Sandy Ground, Anguilla Travel Guide

City Coastal settlement on Anguilla's west coast

A stretch of low-rise hotels and beach bars, Sandy Ground draws visitors for white-sand beaches, calm snorkeling reefs and sunset cocktails; ferries to St. Martin arrive at its small harbor, and restaurants pull in fresh-caught lobster and grilled fish.

Main image
Costs
US$150-250 per day
Car hire and beachfront dining push costs up; budget choices limited.
Safety
Mostly safe with caution
Generally safe but watch petty theft around busy beaches at night.
Best Time
November-June (dry season)
Dry, sunny weather and peak beach conditions.
Local Time
12:36 AM
GMT-4
Weather
Partly Cloudy 78°F
Partly Cloudy
Population
274
Infrastructure & Convenience
Limited public transit; car taxis and rental cars dominate, basic tourist amenities present.
Popularity
Popular with Caribbean beachgoers and nightlife-seeking visitors; crowded in high season.
Known For
Sandy beach, beach bars, sunset views, snorkeling, seafood restaurants, casual nightlife, ferry links to St. Martin, small hotels, summer parties
Sandy Ground is Anguilla's lively beach-and-bar strip, long known as the island's prime sunset-and-nightlife spot.

Why Visit Sandy Ground, Anguilla? #

Sandy Ground is best known for its lively beachfront bars and easygoing seaside atmosphere, where live music and sunset swims are part of the draw. The neighborhood’s sandy bay and docked dhows set the scene for fresh grilled lobster, johnny cakes, and spicy Creole-style seafood. Short boat trips to nearby cays and regular reggae nights make this a favorite spot for sunseekers who prefer local flavor and laid-back nightlife.

Best Things to Do in Sandy Ground, Anguilla

All Attractions ›

Sandy Ground, Anguilla Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Sandy Ground Beach - Relax on Sandy Ground Beach with calm waters, beach bars, and sunset views.
  • Scilly Cay - Take a short boat trip to Scilly Cay for grilled seafood and turquoise shallows.
  • Shoal Bay East - Swim Shoal Bay East's long white sand beach and snorkel coral gardens.
  • Wallblake House - Visit 18th-century Wallblake House museum and learn island colonial history.
Hidden Gems
  • Little Bay - Snorkel Little Bay's hidden cove and explore submerged cliffs and caves.
  • Fountain Cavern National Park - Hike Fountain Cavern National Park to see limestone caves and native fauna.
  • Sandy Ground Nightlife - Experience Sandy Ground's lively evening scene with local bands at beachfront bars.
Day Trips
  • The Valley - Drive to The Valley for the Heritage Collection Museum and island government buildings.
  • Prickly Pear Cays - Boat to Prickly Pear Cays for untouched islets, snorkeling, and picnic beaches.

Best Time to Visit Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Aim for December-April in Sandy Ground for sunny, breezy conditions and calm seas. The wet and hurricane seasons (May-November) bring higher humidity, brief rains and potential storm risk.

Dry Season
December - April · 23-29°C (73-84°F)
Perfect beach weather: sunny, breezy afternoons and minimal rain - prime time for snorkeling, sailing, and island restaurants; crowds pick up.
Wet Season
May - November · 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Hotter, more humid days with frequent brief downpours; good deals but expect afternoon showers and rougher seas for boat trips.
Hurricane Season
June - November · 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Peak risk of tropical storms between August and October - travel disruptions possible, insurance recommended; many operators still run with careful monitoring.

Best Time to Visit Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (971 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 (57 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 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 23°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 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 28°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 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°
76%
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 (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

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

Weather

92 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 (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 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 (63 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 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 (93 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

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

Weather

93 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 (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

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

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
4.7 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°
78%
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 (128 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

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

Weather

128 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 (92 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

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

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

How to Get to Sandy Ground, Anguilla

Sandy Ground on Anguilla is most easily reached either via a short flight into Anguilla's AXA airport or by ferry from Sint Maarten (SXM) to Blowing Point. Once on Anguilla, short taxis and route minibuses connect Sandy Ground with the island's key beaches and villages.

By Air

Clayton J. Lloyd International (AXA): Anguilla’s small airport is the quickest way to reach Sandy Ground from within the island group. The drive is about 10-20 minutes; expect taxi fares of roughly US$10-20 to Sandy Ground.

Princess Juliana International (SXM): Many international visitors fly into Sint Maarten and take the regular ferry to Anguilla. Ferries from Marigot (St. Martin) or Philipsburg (St. Maarten) to Blowing Point on Anguilla take about 15-25 minutes; typical one-way fares are around US$20-35. From Blowing Point it’s a short taxi or local bus ride to Sandy Ground.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no rail service in Anguilla.

Bus / Route taxis: Anguilla’s public transport includes route taxis and minibus services that run between the main towns and beaches. Expect low flat fares (a few US dollars) for short hops; taxis are common for door-to-door transfers from the ferry terminal or airport to Sandy Ground.

How to Get Around Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Sandy Ground is small and walkable around the beach and main strip. Taxis and rental cars are the usual ways to get around the rest of Anguilla; shared minibuses are informal and limited. A regular ferry runs between Sandy Ground and nearby St. Martin (Marigot), making day trips straightforward - check schedules and have local currency/contacts for taxi transfers at either end.

Where to Stay in Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Budget
Sandy Ground / West End - $80-200/night
Sandy Ground itself has a few guesthouses and self-catering units; most budget travellers use modest beachfront apartments or off-season deals island-wide.
Mid-Range
Meads Bay / West End - $200-450/night
Sandy Ground is small but close to several boutique and resort properties offering comfortable mid-range rooms and easy access to beaches and restaurants.
Luxury
Maundays Bay / Shoal Bay West - $700+/night
For true luxury near Sandy Ground, choose one of Anguilla's high-end resorts offering private beaches, villas, and full-service spas.

Where to Eat in Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Nightlife in Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Sandy Ground is one of Anguilla’s livelier pockets at night with beach bars and restaurants that draw locals and visitors, especially on weekends and in high season. Even so, the scene is concentrated in a handful of beachfront venues rather than a wide nightclub circuit. For more variety head to larger resorts or other parts of the island, but Sandy Ground is the place locally to find evening social life.

Shopping in Sandy Ground, Anguilla #

Shopping in Sandy Ground is limited to small boutiques, beachwear sellers and a few convenience spots serving residents and visitors. For larger duty‑free shopping or a broader range of stores you’ll need to visit other parts of the island or catch a ferry to St. Martin. Bring essentials with you and expect most purchases to be cash- or card-friendly but on a small scale.

Nearby Cities #