Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla: The Long Beach Facing St Martin
Two miles of south-facing sand with the mountains of another country across the water.
Why Go
Rendezvous Bay is the longest beach on Anguilla and the only major one that faces south, which gives it the view that makes it distinctive: the green mountains of St Martin sitting on the horizon a few miles off, changing colour through the day. The sand runs for about two miles and the water is calm and shallow the length of it. It is quieter than Shoal Bay, less exclusive than Meads Bay, and it has the island's golf course and its horse-riding at either end of it.
The Experience
The bay is a long, shallow curve backed by low scrub and a scattering of properties, with plenty of stretches where there is nothing at all behind the sand. The water is protected and gentle, the sand pale and firm enough to walk on for a long way, and because the beach is so long it never feels crowded even when the properties on it are full. The southern aspect means the light is different from the north-coast beaches — flatter at midday, better in the late afternoon — and the St Martin view is the thing people photograph. Behind, the land is dry and open, with the golf course occupying a large stretch and Cove Bay running on to the west. The scale is what people underestimate: two miles of sand absorbs a great many visitors before it looks busy, and on a weekday out of season you can walk for twenty minutes without passing anyone. That is unusual for a beach this accessible, and it is the reason regular visitors to Anguilla often rate it above the more famous north-coast stretches.
What to Try
Walk the length of it, which takes about an hour each way and is the simplest good thing to do here. Seaside Stables Anguilla runs horse riding on this beach, including into the water, which is the activity most associated with Rendezvous Bay and worth booking ahead. The Aurora International Golf Club is the island's course, laid out behind the sand. Eat at Sole di Mare or Picante for the sit-down evenings, Sarita's Pastas & Pizza and D Richard's for the informal ones, and Island Crave Ice Cream for the afternoon. Cheddie's Carving Studio nearby is worth a stop — he is Anguilla's best-known sculptor and works in driftwood and mahogany. Simply Natural Anguilla covers the local products, and Long Bay Beach along the coast is the next stretch of sand. Island Crave and Black Orchid Florists round out the village businesses behind the bay. Because the beach connects westward to Cove Bay, the best single afternoon here is a long walk in that direction finishing with a drink at the Dune Preserve, which turns two separate beach visits into one continuous one.
Insider Tip
Come in the late afternoon for the light on St Martin. The mountains across the channel turn from grey to green to blue as the sun drops, and this is the only major Anguillian beach with that view — the famous ones all face north at open ocean. Walk west along the sand rather than east: the far end toward Cove Bay is the emptiest part, and it connects to the Dune Preserve for a drink without getting back in the car.
The Practical Stuff
Rendezvous Bay is about ten minutes from Blowing Point ferry, fifteen from The Valley and fifteen from Clayton J. Lloyd International, on the south coast. You need a car; Anguilla has no useful public transport. Parking is free and informal at several access points along the bay. The beach is public along its whole length, as all Anguillian beaches are, and there is little in the way of facilities away from the properties — bring water and shade if you intend to walk. Driving is on the LEFT and a temporary local permit is required. Hurricane season runs roughly June to November and a number of businesses close for part of it.
Common Questions
Is Rendezvous Bay the longest beach in Anguilla?
Yes, at roughly two miles, and it is the only major beach on the island facing south. That gives it the view across to the mountains of St Martin, which the north-coast beaches do not have.
Is Rendezvous Bay good for swimming?
Very — it is sheltered and shallow along its whole length, with calm water and firm pale sand. It is a better walking and swimming beach than a snorkelling one.
Can you ride horses on the beach in Anguilla?
Yes, on Rendezvous Bay, where a local stable runs rides along the sand and into the water. Book ahead, particularly in high season.
Rendezvous Bay or Shoal Bay?
Shoal Bay has the more famous sand and reef snorkelling; Rendezvous is longer, quieter and has the St Martin view. Most people who spend a week on Anguilla end up walking both.
How far is Rendezvous Bay from the ferry?
About ten minutes from Blowing Point, and fifteen from both The Valley and the airport. You need a car — there is no useful public transport on the island.
Are there facilities on the beach?
Limited, and mostly attached to the properties along it. Away from those the beach is empty, so carry water and shade if you plan to walk its length.
Pair It With
- Seaside Stables Anguilla Guide — Riding along the sand and into the sea.
- Cheddie's Carving Studio — The island's sculptor, a short drive away.
- Cove Bay — The quieter bay you can walk to from the western end.
