Anguilla | Travel Guide | Beaches, Food and Island Life

Anguilla is a small British Overseas Territory in the northern Caribbean, famous for powdery white beaches, turquoise water, fine dining and a calm, low rise atmosphere.

For regional context, explore our North America travel guide.

It sits a short boat ride from Saint Martin but feels far quieter, with no casinos, no high rises and public access to every beach.

This guide explains how to reach Anguilla, which beaches to choose, where to eat and stay, when to go and how to plan a trip for any budget.

Why Anguilla Stands Apart in the Caribbean

Anguilla is a small, flat, coral island in the northern Leeward Islands, and a British Overseas Territory. It is known for some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, a relaxed pace and a food scene far larger than its size would suggest.

The island is low and dry, with scrubland, salt ponds and limestone cliffs rather than rainforest and mountains. What it lacks in drama inland, it makes up for on the coast. Powdery white sand and water in every shade of turquoise ring the island.

Anguilla has avoided mass tourism by design. There are no casinos, no high rise hotels and no large cruise ship pier. Development is low rise, and beaches stay quiet even in peak season. The atmosphere is calm, friendly and unhurried.

That approach has made the island a favourite of travellers seeking privacy, from honeymooners to celebrities. Yet Anguilla is not only for the wealthy. Guesthouses, villas and roadside barbecue stands sit alongside luxury resorts, and every beach is public.

The island sits a short boat ride from Saint Martin, the busy island shared by France and the Netherlands. The contrast is striking. Saint Martin buzzes with shopping, nightlife and cruise passengers. Anguilla, visible across the channel, feels a world away.

This guide explains how Anguilla works, how to get there, which beaches to choose, where to eat, when to travel and how to plan a trip that fits your budget. Check current prices and schedules directly before booking.

The island is only about twenty six kilometres long and five kilometres wide at its broadest. You can drive from one end to the other in under forty minutes. That compact size makes it easy to try a different beach every day.

Population is small, around fifteen thousand people. Many families have lived on the island for generations, and visitors quickly notice how personal and relaxed everyday interactions feel.

The island also appeals to repeat visitors. Many travellers return year after year, often to the same villa, restaurant or beach bar, drawn by the familiarity and warmth of island life.

History and Identity

Amerindian peoples settled Anguilla long before Europeans arrived. They left petroglyphs, tools and ceremonial sites, the most important of which is Fountain Cavern, now a national park.

English settlers arrived in the seventeenth century. The thin soil and dry climate made large plantations difficult, so the island never developed the sugar economy of its neighbours. Many enslaved and free people farmed small plots, fished and built boats.

That history shaped a strong culture of independence and self-reliance. Anguillans became renowned sailors and boatbuilders, working across the Caribbean and beyond.

In the colonial era, Britain grouped Anguilla with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Anguillans resented rule from Saint Kitts, and in 1967 they rose up in what became known as the Anguilla Revolution. They expelled the Saint Kitts police and declared their break.

Britain eventually sent troops and police in 1969 to restore order. The intervention was peaceful, and Anguilla later became a separate British dependency. It is now a British Overseas Territory with its own elected government, while Britain handles defence and foreign affairs.

Anguillans are proud of this history. The revolution is celebrated each year, and the island's identity rests on a strong sense of community, faith and independence.

The name Anguilla comes from the Spanish or Italian word for eel, a reference to the island's long, thin shape. Early European navigators gave it the name as they sailed past.

Hurricanes have repeatedly shaped modern history. A major storm in 2017 caused extensive damage, but rebuilding was swift, and many resorts reopened with renovated facilities.

Salt harvesting was once a key industry. Workers raked salt from the island's ponds and loaded it onto boats for export across the region. The ponds remain, now valued for their birdlife and quiet beauty.

Migration has long shaped island families. Many Anguillans worked abroad, in the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands, Britain and the United States, sending money home and returning with new skills and ideas.

Entry Rules and Arrival Formalities

Anguilla sets its own immigration rules. Visitors from many countries can enter without a visa for short stays, but rules vary by nationality. Check the current requirements with the Anguilla Immigration Department before booking.

You will need a passport valid for the length of your stay, proof of onward or return travel and details of your accommodation. Immigration officers may ask about your plans and funds.

