Writer Leslie Long had the opportunity to explore Anguilla and we were lucky to read about a variety of meals she had there. In this article, she dives deeper, island-hopping for what she describes as the Ultimate Caribbean Lunch (and more) on Anguilla’s Sandy Island.

Anguilla is known for blissful beaches and fabulous food, so once ensconced there, why would anyone leave? Well, there’s one small reason to head out for an afternoon and it’s called Sandy Island. Reached from Sandy Ground Beach by a quick launch which is aptly named Happiness, it’s is a little teardrop-shaped cay that’s right out of anyone’s Caribbean island fantasy.

What will you find there? Pure white sand surrounded by turquoise water on an island small enough to circumnavigate in minutes. Plus a cool bar, friendly bartender, lunch barbecued in the fresh island air, chaise lounges, picnic tables and beach wherever you look.

We arrived around noon and quickly ordered Jo Jo’s Rum Punch which we sipped before taking a dip in water that’s even more beautiful than the on-island beaches, if that’s actually possible.

A Caribbean Lunch on Sandy Island, Anguilla

As good as the food is at Anguilla’s many wonderful restaurants, the lunch at Sandy Island was in a category all its own. While grilled fish, chicken, and ribs are on the menu, we all opted for the crayfish which happens to be a specialty in Anguilla. Accompanied by creamy cole slaw, fresh pasta salad and a timbale of rice and beans, it was an island lover’s dream.

While the photo of the platter below looks like lunch for a larger group, it was just mine and I ate every bite. We all switched from the rum punch to icy Red Stripes and were almost silent as we indulged in forkful after forkful of buttery, lemony crayfish with grilled goodness you can’t get any other way.

Being out at sea and exposed to more flotsam and jetsam, Sandy Ground was excellent for beach combing and my friends and I found some beautiful sea fans, shells and other ocean-y souvenirs.

Being almost at sea level, Sandy Island survives at the whim of the weather. Having been destroyed by hurricane after hurricane, it’s come back again and again. Building itself back after the powerful Hurricane Irma has taken some time, but Sandy Island has all you need just as it is, so be sure to add it to your trip to Anguilla.

We swam, we ate, we explored and after a few hours, we hopped back onto Happiness to depart. But when you’re leaving one perfect island to return to another, how bad could it be?

Happiness leaves from a small pier at Sandy Ground Beach, every hour on the hour. The first boat leaves at 11am and the fare is $10. For hours and reservations, call 264-497–6534 or visit hmysandyisland.com.

— Story and photos by Leslie Long

Hungry for more? Read about some of the other food experiences that can be had on Anguilla, in this article by Leslie. And here’s an excuse to stay in the Caribbean even longer, for a rum dinner.