Nestled in the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, Anguilla is a hidden gem that beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and a myriad of activities that showcase the best the island has to offer. When exploring this idyllic destination, be sure to immerse yourself in the best things to do in Anguilla.
Start your journey by unwinding on the island's world-renowned beaches. Shoal Bay East, with its powdery white sand and azure waters, epitomizes the best things to do in Anguilla. Relax under the shade of swaying palm trees, take a dip in the clear waters, and feel the soft Caribbean breeze on your skin. The tranquility of these beaches sets the stage for an unforgettable escape.
For those seeking a more active adventure, exploring Anguilla's vibrant marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Anguilla. The crystal-clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs and exotic fish, providing an underwater paradise for enthusiasts. Shoal Bay and Prickly Pear Cays are renowned dive sites that exemplify the island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Best Things to Do in Anguilla
Anguilla's rich cultural heritage is another highlight among the best things to do in Anguilla. Visit The Valley, the capital, to discover the island's history at the Heritage Collection Museum. Explore the island's art scene at the Devonish Art Gallery, showcasing local and Caribbean artists. Engage with the friendly locals and savor the authentic flavors of Anguillian cuisine, an essential aspect of the best things to do in Anguilla.
For a unique adventure, embark on a boat tour around the island, taking in breathtaking coastal views and hidden coves. Snorkel in the secluded Little Bay or witness the iconic limestone cliffs of Big Spring. These boat tours exemplify the best things to do in Anguilla, combining exploration with relaxation.
Anguilla's lively music scene is another dimension of the island's charm. Head to Sandy Ground, where beach bars come alive with the sounds of reggae and soca. The annual Moonsplash Festival, a celebration of Caribbean music, is a must-attend event that showcases the best things to do in Anguilla for music enthusiasts.
01. Enjoy a sunset sail on a classic ship.
Anguilla locals and visitors alike recommend jumping aboard a classic sailing vessel, known as a sloop, with Tradition Sailing Charter, saying this is the best way to explore the coastline of Anguilla in style. "A sunset cruise on a classic West Indian sloop is quite memorable," says Liburd. The delicious cocktails and Caribbean bites served onboard certainly don't hurt.
02. Rent a car to explore the island.
Other Caribbean islands might prefer travelers to experience the destination from inside the walls of their resort, but not so in Anguilla. The vibe here is very much "Please, go explore," says Kircher, adding, "Everything is safe, and everything is accessible." Renting a car and exploring the island's beaches, historical sites, restaurants, and attractions is one of the best ways to enjoy a vacation in Anguilla.
03. Play tennis with Anguilla Tennis Academy.
Anguilla's location in the Caribbean means that there's "a near-constant breeze that vacillates from a gentle breath of cool air to a stiff gale — exhilarating conditions for tennis players in the punishing heat of a West Indies court," writes David Shaftel for T+L. Anguilla Tennis Academy sends pros to many island resorts, great for any traveler looking for lessons or a hitting partner.
04. Try kitesurfing with Anguilla Watersports.
Break up a long afternoon on the beach with kitesurfing lessons with Anguilla Watersports. The island's balmy breezes make it the perfect place to give the sport a try, and this outfitter on Cove Bay offers kitesurfing lessons and equipment rentals for everyone, from first-timers to professionals. Paddleboards and glass-bottomed kayaks are also available for rent.
05. Visit Anguilla's off-shore cays.
"Going to the off-shore cays is one of the highlights of any Anguilla visit," says Liburd. Catamaran excursions or sunset cocktail cruises to tiny, white-sand cays like Scrub Island or Sandy Island are among top things to do in the destination.
"It's hard to beat a stop on a boating excursion to Prickly Pear, one of Anguilla's most popular off-shore cays," says Dan Lockyer, chief commercial officer of Dream Yacht Worldwide, which offers charters to Anguilla out of St. Martin. Stop for a lobster lunch at the island's small restaurant, or jump in the surrounding shallow waters for surprisingly great snorkeling.
06. Snorkel at Shoal Bay.
"The underwater visibility is excellent all around Anguilla," says Lockyer, and that makes snorkeling a popular activity on the island. Shoal Bay is one of Anguilla's top destinations for snorkeling, as visitors frequently spot stingrays, swarms of fish, and even the occasional sea turtle here. After your swim, grab a drink on the sand at Shoal Bay Beach Club at Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
07. Take a Moke ride.
Get the lay of the land in Anguilla by renting a Moke and going for a thrilling drive around the island. These open-air vintage vehicles, originally from Britain, are now an iconic Caribbean mode of transportation. They're brightly-colored, available for rent with Moke Anguilla, and the perfect prop for taking photos at the island's most picturesque spots.
08. Enjoy Anguilla’s live music scene.
From beach bars to restaurants and clubs, live music takes over Anguilla every night of the week. Sandy Ground is among the island's most popular nightlife destinations, with spots like Lit Lounge offering live music and delicious cocktails. Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay hosts live music multiple nights per week and was even named the world's best beach bar by CNN — Bankie Banx himself usually takes to the mic on weekends.
09. Swim at Meads Bay.
Visitors can't go wrong at any of Anguilla's 33 pristine beaches, though central Meads Bay is particularly impressive with its tranquil, turquoise waters and impossibly fine white sands. Restaurants, bars, and some of the island's best resorts line its shores, including Frangipani Beach Resort, named among the best resorts in the region by T+L readers.