Travellers arriving via Saint Martin must also meet entry rules for the French or Dutch side of that island. Rules differ, so check both before travel. Some visitors need a visa for Saint Martin even if they do not need one for Anguilla.

A departure tax applies when leaving by air or sea. The amount can depend on age, destination and trip length. It may be included in your ticket or collected at the terminal, so ask when booking.

Customs rules restrict firearms, drugs, some agricultural products and protected wildlife items. Declare anything you are unsure about.

Travellers who need visas for the United Kingdom do not automatically need one for the island, and the reverse is also true. The territory sets its own list of visa required nationalities. Check carefully rather than assuming.

Visitors planning longer stays, work or study need the appropriate permits before arrival. Short tourist entry does not allow employment, including remote work for local businesses.

Getting to Anguilla

Most visitors reach Anguilla through Saint Martin. Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side receives flights from North America, Europe and around the Caribbean. From there, travellers take a boat to Anguilla.

Ferries and Private Boats

Public ferries run from Marigot, on the French side of Saint Martin, to Blowing Point on Anguilla. The crossing takes around twenty to thirty minutes. Services run throughout the day.

Private and shared charter boats run directly from near Princess Juliana Airport to Blowing Point. They save time by avoiding the drive to Marigot and suit travellers with luggage. Many resorts arrange these transfers for guests.

Sea crossings can be choppy when trade winds are strong. Travellers prone to seasickness should consider medication, especially on smaller boats.

Flights

Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, near The Valley, handles regional flights and some direct services from North America and nearby islands. Schedules change with the seasons, so check current routes.

Private aviation is common for luxury travellers, and small charter flights link Anguilla with nearby islands such as Saint Barthelemy, Antigua and Puerto Rico.

For regional context, explore our Antigua and Barbuda travel guide.

Luggage allowances on small boats and regional planes can be tighter than on international flights. Pack light, or check allowances before travel.

Some travellers stay a night on Saint Martin before or after their Anguilla stay, especially when flight times do not match the last boats of the day.

Arriving in daylight is easier, especially for first time visitors. Night crossings are possible by private charter, but the public ferry service stops in the evening.

Private jet and helicopter services link the island with Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy and Puerto Rico. They are expensive but popular with travellers short on time.

Luggage can sometimes be delayed when connecting between airlines and boats. Pack swimwear, medication and a change of clothes in hand luggage.

Anguilla's Beaches

Beaches are Anguilla's greatest asset. The island is often said to have more than thirty, and nearly all have soft white sand and clear water. Every beach is public, even in front of luxury resorts.

Shoal Bay East

Shoal Bay East is often ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean. Its long curve of powdery sand meets calm, clear water with reefs close to shore for snorkelling. Beach bars and restaurants rent chairs and umbrellas.

Meads Bay

Meads Bay on the west end is lined with resorts and restaurants yet rarely feels crowded. The water is calm, and sunsets are spectacular. It is a favourite for long walks and dining with sand underfoot.

Rendezvous Bay

Rendezvous Bay faces Saint Martin across the water. Its long, quiet sand is home to the Dune Preserve, a driftwood music venue associated with local musician Bankie Banx. The bay offers views of Saint Martin's mountains.

Maundays Bay and Cove Bay

Maundays Bay is a perfect crescent of sand with calm water, sheltered by headlands. Cove Bay, next door, is quieter and good for walking and horseback riding.

Little Bay

Little Bay is a tiny cove beneath limestone cliffs, best reached by licensed boat operator. Its clear water is excellent for snorkelling. Local boatmen run trips from Crocus Bay.

Offshore Cays

Sandy Island is a tiny sand cay off Sandy Ground with a beach bar and snorkelling. Prickly Pear Cays, further out, offer remote beaches, reefs and seabirds. Scilly Cay, off Island Harbour, has long been known for its lobster lunches. Boat trips run to all three.

Beach etiquette is relaxed but respectful. Topless and nude bathing are not permitted. Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in shops or villages.

Many beach restaurants rent chairs and umbrellas, often free for lunch customers. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be limited on quieter beaches.

Beach names can be confusing, as some share names with villages or resorts. Local maps and rental car companies provide beach guides.

North shore beaches can have stronger waves and currents, especially in winter swells. Western beaches are usually calmer for swimming.

Food in Anguilla

Anguilla is often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean. For a small island, it has an extraordinary range of restaurants, from barefoot beach barbecues to fine dining with international chefs.

