Snorkeling & Scuba Diving on Anguilla

Snorkeling Photo Credits: Mike Vogel (thank you for allowing us to share your photos on our page)

Anguilla is world-renowned for its sun, sea and sand, but there’s much more to explore than just beautiful beaches. This Caribbean region also offers some of the world’s most spectacular scuba diving sites thanks to its dramatic underwater landscapes, colorful ocean flora and fauna and rare marine life. Discover awe-inspiring shipwrecks, untouched reefs, and abundant vibrant sea life.

The ocean water in Anguilla tends to be calm and warm and is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can find coral reefs scattered around the islands, and the visibility can be anywhere from 60-100 feet below the surface. Snorkelers can expect to see an array of beautifully colored tropical fish including giant tarpon, turtles, eels, manta rays, squid, and even beautiful but deadly lionfish.

On Sandy Ground, divers can explore several sunken ships that created artificial ocean ecosystems and a series of marine parks.

Shoal Bay East is one of Anguilla’s most famous beaches and features a mile-long beach of sugary white sand and natural coral reefs. It is here at Shoal Bay where you will find an abundance of ocean activity, such as diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boats. Around the point where the beach sharply curves south, visitors will stumble upon another superb area of white powdery sand known as Upper Shoal Bay, where snorkeling is excellent.

If you head west along the main road from Savannah Bay, you can find several superb hidden beaches off the beaten path. Some of these include Sea Feathers, Little Harbour, and Mimi’s Bay. Sea Feathers features a stretch of beach that is usually isolated with some fascinating snorkeling along the rocky shoreline ridges. Little Harbour is a remote area with a coastline surrounded by rough limestone and smaller scattered beaches, and Mimi’s Bay is a sheltered bay that is wild and beautiful, but with a strong current.

Adventurous explorers can charter dive boats to Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, or Dog Island. Sandy Island is the quintessential deserted island adorned with tall coconut palms and pure white sand. To get to the island from Anguilla, a free shuttle boat launches every thirty minutes from a pier at Sandy Ground Beach, near Johnno’s Bar. Even though Prickly Pear features two small restaurants, it is a secluded paradise for birdwatchers and snorkelers. Dog Island offers massive coral gardens, an array of tropical fish, including puffer fish and schools of squid. The coral can grow up to eight feet tall with amazing formations.

If you prefer to stay close to home, Twin Palms Villas offers free use of snorkeling equipment to explore the reefs on the east side of Mead’s Bay.

Shoal Bay Scuba is Anguilla’s premier scuba diving operator and also offers snorkeling charters. “Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. At Scuba Shack AXA, we offer more than just diving; we provide an unforgettable experience tailored to the discerning traveler. Our personalized service and access to Anguilla’s most pristine dive sites ensure that your underwater adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, we’ll guide you through a world of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.” (from Shoal Bay Scuba).

Also recommended are Vigilant Divers  in Anguilla. They offer PADI Instruction and guided scuba diving from their 30 ft Boston Whaler ‘VIGILANT’. You will get a very personal experience as they take only 4 divers on the boat at one time. It will feel like your own private dive trip.

Twin Palms Villas Concierge will gladly make your scuba diving and snorkeling charter reservations for you.