The morning boat cuts through Caribbean waters toward what appears to be a mirage. Scrub Island rises from the sea like a piece of the American Southwest somehow transported to tropical waters. Desert-like landscapes of barrel cactus and agave plants stretch across rolling hills where you’d expect palm trees. This is Anguilla’s most mysterious offshore cay, where a smuggler’s plane rests among baby shark nurseries and colonial ruins tell forgotten stories.
This uninhabited 3.1-square-mile island sits just 1,600 feet off Anguilla’s northeastern tip. The 15-20 minute boat journey from Island Harbour reveals an immediate visual paradox. Instead of lush Caribbean vegetation, sparse scrub and century plants dot the landscape.
A desert island in Caribbean waters
Scrub Island defies every Caribbean expectation. Rolling desert terrain spreads across the interior, creating what visitors describe as “sci-fi landscapes.” Barrel cactus and agave thrive where tropical palms should grow. Wild frangipani flowers bloom among thorny brambles.
The geological anomaly stems from the island’s low rainfall and porous limestone soil. Salt ponds dot the interior, fed by seasonal rains that quickly evaporate in the constant trade winds. This creates an arid microclimate unique among Caribbean islands.
Coarse, corally sand replaces the powdery beaches found elsewhere in Anguilla. The texture feels grittier underfoot, more like crushed shells than fine powder. Crystal-clear waters shift from deep ocean green to brilliant aquamarine depending on the sun’s angle.
The smuggler’s legacy
Colombian plane wreck mystery
Along the eastern hiking trail, rusted aircraft remains emerge from desert scrub. Local history attributes the crashed plane to a drug smuggler who faced imprisonment for his activities. Colombian flag markings and tail numbers still visible on the fuselage suggest narcotics trafficking from decades past.
The wreckage sits near what was once a landing strip, now overgrown with low vegetation. Visitors can walk among the ruins while barrel cactus and century plants slowly reclaim the metal structure. The site feels like an archaeological discovery rather than a tourist attraction.
Colonial remnants scattered throughout
Beyond the plane wreck, other historical artifacts punctuate the landscape. Old animal pens built from weathered stone suggest pastoral use during colonial periods. A deep well, perhaps 20-30 feet deep, remains accessible near the eastern trails.
Unfinished buildings from unknown eras dot the interior. These structures, abandoned mid-construction, blend into the desert ecology as naturally as the century plants growing through their foundations. This Caribbean island refused cruise ships where 5,000 souls preserve authentic harbor life offers similar historical preservation.
Deadman’s Bay encounter
Swimming with baby sharks
At the island’s eastern end, shallow lagoons behind Deadman’s Bay function as a natural nursery. Juvenile nurse sharks swim alongside visitors in emerald-green waters. Sea turtles also use these protected ponds for early development stages.
The encounter feels surreal rather than frightening. Baby sharks, only 12-18 inches long, show no interest in humans. The shallow water (3-6 feet deep) allows clear observation of marine life behavior. Snorkeling reveals coral formations and tropical fish species thriving in the nursery environment.
Atlantic drama at Little Bay
The northern shore faces the open Atlantic, creating dramatically different conditions. Massive waves pound tall cliffs, carving deep caves over centuries. The contrast between Caribbean calm on the western shore and Atlantic power on the north creates two distinct island experiences.
Mid-morning light transforms the cliffsides into “a perfect shade of ocean green.” Photography opportunities abound during the golden hour when wave spray catches sunlight. This Bahamas island where wild pigs create the Caribbean’s strangest beach encounter provides equally unique wildlife experiences.
Important bird area designation
The Caribbean Birding Trail recognizes Scrub Island as an Important Bird Area with global significance. Over 34 bird species nest here, including Anguilla’s only colony of Roseate Terns. May through August offers optimal birding conditions when species diversity peaks.
Lesser Antilles Restricted Range species like Pearly-eyed Thrashers and Caribbean Elaenias inhabit the scrub vegetation. Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Boobies patrol the coastline. Wilson’s Plovers and Willets nest in the salt ponds, while Royal Terns fish the surrounding waters.
The bird diversity reflects the island’s varied habitats. Desert scrub, salt ponds, sandy beaches, and cliff faces each support different species. 6 Secret Beach experiences where you kayak through Dominican caves to reach turquoise calm showcases similar ecosystem diversity.
Your questions about Scrub Island answered
Can you stay overnight on Scrub Island?
No overnight accommodation exists on this uninhabited island. Day trips only are possible, with visitors returning to Anguilla proper for lodging. Budget guesthouses in Island Harbour start around $100-150 per night. Mid-range beachfront properties average $200-400 nightly.
How do you reach this mysterious island?
Nature Explorers Anguilla and other charter companies operate boat tours from Island Harbour dock. Private charters start around $1,000 for half-day excursions. Group tours cost approximately $250 per person for 3-hour visits. The best landing spot is Scrub Bay on the western side where calmer waters allow easier access.
How does Scrub Island compare to other Anguilla offshore islands?
Scrub Island is the largest uninhabited cay, offering the most diverse landscapes and historical intrigue. Anguilla’s most photographed beach hides just 2 miles from airport chaos provides developed amenities with restaurants and facilities. Sandy Island offers a 5-minute boat ride but lacks Scrub’s wilderness character and archaeological features.
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across barrel cactus as boats return to Island Harbour. Visitors carry memories of swimming with baby sharks in emerald lagoons and discovering crashed planes among desert flowers. This Caribbean island preserves mystery in an age of overdevelopment.