Did you know that Prickly Pear Island in Anguilla is one of the few Caribbean destinations where you can have lunch on a pristine beach that completely disappeared underwater after Hurricane Irma, only to naturally reform itself within months? This resilient slice of paradise, located just six miles north of Anguilla’s mainland, offers visitors a perfect blend of untouched natural beauty and delightful Caribbean hospitality.
Getting to Prickly Pear Island
Reaching this offshore gem requires a bit of planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. First, you’ll need to get to Anguilla itself, which is accessible by air or sea from nearby islands.
Ready for Paradise?
Start your Prickly Pear adventure by booking your flights to Anguilla. The closest airport is Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA).
Once you’re on Anguilla’s main island, there are several options for reaching Prickly Pear:
Public Shuttle Boats
The most economical option is taking a shuttle boat from Sandy Ground Pier. These boats typically run Tuesday through Sunday at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, returning at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The round-trip fare is approximately $40 per person and includes a complimentary drink.
It’s highly recommended to book your spot in advance, especially during peak season, as these boats can fill up quickly.
Private Charters
For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private charter. Companies like Tradition Sailing and Calypso Charters offer custom trips to Prickly Pear Island. These typically include drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the flexibility to visit on your own schedule.
Private charters are ideal for groups or those wanting to combine Prickly Pear with visits to other offshore cays like Sandy Island in a single day.
Best Time to Visit Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island is most accessible during Anguilla’s dry season, which runs from December through April. During these months, you’ll enjoy sunny skies, calm seas, and the most reliable boat schedules.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Boat Service | Recommendation |
| December-April (Dry Season) | Sunny, 75-85°F | Moderate to High | Regular daily service | Ideal time to visit |
| May-June (Shoulder Season) | Warm, occasional showers | Low | Regular service | Good value period |
| July-November (Hurricane Season) | Hot, potential storms | Very low | Weather dependent | Call ahead to confirm service |
Most restaurants and services on Prickly Pear operate from November through August, with limited or weather-dependent availability during the hurricane season (September-October).
Top Things to Do on Prickly Pear Island, Anguilla
Prickly Pear Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The island is actually composed of two main cays – the eastern and western cay – each with its own unique appeal.
Beach Relaxation
The eastern cay boasts a stunning stretch of powdery white sand that rivals any beach in the Caribbean. Rent a beach chair and umbrella, then simply unwind to the gentle sound of lapping waves.
Snorkeling Adventures
The waters surrounding Prickly Pear Island are teeming with marine life. Bring your snorkel gear (or rent some on the island) to explore the vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish.
Wildlife Encounters
The island is home to friendly bananaquits (small sugar birds) that will land right on your fingertips if you offer them a bit of sugar. You might also spot iguanas sunning themselves on the western cay’s rocky terrain.
Book Your Island Adventure
Ready to experience the best of Prickly Pear Island? Book a guided tour that includes snorkeling equipment, beach time, and transportation.
Island Exploration
Take a walk along the entire stretch of beach on the eastern cay, which only takes about 15-20 minutes from end to end. For the more adventurous, bring walking shoes and explore the western cay’s rocky terrain, where you might spot various seabirds and get spectacular views of the surrounding waters.
Water Sports
Beyond snorkeling, Prickly Pear offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Equipment rentals are available on the eastern cay, allowing you to explore the calm, protected waters at your own pace. The gentle waves and clear visibility make this an ideal spot for beginners.
Dining on Prickly Pear Island
One of the highlights of visiting Prickly Pear Island is enjoying a delicious Caribbean lunch with your feet in the sand. The eastern cay is home to two beach restaurants that serve fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
Prickly Pear Bar & Restaurant
The original beach restaurant on the island, Prickly Pear Bar & Restaurant has been serving visitors since the 1980s. Originally known as Agatha’s (after founder Agatha Ruan), this open-air eatery has survived multiple hurricanes and continues to delight guests with authentic Anguillian cuisine.
“Caribbean cooking at its very best! The fresh lobster is exquisite, bathed in an extra-rich butter sauce and served with all of the Prickly Pear sides.”
The menu features grilled lobster, chicken, ribs, and mahi-mahi, all served with traditional sides like rice and peas, coleslaw, mixed salad, and their famous sautéed potatoes with spices and onions.
The Tiki Hut Bar
Set directly on the beach about 50 yards from the water, the Tiki Hut Bar serves up refreshing cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Their rum punch and frozen daiquiris are particularly popular after a morning of snorkeling and swimming.
Dining Tip: Bring cash if possible, as the restaurants may charge an additional fee for credit card transactions. All food and drinks are brought in fresh daily from the mainland, so prices are similar to what you’d pay elsewhere in Anguilla.
Planning Your Prickly Pear Island Trip
A day trip to Prickly Pear Island requires some preparation to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What to Bring
- Cash for purchases (credit cards accepted with fee)
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Walking shoes for exploring rocky areas
- Beach towel or sarong
- Snorkel gear (if you have your own)
- Waterproof phone case or camera
- Light jacket (for boat ride)
Practical Tips
- Book your boat transportation in advance
- Arrive at Sandy Ground Pier 15-20 minutes early
- Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours on the island
- Reapply sunscreen frequently (the Caribbean sun is intense)
- Bring your own towels as rentals aren’t available
- Consider visiting Sandy Island on the same day
- Most boat services operate November-August
Need a Place to Stay in Anguilla?
Book your accommodation on Anguilla’s main island for easy access to Prickly Pear and other attractions.
Getting Around Anguilla
While you won’t need transportation on Prickly Pear Island itself (it’s small enough to explore on foot), you’ll need a way to reach Sandy Ground Pier on Anguilla’s main island. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore other parts of Anguilla before or after your Prickly Pear excursion.
Explore Anguilla Your Way
Rent a car to easily reach Sandy Ground Pier and discover more of Anguilla’s 33 beautiful beaches.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
Combining Prickly Pear with Other Destinations
Many visitors choose to combine Prickly Pear Island with a visit to Sandy Island, another beautiful offshore cay located closer to Anguilla’s mainland. Private charters can easily accommodate visits to both islands in a single day, giving you the opportunity to compare these two distinct island experiences.
- Larger beach area with more space to spread out
- Better snorkeling with more diverse marine life
- Wildlife encounters with bananaquits and iguanas
- Two distinct cays to explore
Prickly Pear Island Highlights
- Closer to Anguilla’s mainland (shorter boat ride)
- More intimate setting on a tiny sand bar
- Live music and dancing on certain days
- Different menu options to try
Sandy Island Highlights
Experience Paradise on Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island offers the perfect Caribbean day trip experience – combining pristine natural beauty with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Whether you’re snorkeling among colorful fish, feeding friendly bananaquits, savoring fresh lobster with your toes in the sand, or simply relaxing on the powdery white beach, this unspoiled paradise delivers the authentic Caribbean experience that travelers dream about.
With its accessibility from Anguilla’s mainland and variety of activities, Prickly Pear Island deserves a top spot on your Anguilla itinerary. The memories of crystal-clear waters, fresh seafood, and that special island tranquility will stay with you long after your suntan fades.
Ready for Your Prickly Pear Adventure?
Start planning your perfect Caribbean getaway today!
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