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Anguilla Travel Guide: Barefoot Luxury & Undiscovered Caribbean Charm

Intro to Anguilla Travel Guide

Anguilla is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret — a slender island of powder-white beaches, luxury villas, turquoise bays, and a relaxed rhythm that soothes the soul. There are no high-rise resorts, no cruise ports, and no frenzy — just long lunches, hidden coves, and the warm hospitality of a close-knit island culture.

Whether you’re sipping rum punch at a beach shack, snorkeling over coral gardens, or exploring the island’s music and culinary roots, Anguilla offers travelers space, privacy, and natural beauty in its purest form.

Start planning your journey with our complete Anguilla Tour Guide — discover idyllic beaches, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences in one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations.

Where to Go in Anguilla

💡Quick Facts:
Continent: North America
Country: Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)
Area: 91 km²
Population: ~15,000
Density: Approx. 165/km²
Capital: The Valley
Regions/Subregions: No formal divisions; notable areas include Sandy Ground, West End, East End
Languages: English (official), Anguillian Creole (informal use)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC -4)
Airports: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA)
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid with a dry season (Dec–Apr) and wet season (May–Nov)
Known For: White-sand beaches, offshore cays, luxury resorts, beach bars, boat racing, and coral reefs

🛂Arrival Info:
Entry Requirements: Valid passport; return/onward ticket
Visa-Free Countries: U.S., UK, Canada, EU nations (up to 90 days)
Visa on Arrival: Not available — must apply in advance if required
Tourist Stay Limit: Up to 90 days for most nationalities
ETAs: Not applicable
Visa Portal: UK Government Overseas Territories Visa Guide
Customs Info: HM Customs Anguilla

💉Health Info:
Vaccines: Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT), Hepatitis A, Typhoid
Health Alerts: Occasional mosquito-borne illness risk (Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika)
Hospital Access: Princess Alexandra Hospital (The Valley)
Traveler Clinics: Limited; most care at general hospital
Terrain Risks: Minimal — flat terrain and dry brush
Insurance: Strongly recommended, including emergency evacuation coverage
✅ Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
Current Alerts: Low-risk destination; seasonal hurricane disruptions possible
Safety Level: Generally safe; Level 1–2: Exercise Normal Precautions
Risks: Petty theft, rare storms, limited medical care for emergencies
Rights Concerns: Same-sex activity is legal; conservative social views remain
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

📅Holidays:
Anguilla Day (May 30) – Celebration of the 1967 revolution
Emancipation Day (First Monday in August) – Traditional boat races
Christmas Day & Boxing Day (Dec 25–26) – Major closures and events
Festival Del Mar (Easter Weekend) – Seafood and sailing in Island Harbour
Carnival Week (Late July–August) – Parades, music, and cultural celebrations

💰Visitor Info:
Currency & Tips: XCD preferred; USD widely accepted
Card Use: Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants; cash preferred for taxis, small shops
ATMs: Located in The Valley and major tourist zones
Tipping: 10–15% customary unless service charge included
Duty-Free: 1L alcohol, 200 cigarettes (personal use)
Taxes: 10–12% service charge in accommodations
Budget Range:
– Budget: $100–150/day
– Midrange: $200–400/day
– Luxury: $500–1,000+/day

✈️Airports:
The island’s main airport is Clayton J. Lloyd International (AXA), which receives regional flights from St. Maarten (SXM) and San Juan (SJU). Most international arrivals connect via ferry or air transfer through neighboring islands. Anguilla Airport Info
✅ Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Local: Taxis (no meters — set fares), rental cars, scooters
Rideshare: Not available
Inter-island: Ferries to St. Martin (20–25 minutes)
Driving: Left side; IDP recommended for non-English licenses
Rentals: Common — valid permit required ($20 EC fee)
Traffic: Minimal, but roads can be narrow or unpaved
✅ Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

📶Connectivity:
SIM Cards: FLOW and Digicel (available at airport and shops)
eSIM: Limited support; verify before arrival
Coverage: Strong in all populated areas
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels, cafes; speeds vary
Roaming: Expensive; local SIM recommended
✅ Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18
Dress Code: Beachwear not allowed in towns/restaurants
LGBTQ+: Legal, but discretion advised in public displays
Customs: Greetings expected; avoid cursing or loud behavior
Photography: Avoid photographing people without consent

