Anguilla

The moment your feet touch the powdery white sand of Shoal Bay East, you understand why Anguilla inspires such devotion. The water shifts through impossible shades of turquoise and aquamarine, so clear you can count the grains of sand beneath your toes at waist depth. This is Anguilla—a slender coral island that has quietly built a reputation as the Caribbean's most refined escape, where world-class beaches meet understated luxury and the pace of life slows to match the gentle lap of Caribbean waves.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, one of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, positioned just north of Saint Martin and 160 miles east of Puerto Rico. Despite measuring only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at its broadest point, this flat coral and limestone island packs 33 beaches into its modest footprint—more pristine strands per square mile than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean. Unlike its mountainous volcanic neighbors, Anguilla's low-lying terrain creates those broad, accessible beaches that have become its calling card.

What sets Anguilla apart isn't just natural beauty—it's an atmosphere cultivated over decades of thoughtful development. The island consciously chose quality over quantity, boutique over mass market. There are no cruise ship ports, no high-rise hotels, no casinos or fast-food chains. Instead, you'll find family-owned beach bars serving freshly grilled lobster, intimate villas overlooking empty coves, and locals who greet visitors by name after a single meeting. The result is a Caribbean experience that feels both exclusive and genuinely welcoming—a rare combination in an era of over-tourism.

The name "Anguilla" derives from the Spanish and Italian word for "eel" (anguila/anguilla), likely referring to the island's elongated, eel-like shape when viewed from the sea. Early European explorers, approaching from the water, would have seen a long, thin strip of land stretching across the horizon—not unlike an eel swimming through the Caribbean.

As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla maintains a distinct political identity separate from both the United Kingdom and its Caribbean neighbors. The island has its own constitution, elected government, and internal self-governance, while the UK remains responsible for defense and external affairs. This arrangement, formalized in 1980, was the hard-won result of the famous "Anguilla Revolution" of 1967, when residents rejected incorporation into the newly independent state of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Anguillian flag tells this story of identity: a blue ensign featuring the Union Jack in the canton and the coat of arms—three orange dolphins leaping in a circle against a white background with a turquoise base representing the sea. The dolphins symbolize friendship, wisdom, and strength, while their circular arrangement suggests endurance and unity. This imagery captures an island that has fought to maintain its distinct character.

Today, Anguillians are proud of their British connection while maintaining a uniquely Caribbean identity. English is spoken with a melodic Caribbean lilt, local customs blend African, European, and Amerindian traditions, and the community maintains a strong sense of self-determination that dates back to that pivotal moment when 6,000 islanders chose their own path.

Anguilla is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands, positioned at approximately 18°N latitude, 63°W longitude. The main island measures roughly 16 miles (26 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) at its widest point, covering just 35 square miles (91 km²). Several small offshore cays and islets—including Scrub Island, Dog Island, Prickly Pear Cays, and Sandy Island—add to the territory's total area.

Unlike the volcanic peaks of neighboring islands, Anguilla is a flat coral and limestone formation, with Crocus Hill at just 213 feet (65 m) representing its highest point. This low-lying geography creates the broad, gently sloping beaches that define the island's character. The coral foundation also means excellent reef systems surround much of the coastline, creating prime snorkeling and diving conditions.

The 33 beaches vary dramatically in character. The northern and western coasts feature the famous white-sand strands—Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay—where calm Caribbean waters meet powder-fine sand. The southern coast, facing the Atlantic, offers more dramatic scenery with rocky headlands and stronger surf. The island's interior remains largely undeveloped scrubland dotted with salt ponds that historically provided a valuable export commodity.

Water is precious on this dry island. Rainfall averages just 35 inches annually, and there are no rivers or permanent freshwater sources. Most water comes from desalination plants or collected rainwater. This scarcity shaped Anguillian culture—islanders developed sophisticated water catchment systems and a deep respect for this essential resource.

Archaeological evidence shows Amerindian peoples inhabited Anguilla as early as 2000 BCE. The Arawak people, who arrived around 600 CE, called the island "Malliouhana"—meaning "arrow-shaped sea serpent." They established settlements at sites like Big Spring and Fountain Cavern, leaving behind petroglyphs and ceremonial artifacts. These peaceful farmers and fishers thrived until the arrival of the more warlike Caribs and eventually Europeans.

