Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin.
VILLAGES
Of the many villages scattered across the island, these are of most interest to visitors.
The Valley – the capital and commercial center
Blowing Point – terminal for ferries from St. Martin
Island Harbour – home to small fishing fleet
Sandy Ground – bars and restaurants along beach
OTHER DESTINATIONS
Beaches:
Meads Bay – several resorts and restaurants
Rendezvous Bay – long beach with view of St. Martins
Little Bay – tiny beach accessible by boat
Crocus Bay – reached by a steep road from The Valley
Shoal Bay (East) – long beach with reefs protecting it from surf
Savanna Bay – long undeveloped beach; you may have it to yourself
Several islands offer dining and drinking or solitude:
Scrub Island – you and the birds
Sandy Island – not far from Sandy Ground
Scilly Cay – in Island Harbor
HISTORY
Anguilla was colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, and administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island – against the wishes of the inhabitants – was incorporated into a single UK dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate UK dependency.
Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth.
GEOGRAPHY
Anguilla is a flat and low-lying island. It is 35 sq. miles, 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at the widest point. The highest point is Crocus Hill, at 65 metres.
The island is made of limestone. There are many caves, and two of the most impressive are The Big Springs in Island Harbour and The Fountain in Shoal Bay.
Anguilla also has many attractive coral reefs that provide habitats for a vast array of tropical fish and marine wildlife and are great for snorkeling.
GET IN
Visa requirements: A maximum visa-free stay of 3 months is granted to holders of British passports, all European Union citizens and nationals of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, East Timor, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
Passengers can stay in transit for 24 hours without a visa except for nationals of Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Montenegro, Nigeria, Serbia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Uganda.
In addition, holders of a valid visa issued by the United Kingdom and holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa.
By plane. Cape Air provides two daily non-stop flights to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Cape Air interlines with most major American airlines: JetBlue, American, Delta, and United. Cape Air’s flights are timed to make connections with the mainland. Cape Air’s San Juan – Anguilla route can be booked with JetBlue connections on JetBlue.com. As of June 2011 JetBlue is the largest airline at San Juan measured by ASMs, ending American Airlines’ long dominance. Anguilla is listed as a JetBlue destination on their website thanks to the partnership with Cape Air.
List provides once daily service to St. Thomas, and onwards to other destinations in the Caribbean.
It may be easier to access Anguilla via St. Maarten, which can be reached non-stop from many eastern U.S. cities, as well as European cities. Anguilla Air Services has three or four (depending on the season) 10-minute flights each way. Visitors may also book local air charters via Trans Anguilla or Anguilla Air Service. Many visitors charter boats privately from the pier near Princess Julianna Airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla. There are also modest, private ferries that depart from Marigot every 30 minutes.
By boat. This is the most common method of transport between Anguilla and St. Martin. There is a chance of getting wet, so choose your seat carefully to sit facing the wind. If you experience sea sickness quite easily, ensure you take medication before boarding and if possible sit towards the back of the vessel for maximum stability.
There are regular small public ferries from Marigot in French St. Martin that cross to Blowing Point, Anguilla in about 20mins. Ferries commence service from 7AM, and run every 45mins. The last ferry departs Anguilla at 6:00PM and St. Martin at 7PM. If traveling from Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten (the Dutch part of St. Martin), a dispatcher can direct you to a taxi (approximately $24 – $26 from SXM or $15 from Simpson Bay) for the 10-15min drive to Marigot.
Public Ferry Fees: $53 total for return ticket the same day, broken down to $20 for ferry each way, $5 departure tax in Sint Maarten and $8 departure tax in Anguilla
There are also direct fast boats between Blowing Point (Anguilla) and Princess Juliana Airport (Sint Maarten) taking 30mins to cross. Airport drop off is also provided with these services (though the boat terminal is only a couple of hundred meters/yds up the road from the Airport). As of 2015 a comprehensive website for all ferry and boat routes to the regional islands, StMartinbookings.com has come online. Schedules & live availability for the fast boats from Anguilla to SXM IATA are available for comparison there.
A taxi to Marigot and the public ferry from there takes a little longer in terms of total journey time but will cost on average about $15 – $20 less than with the SXM Airport direct speed boat services.
GET AROUND
By car. For most visitors, a rented car is the best option. Even if you are staying at a full-service resort, you will want to sample the many beaches and restaurants on the island. Pick up a copy of the Skyviews map, usually available at Immigration and elsewhere. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Speeds are low, but the island is small. Main roads are paved; most are in good condition. There are also a few roundabouts and stop lights throughout the island. Road names are not always posted, and some roads change names (the road from The Valley to the West End has a half dozen names along the way), but there are destination signs at main intersections and roundabouts. Many secondary roads are sand or dirt, ranging from smooth to very poor.
