Anguilla

Anguilla is a speck of a Caribbean island, measuring 16 miles long by 3 miles wide. But don’t let her small size fool you…this island is packed with opportunities for the traveler who is willing to make the trip. There are 33 white sand beaches, fantastic food and activities for your trip to the island. If you crave a little culture between your beach time and happy hour, you can visit the many art galleries, historic sites and museums on Anguilla. If you like pageants and boat racing, you’re really in luck.

For those of you who are more active, Anguilla is chock full of opportunities for you as well. Diving sites abound, with wrecks, caves, walls, and more. If you aren’t certified, snorkeling is always an option from the marine parks and beaches. Like the movie Flipper? You can swim with the dolphins yourself on Anguilla. Parasailing is always fun for those of you who like a nice view and the wind in your hair. If you want to keep a little closer to sea level, you can always try windsurfing. Wahoo, Marlin, Tuna, Swordfish, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna are some of the many varieties of fish you can catch off shore. Off the beach, you can bike, hike, horseback ride and view our feathered friends on the many trails on the island. And if you just want to hang out and have some barbecue, you can make the trip to Scilly Cay.

Language

As part of the British West Indies, the official language of Anguilla is English.

Money

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency of the island. To find out about converting your currency, visit our currency converter. U.S. currency is widely accepted, as are major credit cards.

Accommodations

Budget accommodations aren’t easy to find, though it may be done. Anguilla is one of those places where it’s easier to find villas and full service resorts than to find a hostel.

Food and Drinks

You definitely wont go hungry in Anguilla. There are restaurants galore and most villas offer the option to self cater.

>>more information on Scilly Cay

Holidays

Anguilla has some interesting holidays and festivals.

January brings you Police Week the last week of the month.

In February, you can celebrate St. Gerard’s Garden Party on the 2nd and the ABC Annual Flower and Garden Show on the 23rd and 24th.

March offers the Easter Monday Boat Racing on the 24th and the Moonsplash Annual Music Festival on the 27th to 30th.

In May, you can celebrate Labour Day on the 1st, the Anguilla Yacht Regatta on the 9th – 11th, Whit Monday on the 12th, the Miss Leeward Island Talented Teen on the 24th and Anguilla Day on the 30th.

With June, you can watch the Miss Venus Swimsuit Competition on the 14th and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday at Ronald Webster Park on the 16th.

July offers OECS Cycle Racing on the 5th, the John T. Annual Cycling Race on the 6th, the Miss Tiny Tott Pageant on the 13th, the NBA Peter Perkins Boatrace on the 20th, the Miss Ecstasy Pageant on the 26th, the Miss Anguilla Swim Suit Competition on the 27th and the Opening of Summer Festival on the 31st.

In August, celebrate the Anguilla Summer Festival, an expression of Anguilla’s culture through dance, song, parades & Boatracing. On the 3rd, you can check out the Heineken Cup Boat Race at Sandy Ground. The 4th brings Jouvert Morning has people dancing in the streets from dawn until noon (celebrating my birthday, perhaps?). The August Thursday Boat Race takes place on the 7th, showcasing handmade racing boats. The Miss Anguilla pageant follows. On the 8th, the Parade of Troupes parades colorful troupes through The Valley. Not sure about that one.

On November 13th to 16th, you can get down with the Tranquility Jazz Festival; or celebrate Tourism Week from the 24th to 30th.

December brings the Biennal Arts Festival from the 1st to the 8th, the Festival de Noel on the 4th to the 13th and the Annual Lightening of the Christmas Tree in the Valley next to the Trough on the 24th.

Getting There

There are no direct flights to Anguilla from the United States, which is considered a major draw by some. Once you weed out those tourists who travel for convenience, you end up with a pretty decent group. International air service is available from Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and Antigua. Entry requirements differ by country of origin and a valid passport is needed. Due to the islands size, getting around on a scooter or bike is a piece of cake.

Electronics and Phone

Electric outlets are the same in Anguilla as they are in the United States.

People are pretty casual on the island, and crime is low. Don’t come here looking for nude beaches or casinos…you won’t find them.

Things To Do

Visitors make way for Anguilla for the fabulous beaches, diving, dining and boating. For a great day trip, visit the private island/restaurant Scilly Cay for lunch. Divers and birders may enjoy the remote spot of Sombrero Island, though there isn’t much there for anyone else.

>>more information on Scuba diving in the Caribbean