Overview
Island Harbour is a small fishing village on the northeastern coast of Anguilla, one of the British Overseas Territories in the northeastern Caribbean. The village sits around a naturally sheltered bay that has defined local life for generations — fishing boats are still hand-built here using traditional methods, and the waterfront remains genuinely working rather than manicured for tourism.
Unlike the more developed resort areas concentrated along Anguilla's western and southern shores, Island Harbour retains a lived-in, unhurried character. The population is small, the streets are quiet, and interaction with residents tends to be straightforward and genuine. For travelers who want to understand Anguilla beyond its luxury beach reputation, Island Harbour offers a grounding counterpoint.
The bay itself is attractive — calm, clear water ringed by low scrub and colourful fishing boats — and serves as the departure point for short boat trips to Scilly Cay, a tiny islet just offshore that is among the more celebrated dining spots on the island.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory and has its own entry requirements separate from those of the United Kingdom. Requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and confirm current rules with the Anguilla Immigration Department or your nearest British consular office before you travel.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but standard Caribbean travel health precautions apply — mosquito protection is advisable, and travelers should ensure routine immunisations are up to date. Anguilla has limited medical facilities; serious conditions may require medical evacuation to nearby St. Maarten. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (both practical and environmentally considerate given Anguilla's marine environment)
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings near the water
- Light, breathable clothing; a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants
- Cash in both XCD and USD — rural villages have fewer card facilities than resort areas
- Modest cover-ups if you plan to walk through the village from the beach
Getting There
Reaching Anguilla
Anguilla's Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport handles inter-island flights from nearby hubs including St. Maarten/Sint Maarten (Princess Juliana International Airport), Puerto Rico, and Antigua. Most international travelers connect through St. Maarten, where the crossing by ferry to Blowing Point, Anguilla is a common and relatively short option. Verify current ferry operators and schedules locally or through the Anguilla Tourist Board, as services can change seasonally.
Getting to Island Harbour
Island Harbour is located on the northeastern end of the island, roughly 10–12 kilometres from the airport and ferry terminal at Blowing Point. Taxis are the primary transfer option from both the airport and the ferry port. There is no scheduled public bus service between the ferry terminal and the village; agree on a fare with your driver before departing, or ask your accommodation to arrange a transfer.
Getting Around
Island Harbour itself is compact enough to explore on foot once you are there. The main bay area, the boat yard, and the access point for Scilly Cay are all within easy walking distance of one another.
For exploring the wider island — including Shoal Bay East (the nearest major beach), Sandy Ground, or The Valley — a rental car or scooter offers the most flexibility. Several rental agencies operate on Anguilla; verify current operators and availability on arrival or through your accommodation. Taxis are widely available but should be pre-arranged for return journeys from quieter areas, as you cannot reliably flag one down roadside in Island Harbour.
Note that Anguilla drives on the left, though many vehicles are left-hand drive imports — take care at junctions.
Things to See & Do
Scilly Cay
The most distinctive excursion from Island Harbour is the short boat trip — a matter of minutes — to Scilly Cay, a private islet just across the harbour. The islet hosts a well-known open-air restaurant and bar. Boats cross on a flag-or-wave system when the restaurant is open; verify operating days locally, as hours can vary and the restaurant may be closed on certain days of the week.
Watching the Boat Builders
Island Harbour is one of the last places in the Caribbean where traditional wooden racing boats are still built and maintained by hand. The boat yard near the waterfront is a genuine working space — approach respectfully and ask before photographing craftspeople at work. Anguilla's intercolonial boat racing is a significant cultural tradition, and the boats built here compete in races that are social events of real importance to islanders.
Snorkelling and Swimming
The harbour and nearby coastline offer clear water and reasonable snorkelling, though the area immediately around the working harbour is not the best spot. Ask locally for the nearest suitable entry points. Shoal Bay East, a short drive away, is widely considered one of the finest beaches on the island for swimming and snorkelling.
Simply Walking the Village
The village's small lanes, colourful houses, and waterfront are worth a slow walk in the early morning or late afternoon. There is no formal sightseeing circuit — the reward is atmosphere rather than monuments.
Food & Drink
Scilly Cay Restaurant
Scilly Cay is the anchor dining experience associated with Island Harbour, known for grilled lobster, barbecued chicken, and rum punch served in an open-air setting on the islet. Given its popularity and the boat-crossing logistics, it is advisable to check whether a reservation is needed and to confirm it is open on the day you plan to visit. Prices are at the higher end typical of Anguilla dining.
Local Options in the Village
Island Harbour has a small number of informal eateries and snack bars that cater primarily to locals. These offer good value and more casual Anguillan cooking — fish, chicken, rice, and peas. Availability and hours can be irregular; ask at your accommodation for current recommendations. This is not a village with a dense restaurant scene, so flexibility is useful.
General Notes on Eating in Anguilla
Anguilla as a whole has a strong dining reputation driven by upscale resorts and destination restaurants. Lobster — particularly spiny Caribbean lobster — appears frequently on menus and is a genuine local speciality. Seafood is generally very fresh given the active fishing community. Budget travelers should note that eating on Anguilla tends to be more expensive than on neighbouring islands.
Practical Information
Money
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are accepted almost universally in Anguilla. Credit cards are accepted at most resort-area businesses, but smaller village operations — including informal food spots in Island Harbour — may be cash only. There are ATMs in The Valley; verify locally whether any are closer to Island Harbour.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage exists across most of Anguilla, though signal quality can vary in lower-lying or more remote areas. SIM cards from local providers are available; confirm compatibility with your device. Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 911 for police, fire, and ambulance in Anguilla. For medical emergencies, the primary facility is Princess Alexandra Hospital in The Valley. Verify current contact numbers locally on arrival.
Electricity
Anguilla uses 110V/60Hz with Type A and B outlets (the same as the United States and Canada). Visitors from the UK, Europe, or Australia will need plug adapters and should check device voltage compatibility.
Safety
Island Harbour is a quiet, low-key village and Anguilla generally has a reputation as one of the more stable and low-crime destinations in the Caribbean. Standard common-sense precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles, be aware of your surroundings after dark in unfamiliar areas, and secure your accommodation.
Water safety is worth noting — the northeastern coast can experience stronger swells and currents than the calmer western and southern shores, particularly outside the bay itself. Ask locally before swimming in unfamiliar spots, and observe any posted warnings. The boat crossing to Scilly Cay is brief but use reputable operators and avoid rough-weather crossings.
Traffic on Anguilla's roads is generally light, but roads can be narrow and poorly lit at night. Take particular care driving after dark.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Anguillan culture is deeply tied to the sea, and Island Harbour exemplifies this more visibly than almost anywhere else on the island. Boat racing is not simply a sport here — it is a communal tradition with social, historical, and identity dimensions that go back generations. Attending a race day if your visit coincides with one is strongly recommended as an authentic cultural experience.
Religion plays a visible role in community life across Anguilla, and several small churches are found throughout the island. Dress modestly and behave respectfully near places of worship. Sunday mornings tend to be quiet as many residents attend services.
Anguilla achieved its current status as a British Overseas Territory after actively resisting incorporation into the associated state of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla in 1967 — a peaceful but determined act of self-determination that Anguillans are understandably proud of. Being aware of this history, rather than assuming Anguilla is simply a typical Caribbean colony, is a mark of respect toward local identity.
