We left Omaha, Nebraska’s record-setting cold temperatures and snowfall in mid-January 2024 for the tranquil island of Anguilla, the most northerly of the Eastern Caribbean’s Leeward Islands.
Anguilla is 12 miles north of St. Maarten and 60 miles northwest of St. Kitts and Nevis.
This British overseas territory is only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. It boasts a mean temperature of 80 degrees.
History
Click this link to learn about Anguilla’s history. Government of Anguilla – About Anguilla – Tourism – Anguilla History
Getting There
Anguilla (rhymes with vanilla) is off-the-beaten-path.
We were able to access the island by flying into St. Maarten from Atlanta, GA via Delta Airlines.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is on the Dutch side of St. Martin and is close to the shore of Simpson Bay Lagoon. This airport is famous for its low-altitude flyover landing approaches.
We can testify that it is the second busiest airport in the Caribbean since it serves as a hub for many smaller islands. The lines to get through Customs and Immigration were exceedingly long as two large aircrafts from the USA had landed within minutes of each other. (Restrooms, accessible outside while waiting in line, are available.)
Thankfully we were part of the Edward Jones Travel Award Program and were led through Customs and Immigration in time to catch our boat ride to Anguilla where we again cleared Customs and Immigration and eventually claimed our luggage.
Know Before Traveling
Public Beaches in Anguilla
Anguilla is ringed with 33 public beaches.
We visited several. Each was stunningly white with powder soft sand.
While we were there, the waters on Rendezvous Bay by our property were choppy due to very high winds. Each day there were red flag warnings preventing us, and most guests, from entering the unsafe waters.
Currency
US currency is widely accepted, though the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is their official currency. (The exchange rate is fixed at 2.70 XCD for $1USD.)
Electricity
110 Volts, AC
Type A and B electric plugs (the same as in the US and Canada)
Language
Anguilla is British dependent territory where English is spoken.
Time
Anguilla operates on Atlantic Standard time year-round. If it’s 1PM in Anguilla, it’s 11AM in Chicago and Noon in Boston, etc.
Our Accommodations: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
Aurora Anguilla Resort | Your Caribbean Paradise Awaits
The resort is on the Southwestern coast of Anguilla, facing the neighboring island of Saint Martin. There are 178 villas and suites set on 380 acres running along over 2 miles of spectacular white sand beaches.
The property is stunning, exceptionally maintained and staffed with knowledgeable, friendly, service-oriented hospitality staff.
Entertainment Park
In January 2024, the Aurora Entertainment Park on the property opened. Entertainment Park | Fun and Thrills Await at Aurora Anguilla
Guest from outside of the property can purchase tickets to the Entertainment Park. Admission is complimentary for resort guests. SquadUP – Create an Event, Share an Experience
The complex includes tennis, pickle ball, table tennis, miniature golf, volleyball, basketball, a climbing wall, a water park complex, kids club and a teen center.
A 500-seat amphitheater hosts events, including live music events and karaoke nights. Check the daily schedule.
Food trucks were on site in the dining court during our visit.
On-Site Tours & Classes
Guests can enjoy tours of the hydroponic farm on the Aurora Anguilla site, cooking classes, wine tastings, and golf clinics with PGA-certified professionals.
Golf
Golf at Aurora Anguilla | A Golfer’s Paradise
Aurora Anguilla is home to the only golf course on the island, including the International Course, which was recently ranked #2 best Caribbean course.
Dining Scene
We were impressed by Anguilla’s culinary scene.
It has over 100 restaurants serving diverse and delicious dishes using fresh local flavors from the land and sea. (Goat is the most popular meat.)
Be sure to try local specialties like crayfish, lobster, johnnycakes and goat curry.
Restaurants serving Mexican, Italian and French cuisine are also available.
Keep in mind that most of the food is imported because farming is both difficult and space is limited in Antigua, increasing food costs.
The average daily spending on food is about $122 per person.
Use this link to create a list of restaurants to try while on the island.