Seafood leads the way. Spiny lobster and crayfish, the local name for a smaller clawless lobster, are grilled over open flames and served with butter, rice and peas and johnny cakes. Snapper, grouper and mahi mahi are common.

Roadside barbecue stands are an essential experience. Ribs, chicken and fish are grilled over smoky drums, often at weekends. They offer excellent food at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Beach restaurants serve lunch with sand underfoot. Many sit on Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and Sandy Ground. Evening dining ranges from relaxed local spots to elegant resort restaurants.

Local dishes include pigeon peas and rice, salt fish, goat water, a hearty stew, and fungi, a cornmeal dish similar to polenta. Johnny cakes, a fried or baked bread, accompany many meals.

Rum punch is the island's signature drink. Local rum blends and beach bar cocktails are part of the island rhythm.

Prices vary widely. Fine dining restaurants can be very expensive, while local cafes and barbecue stands are affordable. Mixing both keeps costs balanced.

Supermarkets in The Valley and elsewhere stock imported goods for villa guests. Prices reflect the cost of importing almost everything.

Food festivals and culinary events showcase local chefs and ingredients. Dates change each year, so check local listings before travel.

Breakfast bakeries sell johnny cakes, pastries and local juices. They make a cheap and cheerful start to the day before heading to the beach.

Cooking classes and food tours let visitors learn local recipes and meet chefs. They are a good way to understand the island through its flavours.

Fresh fruit such as mangoes, soursop and sugar apples appear seasonally at markets and roadside stalls.

Culture, Music and Boat Racing

Boat racing is Anguilla's national sport. Sleek wooden racing boats, built locally, compete in races around the island. The boats carry large sails and crews who balance on the rails. Races draw crowds of spectators on beaches and boats.

The biggest races take place during Summer Festival, Anguilla's carnival, held around late July and early August. It includes parades, calypso competitions, beauty pageants and beach parties.

Music is central to island life. Reggae, soca, calypso and gospel fill the air. Beach bars host live music, and local artists perform at venues across the island.

Churches play a major role in community life. Sundays are quieter, and many families attend services. Visitors are welcome, with modest dress.

The island's heritage is kept alive in museums, festivals and oral history. The Heritage Collection Museum in East End displays artefacts, photographs and stories from Amerindian times to the revolution.

Anguilla Day, marking the start of the revolution, brings a round the island boat race and celebrations. National holidays close offices and some shops, so check dates before planning errands.

Local crafts include model boats, paintings and pottery. Galleries in The Valley and around the island show the work of local and resident artists.

Festival season brings visitors from across the Caribbean and the diaspora. Accommodation fills quickly around the main race days, so book early if you want to join the celebrations.

Gospel concerts and church choirs offer a different side of island music. Visitors who attend a Sunday service often describe the singing as a highlight of their stay.

Heritage Sites and Nature

Wallblake House

Wallblake House in The Valley is one of the oldest surviving plantation houses on the island. It dates from the eighteenth century and offers insight into colonial history and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there.

Fountain Cavern National Park

Fountain Cavern holds Amerindian petroglyphs and a freshwater spring once used in ceremonies. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Lesser Antilles. Access is by guided tour.

Big Spring

Big Spring in Island Harbour is a collapsed cave with Amerindian rock carvings. It is a small but atmospheric site.

Salt Ponds and Birdlife

Salt ponds across the island attract herons, egrets, stilts and other water birds. Salt was once harvested here as an export. Today the ponds are good places for birdwatching.

Marine Parks

Marine parks protect reefs and wrecks around the island. Diving and snorkelling reveal turtles, rays and reef fish. Several wrecks were deliberately sunk to create artificial reefs.

Guided heritage tours cover several of these sites in a morning and add stories that signs alone cannot tell. Local guides often share family memories of the revolution and island life.

The old Court House and the island's historic churches reflect colonial architecture adapted to the climate, with thick stone walls, wide verandas and shuttered windows.

Diving, Snorkelling and Sailing

The waters around the island are clear, warm and full of life. Reefs close to shore make snorkelling easy from several beaches, while boat dives explore deeper reefs, wrecks and marine parks.

Shoal Bay East, Little Bay and Sandy Island are among the best snorkelling spots. Expect parrotfish, sergeant majors, angelfish and occasional turtles and rays. Bring reef safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.