There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but all will deliver to your hotel. Island Car Rental, +1 264-497-2723,[1] is an easy walk from the airport, tucked into Anguilla Motors. They can arrange for you to pick up the car after hours, and do the paperwork next day. Hertz-Triple K, +1 264-497-2934, is also nearby. Other agencies include Avis, +1 264-497-2642, and Bass Car Rental, +1 264-497-2361,
By taxi. Many visitors find it convenient to take a taxi on arrival, arranging for a rental car later. Taxi service is unmetered, with set rates. If leaving from the airport, a dispatcher will issue a slip showing the fare. Taxi drivers offer island tours lasting several hours. Fares must be paid in cash and or credit card.
By bicycle. The island does not lend itself to relaxed bicycling. The roads do not have shoulders. Traffic is heavy on many main roads from the Valley to points west. Traffic is light in the Shoal Bay and East End areas, but there are some hills.
Language. English is the official language, spoken everywhere.
SEE
Beaches. Anguilla has everything you might expect from a Caribbean island, with gorgeous bays, some of the best white sand beaches in the world, palm trees and the turquoise ocean all around. That lovely setting is of course what draws most travelers here, and it allows for perfect lazy days of sunbathing and swimming. There are some stunning coral reefs just outside the coast, which make it a fine destination for scuba diving or snorkeling. If you’re not that sporty, hop on one of the glass bottomed boats to have at least a glance. Shoal Bay can compete with any beach in the world and has a great reef. Other popular bays are Barnes, Rendezvous, Road and Little Bay, but you can choose from 33 fine beaches in total. From April through November, many of Anguilla’s beaches are nesting grounds for leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles. Maundays, Meads, Captains and Limestone Bay offer the best chances to witness this wonderful natural phenomenon. All beaches are public, but ease of access varies. The large resorts and developments are obligated to provide public access; don’t hesitate to ask. Many beach bars also provide free access.
Shoal Bay, sometimes called Shoal Bay (East) to distinguish it from Shoal Bay West, stretches for a mile or so. It is seldom crowded even at Shoal Bay Village where there is a cluster of resorts, restaurants and beach bars. East of Shoal Bay Village, toward Gwen’s, you may have the beach to yourself. The water is usually calm, making this a good family beach. At the eastern end, snorkelers float over areas of coral rock near the beach. Access: At Shoal Bay Village or at Gwen’s Reggae Bar—look for signs on the road between Shoal Bay Village and Island Harbor.
Meads Bay is less protected from waves than Shoal Bay, but is a fine strolling beach. Several resorts and villas line the beach but do not dominate it. Access: Frangiapani Resort has designated parking spaces for public access, and a public access path to the left of the building.
Savannah Bay is a mile-long beach without a hotel in sight. Except for a few people around Palm Grove Grill at the northern end, you may have the beach to yourself. Access: On the paved road across the eastern end of the island, watch for a sign for Palm Grove. The sand road to the beach is rough and rocky in places, but can be driven during daylight with no great difficulty. Park next to Palm Grove.
Rendezvous Bay. Yes, another mile of beautiful beach! The eastern part, along the salt pond, is undeveloped. A couple of beach bars on the western part offer refreshment. Access: On the main road, watch for a sign for Anguilla Great House at Willow Lane. Continue past the Great House entrance and park in the unpaved lot at the salt pond.
Shoal Bay West is a pleasant beach with a good view of St. Martins. Lined with villas in a dramatic modern style, the beach itself is often deserted. Access: Stay on the main road until the paving ends. Park next to the salt pond. The public access path is between two of the villas.
Little Bay can be the least or the most crowded of the beaches—it is so small that a yachtful of visitors can fill it up. This is a popular snorkeling area. Rocks near the shore offer the beginner a chance to see colorful little fishes, while better swimmers may glimpse sea turtles. Access: The adventurous can try to find the path that leads down the cliff that surrounds the beach. For the rest of us, go to Crocus Bay in The Valley and ask for Calvin at the tamarind tree. He will take you there in his motor boat, and can be trusted to come back for you at the agreed time.
HISTORY
Take some time to learn about the events that have shaped the island’s people. Few historic buildings survive, but you will find links to the past around the island;
Salt mining. For much of Anguilla’s history, extraction of salt by evaporation of sea water was a major industry. The Pumphouse at Sandy Ground, now a bar, housed the pumps that fed seawater to the salt pond.
Walleblake House. Built in 1785, it has been beautifully restored and is Anguilla’s only surviving plantation house. The house, hidden behind a stone wall next to a church near the airport, is open for tours at irregular hours.
