Anguilla Travel Guide

Anguilla has one of the exclusive beach destinations in the Caribbean, a place where celebrities and A-listers frolic throughout the year to enjoy some of the world’s most pristine beaches, dine at award-winning restaurants, and stay in the luxury resorts and hotels scattered around the island. This upscale beach destination is the perfect place to soak up some sun, rub elbows with stars and enjoy the VIP treatment.

The island only encompasses about 35 square miles and you’ll find just about 38 miles of coastline wrapping around the island. The coastline is filled with beautiful bays and several miles of beaches, and most of the land around here is flat and dry, with a handful of limestone bluffs and coral. Anguilla is the type of place where you can enjoy a myriad of watersports any given time of year, bask on the sunny white shores, or stay up late to enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.

Since it rarely rains here, most travelers take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and spend most of their days relaxing on the beach. Opportunities for water activities abound. From water skiing and snorkeling, to boating and scuba diving, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean during your visit.

Anguilla also boasts a number of natural land marks and historic sites. Don’t miss the chance to explore Big Spring National Park or the Fountain Cavern National Park to see some amazing archaeological sites. Some of these areas once served as a place of worship for Amerindians and you can learn about the area’s rich history by exploring some of the smaller museums and plantations.

Anguilla Weather and Best Time to Visit

The island of Anguilla is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. Average annual temperatures stay in the lower 80s, and temperatures rarely fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter season. The island is greeted by northeast trade winds during the hottest months so it rarely gets very uncomfortably hot. If you’re visiting Anguilla during the summer months, you may encounter rain showers but most only last about 15 minutes. Clear and sunny skies are in the forecast for most days of the year.

One of the best times of year to visit Anguilla is between the months of April and November when the island serves as a nesting ground for Hawskbill, Green and Leatherback turtles. You can watch them laying egs and climbing up to the beaches with a trip to Maundays Bay, Captain’s Bay or Limestone Bay.

Peak season in Anguilla is during the winter months when many travelers head to the Caribbean islands to break away from the cold and icy temperatures. You’ll find hotel and Anguilla vacation rental rates are significantly lower during the peak summer season.

Experience Anguilla

From windsurfing and yachting, to sailing and snorkeling, Anguilla offers something for all types of travelers. If you’re not much of an outdoor enthusiast and prefer to relax on the beach, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and just basking in the sunshine for most of the day. Local beach bars and eateries serve up traditional island food and tropical cocktails, and you can sip on some rum-infused specialty drinks as you go about your day.

Shopping is not duty-free and you’ll find that most items are overpriced. This isn’t a popular destination for shopping, but you can still find an array of designer goods and high-end merchandise at some of the boutiques and retail centers around the major resorts.

Anguilla has been nicknamed the “Cuisine Capital of the Caribbean”, so you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy some great food and cocktails throughout your trip. You’ll find over 70 unique restaurants, beachside cafes and eateries throughout the island. Many of the upscale destinations are located inside the larger hotels and resorts.

Whether you’re planning a weeklong vacation to Anguilla or just a few nights on the island, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy some watersports and enjoy the upscale island lifestyle here.