Little Bay Anguilla

About a week ago a few of my friends decided that we would spend the holiday at Little Bay. I love Little Bay. The water there is so smooth and crystal clear, so of course I agreed. There were two options for us, boat it from Crocus Bay or go down the rope. Some months ago Shelly and I rented a kayak from Crocus Bay so that option was also open but I chose the adventurous route for this trip, the rope.

Crocus Bay on the way to Little Bay

Just a little information before I begin. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory so that means we get to celebrate the Queen’s birthday as well. So for this year we celebrated June 16th as the Queen’s Birthday, which also meant a public holiday (yayyy).

Beautiful Little Bay

Getting to Little Bay

If you have never visited Little Bay Anguilla, then finding it may be a little bit challenging. Let me give a little guide on the easiest way I know how to get there. However, before you begin your journey, be sure to include these items: sun block, a hat, a bag to hold your stuff, shoes and water. There are no trees once you reach Little Bay so it can get hot depending on the time of day you go. Do take a camera and a friend because experiences are best remembered when you have someone to share them with. Now back to directions. Once you are in The Valley then you are doing well :). Head straight to the Crocus Bay area, but do not go down the big hill. Take the road on the right just before you reach the Red Cross building. Follow the road until you get to the Ani Art Academy sign. Take the dirt road to the academy and continue to where the road branches off into two. Take the left; the road will end as you reach a fence. You will then walk around the fence and all you have to do is follow the little bush path until you reach the rope. The climb may look frightening but I have seen many undertake it including children and old ladies. Just be sure to keep one hand on the rope at all times and have a stable footing before you take the next step. You will reach the bottom in no time.

First look at Little Bay and the big rock

Atop the Rope climb at Little Bay

At Little Bay

The day was awesome. I parked my car and trekked it to the rope and looked down. It seemed like I was the only adventurous one as everyone else took the boat route. I climbed down and joined them. The grill was going, drinks were in hands, and children were running and splashing about. I settled my stuff and headed straight for the water. Like I said before, the water was smooth and crystal clear. I forget to mention that it is also cool, refreshing, and heavenly. The water is so calm that there is barely a wave to disturb you.

Little Bay’s water is crystal clear

However, I must warn you that on the average day Little Bay is secluded with barely a visitor except for the occasional swimmer or enthusiast ready to jump off the big rock. But today was not average. Today was not only a public holiday but there was also a sail boat race starting at Crocus Bay. What that means is that many of the power boats that follow the race will stop at Little Bay before the race begins and many tend to stop there a while longer after the race is over. All the same, that did not bother us because we were having fun. More so, a couple of my friends and I resolved that we would swim out and jump off the big rock after seeing some people master the feat. I must admit swimming out there and climbing the rock took some effort. I have never had any reason to jump before and this was going to be my first time. It was outright frightening though not at quite ‘peeing my pants frightening.’ It took a while for the fear to subside as I watched the others jump and then I leaped. For a moment I felt what birds felt, the adrenaline coursing through me, and all the excitement in the world rushing to greet me, and splash. It felt great in the moment but I knew I was not doing that again, at least not for the day.

Viewing the boat race from Little Bay

Another highlight was being pulled in an inflatable raft behind a boat. Two of us locked on our vest and saddled up. The rush was wild as the wind hit my face and the water flowed along my toes. I held on tightly as the boat surged forward turning left and right. As we headed further out the waves created by the boat only added to an experience equaled to that of a roller coaster.

Saddling up for the inflatable raft

Water Skiing or rafting

We headed back to shore to find lunch ready and it was so good (thanks Kay and Chuck). I decided to sit back and chat as the little quiet cove began to fill up. A few more people came down the rope, some guys arrived on stand up paddleboards, and more boats settled in as the boat race finished. Many more ventured to the big rock while the water and beach became a melting pot of friends and family enjoying the day off.

This guy plays many roles including Chef Chuck

The boats are coming into Little Bay

As I climbed back up the hill, I took a final look at the beautiful little cove that made my day.

Last view of Little Bay for the day

This is my second post, do let me know what you think. Here is the link to the first.

Nash