Rugged, remote, and unforgettable, discover Windward Point.
Quick facts
Best for
Hiking to the eastern tip panorama, 360-degree island views, Wildlife watching (pelicans, humpback whales in season)
Swimming
Use caution
Snorkeling
Limited
Food nearby
Limited
Parking
Roadside / Public Parking
Family-friendly
Limited
Coast
East Coast
Vibe
Quiet
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
0.53m
Swim friendly · Offshore 1.16m
Wind Speed
14 kts
Moderate wind
Wind Direction
ESE
Wind coming from ESE (111°) · Blowing toward WNW
Status
Caution
Use caution
Last Updated
03:00 AM
Quick answer
Windward Point is Anguilla's wild eastern tip - an undeveloped rocky headland with a short cactus-dotted hike to a navigation beacon, 360-degree panoramic views of Scrub Island, St. Martin, and St. Barths, and seasonal humpback whale sightings in the channel below.
Windward Point is the absolute eastern edge of Anguilla - the point where the island runs out of land and the full force of the open Atlantic takes over. It is one of the most remote, wild, and geologically dramatic spots on the island, and one of its most rewarding destinations for anyone who values raw coastal scenery, panoramic views, and a genuine sense of the island's unspoiled character.
Getting here is part of the experience. From Island Harbour, follow the road east, turning left at the Palm Grove sign onto a reasonable gravel road and navigating carefully past several tempting forks - the Anguilla News guide is specific: avoid right turns at 0.5 km, 0.8 km, and 1.9 km, and the left fork to Captain's Bay at 2.2 km. The final section of the road is rough. Most visitors park at the end of the accessible road and walk the remaining distance to the hill at the eastern tip. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the full approach.
The hike itself is short and rewarding. From the beach at Windward Point Bay, the trail climbs through a rocky landscape of Melocactus (popehead cacti), windswept frangipani, and knee-high buttonwood trees, with the Atlantic crashing loudly in the background and pelicans gliding overhead. At the summit - marked by a navigation beacon - the view opens in every direction: back west across the full length of Anguilla, east to Scrub Island just 500 metres across the channel, and on a clear day, St. Martin and St. Barths on the southern horizon. A full 360-degree panorama from Anguilla's highest eastern point.
The channel between Anguilla and Scrub Island is a seasonal humpback whale corridor. Visitors in the right months (typically January through March) have followed humpbacks as far as visibility allowed from this vantage point - one of Anguilla's most extraordinary wildlife encounters. Pelicans are active year-round. The beach below is a wild, undeveloped stretch with powerful waves crashing onto the sand and piles of driftwood along the shoreline - and, honestly, also some ocean plastic washed ashore, a reminder of the challenge of open-ocean debris even in remote places.
Windward Point has no facilities of any kind. The entire point is undeveloped - no homes, no power, no shade structures. The Anguilla National Trust offers a guided hike to Windward Point for $50 per person ($20 for children under 12), which includes walking through limestone rocks and fields of cacti with highlights of the flora, fauna, and dramatic coastal landscape. Quest Experiences also offers a guided coastal hike to Windward Point rated as difficult.
Located in Island Harbour, St. Martin, Windward Point is a strong choice for travelers looking for Quiet. Its current beach profile highlights use caution.
Park at the end of the accessible road - the final section is rough and should be taken slowly, or vehicles can pull off before the rough section and walk the remaining short distance. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the approach. There is no formal parking area. Download directions or a map before going as the route involves several potentially confusing forks.
Windward Point is the absolute eastern tip of Anguilla - the point where the island ends and the open Atlantic begins. It is entirely undeveloped: no homes, no power, no facilities, just a wild rocky headland with a navigation beacon at its summit and the full force of the Atlantic crashing below.
The landscape is dramatic and distinctive: fields of Melocactus (popehead cacti) line the trail to the summit, windswept frangipani and knee-high buttonwood trees fill the scrub, and pelicans glide overhead as the sea crashes loudly in the background. It looks and feels like the edge of the world.
From Windward Point Beach, the trail climbs a short but steep rocky hill to the navigation beacon at the top. The hike is not long but the terrain is uneven and requires closed-toe shoes with good grip. At the summit, the reward is a full 360-degree panorama: the entire length of Anguilla to the west, Scrub Island 500 metres across the channel to the east, and on a clear day, St. Martin and St. Barths on the southern horizon.
The Anguilla National Trust offers a guided version of this hike for $50 per person ($20 for children under 12). Quest Experiences also runs a guided coastal hike rated Difficult. Guided options are recommended for first-time visitors.
Pelicans are active year-round at Windward Point, diving offshore and gliding along the cliff edges. The channel between Anguilla and Scrub Island is a seasonal humpback whale corridor - visitors between January and March have followed humpbacks from the elevated vantage point at the summit as they moved through the passage.
The edible pink fruit of the popehead cacti along the trail is a local bonus. A few visitors also note ocean plastic washed ashore on the beach - a reminder that even the most remote locations are affected by open-ocean drift.
From Island Harbour, head east and turn left at the Palm Grove sign. Avoid right turns at 0.5, 0.8, and 1.9 km and the left fork to Captain's Bay at 2.2 km. The road ends at Windward Point Beach - the final section is rough, so drive slowly or park before it and walk. An SUV is recommended. Download directions offline before going as the route is entirely unsigned.