🛡️Emergency Info:
Emergency Number: 911
Hospital: Princess Alexandra Hospital – +1 264-497-2551
Tourist Police: Not designated, but local police are responsive
Embassies: No foreign embassies; UK consular support via local governor’s office
Crisis Lines: Local authorities assist via emergency line
✅ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌦️Weather:
Climate: Warm and sunny year-round
Best Time: December to April – dry season, low humidity
Off-Season: June–November – hurricane risk, fewer tourists
Severe Weather: Peak hurricane season in August–October
✅ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

Anguilla by Region – Where to Go

Anguilla is just 16 miles long, but its character shifts subtly across its towns, beaches, and offshore cays. Here’s a full breakdown of its key areas:

The Valley (Capital Area)

The Valley: Administrative and cultural center with local eateries, galleries, and historic churches.
Wallblake House: The island’s only surviving plantation home, offering a window into colonial history.

West End

Meads Bay: One of the island’s most iconic beaches — wide, calm, and lined with upscale resorts and beachfront restaurants.
Barnes Bay: A more secluded stretch with golden sand and dreamy sunset views.
West End Village: Upscale area home to five-star properties like Four Seasons and Malliouhana.

South Coast

Blowing Point: Main ferry port to/from St. Maarten, with easy access to island taxis and buses.
Sandy Ground: The island’s main harbor and nightlife hub, with casual beach bars, live music, and party boats.
Rendezvous Bay: Long, quiet beach with views of St. Martin, perfect for tranquil walks.

East End

Island Harbour: A traditional fishing village known for boat races, laid-back vibes, and fresh seafood.
Shoal Bay East: Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches — powder-soft sand and ideal snorkeling.

Offshore Cays

Sandy Island: A tiny spit of sand with a beach bar, just offshore from Sandy Ground.
Prickly Pear Cays: A snorkeling and swimming paradise accessible by boat.
Scilly Cay: A privately owned islet with famous grilled lobster lunches and rum punches.

Top Places to Visit in Anguilla

Here are the island’s must-see locations, grouped by experience:

Beach Escapes

Shoal Bay East: Quintessential Caribbean beauty with calm waters and vibrant reefs.
Meads Bay: For luxury stays and fine dining directly on the sand.
Rendezvous Bay: A peaceful curve of sand perfect for long strolls and paddleboarding.
Little Bay: Reachable only by boat or rope descent — a secluded cove with calm, clear water.

Cultural & Historical Spots

Wallblake House: Preserved plantation home from the late 1700s.
Heritage Collection Museum: Displays the island’s African-Caribbean heritage and Anguillan independence.
Art Galleries in The Valley & East End: Homegrown artists reflect the island’s soul through sculpture, photography, and painting.

Nature & Marine Life

Prickly Pear Cays: Crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and day trips.
Scilly Cay: A fun boat ride and a quintessential rum-soaked lunch spot.
Cove Bay: Less crowded beach with opportunities for kiteboarding or solitude.

How to Choose Where to Go in Anguilla

To shape your Anguilla adventure:

For Seclusion & Romance: Choose Little Bay, Shoal Bay West, or Barnes Bay.
For Beach Bars & Culture: Base near Sandy Ground or Island Harbour.
For Luxury Resorts & Spa Days: Book along Meads Bay or Rendezvous Bay.
For Snorkeling & Boat Days: Prioritize Shoal Bay East, Prickly Pear, and Scilly Cay.

Most visitors rent a car and explore several beaches over their stay — each with its own personality and vibe.

How to Get Around Anguilla

Car Rentals: Recommended for all visitors — the island is safe and easy to drive. Drive on the left.
Taxis: Readily available but pricey for long-distance transfers.
Bicycles/Scooters: Suitable for short trips in flatter areas.
Boat Transfers: Access offshore cays via scheduled or private charters.
Ferry from St. Maarten: The most popular way to arrive (from SXM airport to Blowing Point).

Travel Budget & Costs in Anguilla

Anguilla leans luxury, but mid-range and budget options exist if you plan ahead.

