Shoal Bay in Anguilla has been named the best beach in North America and the sixth best beach in the world in the 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches rankings.
The annual lists draw on votes from more than 1,000 travel professionals, with the final selections compiled by the website’s team and its beach ambassadors.
This year, Shoal Bay topped the North American list ahead of Playa Balanda in Mexico at number two and Princess Diana Beach in Antigua and Barbuda taking third place.
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On its website, World’s 50 Best Beaches described it as a “Caribbean paradise away from the crowds”.
“Anguilla is famous for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and Shoal Bay East stands out as one of the most beautiful and popular,” it said.
“Despite its popularity, it always feels quiet and serene. Framed by laid-back beach bars and swaying palm trees, Shoal Bay East exudes a relaxed, unspoiled charm.”
The website said that like most beaches in Anguilla, visitors can easily find a quiet spot to enjoy the “stunning powdery white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters”.
“The beach often features gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming or snorkelling along the nearby coral reefs,” it added. “Shoal Bay East truly embodies the essence of a Caribbean paradise.”
Speaking to Anguilla Focus, Etiennette Clamouze, manager of The Manoah Boutique Hotel on Shoal Bay, said it is where she fell in love with Anguilla.
“Shoal Bay East has long been one of the world’s truly exceptional beaches, so it’s wonderful to see it receive this recognition,” she said.
“I feel incredibly privileged to now call this beautiful island home and to have one of the world’s most beautiful ‘office’ views at The Manoah Boutique Hotel.”
Clamouze said the beach perfectly reflects Anguilla’s laid-back luxury and the genuine warmth of its people, adding: “There’s a reason so many first-time visitors return again and again.”
World’s 50 Best Beaches organisers said rankings were compiled following the exploration of beaches worldwide, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and authoritative guide.
While votes play an important role, the final rankings were determined through reviews by the organisation’s team and beach ambassadors, who assess each shortlisted beach against a range of criteria.
These include the uniqueness of the surrounding landscape, the likelihood of encountering wildlife, pristine conditions, natural soundscapes, calm waters, ease of entering the sea, low visitor numbers and the frequency of idyllic beach conditions.
World’s 50 Best Beaches said special consideration is given to beaches visited by members of its team within the past two years to ensure they continue to meet the required standards.
The website also maintains a separate ‘Best of the Best’ Hall of Fame, featuring beaches that have been named the world’s number one beach and others deemed worthy of recognition.
