Anguilla, Caribbean cruise port
Caribbean › Anguilla

Anguilla, Caribbean

Thirty-three world-class beaches and zero mega-ship crowds — Anguilla is the Caribbean's best-kept secret for small-ship cruisers seeking pristine sand, crystal water, and laid-back luxury.

⚓ Tender port (Road Bay / Sandy Ground)🕒 Typical call: 7-9 hrs💵 USD & Eastern Caribbean Dollar🗣️ English
Docking
Tender to Road Bay pier at Sandy Ground village; no large cruise terminal
Walk to center
Sandy Ground village is steps from the tender pier; The Valley is ~15 min by taxi
Best For
Beach days, snorkeling, offshore cay tours, and upscale Caribbean dining
Don't Miss
Shoal Bay East — consistently ranked among the world's best beaches
📄 Take this port with you
A printable port guide — key info, things to do & tips. Includes an editable “My Day in Port” box for your ship times & booked excursions.
⬇ PDF (print)

Getting Ashore

Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Road Bay pier in Sandy Ground village on Anguilla's west coast.

Getting Ashore in Anguilla

  • 1
    Tender to Road BayYour ship anchors in Road Bay; ship-operated tenders ferry passengers to the pier at Sandy Ground. Collect your tender ticket on board and watch for announcements — waits can build mid-morning.
  • 2
    Taxis at the pierGovernment-regulated taxis wait at the tender landing. Fares are fixed by zone — confirm the price before departing. There is no public bus or rideshare on the island.
  • 3
    Explore or pre-bookMany excursion operators and beach clubs offer transfers from Sandy Ground. Booking in advance (snorkeling boats, cay tours, beach chairs) is worthwhile on busy ship days.

💡 Pro move: USD is universally accepted. Tipping in USD is fine; local Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is also in circulation.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Anguilla is exclusively a tender port — ships anchor in Road Bay and ferry guests ashore to Sandy Ground.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Most cruise lines (small/luxury ships)Road Bay pier, Sandy Ground village📍Tendered
Occasional small expedition vesselsBlowing Point ferry port📍Tendered

Top Excursions

From offshore cay adventures to world-ranked beach days, Anguilla excursions are about slowing down and savoring the Caribbean at its finest.

Relax

Shoal Bay East Beach Day

Anguilla's most celebrated beach — two miles of fine white sand with calm, clear water ideal for swimming. Beach bars and open-air restaurants line the shore. Grab a sun lounger and stay as long as you can.

⏱ Half or full day🚖 20 min by taxi🏖️ Best beach on island
Find Shoal Bay beach tours →
Nature

Sandy Island & Prickly Pear Cay Catamaran

Day-trip by catamaran to one of Anguilla's uninhabited offshore cays — pristine sand, excellent snorkeling, and an all-inclusive lunch and drinks package. Prickly Pear Cays sit within a protected marine area.

⏱ 4-6 hrs🚤 Catamaran🐠 Great snorkeling
Find cay catamaran tours →
Adventure

Little Bay Snorkel Adventure

Reached by boat (or rope climb for the adventurous), Little Bay is a secluded cove with some of Anguilla's richest snorkeling — stingrays, colorful reef fish, and pristine coral within one of the island's seven marine parks.

⏱ 2-4 hrs🤿 All skill levels🚤 Boat access
Find Little Bay snorkel tours →
History

Island Heritage Tour

A guided taxi tour taking in Wallblake House (a restored 1787 plantation estate), the Heritage Collection Museum in East End, and the Old Salt Factory — a compact but genuine look at Anguilla's past.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🏛️ Cultural🚖 Guided taxi
Find Anguilla island tours →
Food

Culinary & Rum Tasting Tour

Anguilla punches well above its size in dining. Progressive lunch tours visit local kitchens and beachside restaurants, with rum tastings and a taste of the island's growing gourmet scene.

⏱ 3-4 hrs🍽️ Small groups🥃 Rum included
Find Anguilla food tours →
Wildlife

Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

Seasonal boat excursions offer sightings of spinner dolphins and humpback whales in the waters around Anguilla. A relaxed alternative to beach time, especially for families.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🐬 Seasonal🐋 Best Dec-Mar
Find whale watching tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Sandy Ground village and the surrounding area are walkable from the tender pier — beaches, bars, and local life all within easy reach on foot.

