Island Harbour, Anguilla Travel Guide

City Small settlement in Anguilla with coastal harbour

A working harbour on Anguilla’s east coast, Island Harbour draws anglers and beachgoers to wind-swept shores, roadside grills, and boat charters that run to snorkel spots and neighboring isles.

Costs
High-end island prices
$150-300/day; luxury and boutique options.
Safety
Very safe and calm
Low violent crime; relaxed island security.
Best Time
High season: Dec-Apr
Warm, dry weather and peak tourism.
Local Time
12:38 AM
GMT-4
Weather
Partly Cloudy 78°F
Partly Cloudy
Population
Infrastructure & Convenience
Taxi-dependent, few convenience stores, widespread English.
Popularity
Draws snorkelers, fishermen and visitors seeking calm beaches.
Known For
Fishing harbour, coral reefs, snorkeling, calm beaches, local restaurants, boat trips, Anguillian cuisine, low-key island life
Island Harbour is one of Anguilla's traditional fishing villages and remains a working harbour for local small-scale fishermen.

Why Visit Island Harbour, Anguilla? #

A small fishing village on Anguilla’s east coast, Island Harbour draws people who want a close‑to‑the-water Caribbean experience. Local lobster and freshly grilled fish dominate the menu at village jollies, while boat charters and pier gatherings reveal a hands‑on fishing culture. The community’s relaxed beachside bars, reggae evenings and neighbourly festivals provide an authentic island pace without the crowds of larger resort hubs.

Best Things to Do in Island Harbour, Anguilla

All Attractions ›

Island Harbour, Anguilla Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Island Harbour Village - Stroll Island Harbour to see traditional fishing boats and local community life.
  • Island Harbour Beach - Relax on Island Harbour Beach for calm swimming and shoreline shell collecting.
  • Local seafood stalls - Sample fresh grilled fish and seafood from small local stalls by the water.
Hidden Gems
  • Small fishing coves - Explore tiny coves nearby for quiet swimming and simple seaside scenery.
  • Community boardwalks - Walk low-key boardwalks used by residents for early-morning fishing and socializing.
  • Nearby snorkel spots - Discover nearby snorkel spots where shallow reefs host colorful reef fish and corals.
Day Trips
  • Prickly Pear Cays - Take a boat trip to Prickly Pear Cays for snorkeling and secluded beaches.
  • Sandy Island - Visit Sandy Island for a sandbar picnic and shallow turquoise water swimming.

Best Time to Visit Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Island Harbour (Anguilla) is tropical - warm year-round with a pronounced dry season December-April. Visit in the dry season for best beach weather; note hurricane risks June-November.

Dry Season
December - April · 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Sunny, breezy days and low rainfall; peak travel months, lively beaches and best conditions for snorkeling and boating but book early.
Wet Season
May - November · 26-31°C (79-88°F)
Warmer, more humid with frequent short showers; seas still swim-able and fewer crowds, though afternoons can be stormy and some resorts offer lower rates.
Hurricane Season
June - November · 26-31°C (79-88°F)
Risk of tropical storms and rare hurricanes peaks; travel insurance advised and flexible plans recommended between August and October, especially for sailing trips.

Best Time to Visit Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (931 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.0h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

September

September is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (83 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

How to Get to Island Harbour, Anguilla

Island Harbour is a small settlement on Anguilla's eastern coast. Most international travellers arrive via St Maarten (SXM) and take a short international ferry to Blowing Point, or fly directly to Anguilla's AXA for regional connections.

By Air

Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, Anguilla (AXA): AXA is the island’s airport with regional connections (typically via San Juan, St Maarten or other Caribbean hubs). From AXA you can take a taxi to Island Harbour in 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; taxi fares are modest but higher than same-length trips on larger islands.

Princess Juliana International Airport, St Maarten (SXM): Many international visitors fly into SXM then transfer by ferry to Anguilla. From SXM you travel by taxi or shuttle to one of the St Maarten ferry terminals (most common: Marigot or Oyster Pond) and take a ferry to Blowing Point, Anguilla.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no rail on Anguilla.

Bus / Ferry: The common route from St Maarten is ferry service (operators include Ferries from Blowing Point↔Marigot or from Philipsburg depending on operator). Ferries from St Maarten to Blowing Point take about 20-30 minutes; fares are typically in the USD 20-30 one-way range. On Anguilla local minibuses and taxis serve the island’s short routes.

How to Get Around Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Island Harbour is a small coastal settlement where local distances are easy to cover on foot. For exploring Anguilla more broadly, renting a car is the most practical option; taxis operate island-wide but can be costly for longer trips. If you plan to move between districts or visit beaches across the island, allow extra travel time-public transport is minimal and most visitors rely on cars, scooters or taxis.

Where to Stay in Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Budget
Island Harbour / East End - $100-200+/night
Island Harbour itself has very few true budget options; Anguilla is generally expensive. Budget-minded visitors often choose self-catering apartments or guesthouse rooms on other parts of the island.
Mid-Range
Meads Bay / Shoal Bay - $200-400/night
Mid-range boutique inns and condo properties sit near Meads Bay and Shoal Bay; expect comfortable private units rather than large hotel chains.
Luxury
Anguilla (Meads Bay area) - $400+/night
Anguilla's luxury resorts focus on privacy, beachfront villas and fine dining. Island Harbour is quiet; most high-end properties cluster on Meads Bay and the island's northwest coast.

Where to Eat in Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Nightlife in Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Nightlife in Island Harbour is low-key, centered on hotel or beachside dining. For bars and a livelier evening scene, visitors usually travel to Sandy Ground or other busier resort areas.

Shopping in Island Harbour, Anguilla #

Shopping within Island Harbour itself is very limited-small grocery shops and local vendors meet everyday needs. For souvenir shopping, boutiques and duty-free options are found in The Valley and busier coastal hubs.

Nearby Cities #