Dive operators run trips to wrecks such as the Oosterdiep and the MV Sarah, both sunk to create artificial reefs. Prickly Pear Cays and Dog Island offer more remote dives with healthy reefs.

Sailing trips, sunset cruises and fishing charters leave from Sandy Ground, Crocus Bay and Island Harbour. Catamaran cruises combine snorkelling, beach stops and lunch on offshore cays.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on calm western beaches. Kitesurfing thrives on windier eastern shores during trade wind season.

Sport fishing charters target wahoo, tuna and mahi mahi offshore. Many restaurants will cook your catch if you ask in advance.

Beginner divers can take introductory courses in calm, shallow water. Experienced divers should bring certification cards and logbooks.

Glass bottom boat trips suit non swimmers and families who want to see reefs without getting wet.

Neighbourhoods and Villages

The island is divided into districts and villages, each with its own character. Knowing a few helps you choose where to stay and eat.

The Valley is the capital and administrative centre. It holds government offices, banks, shops and supermarkets. It is not a tourist town, but it shows everyday island life.

Sandy Ground is a lively beach village on a narrow strip between a salt pond and the sea. Restaurants, bars and the boat to Sandy Island make it a social hub, especially at weekends.

West End is the luxury corner, home to many resorts, villas and fine dining restaurants along Meads Bay and Maundays Bay.

Island Harbour on the north east coast is a traditional fishing village. Colourful boats line the shore, and seafood is as fresh as it gets. It is also the departure point for Scilly Cay.

East End and the villages near Shoal Bay offer quieter stays close to the island's most famous beach.

Many restaurants cluster in the west, but some of the best local food is found in quieter villages. Ask locals for their favourites.

Blowing Point, where the ferry arrives, is a small village with a few guesthouses and restaurants. It suits travellers who plan day trips to Saint Martin.

North Hill and Long Bay offer quiet residential areas with villas close to western beaches. They are peaceful bases for longer stays.

Seasons and When to Visit

Anguilla is warm year round. The main tourist season runs from mid December to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is the busiest and most expensive time.

May and June offer lower prices and fewer visitors, with good weather. Summer Festival brings life to the island in late July and early August.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Many businesses close for part of September and October. Travel insurance that covers hurricanes is essential.

The island is dry compared with many Caribbean islands. Even in the wet season, rain often falls in short showers.

Sargassum seaweed can wash up on some east facing beaches in certain months. West facing beaches are usually less affected. Ask locally about current conditions.

Winter holidays such as Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks of the year. Prices peak, and restaurants and villas book out months ahead.

Temperatures stay warm all year, typically in the high twenties Celsius. Trade winds cool the air, especially in winter, making the heat comfortable for most visitors.

Getting Around Anguilla

A rental car is the easiest way to explore Anguilla. Drive on the left. Roads are generally good but can be narrow, with speed bumps and goats. A temporary local driving permit is required and is issued by rental companies.

Taxis are available but can be expensive. Fares are set by zone, so confirm the price before starting. Many resorts arrange taxis for guests.

There is no regular public bus service. Travellers without cars rely on taxis, resort shuttles and walking.

Bicycles and scooters suit short trips, but heat, traffic and limited shoulders make longer rides challenging.

Road signs are limited, and many roads lack names. Navigation apps work reasonably well, but ask locals for directions if unsure. Distances are short, so wrong turns are rarely a problem.

Rental cars range from compact vehicles to jeeps. A small car handles most roads, but a jeep helps with rougher tracks to remote beaches.

Where to Stay in Anguilla

Accommodation ranges from world class resorts to villas, guesthouses and small hotels. Luxury resorts dominate the headlines, but there are options for many budgets.

Villas suit families and groups, with kitchens and private pools. Many include housekeeping and concierge services.

Guesthouses and small hotels offer good value and a local feel. They are often run by families who share tips about restaurants and beaches.

Peak season bookings fill early, especially over Christmas, New Year and Easter. Book months in advance for the best choice.

Shoulder season deals can bring luxury resorts within reach of more travellers. Look for packages that include meals or transfers.

Check what is included in the rate. Luxury resorts may add service charges and taxes, while villas may charge extra for cleaning, air conditioning or pool heating.