English colonists from Saint Kitts arrived in 1650, finding an island too dry for the sugar plantations that enriched other Caribbean colonies. Instead, settlers developed small farms, salt production, and fishing. The lack of plantation wealth meant fewer enslaved Africans were brought here compared to neighboring islands, but slavery still shaped society until emancipation in 1834. Many modern Anguillians descend from both enslaved peoples and European settlers, creating a mixed heritage.

The island's defining modern moment came in 1967. When Britain granted independence to Saint Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla as a combined entity, Anguillians refused to accept rule from Saint Kitts. In what became known as the "Anguilla Revolution," islanders expelled the Kittitian police, declared independence, and ran their own affairs for two years. Britain eventually intervened in 1969 with paratroopers—an intervention Anguillians actually welcomed, as they preferred British connection to Kittitian rule.

In 1980, Anguilla formally separated from Saint Kitts and Nevis and became a distinct British Dependent Territory (now British Overseas Territory). This hard-won status gave Anguillians the self-governance they had fought for while maintaining the British connection they valued. Today, the island celebrates Anguilla Day (May 30) commemorating the 1967 revolution.

Anguilla's population of approximately 15,700 people creates one of the Caribbean's most intimate communities. Most residents descend from West African ancestors brought during the slave trade, mixed with European (primarily British and Irish) heritage. This Afro-Caribbean identity shapes everything from music and cuisine to religious practice and family structures.

English is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Caribbean lilt that blends British colonial influence with African linguistic patterns. The accent is softer than many Caribbean dialects, with unique local expressions. Christianity predominates—Methodist, Anglican, Baptist, and Catholic churches dot the landscape—and Sunday services remain central to social life.

Music pulses through Anguillian culture. The island claims to have invented "quelbe" (also spelled quelbe or quelbey), a distinctive local music form blending African rhythms with European instruments. Traditional quelbe bands feature guitars, banjos, and the "shak-shak" (maracas), playing songs that range from humorous social commentary to romantic ballads. During Carnival and boat racing, quelbe competitions draw enthusiastic crowds.

Family and community bonds run deep. In this small society, everyone knows everyone—locals can trace relationships and family histories across generations. This intimacy creates a warmth toward visitors that feels genuine rather than touristic. Anguillians take pride in their friendliness, often stopping to chat, offer directions, or share local knowledge with obvious pleasure.

The Valley serves as Anguilla's administrative capital and commercial center, though "city" would be a generous description. This low-key collection of government buildings, shops, and churches occupies the island's central plain, connected to other villages by roads that wind between scrubland and salt ponds. There's no downtown skyline, no traffic lights, no urban bustle—just a pleasant Caribbean town going about its business.

Key landmarks include the Wallblake House, one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean (circa 1787) and the only surviving example of its type in Anguilla. Now restored and operated by the Anguilla National Trust, this stone and wood structure offers glimpses into colonial-era life. Nearby, the Wallblake Methodist Church (1830s) remains an active congregation.

The Heritage Collection Museum, housed in a traditional wooden building, chronicles Anguillian history from Arawak times through the famous 1967 Revolution. Founder Colville Petty has assembled artifacts, photographs, and documents that bring the island's story to life. It's small but essential for understanding the place you're visiting.

For practical needs, The Valley offers banks, the post office, government offices, and local shops. The public market comes alive on Saturday mornings with fresh produce, fish, and local crafts. But most visitors pass through quickly en route to the beaches—The Valley is for errands, not lingering.

Shoal Bay East consistently ranks among the world's finest beaches, and experiencing it in person confirms every superlative. Two miles of powder-white sand—so fine it squeaks beneath your feet—curves along the island's northeastern coast. The water runs through every shade of blue imaginable, from pale aquamarine in the shallows to deep sapphire where the reef begins. Unlike many Caribbean beaches, Shoal Bay remains remarkably uncrowded even at peak season.

The swimming conditions are ideal: calm, crystal-clear water with a gradual sandy entry, protected by offshore reefs that create a natural swimming pool. Snorkeling directly from the beach rewards with colorful reef fish, sea fans, and occasional sea turtles. The coral formations are healthy and accessible to swimmers of all abilities.

