Things to Do in Anguilla

Looking to experience the top Anguilla things to do? This straightforward guide lays out the ultimate beach spots, cultural events, watersports, and culinary experiences to enjoy on the island. This information comes on the heels of our trip to Anguilla for  our friends wedding at the Four Seasons, which I just detailed in this full property review.

While the information is fresh in my head, here are the must-do’s when visiting Anguilla!

What is there to Do in Anguilla?

• Anguilla’s pristine beaches like Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay offer a variety of activities from snorkeling to sunbathing, coupled with unique dining and social experiences.
• The island’s rich culture is celebrated through vibrant festivals, a flourishing art scene, and historical landmarks that provide insight into Anguilla’s heritage and offer a deeper connection with the island.
• Adventure lovers will find a paradise in Anguilla, with options ranging from kiteboarding and paddleboarding to deep-sea fishing, alongside a culinary scene that satisfies all palates with local BBQ to fine dining.

Experience Anguilla’s Breathtaking Beaches

With powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views, Anguilla’s beaches offer a captivating destination for visitors. Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay are each unique and serene, making them captivating destinations for visitors. From sunbathing to snorkeling, these beaches offer a myriad of activities to make your beach hopping trips unforgettable.

Shoal Bay East

Shoal Bay East, known for its vibrant marine life and turquoise waters, is a popular destination for snorkeling. Underwater explorers can encounter a diverse range of marine life, including:

• Eels
• Arrow Crabs
• Cleaner Shrimp
• Dolphins

Post a thrilling underwater adventure, indulge in the island’s vibrant social scene at beach bars like Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar or Elvis’ Beach Bar.

Meads Bay

Meads Bay, known for its tranquil turquoise waters and fine white sands, is another must-visit beach in Anguilla. Meads Bay, with its impressive amenities and personalized services at luxury resorts like Tranquility Beach Anguilla and Carimar Beach Club, caters to the refined traveler.

Be it swimming in the calm waters or unwinding on the white sands, Meads Bay promises an unforgettable beach experience.

Rendezvous Bay

Rendezvous Bay offers the perfect setting for a relaxing beach day. Here are some highlights:

• Breathtaking vistas of neighboring St. Martin
• Beautiful sugar-sand beach
• Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve, a charming beach bar
• Live music
• Refreshing drinks

Visit Rendezvous Bay for a memorable bay beach experience.

From sunbathing to dancing to the Caribbean rhythms, Rendezvous Bay offers a beach experience like no other.

Immerse Yourself in Anguilla’s Rich Culture

Anguilla, apart from its natural beauty, provides a rich cultural experience that deepens one’s understanding of the island’s heritage. From vibrant festivals and a thriving art scene to historical landmarks, Anguilla invites you to immerse yourself in its unique culture.

Festivals

Anguilla’s festivals, particularly the Summer Festival and Festival Del Mar, are vibrant celebrations of the island’s rich cultural heritage. The Anguilla Summer Festival, a ten-day celebration, commemorates the island’s emancipation with music, dancing, parades, and beach parties. Festival Del Mar, on the other hand, is a 2-day event during the Easter weekend that celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage with sailboat races, fishing contests, and live music.

These festivals provide an exclusive insight into the island’s traditions and allow you to take part in the local celebrations.

Art Scene

The thriving art scene of Anguilla further testifies to its rich culture. With galleries showcasing the works of local painters, sculptors, and artisans, the island offers a vibrant palette of creativity. Visitors can even join art lessons at the Lynne Bernbaum Art Gallery or Paint Gallery and Studio, allowing them to explore their artistic side and take home a piece of Anguilla’s vibrant culture.

Historical Landmarks

Anguilla’s historical landmarks captivate history enthusiasts. The Wallblake House and the Heritage Collection Museum stand as enduring symbols of the island’s rich history.

Visiting these landmarks provides a deeper understanding of Anguilla’s past and adds a historical dimension to your visit.

Adventure Awaits: Thrilling Watersports

A wide array of thrilling watersports await adventure seekers in Anguilla. Whether it’s kiteboarding at Cove Bay, paddleboarding around the island’s tranquil bays, or embarking on a deep-sea fishing adventure, Anguilla’s waters offer endless possibilities for fun and excitement.

Kiteboarding & Windsurfing

Anguilla is an ideal destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. With its vibrant marine life and turquoise waters, Shoal Bay East offers an ideal environment for these exciting watersports. And with Anguilla Watersports providing lessons and equipment rentals, beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike can make the most of Anguilla’s perfect kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions.

