Forest Bay Pond, Merrywing Bay Travel Guide

Discover Anguilla's serene side at Forest Bay Pond, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility.

Forest Bay Pond is a small brackish lagoon on Anguilla's southeastern coast, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This serene wetland offers a peaceful escape and a chance to observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

A brief summary to Forest Bay Pond

5XW2+JF9, The Forest, AI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Forest Bay Pond.

Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching; you'll spot a greater variety of species with enhanced viewing.
Visit during the rainy season for a fuller pond and more active birdlife.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the access road and exploring the shoreline.
Pack insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially during dawn and dusk.
Consider a guided tour with Nature Explorers Anguilla for deeper insights into the pond's ecology and birdlife.

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Explore Forest Bay Pond on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Forest Bay Pond, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), a taxi is the most direct way to reach Forest Bay Pond. Taxis are readily available at the airport. The ride to Forest Bay Pond is approximately 15-20 minutes. Expect to pay around $26 USD for two people with two pieces of luggage. Additional passengers are $5 each, and extra luggage is $1 per piece. Be aware that there's a $4 surcharge for trips between 6 PM and midnight, and a $10 surcharge between midnight and 6 AM.
Rental Car

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Anguilla, including Forest Bay Pond. Several car rental companies operate at the airport. A temporary Anguillian driver's license costs $28 USD and is valid for three months. From the airport, follow the main road towards The Valley, then turn onto Long Ground Road, and then Corito Road. Finally, turn left onto Forest Road. There is no designated parking area, but you can pull off onto the beach side at various openings along the road. Remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Discover more about Forest Bay Pond

Forest Bay Pond is a hidden gem on the southeastern coast of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. This small brackish lagoon, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.The pond consists of two basins, which are sometimes separated by a mudflat during drier periods. It's fed by both rainfall runoff and seawater seepage from Forest Bay, creating a unique ecosystem. The surrounding vegetation includes white and buttonwood mangroves, sea grape trees, and other shrubs.BirdLife International has identified Forest Bay Pond as an IBA due to its significant bird populations. Visitors can spot green-throated caribs, Caribbean elaenias, pearly-eyed thrashers, and Lesser Antillean bullfinches. The pond also attracts various waterfowl, herons, and egrets, including Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Green Herons. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of raptors like the American Kestrel and Merlin.While Hurricane Irma in 2017 took a toll on the area, the pond's ecosystem is gradually recovering. Today, Forest Bay Pond remains a peaceful spot to connect with nature and appreciate Anguilla's diverse wildlife.