Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean that features a small main Island and numerous offshore islets. Anguilla is a part of the Leeward Islands and the Lesser Antilles, lying directly not of St. Martin and east of Puerto Rico. Its beaches vary between long sandy stretches such as, Rendezvous Bay, that overlooks its neighbouring island, Saint Martin, to private coves that can be reached by ferry, such as Little Bay. Guarded areas include Big Spring Cave, famous for its prehistoric petroglyphs, and East End Pond, a wildlife conservation area. The Island has an area of 35 square miles and a population of 13, 600 people.
Why Go
In comparison with some of the Caribbean Islands masquerading as top tourist destinations, you will something a bit more genuine in Antigua. There is a ban on cruises ships, high-rise hotels and casinos, but an excess amount of clear, coral-filled waters, untouched roads and laid-back oceanfront villas. Indulgence is also at a premium, from the extravagant resorts to the cosmopolitan alfresco dining. With little to do but relax, the days here seem to be pretty long. And once the sun sets, you'll be spoilt to one of the best live entertainment scenes in the Caribbean. Everyone, from Bankie Banx to Quincy Jones and Jimmy Buffet has stopped by Anguilla’s grey shore to perform.
In proximity to Shoal Bay, the Fountain Cavern is a cultural, natural wonder, and Anguilla’s most popular archaeological site. Two freshwater pools and countless Amerindian petroglyphs descend 15 meters underground in a cave. The most interesting of these is a tall stalagmite carved in the shape of “Jocahu”, the supreme God of the Taino Indians. The Fountain is rumoured to have been a major regional site of worship site and a place of pilgrimage for Amerindians.
Anguilla is home to a double reef system with a vast variety of corals. Anguilla is also known for its ships that were intentionally sunken to become artificial reefs. Seven underwater marine parks surround the island: Prickly Pear, Dog Island, Stoney Bay Marine Park, Sandy Island, Shoal Bay Harbour Reef System, Seal Island Reef System and Little Bay. Turtles, garden eels, and stingrays inhabit most of the dive sites, and divers at Scrub Island often see barracudas and sharks. Stoney Bay Marine Park is the wreck site of the El Buen Consejo, an 18th-century Spanish galleon that capsized off the southeastern shores of Anguilla in 1772. The site is an award-winning underwater park open to certified scuba divers.
Wallblake House is one of the main attractions on the Anguilla Heritage Tour; it is a Plantation House that was constructed in 1787 by sugar planter, Will Blake. It is one of the only plantation houses in the Caribbean where all of it is still intact (kitchen, stable, and slave quarters). The large rooms are filled with interesting artefacts illustrating the rich history of Anguilla.
History lovers and tourist who wish to learn about Anguilla will appreciate the Heritage Collection Museum. Anguillan exhibits, old postage stamps, 20th-century photographs and important documents illustrate the History of Anguilla as far back as to the days of Tainos to the present. The museum’s collector, Colville Petty, is an authority on Anguilla's history and an author on the subject.
The small, buzzing Valley is Anguilla’s capital city and commercial, geographic and political centre of the Island. A good place to start an excursion in Anguilla is the Anguilla National Trust with exhibits on the Anguilla’s cultural and natural history. Stop by and grab a map for the free self-guided Anguilla Heritage Tour as well as details on walking and birding tours. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Anguilla on the Heritage Trail is Wallblake House. An excellent illustration of the islands stonework, Warden’s Place, is a former sugar and cottage plantation great house, built by slaves in 1790’s. The rebuilt structure is now home to a restaurant, and its 200-year-old rock oven installs used in food preparation. For a lot of years, cotton produced in Anguilla for expiration to England was ginned in the Old factory. Some of the original ginning machinery is still on display here, and it is also the home of the Anguillan Tourist Board. Art lovers will appreciate Loblolly Gallery and Art Gallery, in the icons Rose Cottage. Both galleries showcase modern art, while World Art and Antiques Gallery features a variety of collections from all over the world. For breathtaking vistas over the city and Anguilla head to the top of Crocus Hill, the highest point on the island.
Shoal Bay East is an extensive stretch of glistening white sand that beach bums consider to be the best stretch of beach in Anguilla. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling, the waters offers some of the best coral gardens in Anguilla inhabited by countless tiny iridescent fish.
One of Anguilla’s most popular beaches on the island’s west end, Meads Bay presents a beautiful one-and-half kilometre stretch of white snap beach crystalline, tranquil waters for swimming. Chic villas and resorts pepper the sand here as well some excellent restaurants. Near the turn off to Meads Ba, you can stop by Cheddie’s Art Studio to see the driftwood carvings, Cheddie Richardson.
Rendezvous Bay Beach is a vibrant four-kilometre crescent of powdery sand and glistening waters. Calm and shallow, this quiet stretch of coast is great for families with kids. Swimmers, sunbathers and shell collectors will also be impressed.