Beach bars and restaurants line the shore without overwhelming it. Uncle Ernie's and Gwen's Reggae Grill serve grilled lobster, rum punch, and cold Caribs in quintessential Caribbean style. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent (or complimentary if you're eating/drinking), but there's plenty of space to lay your towel on pristine sand.

Arrive early for the best light and calmest conditions; mornings see the water at its most transparent. Sunset drinks at one of the beach bars make for perfect day's-end rituals. On weekends, local families join the tourists, lending the beach an authentic community atmosphere.

If Shoal Bay East is Anguilla's natural crown jewel, Meads Bay represents its sophisticated side. This mile-long crescent on the island's western coast hosts the highest concentration of luxury resorts and celebrated restaurants, creating an atmosphere that's polished without being pretentious. The sand here is just as white, the water just as clear, but the vibe tilts toward elegant rather than rustic.

Four Seasons Resort Anguilla anchors one end of the bay, its Mediterranean-inspired architecture cascading down the hillside. The legendary Malliouhana resort (reopened after renovation) presides over the northern headland. Between them, boutique properties and private villas line the shore. Despite the five-star neighbors, the beach itself remains public and accessible—Anguilla has no private beaches.

Dining options along Meads Bay rank among the Caribbean's finest. Blanchard's has served innovative Caribbean-French cuisine since 1994, earning a devoted following among food-focused travelers. Jacala offers beachside romance with French bistro fare. Straw Hat delivers casual elegance with toes-in-sand dining. Reservations are essential at peak season.

The swimming is excellent, with calm conditions prevailing most of the year. Sea grape trees provide natural shade along portions of the beach, and the sunset views—watching the sun sink toward St. Martin—rival any in the Caribbean.

Rendezvous Bay stretches for nearly two miles along Anguilla's southern coast, offering perhaps the island's most dramatic backdrop. Across the channel, the mountains of Saint Martin rise majestically, their green slopes providing a stunning contrast to the flat coral of Anguilla. This view—turquoise bay, white sand, tropical mountains—defines Caribbean postcard perfection.

The beach itself runs long and wide, with enough space that you can always find solitude even on busy days. The sand grades from powder-white to pale gold, and the water is reliably calm, shallow, and warm. It's an ideal spot for families with young children—the gradual slope means kids can splash safely while parents relax.

Development here takes a lighter touch than at Meads Bay. CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa anchors one end with its distinctive white architecture and hydroponic farm. The Dune Preserve, owned by reggae star Bankie Banx, occupies a ramshackle compound at the eastern end, hosting legendary full-moon parties and live music.

For the best experience, plan a lazy afternoon: swim, beachcomb, perhaps lunch at Garvey's Sunshine Shack for local fare, then linger for sunset when the mountains of Saint Martin turn purple and gold.

Sandy Ground occupies a special place in Anguillian identity—part fishing village, part beach community, part nightlife center. This narrow strip of sand separating Road Bay from the Salt Pond was historically where fishing boats launched and salt was harvested. Today it retains that working character while also hosting many of the island's liveliest bars and restaurants.

The Road Bay waterfront serves as an informal harbor where colorful fishing boats bob alongside sailing yachts. In the mornings, fishermen clean their catch while pelicans wait hopefully for scraps. The beach is serviceable rather than spectacular—this is a place for atmosphere, not pristine swimming—but the water is clean and calm, perfect for an afternoon dip between lunch and sunset drinks.

Sandy Ground transforms after dark. Elvis' Beach Bar serves legendary rum punches and plays live music most nights. Johnno's has anchored the scene for decades, offering cold beers and fresh fish in a sandy-floor setting. The Pump House, built in a restored historic structure, brings craft cocktails and sophisticated small plates. On weekends, the strip buzzes with locals and visitors mingling freely.

The area also offers access to Sandy Island, a tiny offshore cay reachable by boat. This postcard-perfect sandbar, ringed by coral reef, hosts a single beach shack serving grilled lobster and rum punch—Caribbean day-tripping at its finest.

Anguilla has earned its reputation as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean," punching far above its weight in restaurant quality and diversity. From beachside grills serving just-caught seafood to sophisticated fine dining rooms rivaling any world capital, the island offers an extraordinary range of culinary experiences for its size.

