Overview
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean, situated roughly 8 kilometres north of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Despite its small size — roughly 26 kilometres long and no more than 5 kilometres wide — the island has earned an outsized reputation for some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, a low-key atmosphere, and a hospitality industry that emphasizes quality over volume.
The island's economy has long centered on tourism and fishing, and Anguillans take genuine pride in both. The culture is distinctly Caribbean, shaped by centuries of history including the period of enslavement, later British colonial administration, and a unique 1967 revolution in which the island's residents peacefully but firmly rejected incorporation into Saint Kitts and Nevis — an episode that remains a point of local pride.
Saint-Barthélemy (commonly called St. Barths or St. Barts) is a French collectivity located approximately 20–25 kilometres southeast of Anguilla. Though they are governed separately — Anguilla as a British territory and St. Barths as a French overseas collectivity — travelers frequently visit both on a single trip, and the pairing is a natural one for those exploring the northeastern Caribbean.
While St. Barths is covered in brief here as context for combined itineraries, this guide focuses primarily on Anguilla, the main destination in this pairing.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Anguilla and Saint-Barthélemy differ because they are governed by different authorities. For Anguilla, check the Anguilla Tourist Board's official website and consult TravelerPulse's Visas section for up-to-date entry rules applicable to your nationality. For Saint-Barthélemy, entry follows French and EU regulations — verify current requirements through official French government channels or TravelerPulse's Visas section.
Health Considerations
No vaccinations are universally mandated for entry, but travelers should consult a travel health professional before departure. Sun protection, hydration, and mosquito repellent are practical essentials. The Caribbean can experience periods of elevated mosquito-borne illness risk; verify current health advisories through your national health authority before travel.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing; a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (some Caribbean destinations restrict certain chemical sunscreens near coral)
- Water shoes if you plan to explore rocky coves
- Cash in small denominations alongside a credit card; not every small vendor accepts cards
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity — check current requirements
Getting There
Arriving in Anguilla
Anguilla's Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport serves the island with regional connections. There are no wide-body intercontinental flights directly into Anguilla; most visitors route through larger regional hubs such as San Juan (Puerto Rico), Sint Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport, or Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport, then continue by short-haul regional carrier or ferry.
Ferry from Sint Maarten
The most common approach for many visitors is to fly into Sint Maarten (SXM) and take one of the regular ferry services operating between Marigot (on the French side of Saint Martin) or Blowing Point on Anguilla. The crossing takes roughly 20–25 minutes. Ferry schedules and operators change; verify current operators, fares, and departure times locally or on the Anguilla Tourist Board's official website before travel.
Arriving in Saint-Barthélemy
Saint-Barthélemy's Gustaf III Airport (SBH) has a notoriously short runway and accepts only small propeller aircraft. Most visitors fly in from Sint Maarten or from Guadeloupe. A ferry service also connects Saint-Barthélemy with Sint Maarten and occasionally with other nearby islands — verify schedules in advance as they change seasonally.
Getting Around
On Anguilla
Anguilla has no public bus system in the conventional sense. The primary options are rental cars and taxis. Rental cars give you the most flexibility for reaching the island's many beaches independently. Driving is on the left, as in the UK. A local driver's permit is required and is typically arranged through your car rental company upon presentation of your home license — verify the current process and fee locally.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and major hotels, and drivers often serve as informal guides. Agree on the fare before departure, as rates are set by government schedule but it is good practice to confirm.
On Saint-Barthélemy
Similarly, Saint-Barthélemy is best navigated by rental car or scooter, with taxis also available. The island's roads are narrow and hilly. Vehicle rental should be arranged in advance during peak season (December–April) as supply is limited. Driving is on the right in Saint-Barthélemy, which differs from Anguilla.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Anguilla
Anguilla is primarily oriented toward the upper end of the market. The island has a number of well-regarded luxury resort properties, particularly along Meads Bay and Shoal Bay. There are also smaller guesthouses and villas that offer a more personal experience. Mid-range and budget accommodation options are more limited than on larger Caribbean islands.
Villa rentals are popular and can represent good value for groups or families; reputable villa agencies operate on the island. Advance booking is strongly recommended for the December–April peak season, and prices during this period reflect peak demand. Rates drop meaningfully in the summer and early autumn months.
Accommodation in Saint-Barthélemy
St. Barths is among the most expensive destinations in the Caribbean. Accommodation skews heavily toward luxury hotels and villa rentals. Budget and mid-range options are very limited. Book well in advance, especially around the Christmas–New Year period when rates are at their peak and availability is extremely tight.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
Anguilla's beaches are consistently cited among the Caribbean's best. Shoal Bay East is perhaps the most celebrated — a long crescent of powdery white sand backed by low vegetation. Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Barnes Bay offer calmer waters and are popular with families and watersports enthusiasts. Little Bay, accessible by boat or via a cliff climb, rewards visitors willing to make the effort with a sheltered cove and excellent snorkeling.
