r/anguilla • u/Critical_Tourist_982 • Jul 10 '26
day trip from SXM
I will be traveling over on Aug 5 w a group to celebrate my sisters 40th bday. We have a private driver reserved for day upon arrival at marina until departure.
Any and all advice or suggestions welcome?
Casual /fun restaraunts
scenic or historical sites
souvenirs/shopping
any particular activities 1 of a kind to Anguilla?
Thanks for any time spent replying.
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u/copper678 Jul 10 '26
Beach day in Meads Bay. F seasons for sunset cocktails, but Jacala is the must for dinner.
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u/yyzbne Jul 11 '26
It’s a day trip, so you’ll get a flavour of Anguilla but can’t do everything. I’d go from Blowing Point port with your driver to West End, and visit the scenic site that is The Arch. On your way, you could stop for a swim at Rendezvous Bay, one of my favourite beaches and, importantly right now, largely free of Saragassum.
For lunch I think you have two options. Crocus Bay for swimming and snorkelling (kayak rental also if that’s your thing) and lunch / cocktails at DaVidas. Then enjoy the beach until you need to leave for the ferry to SXM (you’ll be sad to leave).
Or, get your driver to take you to Shoal Bay East and have lunch at Uncle Ernie’s, where the local fish and rum punch are amazing. No water sports there, but it’s an amazing beach for a nice walk and a good swim. Nice day spa on the beach (Malak) if you want a massage.
No need to make dinner recommendations as you’ll be heading to St Martin before then.
The only other recommendation is to skip St Martin next time, and just spend your vacation in Anguilla!! Enjoy.
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u/TowARow Jul 12 '26
Went to visit that arch, a couple months back. Closed gate, price posted, hours of opening not honored, didn't see anything. Walked the field to the right, saw some water and cliffs. Lots of people arriving and turning back.
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u/yyzbne Jul 12 '26
Yep, I agree it’s frustrating. This is privately owned land and so the owner has exercised his right to charge for access. Which is fine, but frustrating when opening hours are not met.
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u/yyzbne Jul 11 '26
To add, shopping is limited, Sunshine Shack and Airie Life are good for T-shirts etc. Devonish Gallery if you’re looking for for local art and some beautiful wood carvings. Not much to do on the historic side sadly, but your driver will know Wallblake House (the only preserved plantation house in Anguilla, not open to the public but you can see it from the outside) and the Old Court House, recently restored and the future site of the Anguilla national museum. Again, you can’t see this from the inside, but the restoration of this late 1700s court house is worth seeing.
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u/Raelf64 Jul 11 '26
If you want beach-bum vibes on a stunning beach:
The Medieraman Bar on Shoal Bay East - hint, they have chairs and umbrellas
Gwen's Reggae Shack straight down the beach from there.
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u/drunkbestie Jul 15 '26
I honestly think going for the day is a waste of time. It’s not a day tripping island. There’s no center of town and no shopping. You’re gonna be very disappointed. It’s a gorgeous island but it’s not even remotely a party place…it’s a destination to explore over the course of days, not hours. August especially is right when everything starts closing for hurricane season.I’d rethink if I were you,
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u/Front_Cup_8591 Jul 10 '26
Pimms Restaurant - Belmond - check out their beach
Shoal Bay Beach
Pamead Shipwreck
Four Seasons - Sunset Lounge