Anguilla

What to do in Anguilla

Beaches

Anguilla's perfect white-sand beaches are among the prettiest in the world. You'll have your choice of long, deserted stretches or social spots lined with bars and restaurants. You can wade carefree in gentle water or skip along white-caps on a windsurfer.

*Captain's Bay on the northeast coast, is isolated and has a strong surf.

*Barnes Bay has sheer cliffs covered with creeping vines and is ideal for night dives.

*Road Bay has clear blue waters spotted with magnificent yachts, and spectacular sunsets to boot.

*Sandy Island is nestled in coral reefs and has boutiques, bars, and restaurants.

*Sandy Hill on the southeast coast has fisherman selling their freshly caught fish and lobster right off the boats.

*Shoal Bay East is one of the area's most beautiful spots, set against sea-grape and coconut trees.

*Cove Bay on the southwest coast has a little bar that rents floats, umbrellas, and mats.

*Maunday's Bay is great for swimming and snorkeling.

*Rendezvous Bay has calm water and a great view of St Martin.

Scuba Diving

Divers love the long barrier reef and crystal-clear waters. At Stoney Bay Marine Park divers can explore an 18th-century Spanish vessel that sank in 1772.

Water Sports

Most resorts offer complimentary windsurfers, water skis, and paddle-boats to their guests. There are also many dive shops that rent various water sports equipment, and the island is peppered with locals renting boats.

Cruises

A wide variety of sea excursions are available, from day sails to sunset sails to moonlight cruises. Cruise on a 35-foot catamaran or a glass-bottomed boat, among others.

Fountain Cave

Discovered in 1979, the Fountain Cave is a dome-shaped cavern that shelters several freshwater pools. It contains petroglyphs on the walls, and a 16-foot stalagmite carved with the image of Jocahu, a Taino Indian god.

Amerindian Mini-Museum

Showcases a small display of Arawak Indian objects. A 4'x 8' oil painting interprets what Big Springs, a nearby ceremonial ground, may have looked like when Amerindians lived there.

Heritage Collection

Get a taste of the island's history with artifacts, old photos, and records from as far back as the Arawaks. Stone tools and ancient pottery shards are on display.

Old Prison

The highest point on the island is this prison on Crocus Hill, at just 213 feet above sea level. In addition to its historic interest, the view is the best on the island.

Wallblake House

This plantation house was built in 1787. Highlights include the impressive woodwork, a vaulted stone cistern, and an outbuilding called The Bakery, where turkeys and hams were baked.

Warden's Place

This plantation Great House was built in the 1790s and now houses a restaurant, though for many years it was the residence of the island's chief administrator.

Shopping

Anguilla Arts and Crafts is one of the best places for painted wood carvings, pottery, textiles, and ceramics. The Devonish Art Gallery has works by Anguillan, Caribbean, and international artists. On Saturdays, you can watch artists create pottery. The Boutique at Malliouhana is quite upscale, with jewelry, beachwear, sportswear, evening dresses, bathing suits, and knick-knacks.