Seafood reigns supreme: Anguillian crayfish (Caribbean spiny lobster) is the island's signature ingredient—grilled with garlic butter, served in creamy pasta, or simply presented with rice and peas. The lobster season runs March through June, though you'll find it year-round (often imported during off-season). Fresh snapper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo appear on every menu, typically grilled or fried and served with local sides.

Traditional dishes: Rice and peas (pigeon peas cooked with rice, coconut, and spices) accompanies nearly every meal. Johnny cakes—fried dough similar to beignets—are a breakfast staple. Goat water (a hearty stew) and bullfoot soup represent traditional comfort food. BBQ ribs, slow-smoked in the American Southern tradition, have become an Anguillian specialty at several excellent pit-masters.

Where to eat: Blanchard's (Meads Bay) for sophisticated Caribbean-French cuisine. Veya (Sandy Ground) for creative fusion in a romantic garden setting. Tasty's (South Hill) for authentic local food and the island's best breakfast. Straw Hat (Meads Bay) for elegant beach dining. And countless beach shacks—Gwen's, Uncle Ernie's, Garvey's—for no-frills grilled perfection.

Drinks: Rum punch is obligatory—each bar has its secret recipe. The island produces its own rums at the small Anguilla Rums distillery. Carib and Heineken are the beers of choice. Fresh coconut water, often served from the shell, provides refreshment.

Grilled Crayfish

Island Specialty

Succulent local crayfish grilled with garlic butter and Caribbean spices.

Ingredients: 2 crayfish tails (or lobster), 60ml butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 lime, Fresh thyme, Scotch bonnet (optional), Salt, pepper.

Preparation: Splite crayfish tails lengthwise. Mix butter, garlic, thyme, lime zest. Brush crayfish generously with butter. Then grill shell-side down 5 min. Flip, baste, grill 3-4 min more. Serve with lime wedges.

💡 Don't overcook—crayfish should be just opaque.

Rice and Peas

Caribbean Staple

Coconut rice with pigeon peas—served at every Anguillan celebration.

Ingredients: 240ml rice, 120ml pigeon peas, 240ml coconut milk, 240ml water, 1 clove garlic, Thyme, scotch bonnet, Salt.

Preparation: Combine all in pot, bring to boil. Then reduce heat, cover, simmer 20 min. Remove pepper before it bursts. Fluff with fork. Finally, rest 5 min before serving.

💡 Keep the scotch bonnet whole for flavor without too much heat.

Johnny Cakes

Fried Dumplings

Golden fried dough—the essential Caribbean breakfast bread.

Ingredients: 240ml flour, 5ml baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 15ml sugar, 30ml butter, 120ml water, Oil for frying.

Preparation: Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add water, form soft dough. Then shape into small rounds. Fry in hot oil until golden. Drain and serve warm.

💡 Fry at medium heat—too hot and outside burns before inside cooks.

Anguilla's drinking culture is pure Caribbean bliss — rum punches served on white-sand beaches, local craft cocktails at beach bars, and a boat-racing tradition where every regatta ends with overflowing cups. The island's signature spirit is rum, and its beach bars are legendary gathering spots where barefoot elegance meets island time.

Anguilla Rum Punch

The Island's Signature Welcome Drink

Every beach bar in Anguilla has its own rum punch recipe, but the foundation is always the same — dark rum, tropical juices, nutmeg, and a hit of grenadine. This version channels the classic proportions: one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.

🥃 Hurricane glass or red Solo cup · 🔨 Shake & pour

Ingredients: 60ml dark rum, 30ml coconut rum, 60ml pineapple juice, 60ml orange juice, 15ml grenadine, 15ml lime juice, Dash of Angostura bitters, Freshly grated nutmeg

Preparation: 1. Combine dark rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. 2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. 3. Pour into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. 4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top. 5. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and an orange slice.

Dune Preserve Painkiller

Bankie Banx's Legendary Beach Bar Classic

Named after Anguilla's most famous beach bar — Dune Preserve, built from driftwood and old boats by reggae legend Bankie Banx — this is the island's take on the BVI classic Painkiller, made with Pusser's rum and a generous pour of cream of coconut.