Reviews and direct contact with owners help when booking villas. Ask about hurricane shutters, generators and water supply if travelling in the shoulder or storm seasons.

Honeymoons, Families and Solo Travellers

The island is one of the Caribbean's classic honeymoon destinations. Quiet beaches, sunset dinners and private villas create a romantic atmosphere without the crowds of larger islands. Many resorts offer honeymoon packages with spa treatments, private dinners and boat trips.

Weddings on the beach are popular. Couples need to meet local marriage requirements, which include documents and a waiting period. Resorts and wedding planners handle most of the paperwork, but start early.

Families find the island easy and relaxed. Calm western beaches such as Maundays Bay, Meads Bay and Cove Bay suit young children. Villas with pools and kitchens make family stays practical, and many resorts run children's programmes in peak season.

Solo travellers enjoy the friendly atmosphere and low key social scene. Beach bars and barbecue stands make it easy to meet locals and other visitors. Guesthouses often feel more sociable than large resorts.

Travellers with limited mobility will find the island flat, but pavements are rare and some beaches require walking over sand or rocks. Many luxury resorts offer accessible rooms and beach access. Ask about specific needs before booking.

Photographers, private chefs and boat charters can be arranged for special occasions. Ask your accommodation for trusted local recommendations.

Anniversaries and vow renewals are also common. Many couples return to celebrate milestones on the same beach where they married, and resorts often mark these occasions with special touches.

Day Trips From the Island

The island's position makes day trips easy. Saint Martin lies a short boat ride away, and Saint Barthelemy is reachable by boat or short flight.

Saint Martin offers a complete contrast. Its French side has Marigot's market, cafes and the gourmet restaurants of Grand Case. Its Dutch side has Philipsburg's duty free shopping, casinos and lively beaches. A day there makes a quiet stay back on Anguilla feel even more peaceful.

Saint Barthelemy is chic, French and famous for its luxury boutiques and yacht filled harbour. Boat trips and short flights make a day visit possible, though it requires an early start.

Always check entry rules for the island you are visiting, and carry your passport. Time your return to catch the last ferry or boat of the day.

Boat operators also run private day charters to nearby uninhabited cays and islands. These trips combine snorkelling, beach time and lunch on board, and they can be tailored to your interests.

Currency differs on the neighbouring islands. The French side of Saint Martin uses the euro, the Dutch side uses its own currency with US dollars widely accepted, and Saint Barthelemy uses the euro.

Conservation and Responsible Travel

The island's reefs, beaches and salt ponds are fragile. Coastal development, storms and warming seas all put pressure on them. Visitors can help protect them with simple choices.

Use protective clothing and locally permitted sunscreen and avoid touching or standing on coral. Do not take shells, coral or sand as souvenirs. Follow rules in marine parks, and choose operators who respect wildlife.

Sea turtles nest on several beaches. If you see a nest or hatchlings, keep your distance, avoid lights on the beach at night and report sightings to the local national trust.

Water is scarce on this dry island. Much of it comes from desalination. Short showers and reusing towels make a real difference.

Support local businesses by eating at family restaurants and barbecue stands, buying local crafts and hiring local guides. Tourism is the main source of income for many families.

The island's national trust runs conservation projects, heritage tours and educational programmes. Visiting its sites and supporting its work helps protect the island for future generations.

Wellness, Spas and Slow Days

Many visitors come simply to rest. Wellness has become a significant part of the island's appeal, with resort spas, yoga classes and quiet beaches suited to long, unhurried days.

Resort spas offer massages, body treatments and facials, often using local ingredients such as sea salt, aloe and coconut. Some have open air treatment rooms overlooking the sea.

Yoga and fitness classes run at several resorts and independent studios. Beach sessions at sunrise are a highlight for many visitors.

Horseback riding along quiet beaches such as Cove Bay offers a gentle way to see the coast. Rides often end with horses wading into the sea.

Long beach walks are free and endlessly rewarding. Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay East all allow walks of several kilometres on soft sand.

Many travellers deliberately plan fewer activities here than on other islands. The lack of big attractions is part of the appeal, and slowing down is the point.

Some visitors book wellness retreats that combine yoga, healthy food and beach time over several days. These usually run in the quieter months and sell out quickly.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Nightlife is low key compared with Saint Martin, but it has real character. Beach bars, live music and weekend parties give evenings a relaxed, sociable feel.