Heritage Collection Museum (On the road to the East End.). If you’d like to dive into the island’s history and cultural heritage further, be sure to visit the museum. It has a good collection of photographs, artifacts and documents from the prime days of the Arawak Indians till the present. The curator, Colville Petty, will meet you and orient you to the exhibits that tell of the often-difficult life on the island. Only if you ask, will he point out the picture of himself with other revolutionaries. If he piques your interest in the island’s history, buy one of his books. Bless our Forebears is especially evocative of the trials that the people have endured.
Crocus Hill. At 213 feet above sea level, Crocus Hill is the highest point on the otherwise flat lands of Anguilla. On it, there are a few remains of the Old Court House. More importantly however, there’s a great view from the top over the underlying bay, which is extra spectacular at sunset. On the way to Crocus Hill is The Old Valley, an area with a few unspectacular but locally important church buildings. A few old wooden houses also remain.
At Island Harbour you can see local fishermen and sailors at work. On the road to West End, past the Sandy Ground roundabout, you may see a racing boat under construction, under a shed on the right side of the road. The boat races are major events, celebrating the return of workers from the cane fields of the Dominican Republic in the old days, and perhaps also the nautical skills of the smugglers of years past.
Anguilla has many farms of corn, peas, tomatoes and other crops. To see, buy or learn about plants and animals in Anguilla one can visit The Department of Agriculture, located in The Valley, Anguilla. The Anguilla National Trust can provide information on Anguilla’s environment and conducts tours. Its main task is to preserve Anguilla’s natural environment, historic and cultural resources and archaeology. If you’re interested in gardens, try the Hydroponic Farm and Organic Gardens, at CuisinArt Resort and Spa, West End Village or the Endangered Species Garden and Indigenous Local Plants Gardens at the Cap Juluca Resort.
Birds. The salt ponds, uplands and beaches provide habitat for a variety of birds. Stop by the National Trust office to buy A Guide to the Birds of Anguilla, with color photos and maps of birding areas. Pelicans and brown boobies dive for fish along the beaches. Frigate birds glide high above. Ducks and wading birds can often be seen at the Sandy Ground salt pond. Even at your hotel, you may see hummingbirds among the flowering shrubs or the small bananaquit in the trees.
DO
Hiking, Art Gallery Tours, Horseback Riding at Seaside Stables, El Rancho Del Blues and CLiffside Stables. Tennis, Golf at Play-A-Round Mini-Golf Park and Temenos Golf Club, Spa and Wellness, Glass-bottom boat, Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Festivals: Anguilla Summer Festival, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Moonsplash, Festival Del Mar, Annual Anguilla Yacht Regatta and Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Seaside Stables, Cove Bay. Horseback Riding on the Beach
Dolphin Discovery, Blowing Point. Swim with dolphins
MONEY
Exchange rates for Eastern Caribbean dollars. As of January 2019: US$1 ≈ EC$2.7 (pegged), €1 ≈ EC$3.1, UK£1 ≈ EC$3.4, Canadian $1 ≈ EC$2.0
The currency of the country is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: “$” or “EC$” (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.
Though the East Caribbean dollar is the local currency, most places frequented by tourists price goods and services in U.S. dollars and all locations accept U.S. dollars for payment. On occasion, you may receive small change in a mix of USD and XCD.
Credit cards are taken at hotels and restaurants (not everywhere will accept Amex. MasterCard/Visa preferred).
Art galleries. Several art galleries offer the works of Anguillan and other Caribbean artists, with prices from a few dollars to thousands.
CUISINE
Pigeon peas and rice is often considered as the signature dish of the island.
Budget
Amy’s Bakery, Blowing Point
B & D’s BBQ, Long Bay
Big Jim’s BBQ, Blowing Point
Hall’s Unique Bakery, The Valley
Le Bon Pain, (French bakery) Island Harbour
Mary’s Bakery, The, Quarter
Uncle Ernie’s on Shoal Bay beach; inexpensive local BBQ
Mid-range
English Rose Restaurant, The Valley.
Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Shoal Bay.
Johnno’s is an Anguillan landmark, run by John (Johnno) on Sandy Ground beach. It is an open air bar, restaurant and at night a dance club on the beach, often with live local bands.
Landing Strip Restaurant, Blowing Point
Nico’s Restaurant, The Valley
Oriental Restaurant and Bar, The Valley; Chinese restaurant
Roy’s Bayside Grill, Sandy Ground Rd, Sandy Ground (Above Crocus Bay), ☏ +1 264-497-2470. Started by a British expat and his wife. Great bargain lunches on Fridays. Very well known for their fish and chips.
Smitty’s, ☏ +1 264-583-3799. In Island Harbor.
Tastys Restaurant, South Hill, ☏ +1-264-497-2737. Excellent food. The chef is very personable and enjoys pleasing his customers.