🥃 Tumbler or coconut shell · 🔨 Shake & strain

Ingredients: 60ml Pusser's Navy rum, 120ml pineapple juice, 30ml orange juice, 30ml cream of coconut, Freshly grated nutmeg, Cinnamon stick

Preparation: 1. Add Pusser's rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut to a shaker with ice. 2. Shake hard until the outside of the shaker frosts. 3. Strain into a tumbler filled with crushed ice. 4. Dust generously with freshly grated nutmeg. 5. Add a cinnamon stick and serve.

Sorrel Rum Cooler

Caribbean Hibiscus Christmas Drink — Year-Round

Sorrel (hibiscus) drink is traditionally a Christmas beverage across the Caribbean, but in Anguilla it's enjoyed year-round. This version spikes the deep-red, tangy-sweet brew with white rum and ginger for a refreshing cooler that captures the island's festive spirit.

🥃 Tall glass · 🔨 Build over ice

Ingredients: 45ml white rum, 120ml sorrel (hibiscus) tea (chilled), 30ml simple syrup, 15ml fresh lime juice, 15ml ginger syrup, Sparkling water, Dried hibiscus flower

Preparation: 1. Brew sorrel tea: steep dried hibiscus flowers with cloves and cinnamon in hot water for 30 minutes, strain and chill. 2. In a tall glass filled with ice, add white rum, chilled sorrel tea, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger syrup. 3. Stir gently to combine. 4. Top with a splash of sparkling water. 5. Garnish with a dried hibiscus flower and lime wheel.

Anguilla\'s drinking culture revolves around rum, the beach bar, and the regatta. The island has no distilleries or wineries of its own, but its bartenders have elevated Caribbean cocktail culture to an art form — matching the island\'s reputation as the Caribbean\'s most sophisticated small island.

🥃 Rum

While Anguilla doesn\'t produce its own rum, the island is a rum connoisseur\'s paradise. Beach bars and upscale restaurants stock extensive selections from across the Caribbean — Barbadian Mount Gay, Jamaican Appleton, and Antiguan English Harbour are favorites. The rum punch is the universal greeting drink, served at every occasion from boat christenings to Sunday barbecues.

🏖️ Beach Bar Culture

Dune Preserve — built from driftwood by reggae legend Bankie Banx — is the island\'s most famous bar and one of the Caribbean\'s iconic drinking spots. Elvis\' Beach Bar on Sandy Ground is another institution. The beach bars are Anguilla\'s social hubs — barefoot, open-air, with live music and fresh-grilled crayfish. Most don\'t bother with menus; you drink what the bartender makes.

Dune Preserve · Rum punch in a coconut shell, crayfish on the grill, reggae on the speakers, turquoise sea through the driftwood walls — this is Caribbean drinking perfection.

⛵ Regatta & Boat Racing

Boat racing is Anguilla\'s national sport and its biggest drinking event. The August Monday Regatta (first Monday in August) sees the entire island converge on Sandy Ground for wooden sailboat races, followed by epic beach parties with rum flowing freely. Each boat has its own support crew and loyal fans — the after-race celebrations are legendary.

August Monday · Wooden sailboats heel through turquoise water while spectators raise rum punch cups — Anguilla's national sport meets the Caribbean's greatest beach party.

Anguilla enjoys a tropical maritime climate moderated by steady trade winds, creating comfortable conditions year-round. Temperatures rarely drop below 75°F (24°C) or exceed 90°F (32°C), with the northeast trades providing natural air conditioning that makes even warm days pleasant.

High Season (December-April): Peak tourist months bring perfect weather—sunny skies, low humidity, minimal rain. Temperatures average 77-84°F (25-29°C). This is also the most expensive and crowded period; book accommodations months ahead for Christmas/New Year and February school holidays.

Shoulder Season (May-June, November): Excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. May and June can be warm but remain pleasant. November marks the end of hurricane season with increasingly stable conditions.

Low Season (July-October): Hurricane season brings the possibility (not certainty) of tropical storms. September and October see the highest risk. Many hotels offer significant discounts—50% or more off peak rates. Weather between storms is often beautiful. This period also brings Carnival (August) and the best boat racing.

Water temperature: A balmy 78-84°F (26-29°C) year-round—no wetsuit needed. Visibility is best December through April when seas are calmest.