Sandy Ground Village Stroll

~1 km · Flat · 20-30 min

From the tender pier, walk the length of Sandy Ground Beach — the island's social hub — passing beachside bars, a handful of restaurants, and local fishing boats. The salt pond behind the village is a quiet bonus.

  1. StartRoad Bay pier, Sandy Ground, Anguilla
  2. StopSandy Ground Beach, Anguilla
  3. EndSandy Ground Salt Pond, Anguilla
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Road Bay to Crocus Bay

~2 km one-way · Easy coastal · 30-40 min

Head north from the Sandy Ground pier along the road toward Crocus Bay, a quieter beach with good snorkeling and a couple of bar-restaurants. A pleasant walk with coastal views and little traffic.

  1. StartSandy Ground, Anguilla
  2. EndCrocus Bay, Anguilla
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Anguilla, Caribbean (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy DaysSunriseSunset
Jan28°F / -2°C23°F / -5°C107:26 AM4:41 PM
Feb28°F / -2°C23°F / -5°C86:53 AM5:23 PM
Mar28°F / -2°C23°F / -5°C87:06 AM7:00 PM
Apr28°F / -2°C24°F / -4°C86:10 AM7:38 PM
May30°F / -1°C25°F / -4°C105:27 AM8:14 PM
Jun31°F / -1°C26°F / -3°C105:10 AM8:39 PM
Jul31°F / -1°C26°F / -3°C115:25 AM8:35 PM
Aug31°F / -1°C26°F / -3°C125:58 AM7:58 PM
Sep31°F / -1°C26°F / -3°C126:34 AM7:04 PM
Oct30°F / -1°C25°F / -4°C137:09 AM6:09 PM
Nov29°F / -2°C24°F / -4°C126:50 AM4:26 PM
Dec28°F / -2°C23°F / -5°C117:23 AM4:15 PM

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • Tender timing matters. Tender queues build quickly when ships are at anchor — get your ticket early and aim for a morning departure to beat the crowd.
  • 🚖
    Taxis only — no buses or rideshare. Government-regulated fares are fixed by zone. Confirm the price before you set off and carry small USD bills.
  • 🏖️
    Shoal Bay East is worth the taxi fare. It's about 20 minutes from Sandy Ground but consistently ranks among the world's best beaches — don't skip it.
  • 💳
    USD is king. Most restaurants and shops quote prices in USD or accept it without issue. Cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels.
  • 🤿
    Book offshore boat trips in advance. Sandy Island and Prickly Pear Cay tours sell out on ship days. Pre-book from the ship or contact operators directly before your call.

Getting Around

Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.

🚗 Ride-share: ❌ Not available — use taxisUber, Lyft, Grab, and Bolt do not operate in Anguilla. Local taxi service and CaribeRide Anguilla are the primary alternatives.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus

🚕 Taxi

$25 USD for 2 passengers

Government-regulated fixed-fare taxis meet passengers at Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. The fare to The Valley (main town) is approximately $25 for two people; add $5 per extra passenger.

🚗 Car Rental

$55–$90/day

Car rental is the most flexible way to explore Anguilla's beaches and villages. A temporary local driving permit (~$20) is required and can be obtained with your home license.

🚢 Ferry from St. Maarten

$30–$35 USD round-trip

Most cruise passengers arrive via a 20-minute public ferry from Marigot, St. Maarten to Blowing Point. The ferry runs frequently throughout the day.

🏝️ Guided Island Tour

$60–$100 USD per person

Local taxi drivers double as island guides and offer 2–3 hour tours covering beaches, landmarks, and local spots. Agree on the price and itinerary before departing.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Anguilla, Caribbean. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