Sandy Ground is the liveliest area, with bars and restaurants along the sand. Live bands play reggae and soca at weekends, and some venues stay open late.

The Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay is famous for its driftwood architecture and live music. It hosts concerts and events, including a long running music festival in spring.

Shoal Bay East has beach bars with Sunday afternoon parties. These gatherings draw locals and visitors alike.

Resorts host live music, cultural shows and dinner events, especially in peak season. There are no casinos or large nightclubs, which suits most visitors perfectly.

If nightlife is a priority, a night out on Saint Martin is an option. Arrange transport back in advance, as ferries stop in the evening and private boats must be booked.

Taxis can be scarce late at night. Arrange your return journey before heading out, and never drink and drive.

Safety and Practicalities

Anguilla is generally safe for visitors. Crime levels are low compared with many places, and tourist areas are calm. However, some governments have noted an increase in serious crime involving local gangs in recent years.

Take sensible precautions. Avoid isolated areas and empty beaches after dark, lock doors and windows, use hotel safes and do not carry large amounts of cash. Check your own government's travel advice before travel.

The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Carry cash for barbecue stands, small shops and taxis.

Health care is basic. The island has a hospital and clinics, but serious cases may need evacuation to other islands or the United States. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue occur in the region. Use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk.

Mobile coverage is good across the island. Electricity follows North American standards, with US style plugs.

Sun exposure is intense, even on cloudy days. Use high factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.

Emergency services can be reached by phone, and hotels can help arrange medical assistance. Keep a copy of your insurance details with you.

Carry photocopies of important documents and keep originals secure. Share your itinerary with someone at home, especially on boat trips to remote cays.

Budgeting Principles

Anguilla has a reputation as an expensive destination, and luxury resorts can be very costly. Yet the island can be enjoyed on a more modest budget with careful choices.

Villas, guesthouses and self catering reduce accommodation and food costs. Roadside barbecues and local restaurants offer excellent value.

Travelling outside peak season lowers prices significantly. May, June and early summer often bring deals.

Budget for transfers, departure taxes and car rental, which add to the overall cost. Check current prices with providers before booking.

Tipping is customary. Many restaurants add a service charge, so check the bill before adding more.

Groups sharing a villa can reduce per person costs considerably. Cooking some meals at home and eating out for others strikes a good balance.

Shoulder season packages sometimes include free nights, meals or transfers. Compare offers carefully, as the savings can be substantial.

Anguilla Itineraries by Trip Length

Day Trip From Saint Martin

Take an early ferry from Marigot, rent a car or taxi, spend the morning at Shoal Bay East, lunch at a beach restaurant and return in the late afternoon.

Four Days

Explore the west end beaches, spend a day at Shoal Bay East, take a boat trip to Sandy Island or Prickly Pear Cays and visit Wallblake House and Fountain Cavern.

One Week

Add snorkelling at Little Bay, a lobster lunch on Scilly Cay, a boat race if timing allows, a barbecue crawl and slow beach days. Consider a day trip to Saint Martin for shopping and contrast.

Combining With Neighbouring Islands

Anguilla pairs well with Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy. Ferries and short flights make combined trips easy.

Ten days allows a slower pace, with time to revisit favourite beaches, try more restaurants and add a day trip to Saint Barthelemy. It suits travellers who want rest as much as sightseeing.

Two weeks allows the slowest pace of all, with rest days between excursions, time for several boat trips and the chance to settle into island life like a local.

Planning Checklist for Anguilla

Share your plans with someone at home, including accommodation details and travel dates, especially if travelling during hurricane season.

Check Anguilla entry rules, plus Saint Martin rules if routing through it.

Book flights into Saint Martin and pre book a boat transfer.

Reserve accommodation early for the peak season.

Arrange a rental car and local driving permit.

Book popular restaurants ahead.

Buy travel insurance with hurricane and evacuation cover.

Carry some cash for barbecues and taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning another Caribbean destination? Explore Barbados for comparison.

Planning another Caribbean destination? Explore the Bahamas for comparison.

Official planning resources: Anguilla Tourist Board, Government of Anguilla, and UK travel advice. Hurricane season runs from June through November; check official warnings before travel. Temporary driving permit requirements and fees should be confirmed with your rental agency or the Government of Anguilla.