Anguilla

Caribbean

Anguilla

Anguilla is only 26km long (16 miles) and 5 km wide (3 miles).

Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean, comprises a small main island and several offshore islets. Its beaches range from long sandy stretches like Rendezvous Bay, overlooking neighboring Saint Martin island, to secluded coves reached by boat, such as at Little Bay. Protected areas include Big Spring Cave, known for its prehistoric petroglyphs, and East End Pond, a wildlife conservation site

Anguillans are known to be some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean, and the island itself is one of the more relaxed Caribbean locales you can visit.

They have a Heritage Trail, where you can visit beautiful old churches and interesting historic features of the island

Compared to some Caribbean islands masquerading as tourist traps, you’ll find something a little more authentic on Anguilla. There’s an embargo on cruise ships, casinos and high-rise hotels, but a surplus of clear, coral-filled waters, unmarked and unpaved roads and low-key beachfront villas.

Its people are of mainly African descent, descendants of slavesAnd what’s even more “especially Anguilla” is that their racing sailboats have no decks — the sailors stand on the bottom of the boat. As the race comes down to the wire, they throw out hundred pound sandbags of ballast… sometimes even people!

Fans follow each race in motorboats, or hop in their cars and drive around the Anguilla island following the boats, and commenting about the sailer’s strategies — we even followed along once — it was fascinating.

Anguilla

The first week of August is a huge holiday, with a carnival, fireworks, and all kinds of celebrations. Everyone takes most of the week off — it’s bigger than Christmas. But the races are the “main event”…

during the beginning of August was a real plus — it was the week of their most important boat races (in May, they have another big one, where all the boats race around the whole Anguilla island)

There is an estimated 3,800 goats on the island. Considering that Anguilla’s total population is just over 15,000 – that’s almost a third of the human residency! Tourists will find many goats near Scrub Island and Dog Island—close to the shore. They eat grass, hay, grain, and sometimes even tree bark.

Fun Facts on Anguilla

Country

Anguilla/ Part of Leeward Islands

Visa requirements

No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 90 days.

Languages spoken

English

Curency used

Eastern Caribbean Dollar, US dollar is also accepted

Area (km2)

16 Square Miles

Coral Reefs & Tropical Fish

Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Eastern Caribbean, a 20-minute ferry ride north from Sint Maarten, immediately east of Puerto Rico. Lined with miles of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, it’s easy to see how it’s laid back vibe and hypnotic sapphire blue sea beckons holiday makers from all corners of the globe.

Anguilla is renowned for its spectacular and ecologically significant coral reefs and beaches. There are plenty of colorful tropical fish and beautiful cave systems in the cliffs.