Overview
Anguilla is a small British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean, sitting just north of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. It covers roughly 91 square kilometres and is home to around 18,000 people. The island is flat by Caribbean standards, shaped by limestone and coral rather than volcanic peaks, and its coastline rewards visitors with some of the most consistently praised beaches in the region.
Despite its size, Anguilla has built a reputation for understated, high-quality tourism. Development has been deliberately kept low-rise and low-density. There are no cruise-ship piers, no casinos, and no large resort chains dominating the shoreline — the atmosphere is calm and the pace is slow.
The capital, The Valley, is a modest administrative town where you will find the main government offices, local shops, and some heritage sites. Most visitor activity, however, spreads along the island's western and northern shores, where beach bars, boutique hotels, and seaside restaurants cluster around coves and bays.
Anguilla's economy relies heavily on tourism alongside financial services. The local culture reflects a mix of African heritage, British colonial history, and Caribbean identity that is expressed through music (particularly local string-band and calypso traditions), festivals, and a community-oriented way of life.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Visa and entry requirements for Anguilla depend on your nationality and may change. For current, accurate rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Anguilla immigration authority before booking. All visitors should carry a valid passport and, typically, a return or onward ticket.
Health
Anguilla has no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but routine vaccines should be up to date. The island can experience mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue; use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk. Tap water quality can vary; bottled water is widely available. The island has a small hospital and medical clinics, but serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to nearby Saint Martin — travel health insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Money and Budget
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are accepted almost universally, often at a roughly 2.7:1 exchange rate. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are available in The Valley and a few other locations; carry some cash for beach bars and smaller vendors. Anguilla sits at the higher end of the Caribbean cost spectrum — expect to pay accordingly for accommodation and dining.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (standard sunscreens are discouraged to protect coral)
- Light layers for air-conditioned restaurants and evening breezes
- Water shoes if you plan to explore rocky shorelines
- Insect repellent
- Any specialist medications, as pharmacy stock is limited
Getting There
By Air
Anguilla is served by Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), located near The Valley. The airport handles regional turboprop and small jet services; there are currently no long-haul intercontinental flights directly into Anguilla. Most international travelers connect through nearby hubs, with Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin (SXM) being the most common gateway. Verify current airline routes and schedules directly with carriers or a travel agent, as service can change seasonally.
By Ferry
A popular alternative is to fly into Saint Martin and take one of the frequent passenger ferries across the Anguilla Channel to Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. The crossing takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Ferry operators run services throughout the day, but schedules and departure points should be confirmed locally or via the operators' current timetables. Note that a departure tax and an Anguilla entry tax are typically collected at the ferry terminal; amounts should be verified before travel.
Entry Formalities
Whether arriving by air or ferry, you will pass through immigration and customs. Have your passport, accommodation details, and return/onward travel documentation ready.
Getting Around
Taxis
Taxis are the primary transport option for visitors. Fares are set by the government on a zone system rather than by meter — agree on the fare before you get in. Taxis can be found at the airport, Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, and major hotels. Your hotel can usually arrange a reliable driver.
Car Hire
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for beach-hopping. Several local agencies operate on the island. To drive in Anguilla you will need a temporary Anguillan driving permit, which rental agencies can arrange for you (a fee applies). Driving is on the left. Roads are generally in reasonable condition but can be narrow; signage is limited in places.
Getting Between Beaches
Anguilla's beaches are spread around the island, and public transport options are limited. Having your own hire car or a trusted taxi contact makes exploring significantly easier. Some resorts and villas arrange beach transfers for guests.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
Beaches are the central draw. Shoal Bay East is frequently cited as one of the finest in the Caribbean — a long stretch of powdery white sand with calm, shallow water. Meads Bay on the northwest coast is another standout, lined with restaurants and calm surf. Rendezvous Bay, Barnes Bay, and Little Bay (accessible by boat or via a climb down a cliff) are among the other notable stretches worth visiting. Most beaches are public, though access can occasionally run through private resort property.
Water Activities
Snorkeling, diving, and sailing are well-developed. The waters around Anguilla support healthy coral and diverse marine life. Several dive operators offer reef and wreck dives — the island has a number of deliberately sunk wrecks that have become artificial reefs. Deep-sea fishing charters are also available. Kitesurfing and paddleboarding equipment can be rented at some beaches.
