Anguilla is a stunning island in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico, and just a 20 minute boat ride from St. Martin. Known for crystal clear waters and a luxurious atmosphere, this Anguilla travel guide will share what you need to know to plan a fantastic trip to Anguilla.
It has to be one of the most beautiful and relaxing islands I’ve visited! This small island is perfect for a quiet vacation on the most beautiful beaches. Here’s my guide to Anguilla after our visit this year!
Table of Contents
About Anguilla
Anguilla is a small island, just 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. Because it is so small, driving the whole island takes less than 45 minutes. It’s a lovely and pristine island!
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Anguilla changed hands between European powers but remained under British control for most of the period. As time passed, there was dissatisfaction with British rule, and Anguilla eventually gained independence in the 1960s.
Today, Anguilla is a self-governing British Overseas Territory focusing on tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Just 15,000 people live there, making it a quiet and calm place to enjoy a trip!
No Anguilla travel guide would be complete without sharing about this beautiful island’s history! History also provides us context and understanding when visiting a place, which is essential!
How to Get to Anguilla
There are two ways to get to Anguilla; however, cost is a major consideration when deciding how to get there. For that reason, most people fly into St. Martin (SXM) and take a boat from there. Below are more details on the options.
By Flight
- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, this is the island’s primary international airport. You can fly into Saint Martin and Sint Maarten and take a ferry or short flight (more on this option below). Flights RT to St. Martin are typically $500 from the East Coast in the US.
- The island also has a small airport, Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, primarily used for regional flights. American Airlines offers direct flights to Anguilla from Miami and New York (JFK) airports, and JetBlue also flies there. These flights are typically $500 each way.
- You can also fly to St. Martin and book a short hopper flight to Anguilla. There are many non-direct flights, or you can book the flight separately.
By Sea
- Public ferries from St. Martin to Anguilla run on average every hour from one island to another. The ferry is $30 (as of 2024) each way, and you will need to pay a tourist tax on both islands. These taxes can be paid with a card, but you have to pay for the ferry in cash.
- Many companies offer private or shared boat charters from St. Martin to Anguilla. These charters can be scheduled with you and would be a nice addition to a luxury vacation! Many of the resorts in Anguilla can help arrange this, or you can use a service like GetYourGuide or Viator.
We chose to fly to St. Martin and take the public ferry. It is really easy and convenient! Although ferry tickets cannot be purchased beforehand, the schedule is on the SXM tourism board’s website. The whole process is quick, but arrive at least 30-40 minutes before the ferry time, just in case.
When to Visit Anguilla
Anguilla enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a fantastic destination in any season. However, there are two distinct times of year to consider visiting.
Option 1: December to April (High Season)
This time of year is considered high season with dry and sunny weather and temperatures around 77–82°F (25–28°C). This season has lower humidity, and cooling trade winds make the weather ideal.
However, this is also peak time for visitors, especially during holidays and spring break. Accommodation and flights are more expensive, and due to the traffic I mentioned earlier, you can expect crowds, too.
Option 2: May to November (Low Season)
This time of year is the low season with afternoon showers, higher humidity, and warmer temperatures around 80–88°F (27–31°C).
Part of this season is also hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the peak occurring between August and October. It’s recommended that you avoid going during this time.
The nice thing about this time of year is fewer crowds and lower prices for hotels and flights. You’ll need to plan a bit more, though, because fewer excursions may be operated daily, and it may take more planning to ensure you can schedule everything you want to do.
Tips and considerations:
- Hurricane Season Precautions: If you visit during the low season, travel insurance is recommended, and you should monitor weather forecasts closely.
- Events: The high season coincides with Carnival and other local festivities, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
- Seasonal Closures: Some of the hotels in Anguilla close during the months of September and October. Check your preferred hotel before buying a flight!
- My personal experience: I visited Anguilla in November, and I must say the end of the low season is ideal. You still get great weather (typically) and can take advantage of lower costs and prices.
How Long to Spend in Anguilla
Many people choose to visit Anguilla on a day trip from St. Martin or St. Barths. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation and to really enjoy Anguilla, I recommend spending at least three to four days there.
Recommended Stays and Itineraries
Day Trip
- After arriving by ferry, spend the morning exploring the island with a Moke rental.