There are no facilities of any kind. Bring closed-toe shoes with grip, a hat, plenty of water, and sun protection. The entire hike is fully exposed to direct sun with no shade. Wash your car after visiting - the salt spray here is substantial.
Best for travelers looking for Hiking to the eastern tip panorama, 360-degree island views, Wildlife watching (pelicans, humpback whales in season), Coastal photography, Total seclusion and remoteness, Nature and eco-tourism, and Guided hikes (Anguilla National Trust / Quest Experiences).
Vote for what makes Windward Point special. Your votes help other travelers plan their visit.
Swimming at Windward Point is not recommended. The point faces the open Atlantic and is fully exposed to powerful surf and strong currents. The beach below the hill is a wild stretch of crashing waves and is for viewing only. There are no lifeguards and no safe swimming areas.
Windward Point is not suitable for snorkeling. The open Atlantic exposure, powerful surf, and rocky entry make water activity unsafe. Visitors looking for snorkeling should head to Shoal Bay East, Sandy Hill Bay, or arrange a boat charter to Prickly Pear Cays or Scrub Island.
Key safety considerations at Windward Point: (1) Do not attempt to swim - the Atlantic surf here is powerful and dangerous; (2) the hiking terrain is rocky with Melocactus (spiny cacti) alongside the trail - wear closed-toe shoes with good grip; (3) the summit area involves uneven rocky terrain near cliff edges - keep children close and away from the edges; (4) there is no shade anywhere on the route - bring a hat, sun protection, and more water than you think you need; (5) the approach road is rough and unsigned - download your map before going and wash your vehicle afterwards to remove salt spray; (6) ocean plastic washed ashore by current is present on the beach.
Tap the pin for directions
Windward Point's main attraction is the short hike from the beach to the navigation beacon at the top of the hill, which rewards visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view: Scrub Island to the east, the full length of Anguilla to the west, and St. Martin and St. Barths on a clear day. Wildlife watching, coastal photography, and experiencing the wild Atlantic landscape are the other draws.
Loading reviews…
Share your experience at Windward Point with other travellers.
Approx. 20–30 mins from Marigot Ferry Terminal. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
Approx. 15–45 mins from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), depending on bridge openings.
Estimated fare
...
Based on published taxi zone rates for 2 passengers and standard luggage. Confirm final fare with your driver.
Park at the end of the accessible road - the final section is rough and should be taken slowly, or vehicles can pull off before the rough section and walk the remaining short distance. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the approach. There is no formal parking area. Download directions or a map before going as the route involves several potentially confusing forks.
From Island Harbour, head east on the paved road and turn left at the Palm Grove sign onto a gravel road. Avoid right turns at 0.5 km, 0.8 km, and 1.9 km. Avoid the left fork to Captain's Bay at 2.2 km. The main road forks left just before the gate to the sand mining pit and ends at Windward Point Beach. The final section is rough - take it slowly or park before the rough section and walk. Total drive from Island Harbour is approximately 5–10 minutes. From The Valley, allow approximately 30 minutes. Download Google Maps offline before leaving WiFi. Wash your vehicle after the visit to remove salt spray.
There is no food or drink available at Windward Point. The entire area is undeveloped. Bring ample water - the hike is fully exposed to sun with no shade - and snacks. The nearest food options are in Island Harbour, a short drive back west.
Local insight
Morning is the best time to visit Windward Point - cooler temperatures, better light for photography, and the calmest Atlantic conditions for viewing. January through March offers the possibility of humpback whale sightings in the channel between Anguilla and Scrub Island. Any clear day offers the full panoramic views. Avoid visiting at midday in summer when the exposed terrain becomes very hot with no shade.
Nature lovers, hikers, wildlife watchers, and photographers who want to experience Anguilla's most dramatic and remote coastal landscape. Anyone who wants a 360-degree panoramic view of the eastern island chain. Visitors interested in the Anguilla National Trust guided experience. Travelers who have covered the main beaches and want to see a completely different and wilder side of the island.
Visitors who need facilities or shade, those who are not comfortable hiking on uneven rocky terrain, families with very young children, and anyone who is not wearing appropriate footwear. Windward Point is a nature and hiking destination - not a beach or swimming spot in any sense.
Download your directions before you leave WiFi - the road forks are confusing and there are no signs. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip and bring a hat and plenty of water. The hike to the summit is short but fully exposed. Look for the edible pink fruit of the popehead cacti along the trail - a local delicacy. Visit January through March for the best chance of seeing humpback whales in the Scrub Island channel. Wash your car afterwards - the salt spray here is heavy.
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.
Anguilla Ferry Times helps travelers check ferry schedules, service alerts, taxi fares, beach conditions, travel guides, and essential island information in one place. Your support helps keep the platform useful, up-to-date, and free for everyone.
Support helps cover hosting, maintenance, content updates, data improvements, and new travel planning features for locals and visitors.
5k+
Monthly visitors
10K
Page Views
100%
Community supported
Helps keep ferry routes, times, and travel details easy to find.
Supports service notices, travel alerts, and helpful planning content.
Funds improvements to taxi, beach, ferry, and island planning tools.
Want to support future improvements?
Contributions help us add better schedule tools, alerts, travel guides, ferry planning features, and local visitor resources.