Paddleboarding

The island’s beauty can be uniquely appreciated through paddleboarding in Anguilla. Gliding over the calm waters, exploring hidden coves, and spotting diverse marine life make paddleboarding a fun and relaxing way to explore the island. With paddleboarding rentals available, it’s an adventure that’s accessible to everyone.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Anguilla’s deep-sea fishing adventures are a treat for fishing enthusiasts. With a variety of fish such as:

• snapper
• grouper
• jack
• marlin

For those looking to reel in the big one, deep sea fishing charters offer an adventure that promises an exciting catch. And with charter companies providing all the necessary gear and even the chance to cook your catch, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Savor the Flavors of Anguilla’s Culinary Scene

Anguilla, a Caribbean island, boasts a culinary scene that ranges from local BBQ to fine dining, tantalizing the senses. Often dubbed as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the island offers a wide range of dining options that showcase its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a top choice among Caribbean islands.

Local BBQ

Taste the authentic flavors of Anguilla’s local BBQ at roadside vendors and local restaurants. Whether it’s chicken and ribs, rice and peas, or the iconic Johnny cakes, the island’s BBQ offers a true taste of Anguilla’s traditional cuisine.

Fine Dining

A plethora of culinary delights await in Anguilla’s upscale dining scene. From the exquisite seafood at Veya Restaurant to the authentic Italian cuisine at Dolce Vita, the island’s fine dining establishments are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Beach Bars & Grills

For a more laid-back dining experience, Anguilla’s beach bars and grills offer fresh seafood, refreshing cocktails, and live music against a backdrop of stunning ocean views. Whether it’s the fresh seafood at Elvis’ Beach Bar or the live reggae performances at Scilly Cay, these beachside establishments offer a unique dining experience that encapsulates the island’s casual charm.

Discover Offshore Cays and Hidden Gems

Anguilla’s offshore cays and hidden beaches provide tranquil escapes for those craving a more secluded experience away from busy tourist spots. These untouched paradises offer pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique experiences that are truly Anguillan.

Sandy Island

Sandy Island offers a slice of paradise with its powdery white sands and clear waters. This tiny island is perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying the island’s beaches, as well as the laid-back atmosphere at the island harbour. The sandy ground provides a comfortable and relaxing surface for visitors to unwind.

With vibrant marine life around, snorkeling is a must-do activity on Sandy Island.

Prickly Pear Cays

Prickly Pear Cays, a pair of uninhabited offshore cays, offer a serene escape for beach lovers. With opportunities for birdwatching, snorkeling, and dining on fresh seafood, these cays are an idyllic retreat offering an authentic Anguillan experience.

Hidden Beaches

Tucked away from the usual tourist paths, Anguilla’s hidden beaches like Savannah Bay and Katouche Beach offer a tranquil and secluded experience. These untouched spots are perfect for those seeking a more intimate beach experience away from the crowds of the more popular Anguilla beaches.

Relax and Rejuvenate: Wellness Retreats and Spa Experiences

Relax and rejuvenate with wellness retreats and spa experiences in Anguilla, a perfect antidote to days of adventure. From yoga sessions on the beach to massages and holistic treatments at world-class spas, Anguilla offers plenty of options to restore your mind and body.

Tee Off at Anguilla’s Golf Courses

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a world-class golfing experience at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. Designed by the legendary golfer Greg Norman, the golf course offers stunning ocean views and challenging greens, making it a must-visit for any golf lover.

Wildlife Encounters: Swim with Dolphins and Spot Sea Turtles

Apart from cultural and natural attractions, Anguilla offers distinctive wildlife encounters. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery or join the Anguilla National Trust for a chance to spot nesting sea turtles, offering a unique way to experience the island’s diverse wildlife.

Explore Anguilla by Land and Sea

For a comprehensive experience of all that Anguilla has to offer, traverse the island by land and sea. Rent a car and drive around the island, embark on a boat tour to discover hidden coves and offshore cays, or saddle up for a horseback ride along the beach. Each mode of transport offers a unique perspective, allowing you to discover the island’s beauty in your own way.

Nightlife and Live Music

The nightlife scene in Anguilla isn’t very lively.  Other than the Sivu beach club, there isn’t much outside of small beachfront bars.  Most people on the island go to nearby St. Maarten for their partying.

Summary

From breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture to thrilling watersports and world-class cuisine, Anguilla truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a secluded beach escape, an adventure-filled holiday, or a relaxing wellness retreat, this Caribbean gem is sure to exceed your expectations. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Anguilla is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Anguilla so popular?

Anguilla is popular because it offers a wide variety of activities, from exploring limestone caves to observing wildlife and relaxing on sandy beaches. It is a paradise for visitors seeking diverse and enjoyable experiences.

Is Anguilla expensive to visit?

Anguilla can be expensive to visit, with a budget traveler spending around $100 to $150 per day, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Plan and research activities and costs ahead to make the most of your budget.

Which is better Antigua or Anguilla?

If you’re looking for quiet beaches and high-end resorts, Anguilla may be the better choice. However, if you want more activities and are okay with some crime and poverty factors, Antigua might be a better fit for you.

What are the must-visit beaches in Anguilla?

You must visit Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay in Anguilla for their stunning landscapes and serene ambiance. Enjoy!

What are some of the popular watersports in Anguilla?

You can enjoy popular watersports in Anguilla such as kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing. Try them out for an amazing experience!