Guide to Anguilla

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin. 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.

Of the many villages scattered across the island, these are of most interest to visitors.

• The Valley - the capital and commercial centre
• Blowing Point - terminal for ferries from St. Martin
• Island Harbour - home to small fishing fleet
• Sandy Ground - bars and restaurants along beach

Here are a few of the many 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

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. Sales of .ai domain names (AI being Anguilla's country code, but also popular with artificial intelligence companies) accounts for a sizable portion of the territory's GDP as well.

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 which provide habitats for a vast array of tropical fish and marine wildlife and are great for snorkelling.

Tourist information

• Visit Anguilla website

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.

In addition, holders of a valid visa issued by the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States, holders of a U.S. Green Card, and holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa.

By plane

It may be easier to access Anguilla via Sint 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 Saint 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 Saint Martin), a dispatcher can direct you to a taxi (approximately EC$24–26 from SXM or EC$15 from Simpson Bay) for the 10-15min drive to Marigot.

Public Ferry Fees:

EC$53 total for return ticket the same day, broken down to EC$20 for ferry each way, EC$5 departure tax in Sint Maarten and EC$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 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 EC$15–20 less than with the SXM Airport direct speed boat services.

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, 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.

English is the official language, spoken everywhere.

Beaches

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.

Island life

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.

Hiking, Art Gallery Tours, Horseback Riding at Seaside Stables, El Rancho Del Blues and Cliffside Stables. Tennis, 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.

• Golf: Aurora Resort is by the golf course, formerly known as Temenos.

Money

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.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

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.

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

• 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.

Splurge

• Caprice, West End.

• Kemia, Cap Juluca Hotel, West End.
• Koal Keel Restaurant, The Valley.
• Le Bistro, Malliouhana, West End.

• Pimms, Cap Juluca Hotel, West End.

• Santorini, CuisinArt, West End.
• Veya, Sandy Ground.

There are many places to lounge, listen to music and dance such as:

• Elodias, Shoal Bay, there is a live band on Sunday evenings

• English Rose Restaurant, The Valley, karaoke on Friday nights
• Dune Preserve, West End

• Ko Ko's Beach Bar, Island Harbour

• Rafe's, Sandy Ground

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

Mid-range

Splurge

Villas

• Altamer Villas - Shoal Bay West
• Bird of Paradise - Sandy Hill Bay
• Kamique Little Harbour Villas - Little Harbour
• Sheriva Villas - Maundays Bay Road, West End
• Spyglass Hill Villa - North Hill
• Temenos Villas - Long Bay
• Ceblue Anguilla Villas and Beach Resort - Crocus Island

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 Hospital. 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.

Anguilla offers a variety of Spas and Wellness centers, Gyms and Healthy Food stores.

Gyms

• Louis Price Fitness, George Hill.
• Cardigan Connor, Personal Trainer

Spas and Wellness Centers

• Cardigan Connor's Massage
• OSSIA Massage and Esthetics, South Hill
• Taino Wellness Center
• Carey's Ultimate Care Spa, North Side
• Malakh Day Spa, Shoal Bay Beach, next to Gwen's Reggae Grill

Healty Food Stores

• Simple Natural, The Valley

• Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy to the south are the closest islands to Anguilla.