A wild offshore cay with remote beaches, seabirds, lagoons, cliffs, and clear water.
Quick facts
Best for
Remote offshore boat trips, Nature-focused visitors, Bird watching
Swimming
Rough
Snorkeling
Yes
Food nearby
Limited
Parking
Boat Access Only
Family-friendly
Limited
Coast
North Coast
Vibe
offshore island, boat access, remote beach
Live beach conditions based on the latest available beach data.
Conditions are rough today and may not be ideal for casual swimming.
Conditions are rough today and may not be ideal for casual swimming.
Wave Height
0.68m
Swim friendly · Offshore 1.68m
Wind Speed
19 kts
Windy · Sand blowing
Wind Direction
E
Wind coming from E (83°) · Blowing toward W
Status
Rough
Not recommended
Last Updated
02:00 AM
Quick answer
Scrub Island is Anguilla’s largest offshore cay, located off the eastern tip of the mainland and reached only by boat. This guide covers what to expect, beach access, swimming and snorkeling notes, wildlife awareness, safety tips, and how to visit responsibly.
Scrub Island is one of Anguilla’s most rugged and intriguing offshore destinations. Located just off the eastern tip of Anguilla, it is the largest of the island’s offshore cays and offers a very different experience from the mainland’s full-service beaches. Scrub Island is remote, quiet, natural, and best approached as a boat-access nature and exploration trip rather than a casual beach stop.
The island is known for its scrubland, rocky limestone coastline, cliffs, ponds, lagoons, sandy beach areas, seabirds, and clear surrounding water. It has no permanent residents and no regular public beach infrastructure. There are no restaurants, no beach bars, no public restrooms, and no roadside access. That rawness is exactly what makes Scrub Island special for visitors who enjoy wild places.
Scrub Island has long carried a sense of mystery because of its remote setting, abandoned structures, old airstrip, and dramatic coastline. Some visitors come for the beaches and snorkeling, while others are drawn by the island’s birdlife, scenery, and off-the-grid character. The western side, including Scrub Bay, is often referenced as the more practical landing area when sea conditions allow.
Swimming and snorkeling can be beautiful on calm days, but this is not a beginner-friendly beach environment. The coastline can be rocky and exposed, and sea conditions matter. Visitors should only go with a capable boat operator or guide who understands the area, the wind, the swell, and the safest approach points.
Scrub Island is best for adventurous travelers, boaters, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, and visitors looking for a quiet offshore experience away from Anguilla’s more developed beaches. It is not ideal for visitors who need shade, restrooms, food service, lifeguards, easy swimming, or a polished beach club setting.
Located in Off East End, Anguilla, Scrub Island is a strong choice for travelers looking for offshore island, boat access, remote beach, snorkeling, nature, bird watching, marine park, quiet, wild beach, east end, Snorkeling, Quiet, and Sunset. Its current beach profile highlights rough.
There is no parking on Scrub Island because it is boat-access only. Visitors usually meet a private boat, charter, or guide at a mainland departure point such as Island Harbour, Sandy Ground, Road Bay, or another arranged dock. Confirm your pickup point, return time, and sea conditions before leaving the mainland.
Scrub Island is Anguilla’s largest offshore cay, located off the eastern tip of the mainland. It is remote, uninhabited, and much wilder than Anguilla’s regular beach destinations.
The island is defined by scrubland, rocky limestone coastline, sandy beaches, ponds, lagoons, seabirds, and clear surrounding water. It is best treated as a nature and exploration trip rather than a full-service beach day.
Scrub Island is boat-access only. There is no public ferry terminal, road access, parking, restaurant, or regular beach infrastructure.
Most visitors need to go with a private boat, local charter, or experienced guide who understands the island’s coastline, safe landing areas, and sea conditions.
Swimming and snorkeling around Scrub Island depend entirely on the day’s sea conditions and the specific location chosen by your captain. Some sandy areas may be calm and beautiful, while other sections can be rocky or exposed.
Because Scrub Island is remote and ecologically sensitive, visitors should avoid disturbing marine life, touching coral, or snorkeling near boat approach areas.
Scrub Island is recognized for its seabird habitat and natural value. Its ponds, lagoons, scrubland, and shoreline support wildlife and give the island a raw, untouched atmosphere.