Via St. Maarten (most common): Fly to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Dutch St. Maarten—one of the Caribbean's major hubs with direct flights from New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, Paris, and Amsterdam. From SXM, take a taxi to Marigot ferry terminal on the French side (20 minutes, ~$25), then the public ferry to Blowing Point, Anguilla (20-25 minutes, $30 one-way). Private boat transfers and charter flights offer faster but pricier alternatives.

Direct flights: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) receives direct flights from San Juan (SJU) on Cape Air, and seasonal service from Miami and other US cities on American Eagle. The tiny runway limits aircraft size, so most visitors still transit through SXM.

Private charter: Anguilla Air Services and Trans Anguilla offer charter flights from SXM (10 minutes, ~$100 per person each way)—worth considering for convenience and dramatic aerial views of both islands.

Getting around: Rent a car (recommended for exploring)—roads are good, traffic minimal, and driving is on the left. Taxis are available but expensive for multiple trips. Many visitors rent a car for some days and rely on hotel shuttles or taxis for others.

Documents: Valid passport required; no visa needed for US, UK, EU, Canadian citizens for stays up to 90 days. Return/onward ticket may be requested. Departure tax of $28 USD (often included in ferry/flight tickets).

Money: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is official, but US Dollars are accepted everywhere at approximately 2.70 XCD = $1 USD. Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; cash preferred at beach bars and small vendors. ATMs available at banks in The Valley.

Communications: FLOW and Digicel provide mobile service; US and European phones may work on roaming but rates are high. WiFi is common at hotels and restaurants. Calling code: +1 264.

Electricity: 110V/60Hz with US-style plugs—American devices work without adapters. European and UK visitors need converters.

Health & Safety: No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe (usually desalinated or collected rainwater). Medical facilities are basic—serious cases evacuate to St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. Crime is minimal; exercise normal precautions. Sun protection is essential—the Caribbean sun is intense.

Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants (some add automatic service charge—check bill). Tip housekeeping $3-5 per day. Beach chair/umbrella attendants appreciate $5-10.

Anguilla is not a budget destination—the island has deliberately positioned itself in the luxury market. That said, costs vary dramatically based on accommodation choices and dining habits.

Budget approach: Stay in a guesthouse or Airbnb, cook some meals, eat at local spots and beach shacks, limit fine dining. Possible at $200-300/day per couple.

Mid-range: Boutique hotel, mix of casual and nice restaurants, car rental, some activities. $400-600/day per couple.

Luxury: Five-star resort, fine dining, charter boats, spa treatments. $1,000-3,000+/day per couple.

Luxury Resorts: Four Seasons Anguilla (Meads Bay/Barnes Bay) sets the standard with 181 rooms, multiple pools, spa, and golf. Malliouhana (Meads Bay) offers legendary Caribbean elegance. Cap Juluca (Maundays Bay) features distinctive Moorish architecture. Belmond Cap Juluca (Maundays Bay) combines beach villa luxury with world-class service. Aurora Anguilla (Rendezvous Bay) is the newest ultra-luxury entrant.

Boutique Hotels: Frangipani Beach Resort (Meads Bay) offers beachfront charm at lower price points. Carimar Beach Club (Meads Bay) provides excellent value with direct beach access. Shoal Bay Villas brings intimate accommodation to the island's best beach.

Villas: Private villa rentals abound, ranging from modest two-bedrooms to multi-million dollar compounds. Sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and specialized agencies (Island Escapes, Anguilla Luxury Villas) offer options. Villas make sense for families, groups, or longer stays.

Guesthouses: Simple but clean options like Sydans Apartments, Paradise Cove, and Easy Corner Villas offer basic accommodation at $100-200/night. Don't expect resort amenities, but staff are friendly and you'll meet fellow budget travelers.

Anguilla Summer Festival (Late July-Early August): The island's biggest celebration—two weeks of Carnival featuring parades, calypso and soca competitions, beauty pageants, boat racing, and non-stop partying. August Monday (first Monday in August) marks the culmination with the Champion of Champions boat race. Book far ahead; the island fills completely.

Moonsplash Music Festival (March): Reggae legend Bankie Banx hosts this three-night festival at the Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay. International reggae acts perform on a beachside stage under the full moon—one of the Caribbean's most atmospheric music events.

Anguilla Regatta (May): Three days of sailing races attract boats from across the Caribbean. The event includes beach parties, competitions, and celebrates the island's seafaring heritage.

