Prickley Pear Cays, Crocus Bay Travel Guide

5 (8)

Discover pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and Caribbean flavors on Anguilla's idyllic, uninhabited Prickly Pear Cays. A perfect day trip escape.

Home
Travel Guides
Anguilla
Crocus Bay
Prickley Pear Cays

Escape to Prickly Pear Cays, a duo of pristine, uninhabited islands off Anguilla's coast, offering powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Perfect for a day of relaxation, snorkeling, and savoring Caribbean flavors at the beachside restaurant.

A brief summary to Prickley Pear Cays

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Prickley Pear Cays.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as shade can be limited on the beach.
Snorkeling gear is recommended to fully experience the vibrant coral reefs; rentals may be available, but bringing your own ensures availability.
Check with local boat operators for the latest schedules and prices for trips to Prickly Pear Cays.
Be mindful of the local wildlife, especially nesting birds and iguanas; avoid disturbing their habitats.
Consider visiting during the summer months (May-August) for calmer seas and a more enjoyable boat ride.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Elvis Beach Bar

Crocus Hill

Sandy Island Anguilla

SandBar

Maundays Bay

Explore Prickley Pear Cays on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Prickley Pear Cays, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

The primary way to reach Prickly Pear Cays is by boat from Sandy Ground, Anguilla. Several local boat operators offer day trips, with departures typically in the morning and returns in the afternoon. The boat ride takes approximately 25 minutes each way. A round-trip fare typically costs around $40 per person, which may include a credit towards drinks at the Prickly Pear Restaurant. Some charters from St. Maarten are also available, with prices varying.

Discover more about Prickley Pear Cays

Prickly Pear Cays, located approximately six miles north of Road Bay, Anguilla, are a pair of small, uninhabited islands divided by a narrow channel. These cays, Prickly Pear East and Prickly Pear West, offer visitors a quintessential Caribbean escape with untouched natural beauty.Prickly Pear East boasts a long, white sand beach perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs close to shore. Marine life is abundant, with colorful fish, starfish, and diverse coral formations easily visible. The island is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like Brown Pelicans, Red-billed Tropicbirds, and Laughing Gulls nesting on the cays.Prickly Pear West is more rocky, with low limestone cliffs and scrub vegetation. It's home to Anguilla's only nesting colony of Brown Pelicans. While access is more difficult, the island offers a unique opportunity to observe these birds in their natural habitat.Visitors can enjoy a meal at Prickly Pear Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood, grilled meats, and refreshing cocktails. The restaurant has been a favorite since the 1980s, offering a true Caribbean getaway. Keep an eye out for the friendly bananaquits, which may even eat sugar from your hand. For the adventurous, snorkeling around the caves on the island's west side provides an exciting experience.