8 Best Restaurants in Anguilla of 2024 (destination-magazines.com)
Getting Around
Requirements for Driving in Anguilla
Guide to Driving In Anguilla – Drive Safe in Anguilla (rhinocarhire.com)
Rent a Moke
Moke Anguilla
A Moke is a type of open-top vehicle popular in Anguilla. It’s a fun way to explore this small island’s beaches, bars and other attractions.
Hints
- Vehicles drive on the left.
- Speed limit is 30MPH.
- There are only 6 traffic lights on the island.
Chauffeur
Not renting a vehicle? Let Simba chauffeur you.
He’s an excellent, professional driver with a clean vehicle. He’s also a police officer on the island.
Things to Do
Anguilla is a paradise for travelers who love nature, beauty, and relaxation.
Guided Tour
We spent a morning with Mr. Bernard B. Wattley touring the island and learning about the history and culture of Anguilla and how Anguillans live (school, church, government, family life, etc.)
There is nothing like hearing about a vacation destination from one who has lived on the island his entire life.
Ask any native Anguillan if they know Mr. Wattley. The answer is always, “Yes.” He’s a retired public servant and educator who remains active in local government.
Visit the Arch
The Anguilla Arch is a natural limestone arch on the western tip of Anguilla near Cove Bay and West Bay beaches. It is known for its stunning beauty and its dramatic location. Access it by hiking along the cliff-side coast or taking a boat tour.
Bankie Banx
Next door to the Aurora Anguilla Resort sits Dune Preserve DUNE PRESERVE | banx (bankiebanx.net) where renowned musician Bankie Banx performs on select days.
Check the weekly schedule for reservations and performances.
Sandy Ground
Anguilla Beaches Walk… Sandy Ground Beach and Village (anguilla-beaches.com)
Hint: The area is as the name implies-sandy. Wear appropriate footwear.
Summer Festival in Conjunction with Emancipation Day
Anguilla’s Emancipation Day is celebrated the first Monday in August, known as August Monday. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1834.
The Speed Boat Festival which is part of the Anguilla Summer Festival is also held then.
Unlike many Caribbean countries where cricket is the national sport, in Anguilla boat racing is their national sport.
The Speed Boat Festival is a thrilling competition where speed boats race around the island, stopping at different beaches and cays along the way. Participants and spectators enjoy music, food and drink at each stop.
Safety
Anguilla is generally a safe and peaceful island.
However, it is still vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, which can cause damage, disruption, or danger.
Anguilla has a very low crime rate compared to other Caribbean islands, but it is not immune to crime.
Violent crimes and kidnappings are rare. Visitors are always encouraged to be alert to their surroundings and practice safety measures.
According to the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the most frequent crimes in Anguilla for the third quarter of 2020 were:
- Theft: 97 cases
- Burglary: 33 cases
- Criminal damage: 17 cases
- Robbery: 7 cases
- Assault: 6 cases
Taxes
Anguilla is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, but it is also one of the most expensive destinations in the region with high rates for accommodations, food and taxes.
In January 2024, the goods and services tax (GST) was 13%. Another 15% service tax is added when dining out. In addition to those taxes, there is an expectation that a minimum of $5 per server also be given.
Tidbits
- There are no shopping malls, cruise ships or high-rise hotels on Anguilla. It is a low-key island.
- Anguilla does not have an official Independence Day, as it is still a British overseas territory. However, it has a national day called Anguilla Day, which is celebrated on May 30th every year. This day honors the island’s determination of independence from Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1967.
- Anguilla’s peak tourist season is December through April. Low season is May to November. Be aware that many hotels close, especially August-October for maintenance, renovation or vacation.
- If you visit Anguilla during low season, there is a possibility of hurricanes and reduced availability of services. However, you may also find less crowds and lower prices at places that remain open. Do your research.
- Staying awhile, visit the west end Best Buy grocery store.
- Small galleries and boutiques are mostly concentrated in the capital area of Anguilla called The Valley. There is a duty-fee shop in the St. Maarten airport worth checking out.
More Information
More Information
For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: Visit Anguilla | The Official Travel Guide of Anguilla | ivisitanguilla.com
©February2024 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.