Anguilla Travel Information

Anguilla is a small Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxury resorts. Here are the top 10 things to do in Anguilla:

1. Visit Shoal Bay East

Shoal Bay East is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. With its clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and palm trees, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

2. Explore Sandy Ground

Sandy Ground is a historic village located on the northwest coast of Anguilla. It's known for its traditional Caribbean architecture, local restaurants, and lively nightlife.

3. Go Snorkeling or Diving

Anguilla is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean. The island's coral reefs and marine life are truly breathtaking.

4. Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Anguilla is by boat. There are a variety of boat tours available, including sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, and fishing charters.

5. Visit the Heritage Collection Museum

The Heritage Collection Museum is a great place to learn about Anguilla's history and culture. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the island.

6. Go Hiking

Anguilla is home to several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the island. The most popular hike is the Fountain Cavern National Park, which features a limestone cave and a freshwater pool.

7. Try Local Cuisine

Anguilla is known for its delicious Caribbean cuisine. Some must-try dishes include salt fish, conch fritters, and johnnycakes.

8. Visit Wallblake House Wallblake House is the oldest remaining plantation house in Anguilla. It's a great place to learn about the island's colonial history and see how the island's sugar plantations once operated.

9. Go Horseback Riding

Explore Anguilla's beautiful countryside and beaches on horseback. There are a few stables on the island that offer horseback riding tours.

10. Take a Yoga or Fitness Class

Anguilla is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. There are several yoga and fitness studios on the island that offer a variety of classes, such as yoga, Pilates, and fitness boot camp.

Climate in Anguilla

Anguilla has a tropical climate with average temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C) year-round. The island has a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to December. The humidity is generally high throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Anguilla

The best time to visit Anguilla is during the dry season from January to April. This is when the weather is at its best, with clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures. This is also the high season for tourism, so prices tend to be higher and accommodations fill up quickly.

The shoulder seasons of May and December can also be a good time to visit. The weather is still generally good, but with the chance of some rain, and the crowds are not as heavy.

The rainy season from June to November is the least popular time to visit Anguilla, as the weather can be unpredictable and it may be more difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. It's also the low season, so prices are often lower, but some businesses may be closed.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Luxury Resorts

Anguilla is known for its luxury resorts, which offer a wide range of amenities and services. These resorts often have multiple swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and restaurants. Some of the top luxury resorts in Anguilla include CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Viceroy Anguilla, and Belmond Cap Juluca.

Boutique Hotels

For a more intimate and personalized experience, there are also several boutique hotels in Anguilla. These hotels often have fewer rooms, and offer a more personalized service. Some popular boutique hotels in Anguilla include Anacaona Boutique Hotel, Frangipani Beach Resort, and Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa.

Vacation Rentals

Another option for accommodation in Anguilla are vacation rentals, such as villas, condos and apartments. They offer a more private and self-catering option for the travelers, and can be a great option for families or groups of friends. These rentals can be found through various platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc.

Camping and RV Parks

For those who are looking for more outdoorsy and budget-friendly option, Anguilla has a few camping and RV parks. These options are rare, but they can be a great way to experience the island's natural beauty while keeping costs low.

Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts

For a more traditional Caribbean experience, there are also several guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Anguilla. These accommodations often have a homey and cozy feel, and offer a great way to experience the island's local culture. Some popular guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Anguilla include La Vue Guest House and the Arawak Beach Inn.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are a popular transportation option when visiting Anguilla. Visitors can rent cars from a variety of companies located on the island, and can explore the island at their own pace. Rental cars are also a convenient way to get around if you plan to visit multiple locations on the island.

Taxis

Taxis are another popular transportation option in Anguilla. Taxis are widely available on the island, and can be found at the airport, ferry terminals, and at hotels and resorts. Taxis in Anguilla are metered, and the rates are set by the government.

Buses

Buses are a budget-friendly option for transportation in Anguilla. The island's public buses, called "ZRs", run on a regular schedule and can take visitors to most locations on the island. However, the schedule can be infrequent, and buses can be crowded, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Ferries

Ferries are another option for transportation to Anguilla. Visitors can take a ferry from nearby islands such as St. Martin or St. Barths to reach Anguilla. Ferries run on a regular schedule, and can be a convenient option for those who want to combine a visit to multiple islands.

Private Transfers

For those who want a more exclusive option, private transfers are available. These are often arranged by luxury resorts or can be arranged through tour operators, and can include transportation by car, boat or even helicopter.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.