Are you planning a vacation to the Caribbean paradise of Anguilla? Get ready to experience some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious local cuisine. Anguilla offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your vacation, from relaxing by the sea to exploring the island’s many attractions. To help you make the most of your time on the island, here is our list of the top 8+ must-see attractions for your Anguilla vacation.
1) The Beaches
Anguilla is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. No matter which beach you decide to visit, you can expect a unique experience with plenty of options. From Rendezvous Bay to Sandy Ground to Shoal Bay East, the variety of beaches will be sure to please.
Rendezvous Bay is a two-mile stretch of paradise, offering calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Dune Preserve is a must-see here, hosting Banks Banx’s annual Moonsplash Beach Party. The Sun Shine Shack is a great spot for BBQ lovers, and Anguilla Great House is one of the oldest locally owned hotels on the island.
Sandy Ground Beach is great for those looking to take in the sunset view. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a main seaport.
Shoal Bay East offers an incredible pinkish-white stretch of Caribbean beauty, with turquoise blue waters perfect for swimming and various water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy Anguilla’s stunning coastline. What all of these beaches have in common is the lack of large crowds. If you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the beach, Anguilla’s beaches offer a great opportunity to do so. With plenty of activities to choose from and a stunning landscape, you can be sure that your beach day won’t be one to forget. Whether you prefer to lounge in the sun or get active with the locals, there’s something for everyone! Just south of Rendezvous Bay is Meads Bay – this beach is perfect for those seeking ultimate relaxation, boasting soft powdery white sand and breathtaking turquoise waters. You’ll also want to check out Junks Hole – just outside of Anguilla’s capital, The Valley – it’s known to be home to some of the best scuba diving spots! Finally, don’t miss out on Little Bay – this crescent-shaped beach has some spectacular views, making it one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset!
2) The Food
Anguilla is home to a wealth of flavors, thanks to its unique location in the Caribbean Sea. With over 120 eating establishments to choose from, there’s sure to be something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or simple local fare, Anguilla has it all.
For those looking for traditional island fare, Back A Yard Shack in West End is an excellent option. Here, you’ll find all your favorite Caribbean dishes, from curried goat, to jerk chicken and everything in between.
Another great option for local food is Anguilla Sands And Salts in South Hill. This place specializes in infusing their dishes with local sea salt, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. For something a bit heartier, La Bites N’ Grill in Sandy Ground is well known for their delicious ribs – no sauce required!
No matter what type of cuisine you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes on the island of Anguilla. From traditional fare to more modern culinary offerings, there’s something here for everyone. So come and explore the many restaurants Anguilla has to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
3) The People
When you visit Anguilla, one of the best parts of your trip will be meeting and interacting with the locals. The people of Anguilla are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and you’ll find that they are always eager to share their stories and customs with visitors. Locals here speak English, and some may even understand Spanish or French. You can ask the locals for tips on where to eat or the best places to explore.
No matter where you go on the island, you’ll see that people from all walks of life are coming together to make Anguilla a great place to live. From fishermen to farmers to shopkeepers and bartenders, everyone is doing their part to make this little Caribbean paradise a great place for visitors. Many of the businesses are family-run, so you’ll get to meet some truly fascinating characters who have grown up on the island.
4) Anguilla Summer Festival
If you’re planning a vacation to Anguilla, be sure to visit during the Anguilla Summer Festival. This lively event takes place over a week in early August and is a celebration of the island’s culture, history, and traditions.
During the festival, you’ll be able to experience everything from music and dance to parades and sports competitions. One of the most exciting events is boat racing, which is a beloved tradition on the island. You’ll be able to watch the sleek boats as they race across the waters off the coast of Anguilla.
In addition to boat racing, there are many other activities to enjoy during the festival. You can sample local cuisine at food fairs, take part in cultural events, and watch performances by musicians and dancers.
One of the highlights of the festival is J’ouvert, which takes place early in the morning and involves revelers covering themselves in paint, powder, and mud. It’s a wild and joyous celebration that you won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Anguilla Summer Festival is a must-see event. It’s a chance to experience the island’s vibrant culture and celebrate everything that makes Anguilla so unique.
5) Festival Del-Mar
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Anguilla, you absolutely must attend the Festival Del-Mar. This exciting annual event is dedicated to the island’s longstanding tradition of seafaring and celebrates the bounty of the sea that has sustained generations of Anguillans.