10. Sample Anguillan roadside barbeque.
Roadside barbeque spots in Anguilla are not to be missed, with local fare at these no-frills eateries including chicken and ribs, rice and peas, Johnny cakes, and much more. "Locals, expats, tourists — everyone will be there," says Kircher. "Inexpensive and amazing, it's always a go-to."
11. Enjoy Anguilla's rich culinary scene.
"Anguilla doesn't have any all-inclusive [resorts], and that has allowed the culinary scene to flourish in a way that travelers might not expect," says Liburd. With excellent options for everything from Italian and French cuisine to Mexican with a local twist, Anguilla is quickly becoming a culinary destination in the Caribbean. One must-try eatery for Caribbean fare is Sharky's. The shop is owned and operated by an Anguillan chef who serves elevated takes on island favorites from his own home.
12. Take in the views from Crocus Hill.
With an elevation of just 213 feet, Crocus Hill is the highest point on Anguilla. Climb to the top and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of this island and neighboring ones across the waves. Don't let the low elevation fool you — the road to the top is steep.
13. Learn about Anguilla's history through petroglyphs.
Visit Fountain Cave and Big Spring to spot hundreds of petroglyphs, and even carved stalagmites, representing the gods of the Taino indigenous populations who first called Anguilla home. To learn more about the island's indigenous history, consider booking a heritage tour with Anguilla National Trust.
14. Spot nesting sea turtles.
In addition to walking tours and heritage tours, Anguilla National Trust offers evening "turtle patrol" excursions from July to October, which is the height of turtle nesting season. Participants will learn about the species of turtles that come to the island to nest, and they'll spot the creatures in their natural habitat. It’s an informative and engaging way to support the island's critical sea turtle conservation efforts.
15. Hit the spa.
Luxury resorts abound here, so travelers can choose from a seriously sumptuous selection of high-end spa services and treatments around Anguilla. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has an oceanfront spa with an infinity pool and treatment rooms within earshot of the waves. Another option is Zemi Thai House Spa, which blends Southeast Asian treatment styles with local Taino traditions within an authentic 300-year-old Thai house at Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
16. Visit Rendezvous Bay.
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of neighboring St. Martin with a drink in hand from the sugar-sand beach at Rendezvous Bay. This beachfront offers plenty of eateries to choose from, including Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve, which is worth a visit even before the live music gets started. Fewer resorts along the shores here keep things more tranquil than at other beaches on the island.
17. Try your hand at salt picking.
"For many years, the salt industry on the island was huge," says Liburd. The industry has faded as Anguilla's tourism industry has picked up, but travelers can still get an idea of its impact on the island by taking a salt-picking tour, or by taking home unique flavored salts from local entrepreneurs. "It's one of the most authentic and historic experiences visitors can have on the island."
18. Celebrate Anguilla's carnival.
Anguilla's summer carnival celebrations, known as Anguilla Summer Festival, stretch from late July through early August and include a jam-packed itinerary of boat rides, beach parties, parades, and concerts. Plan a trip to coincide with "August Monday" (which is always the first Monday of August) to experience the very height of the festivities; it's marked by a "road march" with live calypso and soca music to get the party started.
19. Play a round of golf.
Visiting Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a must for golf lovers vacationing in Anguilla. The recently revamped, Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole championship golf course makes for a beautiful excursion, thanks to its oceanfront location and spectacular views.
20. Dive at the wreck site of a Spanish galleon.
Seven distinct marine parks protect the waters of Anguilla and its marine life, allowing for thriving reefs. One of the island's most impressive dive destinations is Stoney Bay Marine Park, home to the 18th-century wreck site of Spanish galleon El Buen Consejo. The government of Anguilla has designated the site as an underwater archeological preserve, where divers can spot submerged treasures like anchors, cannon balls, and even religious medallions.
FAQ
Q1: What are the best beaches to visit in Anguilla?
A1: The top beaches in Anguilla include Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Maundays Bay, and Sandy Ground. Each offers unique charms, from pristine white sand to vibrant coral reefs.
Q2: Are there any cultural attractions in Anguilla?
A2: Yes, Anguilla boasts cultural gems like the Heritage Collection Museum, showcasing the island's history, and the Fountain National Park, where you can explore archaeological sites and indigenous plants.
Q3: What water activities can I enjoy in Anguilla?
A3: Anguilla offers a range of water activities, including snorkeling at Shoal Bay, sailing excursions, paddleboarding in Cove Bay, and diving adventures to explore the vibrant marine life.
Q4: Are there family-friendly attractions in Anguilla?
A4: Absolutely! Families can enjoy a day at the Sandy Island Marine Park, Dolphin Discovery for interactive experiences, or take a boat trip to Prickly Pear Cays for a fun-filled day of sun, sea, and sand.
Q5: What is the best time to visit Anguilla for favorable weather?
A5: The optimal time to visit Anguilla is during the dry season from December to April when the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal, providing ideal conditions for beach outings and outdoor activities.
Conclusion: As the sun sets, experience the magic of Anguilla's nightlife. From beachfront bonfires to upscale lounges, the island offers diverse options to suit every taste. Sip on a tropical cocktail and dance the night away under the stars—truly one of the best things to do in Anguilla for those seeking a lively and memorable evening.
Anguilla's commitment to luxury is evident in its world-class resorts and spas. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or savor gourmet cuisine at one of the island's top-notch restaurants. These opulent experiences are undeniably among the best things to do in Anguilla for those seeking a lavish escape.
Anguilla beckons travelers with a plethora of experiences that define the essence of the island. Whether you're a beach lover, an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a luxury connoisseur, the best things to do in Anguilla cater to every discerning traveler's desires, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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