If there was ever an archetypal Caribbean beach, then Shoal Bay East in Anguilla would have to be it. Within one of Anguilla’s marine parks, it boasts perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise waters with good snorkelling. However, whereas with this ideal often comes throngs of holiday makers, for most of the year here is still pretty much undiscovered and deserted…..and even with it having won the coveted title of best beach in the Caribbean a few years ago. How it retains its tranquil nature is a mystery, but I’m sure it won’t last forever so to make the most of this idyllic location and book your tickets now!
Update: Over recent years parts of Shoal Bay East have been disappearing due to erosional processes that seem to have changed, possibly due to nearby reef deterioration. A report on this loss, including in other beach areas around Anguilla, has been published here. However, there may be good news. Following the catastrophic Hurricane Irma on the 5th of September 2017, some parts of the beach magically re-appeared. Thankfully one benefit of the storm, amid a torrent of extensive damage around the island. Time will tell if the rebuilt beach will remain, or if the previous erosional processes will return. Fingers crossed!
Another Update: As of mid-2019 unfortunately not, and the beach once again began eroding. See here for pre-Irma beach monitoring report > The Anguilla Beach Monitoring Program Report 1992-2014 (1277 downloads )
Image originally posted on Instagram @sea_anguilla with the text: Shoal Bay East yesterday. Beautiful turquoise sea, brilliant white sand, and barely a person in sight. Stunning.