Sandy Island: Anguilla's Barefoot Speck of Paradise
A tiny sandbar cay off Sandy Ground where grilled lobster, rum punch and turquoise water are the whole point
Why Go
Some places call themselves a private island escape; Sandy Island actually is one. This palm-dotted spit of white sand sits a few minutes by boat off Sandy Ground, ringed by reef and water so clear it looks retouched. There's one beach bar-restaurant, a handful of umbrellas, and nothing else ΓÇö which is exactly why people cross an ocean to get here.
The Experience
Your day starts at the second pier in Sandy Ground, where the shuttle boats ΓÇö cheerfully named Happiness, Joy, Bliss and Euphoria ΓÇö run back and forth from about 11 a.m. Ten minutes later you step off into ankle-deep turquoise water onto a cay you can walk around in minutes. Claim a lounger or a shady spot under the palms, order a JoJo rum punch, and settle into the rhythm: swim, snorkel the surrounding reef, eat, repeat. The open-air kitchen grills lobster, crayfish, ribs and chicken over coals while reggae drifts across the sand. It's rustic in the best way ΓÇö solar power, sea breeze, no crowds ΓÇö and by the time the last boat carries you back to Sandy Ground, the day feels twice as long as it was.
What to Try
The grilled Anguillian lobster is the signature ΓÇö split, brushed and charred over the open grill, served with rice and salad. Crayfish is a close second and a local favorite, while the BBQ chicken and ribs plates are great value for non-seafood eaters. Wash it down with the house JoJo rum punch (potent ΓÇö pace yourself) or a cold Carib, and leave room for whatever fresh fruit cocktail is going that day.
Insider Tip
Book ahead in high season and pre-order your lobster when you reserve ΓÇö the kitchen grills to order and can sell out on busy days. Aim for the first 11 a.m. boat to enjoy the island at its quietest and snag the best shade; bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and cash backup, since you're on a sandbar with no shops. Note the island typically closes during hurricane season (roughly SeptemberΓÇôOctober), so plan visits between November and August.
The Practical Stuff
Location: a small offshore cay reached by boat from Sandy Ground pier, The Valley 2640, Anguilla. Access is via the restaurant's own shuttle boats, running hourly from around 11 a.m. into the late afternoon (boat fare typically included or charged with your visit ΓÇö confirm when booking). Open daily roughly November through August; closed in hurricane season. Lunch service only; expect mid-to-upper lunch prices with lobster at a premium. Reservations strongly recommended in winter high season. Facilities are simple ΓÇö bar, restaurant, loungers, shade ΓÇö so pack light but bring sun protection, swimwear and snorkel gear.
Pair It With
- Elvis' Beach Bar Guide — Back on Sandy Ground beach, it's the natural sunset follow-up ΓÇö toes-in-the-sand cocktails and tacos a short walk from the pier where your boat returns.
- Sandy Ground Village — The departure point itself is Anguilla's liveliest beach strip; arrive early or linger after for its bars, salt pond views and Friday-night music scene.
- ALAK Art Gallery — A nearby stop for local Anguillian art ΓÇö an easy cultural add-on before or after your island day to take home something beyond a tan.