Festival del Mar (Easter Weekend): Celebrates the island's fishing culture with boat races, competitions, seafood, and festivities centered on Island Harbour.

Anguilla Day (May 30): Commemorates the 1967 Revolution with parades, speeches, cultural events, and boat racing. A proud celebration of Anguillian identity.

Fountain Cavern: Sacred Arawak site featuring petroglyphs carved over 1,000 years ago, including the island's most significant pre-Columbian art. The stalagmite "Jocahu" represents the Arawak supreme deity. Access requires arrangement through the National Trust—not to be missed.

Little Bay: This tiny cove is only accessible by boat or a rope climb down the cliff face—the adventure keeps it uncrowded. Crystal-clear snorkeling, sea caves to explore, and solitude make it special.

Scrub Island: Uninhabited island off the eastern tip with abandoned airstrip, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Hire a boat from Island Harbour for a true Robinson Crusoe experience.

Big Spring Heritage Site: Archaeological site near Island Harbour preserving Arawak artifacts and seasonal fresh water spring that drew indigenous settlement. The small museum offers insight into pre-colonial Anguilla.

Prickly Pear Cays: Two tiny islands north of the mainland with spectacular beaches, excellent snorkeling, and beach bars serving grilled lobster. Half-day boat trips run from Sandy Ground.

Essential: Valid passport, swimsuits (multiple—they never dry overnight in humidity), reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, light cover-up for beach bars.

Clothing: Casual is the norm—even upscale restaurants accept "elegant casual" (nice shorts and collared shirt for men, sundress for women). Bring one nicer outfit if planning fine dining. Flip-flops or sandals work everywhere; comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

Useful items: Snorkeling gear (rentals available but quality varies), underwater camera, beach bag, insect repellent (mosquitoes at dusk), light rain jacket (brief tropical showers), good book for beach days.

What NOT to bring: Formal attire (unnecessary), excessive electronics, camouflage clothing (prohibited—a Caribbean-wide rule), illegal substances (severe penalties).

Official Tourism: ivisitanguilla.com — The Anguilla Tourist Board's comprehensive site with accommodations, events, and trip planning tools.

Ferry Schedule: linkaxi.com, gbferries.com — Current ferry schedules between Anguilla and St. Martin/St. Maarten.

Emergency: Police 911, Ambulance 911, Fire 911. Princess Alexandra Hospital: +1 264 497 2551.

Anguilla National Trust: axanationaltrust.org — For heritage sites, archaeological tours, and environmental programs.

News: The Anguillian newspaper (theanguillian.com), News264 (news264.com) for local news and events.

Bankie Banx — Reggae musician known as the "Anguillan Bob Marley." His Dune Preserve bar on Rendezvous Bay hosts the famous Moonsplash Festival. His music blends reggae with Caribbean folk traditions.

Omari Banks — Bankie's son, who made history as Anguilla's first professional cricketer, playing for the West Indies team and Leeward Islands. Also a musician carrying on his father's legacy.

Ronald Webster — The "Father of the Nation," who led the 1967 Anguilla Revolution and served as the island's political leader for decades. His leadership secured Anguilla's separation from St. Kitts.

Colville Petty — Historian and founder of the Heritage Collection Museum, dedicating his life to preserving Anguillian history and culture for future generations.

Boat Racing: The national sport and cultural obsession. Traditional wooden boats—designed and built in Anguilla—race with enormous sails that can reach 80 feet high. Crews "hike out" on wooden planks extending over the water to balance the boats. Major races during Carnival (August) draw the entire island. Each village supports its boat with fierce loyalty.

Cricket: The legacy of British colonialism lives on in cricket pitches across the island. Anguilla competes in regional Leeward Islands tournaments. The Ronald Webster Park in The Valley hosts major matches.

Water Sports: Excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding (especially November-June when trades blow steady), paddleboarding, and kayaking. Several operators offer instruction and rentals.

Golf: CuisinArt's Greg Norman-designed course offers the island's only golf, with dramatic ocean views on this challenging 18-hole layout.

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Shoal Bay East

World-class beach at golden hour

Meads Bay Sunset

St. Martin glowing on the horizon

Anguillian Crayfish

Fresh grilled with garlic butter

Boat Racing

The thrilling national sport

Sandy Island

Caribbean postcard perfection