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Anguilla Travel Guide

Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. Located at 8km (5 miles) north of St. Maarten, Anguilla consists of the main island of approximately 26 km (16 miles) long with a surface of the land of 91 sq. km (35 sq. miles). The island also comprises a number of much smaller islands with no permanent population.

With a population of approximately 12,500 people, descendants of slaves transported from Africa, Anguilla was administered by England, and then by the United Kingdom.

The city’s economy is not based on agriculture but on industries and tourism.

Anguilla’s climate is dry with temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. September and October are the rainiest while February and March are the driest.

This island has a few places of interest. You can visit them on a taxi tour. In the Heritage Museum Collection, the artifacts exhibited are from the golden age of the Arawak Indians to the British conquering of the island in 1969. There are even photographs that represent an evidence of Queen’s Elizabeth II visit in 1964.

You can visit the multitude of islets that compose the beautiful Anguilla. On the northwest coast is situated Sandy Isle. Surrounded by a coral reef, you can reach this tiny isle with a daily ferry from Sandy Ground. Here you can dine at a restaurant or have a drink at bar after snorkeling in the deep waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The northwest coast boasts secluded beaches. Such an example is Barnes Bay. This beach has great views and unusual rock formations. Barnes Bay is a secluded beach located on a remote island. The warm sand is fine and powdery, perfect for a relaxing stroll or an imposing sand castle. This spot is ideal for travelers who want to relax and enjoy a secluded location and beautiful surroundings.

While Anguilla has beaches that are more secluded than Barnes Bay the combination of natural setting, atmosphere and personality provided by this beach could be just right for you. Location is important, and a sunny spot on the beach can be extremely important. There are many beaches in Anguilla, and Barnes Bay is just one of them. Therefore, whether you're looking for a secluded spot or a bustling beachfront you can find it, but this one might not be your style. Several rental villa homes and a restaurant and hotel line this beach.

Shoal Bay, often called Shoal Bay East to distinguish it from Shoal Bay West, is the most popular beach on Anguilla, located on the northeastern side. The water is perfect, a giant pool of clear blue with a sprinkling of tiny fish right off shore.

Maundays Bay is a long, wide stretch of beach with a casual and relaxed feel. The water here is smooth and gentle, allowing travelers of all ages to enjoy the ocean. While Anguilla offers some more secluded beaches that Maundays Bay the natural beauty, atmosphere and personality offered by this beach might be just what the doctor ordered. Many visitors feel that the level of activity at a beach and its amenities are particularly important attributes. For others, opportunities for privacy and spending a relaxing day in the sun are the most important thing. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming.

Shoal Bay West The calm waters are good for swimming. The view of St. Martin and Saba from this beach make it an enjoyable place to sit and stare for hours. The beach is dotted with upscale resorts and restaurants.

Little Bay Beach is Anguilla's best kept secret, a tiny quiet beach, fantastic for water sports like snorkeling. You can get there by climbing down the cliff and reach the grayish sands.

Road Bay is a commercial freight port in Anguilla, but it is also known for its calm, protected waters and water sports activities. The beach is long and features everything from bars to restaurants and shopping. Many visitors feel that the amenities and attractions at or around a beach are particularly important attributes. For others, it is the seclusion and the chance to waste away the day on the sand that is the best part of the beach. There are plenty of beaches in Anguilla, and you may decide that Road Bay is precisely what you are seeking.

People who choose to spend their holiday in Anguilla aren’t interested in its nightlife but in the fine powdered beaches with crystal clear water, and tropical temperatures.

Because of the many ship wrecks, Anguilla is an ideal place for scuba diving. Exploring the depth of the aquatic life represents a fascinating experience. If you are a cautious person then try snorkeling. The national sport in this country is boat racing, so you may enjoy sailing in the Caribbean.

Visitors should know that they can’t find here many large hotels with all-inclusive offers, but they should also not worry because this might be seen as an advantage as they have the opportunity to choose from special accommodation facilities that offer all the best.

Although the number of night spots and watering holes is one consideration, the availability of live entertainment is of greater importance to some vacationers. Of course, hotels in Anguilla provide more frequent entertainment during the winter season than during the off season.

Anguilla’s nightlife revolves around its hotels but beach bars are livelier. Sandy Ground is the best ’hotspot’.

Pumphouse Bar & Grill is a great place where you can listen to live performances of reggae bands. On Thursday visitors may go there for a merengue night. You can also enjoy a standard menu comprising fish or chicken, steaks, and a Caesar salad with slices of jerk chicken.

If you want to be a star for a night, then you must go to Johnno's Beach Stop in Road Bay. This is the meeting place of Hollywood stars when they come to Anguilla. Each Sunday a barbecue is held from noon, accompanied by light jazz music. The menu includes fresh fish, barbecued spareribs and grilled chicken.

Dune Preserve in Rendezvous Bay is one of the ‘coolest’ spots anywhere in the Caribbean.

Rumza in Lockrum Bay is a very popular bar. The menu includes two Anguilla specialties such as guava-glazed loin of pork and lobster with coconut curry breast of chicken.

Due to the historic past Anguilla marks its British culture through celebrations of Queen's Birthday and Whit Monday. Another important celebration takes place on May 30. The Anguillans celebrate the moment when on May 30, 1967 the islanders forced St. Kitts police to leave the island, making the beginning of a new age of peace.

Among other annual festivals and holidays, the most important is the annual Summer Festival. Celebrating the emancipation of African slaves on Anguilla, this festival is held in August. It begins at 5:00 a.m. with J'Ouvert Mornin, an early-morning jam. The festival comprises of a series of fairs, dancing, parades, and picnics on the beach, sailboat racing and other events.

Sailboat racing represents an important event in Anguilla, as it is considered to be the national sport. Anguillans are convinced that their home-grown brand of boatbuilding and competitive sailing sets them apart from their Caribbean neighbors.

The capital of Anguilla is The Valley.