
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.
Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Road Bay pier in Sandy Ground village on Anguilla's west coast.
💡 Pro move: USD is universally accepted. Tipping in USD is fine; local Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is also in circulation.
Anguilla is exclusively a tender port — ships anchor in Road Bay and ferry guests ashore to Sandy Ground.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (small/luxury ships) | Road Bay pier, Sandy Ground village📍 | Tendered |
| Occasional small expedition vessels | Blowing Point ferry port📍 | Tendered |
From offshore cay adventures to world-ranked beach days, Anguilla excursions are about slowing down and savoring the Caribbean at its finest.
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.
Find Shoal Bay beach tours →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.
Find cay catamaran tours →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.
Find Little Bay snorkel tours →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.
Find Anguilla island tours →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.
Find Anguilla food tours →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.
Find whale watching tours →Sandy Ground village and the surrounding area are walkable from the tender pier — beaches, bars, and local life all within easy reach on foot.
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.
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.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Anguilla, Caribbean (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°F / -2°C | 23°F / -5°C | 10 | 7:26 AM | 4:41 PM |
| Feb | 28°F / -2°C | 23°F / -5°C | 8 | 6:53 AM | 5:23 PM |
| Mar | 28°F / -2°C | 23°F / -5°C | 8 | 7:06 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Apr | 28°F / -2°C | 24°F / -4°C | 8 | 6:10 AM | 7:38 PM |
| May | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 10 | 5:27 AM | 8:14 PM |
| Jun | 31°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 10 | 5:10 AM | 8:39 PM |
| Jul | 31°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 11 | 5:25 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Aug | 31°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 12 | 5:58 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Sep | 31°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 12 | 6:34 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Oct | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 13 | 7:09 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Nov | 29°F / -2°C | 24°F / -4°C | 12 | 6:50 AM | 4:26 PM |
| Dec | 28°F / -2°C | 23°F / -5°C | 11 | 7:23 AM | 4:15 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
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 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.
Most cruise passengers arrive via a 20-minute public ferry from Marigot, St. Maarten to Blowing Point. The ferry runs frequently throughout the day.
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.
Upcoming cruises that call at Anguilla, Caribbean. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
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.