Budget: $80–120/day — guesthouses, beach shacks, public ferry rides
Mid-Range: $150–300/day — villas, local car rental, boat trips
Luxury: $400–800+/day — upscale resorts, private chefs, spa treatments

Sample costs:

Beach lunch with rum punch: $20–35
Car rental: $40–60/day
Snorkeling tour: $70–100 per person
Sunset cruise: $50–75
Boutique hotel: From $180/night

Best Time to Visit Anguilla

High Season (December–April)

Dry weather, vibrant social scene, and luxury pricing
Best for festivals, boating, and upscale travel

Shoulder Season (May–June)

Fewer crowds, warm weather, and good value
Calm waters for snorkeling and fishing

Hurricane Season (July–November)

Risk of storms but deeper discounts
Many resorts close in September

Festivals to Catch:

Moonsplash Music Festival (March): Held on the beach at Dune Preserve
Anguilla Summer Festival (August): Parades, boat races, and island-wide celebration
Anguilla Lit Fest: A literary event bringing Caribbean voices to the world stage

Must-See Experiences in Anguilla

Uncover the most unforgettable things to do in Anguilla, from sea to soul:

Charter a private catamaran for snorkeling and exploring hidden beaches.
Eat fresh grilled crayfish with your toes in the sand at a beach shack.
Ride the rope down to Little Bay — or hire a boat for the scenic route.
Join locals for boat races — the national sport, with drums, BBQs, and beach parties.
Dine at a five-star beachside restaurant — think scallops, sea views, and world-class wine.
Stargaze from Shoal Bay — minimal light pollution, maximum wonder.
Explore the island’s salt ponds and bird sanctuaries, especially around Sandy Ground.
Visit Scilly Cay and let the rum punch do the talking.
Experience live reggae and soca on a Saturday night in Sandy Ground.

Book immersive Anguilla tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Anguilla — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Anguilla

4-Day Beach & Culture Escape

Day 1: Arrival → Meads Bay sunset
Day 2: Shoal Bay East → snorkel → Sandy Ground dinner
Day 3: Scilly Cay lunch → Little Bay swim
Day 4: Art galleries → Heritage Museum → beach-hopping finale

7-Day Anguilla Explorer

Day 1–2: Meads Bay & Barnes Bay (relax and dine)
Day 3: Explore The Valley + Wallblake House + Sandy Ground
Day 4: Shoal Bay East + snorkeling tour
Day 5: East End & Island Harbour + boat to Scilly Cay
Day 6: Rendezvous Bay + spa day or kayaking
Day 7: Sunset sail + final dinner under the stars

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Anguilla’s food scene rivals that of much larger islands — from beachfront BBQ to fine-dining flair:

Must-Try Dishes:

Grilled crayfish: Sweet, fresh, and often served with rice and peas
Johnny cakes: Fried dough perfection
Saltfish and fungi: Local comfort food made from cornmeal and salted fish
Goat water: A spiced stew rooted in island heritage
Rum punch: Sweet, strong, and always part of the experience

Dining Highlights:

Blanchards Beach Shack: Famous for fish tacos and casual beachfront dining
Straw Hat Restaurant: A longtime favorite for seafood with a view
Sunshine Shack: Live music, grilled lobster, and laid-back vibes
Tasty’s: Local flavors with upscale technique
Scilly Cay Restaurant: Lobster and rum punch on a private cay

Foodie Experiences:

Join a beach BBQ night with live music and dancing
Visit a local bakery for coconut tarts or butter bread
Tour an organic farm or fishing co-op (seasonal)

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Anguilla

Safety:

One of the safest islands in the Caribbean
Tap water is safe to drink; bottled is available
Emergency services are limited, but reliable

Etiquette:

Greetings are important — say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon”
Beachwear is for beaches only — cover up in town
Respect locals’ privacy and religious customs
Tipping is customary (10–15% if not included)

Where to Go Next – Pair Anguilla with These Destinations

St. Martin/St. Maarten: A natural pairing — just minutes away by ferry, offering nightlife, casinos, and duty-free shopping
St. Barts: Luxury island hopping via charter or ferry
Antigua: Reachable via air for a mix of yachting, history, and colonial charm
Puerto Rico: Direct flight routes open a gateway to a broader Caribbean journey

Explore more:

Final Planning Checklist for Anguilla

Book ferry or air transfer from St. Maarten in advance
Reserve accommodations — luxury spots fill up fast in high season
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
Rent a car for freedom to explore every beach
Pack light, breathable clothing and modest outfits for town visits
Bring cash — many smaller vendors are cash-only
Download offline maps (Wi-Fi can be spotty in remote areas)
Confirm travel insurance coverage, including boat excursions
Respect local music, culture, and quiet pace — Anguilla runs on “island time”
Save room for one last rum punch at sunset

Explore Anguilla with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools. For more expert travel tips, practical strategies, and trusted tools — visit our Homepage and get inspired for your next trip.