MSC Explora 3
MSC Explora Journeys
San Juan → Miami
⚓ Calls 05 Nov 09:00 - 17:00 (09:00–17:00) 20267 nights6 portsDeparts 2026-11-01
View itinerary · 6 ports
7 days, one-way from San Juan to Miami
  1. 01 Nov 18:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. 02 Nov 09:00 - 18:00Tortola Island BVI, Road Town, UK Virgin Islands
  3. 03 Nov 09:00 - 19:00Basseterre St Kitts, Port Zante
  4. 04 Nov 09:00 - 05 Nov 01:00Gustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  5. 05 Nov 09:00 - 17:00Anguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  6. 08 Nov 08:00Miami, Florida
Find this cruise to book →
$6,080from / pp
MSC Explora 1
MSC Explora Journeys
Barcelona → Miami
⚓ Calls 13 Nov 08:00 - 18:00 (08:00–18:00) 202616 nights7 portsDeparts 2026-11-01
View itinerary · 7 ports
16 days, one-way from Barcelona to Miami
  1. 01 Nov 20:00Barcelona, Spain
  2. 03 Nov 09:00 - 21:00Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  3. 05 Nov 09:00 - 18:00Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal
  4. 12 Nov 09:00 - 21:00St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  5. 13 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Anguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  6. 14 Nov 08:00 - 19:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  7. 17 Nov 08:00Miami, Florida
Find this cruise to book →
$9,737from / pp
MSC Explora 3
MSC Explora Journeys
Round-trip from Miami
⚓ Calls 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00 (09:00–19:00) 202614 nights13 portsDeparts 2026-11-08
View itinerary · 13 ports
14 days, round-trip Eastern Caribbean Explora Iii Miami Fl
  1. 08 Nov 17:00Miami, Florida
  2. 10 Nov 09:00 - 18:00Providenciales Island, Turks and Caicos Islands
  3. 11 Nov 09:00 - 16:00Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominicana
  4. 12 Nov 09:00 - 17:00La Romana, Dominicana
  5. 13 Nov 10:00 - 18:00Jost Van Dyke Island BVI, Belle Vue, UK Virgin Islands
  6. 14 Nov 08:00 - 19:00Gustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  7. 15 Nov 08:00 - 17:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  8. 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00Anguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  9. 17 Nov 09:00 - 19:00St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  10. 18 Nov 08:00 - 16:00St Croix Island USVI, Frederiksted-Christiansted, US Virgin Islands
  11. 19 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Catalina Island, Dominicana
  12. 20 Nov 09:00 - 17:00Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominicana
  13. 22 Nov 08:00Miami, Florida
Find this cruise to book →
$9,880from / pp
MSC Explora 3
MSC Explora Journeys
San Juan → Miami
⚓ Calls 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00 (09:00–19:00) 20267 nights7 portsDeparts 2026-11-15
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, one-way from San Juan to Miami
  1. 15 Nov 17:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00Anguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  3. 17 Nov 09:00 - 19:00St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  4. 18 Nov 08:00 - 16:00St Croix Island USVI, Frederiksted-Christiansted, US Virgin Islands
  5. 19 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Catalina Island, Dominicana
  6. 20 Nov 09:00 - 17:00Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominicana
  7. 22 Nov 08:00Miami, Florida
Find this cruise to book →
$5,080from / pp
MSC Explora 3
MSC Explora Journeys
Round-trip from San Juan
⚓ Calls 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00 (09:00–19:00) 202614 nights12 portsDeparts 2026-11-15
View itinerary · 12 ports
14 days, round-trip Eastern Caribbean Explora Iii San Juan
  1. 15 Nov 17:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. 16 Nov 09:00 - 19:00Anguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  3. 17 Nov 09:00 - 19:00St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  4. 18 Nov 08:00 - 16:00St Croix Island USVI, Frederiksted-Christiansted, US Virgin Islands
  5. 19 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Catalina Island, Dominicana
  6. 20 Nov 09:00 - 17:00Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominicana
  7. 22 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Miami, Florida
  8. 25 Nov 08:00 - 17:00St John Island USVI, Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands
  9. 26 Nov 09:00 - 19:00St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  10. 27 Nov 09:00 - 18:00Terre-de-Haut Island, Guadeloupe
  11. 28 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
  12. 29 Nov 08:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
Find this cruise to book →
$9,080from / pp
SeaDream II