During the festival, you can expect a feast for the senses with live music, delicious seafood, colorful costumes, and exciting competitions. Be sure to catch the thrilling boat races, where skilled Anguillan captains compete in high-speed races to the finish line.
The Festival Del-Mar is not only a celebration of the sea but also of the community. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with locals and visitors alike and experience the true warmth and hospitality of Anguilla.
So, mark your calendars for the Festival Del-Mar, which usually takes place in April each year.
6) Shopping
Oh great, more shopping. Like we don’t get enough of that back home. But wait, before you start rolling your eyes, hear us out. Anguilla has some pretty cool shopping spots that are worth checking out. No, we’re not talking about some giant shopping mall where you’ll get lost trying to find your way back to the exit. And we definitely won’t be pointing you toward any big chain stores.
Instead, we’re talking about locally owned shops like Beach Happy, Anguilla Sands, and Salts. These are the kinds of places where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re not into shopping, no worries. These shops are also great places to browse and just take in the island vibe.
So go ahead, take a stroll through Beach Happy, and check out their hand-painted sarong. Or head over to Anguilla Sands and Salts to grab handmade beach-inspired jewelry, trays, and some great local sea salt to bring back home. Who knows, you might even find something that you never knew you needed. Just don’t blame us when your luggage is suddenly overweight on the way back.
7) Live Music
If you’re a music lover, then you’re in for a treat during your Anguilla vacation. The island is known for its lively and diverse music scene, with performances ranging from reggae to jazz. Here are some must-see live music venues on the island:
1. Gwens – Gwens is a legendary spot in Anguilla, known for its traditional string band music. The music is infectious, and you’ll find yourself tapping your feet to the lively beat. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a piece of Anguillian culture at Gwens.
2. Johnoos – If jazz is more your style, then Johnoos is the place to be. This cozy venue hosts live jazz performances that will have you entranced. With its intimate setting and engaging atmosphere, Johnoos is a must-visit for music lovers.
Whether you’re into traditional string band music or jazzy rhythms, Anguilla has something for everyone. So, make sure to include live music on your list of things to do during your Anguilla vacation.
8) Things to Do
Anguilla is not only a beautiful island, but it also has a lot of fun activities to offer to visitors. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or just want to relax, there is something for everyone. So, if you are wondering what to do in Anguilla, check out these 11 amazing activities:
1. Swimming: With over 33 beaches on the island, you can easily spend your entire vacation exploring the pristine waters of Anguilla.
2. Fishing: Deep-sea fishing is one of the most popular activities on the island. You can catch some of the most sought-after fish, such as tuna, marlin, and wahoo.
3. Diving: If you love underwater adventure, then you will love Anguilla’s coral reefs and shipwrecks.
4. Off-Roading in a Moke: Explore the island on a moke, which is a fun and exciting way to see the sights.
5. Hiking: Discover the hidden beauty of Anguilla by taking a hike through the lush vegetation or along the coastline.
6. Cliff Diving: If you are feeling adventurous, then you can try cliff diving. The island has some of the best spots for this adrenaline-pumping activity.
7. Golfing: For golf enthusiasts, there is an 18-hole championship golf course, which is one of the best in the Caribbean.
8. Sun Bathing: If you want to relax and unwind, then lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun is a must-do activity.
9. Bird Watching: With over 100 species of birds, including migratory birds, Anguilla is a haven for bird watchers.
10. Sailing: Sail around the island and experience the beauty of the coastline and its hidden coves and bays.
11. Absolutely Nothing: Sometimes the best thing to do on a vacation is nothing at all. Just kick back, relax and let the island vibes wash over you.
Anguilla has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers. From fun-filled activities to quiet relaxation, you can find it all here. So, when you plan your Anguilla vacation, make sure to include these top things to do in your itinerary.
Conclusion
When it comes to planning your dream vacation, the options are endless. However, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, then look no further than the stunning island of Anguilla. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, and friendly locals, this Caribbean paradise is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking rest, relaxation, and adventure. From the Anguilla Summer Festival to the Festival Del-Mar, the island’s calendar is always full of exciting events that celebrate its rich culture and history. And whether you’re in the mood for shopping, live music, or just lounging by the sea, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime, then make sure you put Anguilla on your bucket list. Trust us, you won’t regret it!