Savannah Bay: Anguilla's Wild, Wind-Swept Ribbon of Sand
A mile-long stretch of untouched Caribbean where the trade winds meet turquoise silence.
Why Go
On an island already famous for postcard beaches, Savannah Bay is the one locals whisper about ΓÇö the vast, undeveloped east-coast bay where you can walk a mile of powder-soft sand and, most days, count your fellow beachgoers on one hand.
The Experience
Savannah Bay unfurls along Anguilla's rugged eastern shore as the island's largest and least developed beach. The vibe splits in two: the sheltered western end is glassy and calm, perfect for floating and snorkeling around the offshore rock that acts as a natural reef; the eastern end catches the Atlantic trades, drawing a small but devoted crew of windsurfers and kitesurfers. Between them lies a wide open ribbon of pale sand fringed by sea grape and coconut palms, with almost no built environment in sight. Getting here is part of the ritual ΓÇö the road turns rough near Junks Hole, so most visitors arrive by Mini Moke, on foot, or by boat. What waits is the closest thing Anguilla still has to a truly wild beach day.
What to Try
Snorkel the shallows around the big rock just off the western shore, where parrotfish and the occasional ray cruise the reef shelf. Walk the full length of the beach at low tide to shell-hunt along the uninhabited stretch. Book a lunch at Nat's Place (Palm Grove) ΓÇö the bay's only establishment ΓÇö for grilled crayfish, ribs, and rum punch under the sea grapes. Time a visit for late afternoon, when the sun drops behind the dunes and the bay lights up in coral and gold.
Insider Tip
Nat's Place doesn't take walk-ins reliably ΓÇö call ahead the morning of, and ask him to grill a lobster for you. Bring cash, plenty of water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a beach umbrella; there is no rental hut, no lifeguard, and no shop of any kind once you're on the sand. If you're driving, a 4x4 or Mini Moke makes the final rutted stretch far less punishing than a sedan.
The Practical Stuff
Located on the eastern coast of Anguilla, near East End Village and Mount Fortune. Access is via a rough unpaved track ΓÇö a 4x4 or Mini Moke is strongly recommended, though hardy hikers can walk in from the main road. There is no entrance fee, no lifeguard, and essentially no infrastructure aside from Nat's Place (Palm Grove), which typically operates in high season and by reservation. Best visited mid-morning through sunset. Currents can pick up on the eastern (windward) end, so weaker swimmers should stick to the calmer western side.
Pair It With
- Nat's Place (Palm Grove) — The bay's only kitchen ΓÇö a barefoot lunch of grilled lobster and rum punch is the definitive Savannah Bay ritual.
- Junks Hole Beach — An even more remote cove just south of Savannah Bay, reachable on the same rugged track and ideal for a double-beach day.
- Captain's Bay — Another untouched east-end beach in the same wild stretch of coastline ΓÇö pair all three for Anguilla's off-grid trilogy.
- Island Harbour — On the way back west, stop for a boat ride to Scilly Cay or a fresh seafood lunch at one of the harbourside spots.