Scrub Island, Anguilla Travel Guide

Experience the untouched beauty and tranquility of Scrub Island, Anguilla – a secluded paradise perfect for snorkeling, hiking, and bird watching.

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Scrub Island

Scrub Island is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located just off the coast of Anguilla, this uninhabited island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, Scrub Island provides a serene and picturesque environment that is perfect for relaxation and exploration. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The underwater world here is teeming with colorful marine life, offering a magical experience for those who venture beneath the waves. On land, the island's rugged terrain and walking trails invite visitors to explore its natural beauty, from the rocky cliffs to the secluded coves. Scrub Island is also a haven for bird watchers, with a variety of species calling the island home. Whether you're looking to unwind on a quiet beach, explore the underwater wonders, or take in the natural scenery, Scrub Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Caribbean.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Scrub Island.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs while snorkeling.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no shops or facilities on the island.
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and exploring the island's rugged terrain.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Check the weather forecast before planning your trip, as the island can be affected by tropical storms.

Explore Scrub Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Scrub Island

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Meads Bay Beach

Discover Anguilla's Meads Bay: a pristine beach with tranquil turquoise waters, upscale dining, and serene Caribbean charm.

4.7

Christian’s Cove

Escape to Christian's Cove in Anguilla: Pristine sands, crystal waters, and unforgettable sunsets await in this tranquil Caribbean paradise.

4.7

Beach With Staircase - Public Access

Discover Anguilla's hidden gem: Beach With Staircase - a tranquil, scenic escape with pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.

Cova bay horse riding route

Discover Anguilla's serene beauty on horseback along the Cova Bay Riding Route. A unique coastal experience for all skill levels.

5.0

Best landmarks in Scrub Island

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

Experience the ultimate Caribbean luxury at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, where pristine beaches and world-class amenities await.

4.7

Elvis Beach Bar

Discover the vibrant energy of Elvis Beach Bar in Anguilla, where delicious food meets stunning ocean views and lively entertainment.

4.5

Gwen's Reggae Bar and Grill

Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious grilled dishes at Gwen's Reggae Bar and Grill in Anguilla, where Caribbean culture meets culinary delight.

4.6

SandBar

Discover the lively SandBar in Anguilla, where vibrant cocktails, stunning ocean views, and local culture come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Best restaurants in Scrub Island

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Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack

Experience exquisite Caribbean cuisine at Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack on Meads Bay - where flavor meets paradise.

4.7

Straw Hat Restaurant

Discover exquisite Caribbean cuisine at Straw Hat Restaurant in Meads Bay, Anguilla - where every meal is a seaside celebration.

4.6

Ocean Echo Anguilla

Discover Ocean Echo Anguilla: A paradise where exquisite Caribbean flavors meet stunning ocean views for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.4

Madeariman

Discover Madeariman in Anguilla: A beachfront restaurant serving exquisite local cuisine amidst stunning Caribbean views.

4.4

Best bars in Scrub Island

Top-rated picks

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Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack

Discover the flavors of the Caribbean at Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack, where oceanfront dining meets culinary excellence in Anguilla.

4.7

Elvis Beach Bar

Discover the vibrant beach culture and delicious Caribbean cuisine at Elvis Beach Bar, the ideal destination for relaxation and fun in Anguilla.

4.5

Straw Hat Restaurant

Experience the best of Anguilla's culinary scene at Straw Hat Restaurant, where fresh seafood meets stunning beachfront views.

4.6

Roy's Bayside Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Roy's Bayside Grill, the perfect dining spot in Anguilla.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Scrub Island

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Elvis Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Elvis Beach Bar in Anguilla, where delicious food, refreshing drinks, and stunning beach views await you!

4.5

Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve

Experience the vibrant culture of Anguilla at Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve, where live music meets delicious Caribbean cuisine by the ocean.

4.7

Gwen's Reggae Bar and Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean at Gwen's Reggae Bar and Grill in Anguilla, a culinary gem for every tourist.

4.6

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Discover the ultimate luxury retreat at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, blending stunning landscapes with world-class amenities for an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Best shops in Scrub Island

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ABC Supplies

Discover ABC Supplies in Anguilla, your ultimate destination for quality hardware and expert advice for all your DIY projects.

