Anguilla Travel Guide: Best Time, Places, Restaurants & Beaches to Visit
Anguilla is a must-see destination –it's beautiful, safe, and has plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. It also offers some of the best food in the world! Our today’s discussion will be all about Anguilla Travel Guide. By reading this guide you will able to know everything about this beautiful destination.
You've probably seen pictures on Instagram of Anguilla, and it's easy to see why people flock to the island. It's got great beaches, fantastic food, a small-town feel, and friendly people. But there's much more to discover—from hidden bars to luxury dining and live BBQ while enjoying music.
Anguilla Travel Guide
If you're looking for more activities than just relaxing on the beach, then Anguilla offers plenty of options such as snorkeling, water sports, the best dining experiences, golf courses, or even partying all night long at one of their nightclubs!
The island also has a fascinating history and natural resources that make it fun to explore. In addition, Anguilla has some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Visitors can find some of the best shopping in the Caribbean as well as great nightlife options for those who want to have fun without breaking the bank.
Read More: Jamaica Travel Guide
Official Language of Anguilla
English is the official language of Anguilla. Spanish, Chinese, and some other immigrant languages are also spoken on the island; however, these languages are not official.
Local Currency
The official currency of Anguilla is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). One U.S. dollar is approximately equal to two EC dollars. And yes, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere across the island. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are also widely accepted.
Best Time to Visit Anguilla
Anguilla is a beautiful destination, and it's best visited between May and August. The weather is generally hot and dry, but it can get chilly at night. Anguilla is best visited during summer. The island is beautiful throughout the year, but it's best to avoid visiting Anguilla during hurricane season.
Hurricanes are prevalent in this part of the world and can cause severe damage to hotels and other structures. Budget visitors can visit Anguilla in September and October when the hotel prices are low.
Who would love to travel there?
The people who would love to travel to Anguilla are beach lovers, foodies, golfers, party animals, and scuba divers. Anguilla offers a wide range of activities for all kinds of travelers. If you enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming in crystal clear waters, or eating delicious food, this is the place for you!
Anguilla is also ideal for those who love to eat and explore food worldwide. Anguilla is also known as a party destination, and if you are interested in that scene, this could be the perfect place for you!
4 Types of People You Will Encounter when you visit Anguilla
So now that you know the basics of Anguilla let's look at some of the people you will encounter when you visit.
Artists – Anguilla - Heaven of the artists. The music scene on the island is one of the best around! You can find live acoustic music, jazz bands, folk, pop, and reggae. There is no shortage of opportunities to get that good vibe. Aside from musicians, the island is a paradise for all creative people, including writers, poets, designers, photographers, filmmakers, and fine artists.
Expatriates – Expatriates are men and women who were born in another country but have chosen Anguilla as their retirement paradise. They come from all walks of life, from retirees to restauranteurs and businessmen and women. Most of them have visited the island and fallen so deeply in love with it that they decided to move here.
Students - This group consists of students who have come from all over the world to get their degrees from St. James School of Medicine, shining like a jewel on this island hosting future doctors. After graduating, they either stay on the island or go back home as doctors, biologists, etc., depending on their degree at school here.
Facilitator – The people you meet while traveling may offer to help you if you're driving on the wrong side of the road, give directions, or provide helpful advice during your stay. A facilitator will not only stop and help you but also escort you to your destination and talk to the restaurant staff to ensure you're taken care of when you leave.
Also Read: Saint Lucia Tavel Guide
Best Places in Anguilla to Visit
When you travel to Anguilla, you'll want to ensure that you leave no stone unturned. There are many amazing places & things to see and do in this island paradise. We've compiled a list of our favorite things to do on this tiny island paradise so you can plan your trip accordingly!
Heritage Collection Museum
An aspect of Anguilla that is not so well known is its history and the myriad of exciting artifacts housed at the Heritage Collection Museum. Stroll through this Anguillan museum, and you'll find an eclectic, well-curated collection of artifacts that chronicles milestones in Anguillan history, curated by island historian Colville Petty.
The museum on Liberty Road in East End Village welcomes visitors to experience a well-curated timeline of events, including the settling of the ancient Arawaks through Queen Elizabeth II's 1994 visit to Calypso King in 2018.
Wallblake House
Wallblake House is the oldest structure on Anguilla, dating back to 1787. It's also the only remaining plantation house on the island, having survived the French invasion of 1796 and fires, droughts, and hurricanes. The place is known for its dramatic history, beautiful views, and museum-quality artifacts.
Today, guided tours of the restored kitchen, stables, and slave quarters are available to the public. The house currently belongs to St Gerard's Catholic Church, which is located next door.
St Gerard’s Catholic Church
How can you not be moved by the fantastic architecture of St Gerard's Catholic Church, located in the Lower Valley, Anguilla, in the Caribbean? This church was built in 1966 after the 1961 hurricane destroyed the previous chapel. A ship hull-shaped ceiling and open-air side walls complement the facade made up of pebbles, stones, timber, and tiles.