SeaDream Yacht Club
San Juan → St Thomas Island USVI
⚓ Calls 29 Nov 20268 nights10 portsDeparts 2026-11-27
View itinerary · 10 ports
8 days, one-way from San Juan to St Thomas Island USVI
  1. 27 NovSan Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. 28 NovSt John Island USVI, Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands
  3. 29 NovAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  4. 30 NovPhilipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
  5. 30 Nov - 01 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  6. 02 DecCharlestown Nevis, Nevis Island
  7. 03 DecJost Van Dyke Island BVI, Belle Vue, UK Virgin Islands
  8. 04 DecVirgin Gorda Island BVI, Spanish Town, UK Virgin Islands
  9. 04 DecNorman Island BVI, The Bight, UK Virgin Islands
  10. 05 DecSt Thomas Island USVI, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Star Flyer
Star Clippers
Round-trip from Philipsburg St Maarten
⚓ Calls 29 Nov 20267 nights11 portsDeparts 2026-11-28
View itinerary · 9 ports
7 days, round-trip 7 Night Treasure Islands Cruise
  1. 28 NovPhilipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
  2. 29 NovAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  3. 30 NovJost Van Dyke Island BVI, Belle Vue, UK Virgin Islands
  4. 30 NovTortola Island BVI, Road Town, UK Virgin Islands
  5. 01 DecNorman Island BVI, The Bight, UK Virgin Islands
  6. 02 DecVirgin Gorda Island BVI, Spanish Town, UK Virgin Islands
  7. 03 DecBasseterre St Kitts, Port Zante
  8. 04 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  9. 05 DecPhilipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
SeaDream I
SeaDream Yacht Club
St Johns Antigua → San Juan
⚓ Calls 09 Dec 20267 nights9 portsDeparts 2026-12-05
View itinerary · 9 ports
7 days, one-way from St Johns Antigua to San Juan
  1. 05 DecSt Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club
  2. 06 DecOranjestad Aruba, Netherlands Antilles
  3. 06 Dec - 07 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  4. 08 DecCharlestown Nevis, Nevis Island
  5. 09 DecAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  6. 10 DecJost Van Dyke Island BVI, Belle Vue, UK Virgin Islands
  7. 11 DecVirgin Gorda Island BVI, Spanish Town, UK Virgin Islands
  8. 11 DecNorman Island BVI, The Bight, UK Virgin Islands
  9. 12 DecSan Juan, Puerto Rico
Find this cruise to book →
$5,120from / pp
SeaDream II
SeaDream Yacht Club
Round-trip from St Thomas Island USVI
⚓ Calls 10 Dec 20267 nights7 portsDeparts 2026-12-05
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, round-trip 7 Night Charlotte Amalie to Charlotte Amalie Cruise
  1. 05 DecSt Thomas Island USVI, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
  2. 06 DecSan Juan, Puerto Rico
  3. 07 DecJost Van Dyke Island BVI, Belle Vue, UK Virgin Islands
  4. 08 Dec - 09 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  5. 10 DecAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  6. 11 DecSt John Island USVI, Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands
  7. 12 DecSt Thomas Island USVI, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Emerald Sakara
Emerald Cruises
Miami → St Thomas Island USVI
⚓ Calls 12 Dec 202613 nights13 portsDeparts 2026-11-30
View itinerary · 13 ports
13 days, one-way from Miami to St Thomas Island USVI
  1. 30 NovMiami, Florida
  2. 01 DecNassau, Bahamas, New Providence Island
  3. 02 DecExuma Islands, Bahamas, George Town
  4. 03 DecSan Salvador Island Bahamas, Cockburn Town
  5. 04 DecLong Island Bahamas, Clarence Town, Calypso Cove
  6. 05 DecGrand Turk Island, Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos
  7. 07 DecSan Juan, Puerto Rico
  8. 08 DecSt John Island USVI, Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands
  9. 09 DecCharlestown Nevis, Nevis Island
  10. 10 DecFalmouth Antigua
  11. 11 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  12. 12 DecAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  13. 13 DecSt Thomas Island USVI, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Emerald Azzurra
Emerald Cruises
Bridgetown → Marigot
⚓ Calls 12 Dec 20266 nights8 portsDeparts 2026-12-06
View itinerary · 8 ports
6 days, one-way from Bridgetown to Marigot
  1. 06 DecBridgetown, Barbados
  2. 07 DecSoufriere, St Lucia Island
  3. 08 DecIles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
  4. 09 DecFalmouth Antigua
  5. 10 DecCharlestown Nevis, Nevis Island
  6. 11 DecGustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  7. 12 DecAnguilla Island, UK, Sandy Ground
  8. 12 DecMarigot, St Martin Island France
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
See more cruises visiting Anguilla →

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.