Visitors should keep a respectful distance from birds and wildlife, avoid sensitive nesting areas, and leave no trash or belongings behind.
Scrub Island is best for experienced boaters, guided charter guests, bird watchers, photographers, snorkelers visiting in calm conditions, and visitors who want a quiet, remote offshore experience.
It is not ideal for travelers looking for restaurants, restrooms, easy access, lifeguards, or a polished beach club experience.
Best for travelers looking for Remote offshore boat trips, Nature-focused visitors, Bird watching, Snorkeling on calm days, Quiet beach exploring, Photography, Experienced boaters, Low-impact island adventure, and East End exploration.
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Swimming at Scrub Island depends heavily on the day’s sea conditions and the specific beach or landing area selected by your captain. Some beach areas can be calm and beautiful on the right day, while other sections are rocky, exposed, or affected by swell. There are no lifeguards, no marked swim zones, and no public beach services, so swimming should only be done with caution and local guidance.
Scrub Island can offer snorkeling opportunities around clear-water and reef areas when conditions are calm. Because the island is remote and ecologically sensitive, snorkelers should avoid touching coral, avoid disturbing marine life, stay away from boat approach areas, and follow the guidance of their captain or tour operator. Bring your own gear unless your charter provides it.
Scrub Island is remote, uninhabited, and exposed to changing marine conditions. Visit only with a capable boat operator, check weather and sea conditions before going, bring sun protection and water, and avoid landing or swimming in unsafe conditions. Respect wildlife and nesting seabirds by keeping distance, staying quiet, and avoiding sensitive areas. There are no emergency services or public facilities on the island.
Tap the pin for directions
Scrub Island is located off the eastern tip of Anguilla, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. It is Anguilla’s largest offshore cay and is reached only by boat.
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Approx. 15–25 mins by taxi from Blowing Point. Taxis are always waiting at the terminal.
Approx. 10–20 mins from Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA).
Estimated fare
...
Based on published taxi zone rates for 2 passengers and standard luggage. Confirm final fare with your driver.
There is no parking on Scrub Island because it is boat-access only. Visitors usually meet a private boat, charter, or guide at a mainland departure point such as Island Harbour, Sandy Ground, Road Bay, or another arranged dock. Confirm your pickup point, return time, and sea conditions before leaving the mainland.
Scrub Island is reached only by boat. Most visitors need a private boat, local charter, or guided excursion with a captain familiar with the island and current sea conditions. There is no public ferry terminal, no road access, and no regular beach infrastructure. The channel between Anguilla and Scrub Island may look short on a map, but access should still be planned carefully around wind, swell, and safe landing conditions.
There is no restaurant or regular food service on Scrub Island. Visitors should bring water, snacks, lunch, sun protection, towels, and any essentials they need for the full trip. Everything brought to the island should be taken back out, including trash and food packaging.
Local insight
The best time to visit Scrub Island is on a very calm, settled day with good visibility and low swell. May through August is often referenced as one of the better windows for visiting this uninhabited offshore island, but conditions should always be checked before departure. Morning to midday is usually better for calmer water, clearer light, and safer exploration.
Scrub Island is best for experienced boaters, guided charter guests, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, snorkelers visiting in calm conditions, and travelers who want a remote and quiet offshore Anguilla experience with minimal human development.
Scrub Island is not ideal for visitors who want beach bars, restaurants, restrooms, easy roadside access, guaranteed calm swimming, lifeguards, or a full-service beach day. It may also not be suitable for young children, inexperienced swimmers, or anyone uncomfortable with remote boat-only destinations.
Go only with someone who knows Scrub Island and the sea conditions. Keep the visit low-impact: bring water, protect yourself from the sun, stay away from nesting birds, do not leave trash, and let the island remain wild.
Great spot for sunset. Remember to bring cash for the beach chairs.
No nearby food or drink spots have been added for this beach yet.
Line up transport, food, and timing before you head out.
Check likely taxi costs between ports, hotels, beaches, and airport areas before committing to a route.
Estimate farePlan the inland leg from the ferry terminal and compare nearby beaches, restaurants, and travel timing.
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