- Spend the afternoon at Meads Bay and grab lunch at Blanchards Beach Shack.
- Enjoy a private full day tour of Anguilla by boat
Short Getaway (3-4 Days)
Perfect for those who want a quiet few days, you can enjoy a chill beach escape or a long weekend here.
- Day 1: Rent a Moke and drive around the island to hike to Marissa’s Blowhole and the Arch, eat Caribbean BBQ at Ken’s BBQ, explore Sandy Ground, and hang out at Elvis Beach Bar
- Day 2: Spend the day in Shoal Bay and snorkel off the beach
- Day 3/4: Rent beach chairs and relax at Blanchard’s Beach Shack in Mead’s Bay or visit Prickly Pear Cay
Longer Getaway (5+ Days)
- Visit the Heritage Collection Museum and Wallblake House
- Take a day trip to Prickly Pear Cay
- Indulge in a spa treatment at a luxury resort like Zemi Beach House or Four Seasons Resort.
- Visit Scilly Cay, a private island restaurant known for its lobster and rum punches.
- Kayak in Little Bay
- Relax!
Trip Costs and Budget for Anguilla
Getting Around Anguilla
Anguilla does not have a public transportation system, so most people rely on rental cars or taxis to get around the island. Most hotels or hosts will help you find a taxi if you need transportation. You’ll also find taxis waiting at the ferry port.
For a day or afternoon of island adventure, rent an open-air, candy-colored Moke. It’s an exciting way to see the island. Expect an entertaining — and bumpy ride. We loved renting a Moke to get around for a day! I would not recommend renting one for your whole trip; they are slower and don’t provide much shade.
Waze and other mobile navigation apps work well in Anguilla. You’ll quickly notice that there are no address numbers. Business locations are referred to by the name of the beach, building, bay, neighborhood, road, or end of the island (e.g., West or East end) on which they are located.
Pro-tip: People drive on the left in Anguilla. Be prepared to drive here if you are from a place that drives on the right!
Best Things to Do in Anguilla
As you can probably tell from the information so far, Anguilla is a tiny island, but it still has plenty to do there! The pristine beaches are beautiful and the primary draw of spending time in Anguilla. Below are a few things you must do in Anguilla!
1. Relax on stunning beaches like Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Little Bay
2. Explore marine life by snorkeling and diving. Popular spots include Shoal Bay, Sandy Island, and Prickly Pear Cay.
3. Visit offshore Cays like Sandy Island and Prickly Pear Cay, where you can enjoy fantastic food, beautiful beaches, and snorkeling.
4. Enjoy local cuisine at beachfront relaxed spots and fine-dining restaurants. There are tons of excellent places to eat. Consider Blanchards Beach Shack, Ken’s BBQ, Pimms, or Tasty’s.
5. Dive into culture and history at the Heritage Collection Museum and Wallblake House.
6. Adventure activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or horseback riding. Many resorts can arrange these activities for you, or book a tour here.
7. Enjoy live music and fun in the evening! Reggae, soca, and jazz performances are available at local bars and resorts like Zemi Beach House and Tasty’s. Dune Preserve and Elvis Beach Bar are popular nightlife spots.
8. Enjoy wellness and relaxation activities. Treat yourself to massages and wellness treatments at resorts like Four Seasons or Zemi Beach House.
9. Take a day trip to a neighboring island like St. Martin/Sint Maarten or St. Barths. A short ferry ride away for duty-free shopping and nightlife.
Where to Stay in Anguilla
As mentioned, Anguilla is known for its luxury resorts and beautiful hotels on the beach. I’d highly recommend splurging for this one if you choose to stay longer than one day! Below are a few recommendations.
Pro-tip: Book early during the high season for the best deals and hotels, especially for beachfront properties.
Luxury: Zemi Beach House
Zemi Beach House is a luxurious boutique resort on Shoal Bay, one of Anguilla’s most stunning beaches. The property blends upscale comfort with a laid-back Caribbean vibe, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and indulgence. See my full review of Zemi Beach House.
This property is part of the Hilton LXR Collection, where we stayed on our trip. I cannot recommend it enough! We’re already planning a return trip. We booked our stay using points. Learn more about travel credit card points here.