4.3

BIG STORE

Experience the best of Anguilla shopping at BIG STORE, your one-stop destination for local goods, groceries, and unique souvenirs.

4.1

Irie Life

Explore Irie Life Gift Shop in Anguilla for unique local crafts and souvenirs that reflect the vibrant Caribbean culture.

4.8

The Gadget City

Explore the best in electronics at The Gadget City, your one-stop shop for gadgets, accessories, and repairs in Anguilla.

4.6

Explore Scrub Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Scrub Island, mapped for you.

Scrub Island Essentials

Scrub Island is located off the northeastern coast of Anguilla. The closest international airport is Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla. From there, you can take a taxi to Island Harbour, where you can arrange a boat transfer to Scrub Island. The boat ride typically takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, private charters and water taxis are available from Anguilla and nearby islands.
Scrub Island is relatively small and can be explored on foot. However, if you prefer, you can rent bicycles to get around. There are no public transportation options on the island, but some resorts and accommodations offer shuttle services. For exploring the surrounding waters, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats.
The official currency in Anguilla is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops on Scrub Island. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are not available on Scrub Island, so plan to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving.
Scrub Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists on Scrub Island, but remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There may be limited medical facilities on Scrub Island, so it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For more serious health issues, you may need to travel to the main island of Anguilla. Ensure you have a means of communication, such as a mobile phone, to contact emergency services.
Fashion: Do wear light, casual clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: There is no public transport on the island. Use the available shuttle services or rent bikes. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and fresh seafood. Don't leave food unattended as it may attract wildlife.
To experience Scrub Island like a local, engage with the residents and participate in local activities, such as beach barbecues and fishing trips. Visit the less touristy spots on the island to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility. Don't miss exploring the underwater world through snorkeling or diving, as the waters around Scrub Island are teeming with marine life.

When is the best time to visit Scrub Island?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Scrub Island

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Scrub Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [Oh-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [See]
- NoNo
  [No]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [Por fah-vor]
- Thank youGracias
  [Gra-thee-as]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [Per-don]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bee-en. Ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blas een-glehs]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tee-en-do]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No koh-mo kar-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah Poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [Yah-mah ah oon dok-tor]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy per-dee-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Meh goos-tah-ree-ah kom-prar]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mee-ran-do]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-toh kwes-ta]
- That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-so es de-mah-see-ah-doh kah-ro]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des bah-har el preh-syo]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-nah]
- Half past (10)Y diez y media
  [Ee dyez ee meh-dee-ah]
- MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yer]
- TodayHoy
  [Oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
- 2Dos
  [Dos]
- 3Tres
  [Tres]
- 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-tro]
- 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [Seys]
- 7Siete
  [See-eh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [Oh-cho]
- 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [Dyez]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está ...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rek-see-on]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mos-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el prox-ee-mo (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [Oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

History of Scrub Island

Scrub Island was originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak people, who left behind evidence of their presence through pottery shards and other archaeological finds. These early settlers were known for their advanced agricultural practices and intricate social structures.
The first Europeans to arrive at Scrub Island were likely explorers from Spain in the late 15th or early 16th century. The island, like many in the region, was noted on maps for its strategic location and resources. However, its small size meant it was often overlooked in favor of larger neighboring islands.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Scrub Island served as a hideout for pirates and privateers who roamed the Caribbean. The island's secluded bays and coves provided perfect spots for these seafarers to repair their ships and stash their loot away from the prying eyes of colonial authorities.
In the 18th century, Scrub Island became part of the British colonial empire. The island was used primarily for agriculture, with sugar plantations being the main economic activity. Though the island's relatively small size limited large-scale plantation development, it still played a role in the broader colonial economy of Anguilla.
During World War II, Scrub Island was utilized by the Allies for its strategic location. A radio station was established on the island to aid in communication and monitoring of naval activities in the Caribbean. This period marked a significant shift in the island's use, from agriculture to military strategy.
In recent decades, Scrub Island has seen a shift towards tourism and conservation. Efforts have been made to preserve its natural beauty and historical sites. The island is now a popular destination for eco-tourists and history enthusiasts, who visit to enjoy its pristine beaches and explore its rich past.