Anguilla
Long sun-kissed beaches await in Anguilla as well as beautiful natural surroundings to explore. Definitely worth visiting on a Caribbean adventure.
Anguilla travel guide
No longer a hidden gem, the Caribbean island of Anguilla is a delight to visit because of its exquisite natural beauty and secluded coves where one can enjoy beach life at its best. This British Overseas Territory in the Eastern part of the Caribbean is made up of a small main island and several other little islands offshore.
Located next to Saint Maarten Island, Anguilla has managed to maintain an authentic, unspoilt atmosphere despite being a haven for the rich and famous.
Luckily, no high-rise resorts, casinos and cruise ships can spoil its magic, resulting in an untouched feel and plenty of gorgeous beaches and coral reefs to explore without the hordes. Life here is understated, although luxury is still the norm when it comes to accommodation, entertainment and dining options.
This is probably why crowds haven’t descended on Anguilla – it’s not cheap to visit here. But that’s part of the attraction, along with exciting places to visit such as Big Spring Cave, home to primitive relics, and the magnificent wildlife conservation area of East End Pond.
Anguilla is all about the laidback lifestyle, superb music, indulgent experiences and glorious food. Its setting is idyllic, privacy is paramount, diving in magnificent coral reefs as well as shipwrecks is exciting – and all of this is packed into just 90-odd square kilometres. Other great attractions include a history museum, salt ponds filled with diverse birdlife, fishing and sailing. This is paradise at its best.
With beautiful bays, some of the greatest white, sun-kissed, sandy, beautiful beaches, palm trees, and the blue water all around, Anguilla offers everything you'd anticipate out of a Caribbean island. Most visitors come here for the beautiful scenery, which allows for great relaxed afternoons of tanning and water sports.
Just off the shore are some beautiful coral reefs, making it a great place to go snorkelling or scuba. If you're not into sports, take a ride using one of the glass-bottomed boats for a look at the marine life and environment from the comfort of your boat. Shoal Bay has a magnificent reef and should rival with just about any island reef in the world.
Corn, peas, tomatoes, and other crops are grown extensively on Anguilla. The Department of Agriculture in The Valley, Anguilla, is a good place to go if you want to see, buy, or learn about flora and animals on the island. The Anguilla National Trust offers excursions and information about the island's ecosystem.
Its primary responsibility is to protect Anguilla's surrounding ecosystems, cultural and historic heritage, and archaeology. Try the Hydroponic Farm and Organic Gardening at CuisinArt Resort and Spa, West End Village, or the Endangered Species Garden and Indigenous Local Plants Gardens at around the Cap Juluca Resort if you're interested in gardens.
Diving in the waters around Anguilla is amazing!
Best time to visit: Peak season runs from December to the middle of April, and prices are exorbitant at this time. Come between May and August, when prices are more reasonable; these months are also just before hurricane season.
Best Area for Sightseeing: So much to do, so little time… See Things to do in Anguilla below for some great inspiration.
Shopping in Anguilla: Pick up excellent souvenirs, arts and crafts as well as traditional clothing at the various stores and stalls around the island. For suberp artworks, check out Stone Cellar Art Gallery, with its unusual setting in a former 19th century cotton gin.
Food & Restaurants in Anguilla: There are some excellent restaurants on the island and on the beachfronts, offering a variety of cuisines as well as traditional stalls by the roadside. Of course, the hotels and resorts here offer exceptional dining opportunities, too.
Nightlife: You’ll find live music, late-night venues and clubs as well as entertainment offered at hotels and resorts.
Beaches: The island boasts more than 30 beaches, some of them world-famous, like Mead’s Bay and Shoal Bay. Secluded spots abound, too, including Little Bay Beach, Rendezvous Bay, Captain’s Bay and Sandy Ground. You can also visit the tiny island of Scilly Cay that offers a free shuttle from the mainland to enjoy its stunning beaches.
Things to do in Anguilla:
- Enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving when you’re not soaking up the sun.
- Learn about Anguilla’s history at the Heritage Collection Museum.
- Go horse riding on one of the beautiful beaches.
- Explore islands offshore for the day such as Prickly Pear Cay and Sandy Island.
- Swim with dolphins at Blowing Point Beach.
- Watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch in the charming little fishing village of Island Harbor.
- Rent a kayak and explore Pelican Bay and Little Bay, home to numerous pelicans.
- Tour the old salt factory in Sandy Ground.
- Explore the oldest building on the island, Wallblake House, built in 1787.
Best way to get around: Take a taxi or rent a car.