Luxury: Four Seasons Anguilla
The Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is a premier luxury destination offering unparalleled elegance, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Located between Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, it provides the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and refined indulgence.
This is a large resort with about 400 rooms and sites on 35 acres in an excellent location. It is beautiful and has a different vibe from the quiet, boutique Zemi Beach House recommended above.
Mid-Range: La Vue Boutique Inn
This boutique inn is family-owned and located in Sandy Ground Village. Its beautiful view and location near Sandy Ground make it great for all types of travelers. The owners take pride in delivering our guests unmatched warmth, charm, and personalized service.
Mid-Range: Rent a House
Another option (which can quickly become a luxury) is renting a house. This is an excellent option if you’re going with a group! Many homes for rent are located right on the beach and offer additional services such as a private chef and on-site activities.
Food to Try in Anguilla
The food in Anguilla is excellent. With so many luxurious places to stay, the restaurants and food have to match! Below are some of the foods to try in Anguilla.
- Johnny Cakes are fried dough, slightly sweet, and served as a side dish or snack. They are perfect with fish or dipped in butter.
- Conch: Enjoy it in various forms: as ceviche, fritters, or in a hearty conch chowder.
- Anguillian Goat Curry: A flavorful dish with tender goat meat simmered in a spicy curry sauce.
Snapper and Other Fresh Fish: Typically grilled or pan-fried, seasoned with local spices.
- Caribbean BBQ: This distinct BBQ reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region, blending African, Indigenous, European, and Indian culinary traditions.
Where to eat:
- Beach Bars: Scilly Cay, Gwen’s Reggae Grill, or The Sunshine Shack for casual dining.
- Fine Dining: Blanchards, Pimms at Cap Juluca, or Veya Restaurant for upscale cuisine.
- Local Favorites: Tasty’s or Ken’s BBQ for authentic Anguillian flavors.
Other Tips for Visiting Anguilla
Before closing this post, here are a few more tips for visiting Anguilla that you’ll find helpful when planning a trip!
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; the tropical sun is intense, and many areas have little shade.
- Insect Repellent: Useful, especially during the wetter months.
- Currency: USD is accepted everywhere. The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar.
- Electricity: In Anguilla, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A are used. The standard voltage is 110 V at 60 Hz, the same as the US two-prong outlets. Check devices for capability!
- Safety: The island is generally safe, but exercise caution when handling valuables and avoid isolated areas at night.
- Border Crossing: You will pay a tax to enter and exit Anguilla on the ferry. You can use a card for this or bring along enough cash.
- Language: Anguilla is an Overseas British Territory and the language is English on the island.
- Beach access: All beaches in Anguilla are public. You’ll also find that almost every beach has someone renting our chairs and umbrellas for the day for a decent price (usually less than $10). Spending some money for comfort and shade is well worth it!
Final Thoughts
Anguilla is a beautiful island and one of the most relaxing places I’ve visited. If you plan a trip here, you will have an incredible time! I highly recommend splurging to really live it up on this island and take full advantage of this beautiful place.
Ready to start booking your trip?
Here is a snapshot of some of my favorite tools!
Some of these are affiliate links - thanks for supporting my website!
This looks so beautiful! We’ve never been but adding this to my list. And the Moke? I am definitely renting one of those, how fun!
It’s definitely beautiful and such a quiet, relaxing place!
We have visited a lot of the Caribbean islands but your post made me realize we have not yet visited Anguilla. If we ever stay on St Martin this would be a good ferry trip for the day. Or even to head over for a few days. Certainly lots we would love to do when we visit. Good tip to visit in November before it gets busy.
Yes! It is definitely a great place for a day trip from St. Martin and am always looking for off season (or shoulder season) travel destinations!
The island looks absolutely stunning. I have been to some of the other islands near there. I like the small islands, they have such a personal feel.
Totally agree! The smaller islands are beautiful and just feel different.
that water is stunning! I would love to visit this island sometime.. I’ll pass on the conch even if it’s fried, but I will try Johnie cakes!
The Johnnie cakes are tasty!
As much as we love the Caribbean, this is one island that we haven’t made it to yet. It looks fantastic! I appreciate all the information you shared here to! Adding to our list!!
It’s wonderful! Easy proximity to other popular islands too means it’s easy to add to your trip.