconut leaves and drizzled in mild curry sauce. The restaurant was built by native Anguillan and former professional tennis player, Eudoxie Wallace. It’s now run by his sons.

SANDY ISLAND

This small cay off Sandy Ground beach in Anguilla is a popular getaway. Many tourists have called Sandy Island one of the most beautiful places they’ve ever visited. Catch a boat ride at Sandy Ground to the island, where you can spend most of the day feeling like a castaway in paradise. Pristine white sand, beach chairs accompanied by umbrellas. and beach beds provide you with all the essentials you need to relax.

SANDY ISLAND IS A FAVOURITE AMONG VISITORS

© ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD

Don’t miss out on the delectable food available at the island restaurant. Open daily, it serves fresh seafood, grilled meats and tasty rum punches. The bar, always fully stocked with ice-cold beers and spirits from around the world, is awaiting your arrival. Bring a towel and don’t forget your sunscreen as you spend the day snorkelling and enjoying the crystal blue waters.

SCRUB ISLAND

Scrub Island, a British Overseas Territory, is a small, privately owned island off the eastern tip of Anguilla’s mainland. and beach beds provide you with all the essentials you need to relax. Don’t miss out on the delectable food available at the island restaurant. Open daily, it serves fresh seafood, grilled meats and tasty rum punches. The bar, always fully stocked with ice-cold beers and spirits from around the world, is awaiting your arrival. Bring a towel and don’t forget your sunscreen as you spend the day snorkelling and enjoying the crystal blue waters.

DIVE INTO THE SEA CAVES AT MYSTERIOUS SCRUB ISLAND

© ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD

With no electricity and plumbing, the island can feel like a remote escape far from the stresses of life. The expansive white-sand beach is an excellent spot for a picnic and swim. Take a short hike over the dunes to find a salt pond where several land birds, waterfowl and shorebirds gather. The island has been identified as an Important bird area by BirdLife International because of the nesting seabirds. You may spot the Caribbean Elaenia, pearly-eyed thrashers and laughing gulls on Scrub Island.

Continue exploring, and you’ll find the remains of an old plane, several abandoned homes and an old airfield. Snorkel the caves to see beautiful reef fish and nurse sharks. Also watch for whales. Some tourists visiting the western part of the island have been lucky enough to spot them. Be sure to book your boat to Scrub Island in advance.