Water Activities
Snorkeling and diving around Anguilla's reefs and several offshore wrecks are well regarded. The Anguilla Tourist Board can point visitors toward licensed dive operators. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are widely available, particularly at the larger beach hotels.
Culture and History
- The Valley: Anguilla's small capital is worth a wander for its modest scale and everyday Caribbean life. The Anguilla National Museum (verify current opening hours locally) provides context on the island's history including the 1967 revolution.
- Wallblake House: A restored plantation house and one of the oldest surviving structures on the island — verify visiting arrangements locally.
- Sandy Ground: A fishing village and the hub of Anguilla's more casual social scene, with beach bars and the working salt pond nearby.
Saint-Barthélemy Highlights
Gustavia, the island's capital, is a compact harbor town with a distinct French character, duty-free shopping, and several good restaurants. Beaches such as St. Jean, Flamands, and Gouverneur are well regarded. St. Barths is known for its French-inflected food scene and tends toward a more fashion-conscious, upscale visitor profile than Anguilla.
Food & Drink
Anguillian Cuisine
Anguillan food is rooted in Caribbean traditions with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Spiny lobster is perhaps the island's signature ingredient, grilled or prepared in a variety of styles, and is available in many beach restaurants and upscale dining rooms alike. Other staples include snapper, conch (prepared as fritters, stew, or salad), rice and peas, goat stew, and johnnycakes (fried dough).
Dining Scene
Anguilla has an unusually sophisticated restaurant scene for an island its size, partly a function of its luxury tourism base. Fine-dining establishments at the major resorts sit alongside casual beach shacks where the food can be equally memorable. Sandy Ground is a good place to sample local cooking in a relaxed setting.
Drinks
Rum-based cocktails are ubiquitous. Look for local Anguillian Rum, produced on the island, as well as the popular rum punch that varies by bar. Fresh fruit juices, particularly from locally grown produce, are worth seeking out. Tap water safety varies — ask your accommodation and consider bottled water for drinking.
Saint-Barthélemy
St. Barths' French heritage means a notable emphasis on wine, cheese, and classical and contemporary French cooking alongside Caribbean dishes. Gustavia has a concentration of restaurants ranging from casual to high-end. Prices in St. Barths are generally very high.
Practical Information
Money
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency of Anguilla, but US dollars are widely accepted and often quoted in prices. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and most restaurants, but smaller vendors, beach bars, and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are available in The Valley and some other locations — verify availability and any associated fees with your bank before travel.
Saint-Barthélemy uses the Euro (EUR), reflecting its status as a French collectivity.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good across both islands. Roaming charges can be significant; consider purchasing a local SIM on arrival or an international data plan. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many restaurants.
Electricity
Anguilla uses 110V/60Hz electricity with North American-style plugs (Type A/B), similar to the US and Canada. Saint-Barthélemy uses 220V/60Hz with European-style plugs (Type C/E) — bring an adapter if needed.
Emergency Services
For emergencies on Anguilla, contact the Royal Anguilla Police Force. For Saint-Barthélemy, emergency services follow French protocols. Specific emergency numbers should be confirmed locally or through your accommodation; do not rely solely on numbers obtained secondhand.
Safety
Anguilla is generally considered one of the safer destinations in the Caribbean, with a relatively low crime rate. That said, basic precautions apply anywhere: secure valuables, be aware of your surroundings especially at night, and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches.
Rip currents can be a hazard at certain beaches, particularly on the Atlantic-facing northern shore. Pay attention to local warnings and, if in doubt, ask hotel staff or locals about current sea conditions before swimming.
Saint-Barthélemy is similarly considered safe for tourists, though the same general travel precautions apply. Maritime crossings between islands on small ferries can be affected by swells and weather — check conditions before travel and prioritize licensed, reputable operators.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Anguillans are known for a quiet pride in their independence and identity. The 1967 Anguillian Revolution — in which residents nonviolently rejected political union with Saint Kitts and Nevis and eventually reaffirmed their status as a British Overseas Territory — is a defining chapter in local history and is referenced with genuine feeling by many residents.
The island has a strong tradition of boat racing, and Anguillian racing boats are a distinct local craft. Regattas are held on public holidays and are significant community events worth attending if your timing aligns.
Calypso, reggae, and soca music are part of the cultural fabric, and local festivals and events are good opportunities to engage with Anguillian culture authentically. Carnival and other celebrations have their own dates and character — check the Anguilla Tourist Board's event calendar for the current year.
When visiting, dress modestly away from beach areas. Anguillans tend to be reserved but warm; a respectful and unhurried approach to interactions is generally appreciated.