Heritage and Culture
- Wallblake House: One of the oldest plantation houses in the Eastern Caribbean, dating to the 18th century, located in The Valley. Opening hours and access should be verified locally.
- Anguilla National Trust: Manages natural and cultural heritage sites. Their visitor centre in The Valley is a useful starting point.
- Sandy Ground: A historic salt-pond village that was central to Anguilla's salt trade; today it's a hub of beach bars and boats.
Festivals
Anguilla Summer Festival (typically held around August, coinciding with the August Monday bank holiday) is the island's main cultural celebration, featuring boat races, calypso competitions, and street festivities. The Moonsplash music festival, focused on reggae, has historically taken place in March — verify current scheduling before planning around it.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Seafood is the cornerstone of Anguillan cuisine. Lobster, crayfish, snapper, and conch feature prominently — often grilled simply and served with seasoned rice, peas, and local vegetables. Salt fish, a legacy of the island's historical trade connections, remains a staple in home cooking. Johnny cakes (fried dough breads) appear at breakfast and as snacks.
Dining Scene
Anguilla has a dining scene that punches well above its size. A cluster of well-regarded restaurants — ranging from beach-shack casual to white-tablecloth fine dining — operates along the beachfronts and in Sandy Ground. Many of the best-regarded spots are small and fill up quickly in high season; reservations are advisable. Because the island imports most goods, restaurant prices tend to be higher than Caribbean averages.
Drinks
Local rum punches are omnipresent. The island does not have a major domestic rum distillery of its own, so most spirits are imported from neighbouring islands. Carib and other Caribbean beers are widely available. Some beach bars serve fresh fruit juices and coconut water.
Tips
- Sunday beach barbecues at spots like Shoal Bay are a relaxed, local-friendly way to eat well without spending heavily.
- Grocery shopping in The Valley can supplement self-catering accommodation and reduce dining costs.
- Always check whether service charges are already included in your bill before adding a tip.
Practical Information
Communications
Mobile coverage is generally reliable across the main settled areas. International visitors can purchase a local SIM card or use roaming — check with your provider. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many restaurants.
Electricity
Anguilla uses 110V/60Hz with Type A and B plugs (same as the United States and Canada). Travelers from the UK or Europe will need an adapter and may need a voltage converter for some devices.
Emergency Services
For emergencies, the general emergency number in Anguilla is 911. Confirm current numbers for police, fire, and medical services locally on arrival, as contact details can change.
Shopping Hours and Sunday Trading
Retail hours vary. Many shops in The Valley are closed on Sundays or operate reduced hours. Verify locally for specific businesses.
Tipping
A service charge (often 10–15%) is commonly added to restaurant and hotel bills. When it is not, a tip of a similar percentage is customary for good service. Tip taxi drivers at your discretion.
Safety
Anguilla has a low crime rate by Caribbean standards and is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft can occur, as anywhere; do not leave valuables visible on the beach or in parked vehicles.
The main natural hazard is the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June through November, with peak risk in August and September. If traveling during this period, monitor weather forecasts, purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers hurricane disruption, and be familiar with your accommodation's storm procedures.
Ocean safety: some beaches have stronger currents than they appear. Look for any posted flags or warnings, and ask locals or hotel staff about conditions before swimming at unfamiliar beaches. Little Bay and other secluded coves can be harder to access and should be approached with care.
The Anguilla Channel crossing by ferry can become rough in unsettled weather; services may be suspended or delayed. Build flexibility into your schedule around ferry travel.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Anguillans are generally friendly and direct. Greetings matter — a simple "good morning" or "good afternoon" before launching into a transaction or question is considered polite and will be warmly received.
The island has a strong community identity rooted partly in its 1967 Revolution, when Anguillans successfully resisted incorporation into the St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla federation and asserted their own identity. This history is a source of quiet local pride and is referenced in the island's heritage sites and national symbolism.
Boat racing is the national sport and a serious matter of community pride. The colourful wooden racing boats are handcrafted locally, and races during the Summer Festival draw large, enthusiastic crowds. Attending a race is one of the more authentic cultural experiences available to visitors.
Dress codes are relaxed at the beach but more conservative elsewhere. Wearing swimwear away from the beach or pool — in shops, churches, or The Valley — is generally considered inappropriate. Places of worship should be visited respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered.
