Sombrero Island: A Seabird Sanctuary

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Discover Sombrero Island: Anguilla's hidden gem, a remote sanctuary for seabirds, unique wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Sombrero Island, also known as Hat Island, is a small, uninhabited island that is part of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory. Once mined for phosphate, it's now a protected nature reserve and a haven for seabirds and unique wildlife, including the endemic Sombrero lizard.

A brief summary to Sombrero

Local tips

Obtain permission from the Anguilla National Trust before visiting, as access is restricted to protect the island's fragile ecosystem.
Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, as the island is rocky and exposed.
Bring your own food and water, as there are no facilities on the island.
Consider bringing snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island.
Be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat, and avoid disturbing nesting birds.

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Getting There

Boat

The only way to reach Sombrero Island is by boat. Arrange a boat charter from Anguilla, typically from Sandy Ground or Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. Contact local tour operators like Gotcha! or the Anguilla National Trust. A trip with the Anguilla National Trust is US$2000 for a minimum of 4 people; US$50 for each additional person. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. Ensure the seas are calm before attempting the trip, as landing can be difficult.

Discover more about Sombrero

Sombrero Island, a flat, rocky island 34 miles northwest of Anguilla, offers a unique and remote experience for nature enthusiasts. Also known as Hat Island, it got its name from its distinctive sombrero shape when viewed from the sea. The island's landscape is dominated by the ruins of a 19th-century guano mining operation and a lighthouse that marks the shipping lane between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Sombrero is a protected Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area, home to vast nesting colonies of regionally and globally important populations of seabirds, including Brown Boobies, Bridled Terns, and Brown Noddies. The island is also the only place in the world where you'll find the Sombrero lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus), a critically endangered species. Visitors can explore the island's unique landscape, observe the diverse birdlife, and learn about its history of phosphate mining and its importance as a navigational aid. The waters surrounding Sombrero Island are teeming with marine life, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Divers can see Gorgonians, black coral shells, turtles, rays, grunts, jacks, snappers, and a great variety of soft corals.