Zara’s, +1 264-497 3229, Shoal Bay at Allamanda Beach Club – Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.
Drink
There are many places to lounge, listen to music and dance
ACCOMMODATION
Choose from an array of hotels, villas, guest houses and apartments to rest your head at night. Rates are in US dollars for high season, typically January to April, and do not include taxes (20% plus $1) unless noted.
Budget
Allamanda Beach Club Between Shoal Bay Village and Island Harbor; watch for signs to Gwen’s Reggae Bar. Tel 1-264-497-5217 or 305-396-4472; Fax 1-264-497-5216; reserve@allamanda.ai Not a fancy resort, Allamanda offers a variety of suites with kitchen at reasonable rates. Zara’s Restaurant is on-site. The beach is a short walk away, with beach chairs under palm trees next to Gwen’s. $175 (no kitchen) to $240, including tax.
La Vue, Back Street, South Hills Village (off the main road, after the Sandy Ground Roundabout), ☏ +1-264-497-6623, ✉ info@lavueanguilla.com. This little B&B sits in a little neighborhood on a bluff, overlooking Sandy Ground. You’ll need a car to get to the beach. One-bedroom suite $200, Two-bedroom $322, with breakfast, including taxes.
Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast, Old Courthouse Rd., The Valley, ☏ +1-264-497-2351, fax: +1-264-497-3028, ✉ lloyds@anguillanet.com. In a residential neighborhood on Crocus Hill in The Valley; it’s a very steep quarter mile to the beach. Lloyd’s is a bit of Anguilla history. The first guest accommodation on the island, it was the scene of gunfire during the revolution. Rooms, in a variety of decor, now have AC, TV and baths, but the exterior preserves the traditional look. $145 year around, with breakfast, including taxes
Mid-range
Anacaona Boutique Hotel Meads Bay, on main road to West End. Tel +1-264-497 6827 or 877-647-4736; Fax 1-264-497 6829; info@anacaonahotel.com Formerly La Sirena. The rooms have been renovated, and the grounds are as beautiful as ever. The beach is a few minutes away, through the grounds and along a short path. In addition to the double rooms, there are a few junior, two- and three-bedroom suites. Rooms $265 and $325; suites to $530.
Anguilla Great House, Willow Lane, Rendezvous Bay, ☏ +1-264-497-6061, toll-free: +1-800-583-9247, ✉ info@anguillagreathouse.com. Cottage-style accommodations open on grounds right on the beach. Has the feel of an old family-style resort. $310 to $340; meal plans extra.
Arawak Beach Inn, ☏ +1-877-427-2925, +1-264-497-4888, fax: +1-264-497-4889, ✉ relax@arawakbeach.com. Island Harbor.Rooms in Caribbean-style cottages, with have ocean view. The beach is steps away from the property. Rooms with and without kitchens. Older rooms have AC by request only, at a fee. $245 – $375.
Fountain Anguilla, Shoal Bay East, ☏ +1 615-216-5600, ✉ reservations@refinedretreats.com. Offers suites, one- and two-bedroom condominiums with much more space than a typical hotel. Newly constructed with modern amenities. $165 daily and up.
Shoal Bay Villas, Shoal Bay, ☏ +1-264-497-2051, fax: +1-264-497-3631, ✉ sbvillas@anguillanet.com. Studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, all with kitchens, on the beach. Several restaurants are nearby. One-bedroom Suite $360 to $480. 2-bedroom $580.
Turtles Nest Beach Resort, Meads Bay, ☏ +1-264-497-7979, ✉ info@turtlesnestanguilla.com. Studios, one-, two and three-bedroom suites, all with kitchens, on Meads Bay beach. Several restaurants are nearby. Prices start at $215.
SAFETY
Anguilla is a safe island with a low crime rate. But please take necessary precautions—lock your doors at night, don’t leave personal belongings in your unlocked rental car and don’t give rides to pedestrians.
The Police station is in the capital, The Valley. Also, the hospital, Princess Alexandra Hosipal. There is only one hospital in Anguilla, however, there are many private doctors, including Hughes Medical Center located in West End. There are many Medical Clinics located in many villages such as, The Valley, West End, East End and Blowing Point.
RESPECT The beautiful people of Anguilla are incredibly friendly and hospitable.
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United Kingdom – Anguilla
NOMAD MANIA United Kingdom – Anguilla
Islands: Anguilla
Borders: Anguilla (sea border/port)
XL: Scrub Island
Airports: Anguilla (AXA)
Museums: East End: Heritage Collection Museum
Festivals
Anguilla Summer Festival
Anguilla’s Moonsplash
Festival del Mar
Beaches: Shoal Bay