The exterior and interior make for a unique experience that you must see! The only way to get inside is on guided tours run by the National Trust of Anguilla.
Best Beaches in Anguilla
Shoal Bay East, Little Bay & Meads Bay Beach
With white sand beaches and turquoise waters, it's no surprise that Anguilla is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. For those who have yet to experience life on the island, a bit of romanticizing the place often occurs. Captivated by the idyllic beauty of the island, the idea of escaping to a sun-kissed island where the possibilities are endless is tantalizing.
One thing that makes Anguilla such an incredible destination is its beautiful beaches; however, there are also plenty of things worth seeing other than sand and surf—here are some excellent options for sightseeing:
Shoal Bay East
One of Anguilla's most popular beaches, Shoal Bay East, boasts 2 miles of white sand shore and clear water, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas at a low price and have your own. One of Anguilla's surprisingly quiet attractions, with a handful of small resorts, villas, and laid-back beach bars, is the perfect getaway for serenity seekers.
Little Bay Beach
Little Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Towering cliffs surround its dramatic rugged shoreline. The emerald and aquamarine waters of Little Bay Beach will have you wishing you'd thought to pack your bathing suit. This beach is truly unique, as it is a protected marine reserve.
Little Bay Beach is a place where you can truly relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures. There are no restaurants or hotels nearby. It can only be reached by boat or a rope leading down a high cliff.
Meads Bay
You're in for a treat! With the kind of picture-perfect shoreline that would make even the most jaded beachgoer swoon, Meads Bay Beach is the kind of place you'll want to curl up on a sandy lounger for a nap. Tucked away in the Southwestern end of the main island, this beach is stunning.
This stunning beach has drawn luxury hotels like the Four Seasons, which have sprung up between Barnes Bay Beach and this fantastic location. They maintain well-kept beaches, serve fine food, and offer first-class spa services.
Know More: Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Best Restaurants in Anguilla
Ken's BBQ, Roti Hut & Village Bakehouse
The island of Anguilla is a territory of the United Kingdom and one of the most desired tourist destinations. Many tourists come to this Caribbean island to enjoy its crystal clear waters, fantastic beaches, and exciting tourist attractions.
However, it is essential to remember that it is also known for being one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy a culinary experience. It is well known for its diverse cuisine. The island boasts cultural dishes as well as traditional recipes. You can explore the local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Anguilla.
Ken's BBQ
Ken's BBQ, located along Landsome Road on the Strip, is the first of a string of popular roadside barbecue joints offering fantastic grilled meats and superb johnnycakes. If you have yet to try the BBQ pork chop at Ken's, you haven't tried your best!
Be prepared to wait in a long line for the best BBQ pork on the island; the succulent pork chops are barbecued to perfection and served with a lime wedge and johnnycakes. Other treats include sweet corn fritters, savory johnnycakes, and the famous fiery hot sauce.
Roti Hut
Experience a taste of authentic Caribbean culture by visiting Roti Hut. Roti Hut serves chicken, beef, goat, shrimp, and Vegetarian Rotis, plus occasional island specials like bull-foot soup or pigtail soup. For plane spotters, its covered deck might be an excellent place to watch the runway opposite. Still, it's famous for takeout.
Village Bakehouse
The French bakery is next to a wine shop in a contemporary whitewashed building, offering baguettes, croissants, pains au chocolate, artistic cakes, and other mouthwatering carbs. Additionally, they have a variety of cooked breakfast dishes, sandwiches, charcuterie platters, and roti for sale.
Day Trips from Anguilla
The island of Anguilla offers a few day trips. You can take a boat or ferry over to St. Barths, which is about an hour away by boat and provides some great beaches for swimming and snorkeling (and shopping).
Another option is to visit one of the other small islands in the area, such as Petit St. Martin or Saba Rock; both offer beautiful views of ocean waves crashing against rocky cliffs with little vegetation around them except for some palm trees here and there!
The waters are clear blue but incredibly strong, so only venture too far out if you're not comfortable swimming in strong currents! If you love beach life, then this is the place for you.
Do I need a visa to enter Anguilla?
Anguilla is a member of the British Commonwealth, meaning that there are no visa requirements for American and U.K. tourists. However, you must have a valid passport to enter the country.
If you do not have a valid passport and plan on traveling to Anguilla from the United States, it's recommended that you ensure your passport is up-to-date before heading out on vacation. For a list of countries requiring visas to enter Anguilla, view the visa requirements list.
How to get to Anguilla?
Flying to Sint Maarten's Princess Julianna International Airport and taking a ferry or charter boat to Blowing Point are the main ways to reach Anguilla. However, regional or local airlines operate from Sint Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico and can take you to Anguilla.
A seamless transition can be made from the airport to the dock and Anguilla at the Anguilla-Sint Maarten Ferry Terminal (on the Dutch side).
Stay connected with Good Caribbean to get travel guides on Antigua & Barbuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Tulum / Riviera Maya all places.
