Anguilla is a Caribbean jewel that is both alluring and inconspicuous. The island’s most appealing feature is its stunning beaches, which are combined with welcoming residents and a true island atmosphere that package tourism has eroded on other Caribbean islands.
People looking for peace and quiet travel to Attractions In the Anguilla to lie on the soft sands, swim in the clear sea, play Robinson Crusoe on the offshore islands, and snorkel or dive the fish-filled reefs and wrecks. Anguilla’s fine dining establishments and exploring the island’s museums and art galleries are two additional well-liked activities. You could also take a day trip to the nearby island of St. Barts by ferry or small plane.
Most Popular Tourist Attractions In the Anguilla
Follow the heritage route in The Valley, the tranquil capital of Anguilla, if you’re interested in the island’s past. The tranquil island of Anguilla comes alive in the summer with boat racing, dancing, beauty pageants, and parades during the Anguilla Summer Festival.
Need assistance planning your trip to Anguilla? With our list of the top tourist destinations and activities in Anguilla, you can learn about the greatest spots to visit on this breathtakingly gorgeous island.
1. The Valley
The capital of Anguilla and the island’s physical, commercial, and political hub is the modest, sprawling Valley. The Anguilla National Trust, which has exhibits on the island’s natural and cultural heritage, is a wonderful site to start a sightseeing tour. Other activities, such the Anguilla Heritage Tour, birding tours, and nature hikes, can also be planned here.
Traveling With Kids? They can also burn off steam at Anguilla Watersports, one of the largest inflatable aqua parks in the Caribbean. You can also find organized kitesurfing lessons here as well as glass-bottom kayak and stand up paddleboarding tours and rentals.
2. Day Trips to Anguillita, Sandy, and Prickly Pear Islands
The Anguilla offshore islands of Anguilla, Sandy and Prickly Piers are popular day trips for scuba diving and snorkeling. You won’t find much beach along these rugged shores, but Anguilita is a great place for snorkeling and diving. It offers small walls and caves, where divers often spot barracudas, nurse sharks, stingrays, eels, and turtles.
Castaways love Sandy Island, a tiny sliver of sand with excellent snorkeling in its aqua lagoon. You’ll also find a restaurant on this small spit, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas along the shore.
3. Fountain Cavern National Park
The Fountain Cavern, which is close to Shoal Bay, is Anguilla’s most important historical site. Two freshwater lakes and several Amerindian petroglyphs may be seen in this natural and cultural marvel, which is located 15 metres below in a cave. The most notable of these is a large stalagmite that has been sculpted into the form of “Jocahu,” the principal deity of the Taino Indians.
It is believed that the Fountain Cavern served as a significant regional centre of worship and a site of pilgrimage for Amerindians.
4. Anguilla Dive Sites
Divers will be pleased to note that a double reef system wreaths Anguilla with a large number of corals. The island is also known for its wrecks, including intentionally sunken ships that grow to become artificial reefs.
Stony Bay Marine Park is the resting place of the 18th-century Spanish galleon, El Buen Consejo, which sank off the southeast coast of Anguilla in 1772. The site is an award-winning underwater park, open to certified scuba divers.
5. Island Harbour
On the northeastern side of the island, the sheltered fishing village of Island Harbor is the launching point for local fishermen. This is a great place to catch a slice of local life. Stop by in the late afternoon to watch fishermen park their brightly colored boats on the narrow beach and unload the day’s catch.
Nearby Scrub Island has a beautiful beach on the west side with great snorkeling, but you may have to negotiate some rough seas to get there.
6. Sandy Ground Village
Visit Sandy Ground Village to experience the authentic island vibe. It’s also among Anguilla’s top locations for nightlife. The primary yacht port in Anguilla is Sandy Ground’s fishhook-shaped harbour, one of the most protected on the island. At the popular three-day Anguilla Regatta in May, most of the onshore events take place at Sandy Ground, with entertainment at the small family-run restaurants and other venues. The ferry to Sandy Island, a popular day trip destination, departs from the pier.
Popular with local children, the white-sand beach is lined with restaurants, a dive shop, and a few low-key places to stay.
7. Maundays Bay Beach
Maundays Bay Beach is a gorgeous expanse of smooth, powdery sand and azure sea that stretches for 1.5 kilometres. Along this beach, the renowned luxury resort Cap Juluca with its Moorish design attracts both overnight guests and day visitors.
Beachgoers can enjoy fantastic snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean when the weather is calm. Sailboats and windsurfers skim the bay on breezy days.
Weddings are frequently held at this magnificent beach, which offers a view of Saint Martin across the water.
8. Rendezvous Bay Beach
Rendezvous Bay is a stunning crescent of white sand, clear water, and coconut palms that stretches for four kilometres. This serene stretch of coast is ideal for families with young children because it is calm and shallow. Swimmers, shell collectors, and sunbathers will all be impressed.
The shoreline is lined with little beach shacks, and Saint Martin is visible. A stroll at dusk on this beach would be lovely.
9. Meads Bay Beach
On the western coast of the island, Meads Bay is one of the most visited beaches. The gorgeous 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand beach with the calm, clear waves is the ideal location for a cooling swim.
On Anguilla, you may find some great eateries along this stretch if you’re wondering where to eat. Although Blanchards is well-known and regarded as one of the best fine-dining establishments in the Caribbean, its sister establishment, Blanchards Beach Shack, is right next door if you’re looking for a more casual option.
10. Shoal Bay East
One of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean is Shoal Bay East, a long and sweeping expanse of brilliant white sand. The seas are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, with some of Anguilla’s most stunning coral gardens, home to hundreds of tiny iridescent fish. The sand is also soft and immaculate.
Rentable lounge chairs and umbrellas are available, and if you’re looking for Anguilla hotels in this region, you can choose from The Manoah Boutique Hotel Anguilla and Shoal Bay Villas. The coastline is also lined with restaurants.
This beach is stunning, but it’s still blissfully quiet and empty.
