Savannah Bay
A wild, empty crescent on Anguilla's Atlantic edge
Why Go
When you want the Anguilla of postcards without the beach clubs, umbrellas, or crowds, Savannah Bay delivers a mile-plus of pale sand and quiet surf ΓÇö usually with just a handful of footprints for company.
The Experience
Savannah Bay (locals sometimes lump it in with neighbouring Junks Hole) sits on the island's undeveloped south-eastern coast, a long, gently curving arc backed by low dunes and sea grape rather than resorts. The Atlantic influence gives it more character than Anguilla's calmer west-side beaches: on the sheltered western end the water is glassy and swim-friendly, while the eastern end catches enough breeze to have long been a favourite of local windsurfers and kiters. A single, weather-worn beach shack ΓÇö Nat's Place, aka Palm Grove ΓÇö is the only sign of commerce, and its rum punches and grilled catch-of-the-day have become part of the pilgrimage.
What to Try
Snorkel the shallow reef around the big rock just offshore for parrotfish and the occasional ray. Walk the full length of the bay barefoot ΓÇö this is one of the best shelling stretches on the island. Post up under Nat's palm-thatch for grilled snapper or crayfish with johnnycakes, and stay for sunset: Savannah faces east but the sky show over the dunes at day's end is quietly spectacular.
Insider Tip
There are no rentals, no lifeguards, and no shops ΓÇö bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a bit of cash for Nat's (card service is unreliable). Call Nat's Place ahead if you want lunch; he cooks to order and can sell out on quiet days. The unpaved access road is rough ΓÇö a 4WD or high-clearance rental makes life much easier.
The Practical Stuff
Location: south-east coast of Anguilla, between Sea Feathers Bay and Junks Hole, roughly 20 minutes' drive from The Valley. Access is via a dirt track off the main road ΓÇö signage is minimal, so pin it on your map before you go. Free to visit, open dawn to dusk. No facilities beyond Nat's Place, which typically operates for lunch in season (roughly NovemberΓÇôApril); hours are informal.
Pair It With
- Nat's Place (Palm Grove) — The only kitchen on the bay ΓÇö fresh grilled seafood and cold Caribs make it the natural lunch stop before or after your swim.
- Junks Hole Beach — Just around the headland to the east; combine the two for a full day of empty-beach hopping and a stop at Palm Grove between them.
- Shoal Bay East — After a morning of solitude at Savannah, head to Shoal Bay's turquoise water and beach bars for a livelier afternoon contrast.
- Heritage Collection Museum — A short drive inland in East End ΓÇö a good rainy-hour add-on that puts the island's fishing and salt-pond history into context.