Prickly Pear Cays

Prickly Pear Cays is one of Anguilla’s signature offshore beach escapes, located several miles from the mainland and reached only by boat. The cays are made up of Prickly Pear East and Prickly Pear West, separated by a narrow channel, with the main visitor experience centered around white sand, shallow turquoise water, snorkeling, beachside dining, and relaxed island adventure.

The experience feels more remote than a mainland beach. Once you arrive, the pace slows immediately. The water is bright and clear, the sand is soft, and the surrounding views give you that rare feeling of being far away from everything while still being close enough to Anguilla for an easy day trip. It is a favorite stop for boat charters, sailing excursions, families, couples, and visitors looking for a beach day that feels more like a mini island adventure.

Prickly Pear is especially well known for snorkeling. The surrounding reef and shallow marine areas can be rewarding when conditions are calm, with clear water, colorful reef fish, coral formations, and seagrass areas nearby. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, lounging, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach walks, and casual exploring. Because this is an offshore cay, conditions can change with wind, swell, and boat activity, so it is always best to follow the guidance of your captain, tour operator, or island staff.

Food is a major part of the Prickly Pear experience. The island’s beach bar and restaurant serves a laid-back lunch experience with grilled seafood, lobster, crayfish, mahi mahi, chicken, ribs, salads, rice and peas, drinks, and family-style meal options. It is the kind of place where the meal, the sea, and the view all become part of the same memory.

Access is by boat only. Most visitors arrive from Sandy Ground or Road Bay through local charters, scheduled excursions, sailing trips, or private boats. There is no road access, no parking on the cay itself, and no mainland-style public infrastructure. That simplicity is part of the charm. Prickly Pear is best enjoyed as a planned day trip where you bring what you need, confirm your boat arrangements, and let the island do the rest.