Things To Do
in Anguilla
Anguilla is a small, low-lying British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean known for powder-white beaches, clear turquoise water and an understated luxury vibe. The island atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a focus on marine activities, high-quality dining and boutique resorts rather than mass tourism. Its landscape is mostly scrub and limestone coastline with dramatic coves and excellent snorkeling and diving sites just offshore.
Travel here suits beach lovers, foodies and anyone seeking calm, uncrowded Caribbean scenery with a strong local culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Anguilla’s airport, where you'll be greeted with warm island hospitality. After settling into your accommodations, head out to explore the stunning Shoal Bay East beach, renowned for its soft white sand and crystalline waters. Spend your morning relaxing under a palm tree, sipping a refreshing coconut drink.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the beachside eateries, sampling the local seafood dishes. Afterward, take a guided snorkeling tour to uncover the vibrant underwater life, with chances to see colorful fish and coral reefs. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a stroll along the shoreline, kicking up sand in your wake.
Dine at a local favorite restaurant, savoring authentic Caribbean flavors paired with delightful cocktails. After dinner, immerse yourself in the local nightlife, perhaps at a beach bar with live music. Listen to the sounds of the ocean as you unwind and mingle with both locals and other tourists.
Start your day with a visit to the Anguilla National Museum, where you can learn about the island's rich history and culture. After exploring the exhibits, hop over to the nearby Old Salt Factory, an intriguing remnant of the island's salt mining industry. Engage with the local guides to get personal stories and insights on Anguilla's past.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby café, sampling traditional Anguillian dishes. Post-lunch, spend your afternoon visiting the picturesque ruins of Wallblake House, where you will relish learning about the colonial history amidst lush gardens. Take plenty of photos to capture the beautiful scenery surrounding these historical landmarks.
Head back to your lodging to refresh before dinner. Opt for a sunset dinner cruise, where you'll enjoy fresh seafood while sailing along the coast. Relish the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant/bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within island) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $150-350 |
| 🤿Half-day snorkeling/boat trip | $60-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, uncrowded beaches and excellent snorkeling/diving
- High-quality Caribbean dining and boutique resorts
- Relaxed, safe environment with friendly locals
- Higher prices for imported goods and dining than larger islands
- Limited nightlife and fewer budget accommodation options
- Hurricane season risk and a small island with limited infrastructure
- "Hello / Good morning" - Hello / Good morning
- "Thank you" - Thank you
- "How are you?" - How are you?
- "Tank yuh" - Thanks (colloquial pronunciation you may hear)
- "Please" - Please
Places to Visit in Anguilla
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic wide crescent beach with powdery white sand and turquoise water—famed for sunrise and long beach shots; best for wide-angle seascapes.
A dramatic, sheltered cove accessible by boat or a short hike; excellent for intimate cliff-and-sea compositions and clear-water snorkeling shots.
Harbor area with boats, palm-lined bars and colorful skies—great for golden-hour street and waterfront photography.
Highest points on the island offering panoramas of coastline and neighboring cays; useful for wide vistas and sunrise/sunset panoramas.
West and east ends of the island have rocky headlands that create dramatic foregrounds for ocean shots and long-exposure wave studies.
Food in Anguilla
Anguilla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole lobster grilled with butter, garlic and herbs — a must-try at beachfront restaurants and shacks, especially when in season.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried balls of seasoned conch meat and batter commonly found at roadside stands and beach bars across the island.
Slightly sweet fried or baked bread often served as a side with breakfasts and seafood meals; readily available at bakeries and cafés.
Fish or seafood cooked in a coconut-milk-based sauce with island spices — available at family restaurants and local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
There are no large markets like on bigger islands, but you’ll find roadside vendors and beach shacks in Sandy Ground and along main beaches serving grilled fish, conch fritters and local snacks—perfect for casual sampling.
Look for pop-ups and fish trucks near harbors and beaches selling fresh-caught fish and simple preparations; ask locals where the freshest catch is that day.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning'; locals are warm and appreciate basic courtesy—use please and thank you.
Beachwear is fine on the sand but cover up when entering shops, restaurants and government buildings; smart-casual attire is common for dinner at nicer restaurants.
Respect local fishing areas, reefs and private property—avoid stepping on coral, take all trash with you and follow guidance from guides.
Conversations about local history and hurricanes should be handled respectfully; ask before photographing people, especially in quieter villages.
Safety
Tipping in Anguilla
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 10–15% in restaurants is customary if service is not included; small tips to bartenders, taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated (a few dollars). Some high-end establishments add a service charge—check your bill.
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and many shops, but carry cash for small vendors, beach bars and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak tourist season with the best weather—warm days, lower humidity and light trade winds; book accommodations and restaurants well in advance.
Still dry and pleasant with slightly fewer crowds; ideal for beach days, diving and dining with good visibility and comfortable temperatures.
Hotter and more humid with occasional afternoon showers; prices can be lower but be mindful of mosquitos and higher sunscreen use.
Peak hurricane risk, especially Aug–Oct; travel insurance is strongly recommended and check forecasts—discounted rates sometimes available in quieter months.
Anguilla at Night
Hiking in Anguilla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike to the island’s highest natural point for panoramic views of surrounding cays and coastline; easy terrain suitable for most visitors.
Series of beach-and-rock coastal walks that let you explore different shoreline types, secluded coves and scenic vantage points—best at low tide and with sun protection.
Short cultural walks around historic Wallblake House and nearby grounds combining light walking with history and local plants.
Short trails and boardwalks near ponds and wetlands for birdwatching and observing coastal ecosystems; bring binoculars and insect repellent.
Airports
How to reach Anguilla by plane.
The island's own small airport handling regional flights from nearby territories (St. Maarten, Antigua and sometimes direct charters); convenient for short hops and private charters.
Major regional hub with numerous international connections; frequent ferries and charter transfers link SXM to Anguilla (ferry ride typically 20–40 minutes depending on service).
Larger international airport with flights from North America and Europe—ferry or regional flight connections to Anguilla are available from Antigua.
Major international airport with broader connectivity; reachable via a short regional flight or ferry/charter connections combined with local transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are of African descent, descendants of enslaved peoples brought to the island; their culture shapes music, food and community traditions.
A smaller but notable expatriate population includes permanent and seasonal residents from North America, Europe and elsewhere who work in tourism, business or own holiday homes.
A transient international visitor population—often from the U.S., Canada, Europe and neighboring Caribbean islands—drawn to beaches, resorts and dining.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing is very popular given calm bays and great day-sailing routes to nearby cays—regattas and social sailing events are common.
Cricket is a cherished sport on Anguilla with local teams and matches reflecting the island’s Caribbean sporting culture.
Both shore and deep-sea fishing are popular activities, with local charters offering sportfishing trips for visitors.
Beach volleyball, soccer and casual fitness activities on the sand are common at public beaches and resort areas.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than on larger islands; many restaurants will adapt seafood dishes to vegetables or offer salads, rice-and-bean dishes and grilled vegetable plates—ask ahead and communicate dietary needs.
Vegan choices can be found at larger restaurants and some cafés but planning helps—bring snacks and check menus in advance or ask chefs to adapt sides like rice, plantains and vegetable stews.
Fresh seafood, salads and grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but fried items and sauces may contain gluten—confirm with staff and request simple preparations to reduce risk.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anguilla.