If you’re looking for the most perfect Caribbean vacation complete with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, rich history and a chill laid-back vibe look no further than Anguilla! Located just east of the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this small Caribbean island needs to be on your radar for many reasons I can’t wait to tell you about.
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean and is part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Despite it’s small size (it’s only 16 miles long), Anguilla is consistently voted the #1 island in the Caribbean AND the culinary capital of the Caribbean. It’s 33 stunning beaches, calm blue waters, powdery white sand, luxury resorts and extremely friendly locals make it a dream destination for anyone looking for a tranquil, exclusive Caribbean getaway.
There are so many amazing activities to in Anguilla, but I’ve rounded up the 25 BEST that will easily help you plan your trip. And I apologize in advance if visiting Anguilla ruins every other beach vacation you go on in the future. I honestly don’t know how any other tropical beach vacation is going to live up to Anguilla in my mind. It is perfect!
25 Best Things to Do in Anguilla
Anguilla truly has something for anyone. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back chill vacation with lots of lounging on the beach and eating or a more adventurous one that involves snorkeling and kite surfing, I have something for you in my best things to do in Anguilla round up!
Spend the Day (actually multiple days) at the Beach
If your main reason for visiting Anguilla isn’t to sit one of it’s many beautiful beaches then you’re doing it wrong! Anguilla may be a small island, but it’s is home to 33 white-sand beaches with the most beautiful turquoise water (the photos and videos don’t even do the water justice). While it’s nearly impossible to rank the beaches of Anguilla here are some of my favorites, which by the way consistently rank among the world’s best beaches:
- Maundays Bay – This is where Cap Juluca is located and honestly was probably my favorite beach because of how calm it was.
- Shoal Bay – Shoal Bay is the specific beach that consistently ranks as the top beach in the Caribbean and the world thanks to its insanely bright turquoise water.
- Meads Bay – Meads Bay is also super calm and also very long so it wasn’t crowded. You also get an amazing few of the sunset from here.
- Rendezvous Bay – This beach ranks high because it’s long and wide plus since it’s located on the south side of Anguilla you have a great view of St. Martin as your backdrop.
Eat at Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack
Located right on Meads Bay Beach, not far from Malliouhana, Blanchards Restaurant and Blanchards Beach Shack are 2 restaurants with different styles and menus. Blanchards Restaurant, an upscale establishment serving dinner only, is widely known as one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean and one of the most famous and most beloved restaurants in Anguilla. While Blanchards Beach Shack is a casual counter service style restaurant right on the beach that not only serves some of the most delicious food on the island, but you can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas there and stay the day.
Day Trip to Sandy Island
Sandy Island is a small cay off Sandy Ground beach in Anguilla and many claim it to be the most beautiful place they’ve ever visited making it a very popular excursion. The best way to get here is by catching one of the sea shuttles from Sandy Ground Beach for $40 per person round trip.
This tiny island is home to a beach bar with amazing local seafood and fresh fruit cocktails, the most amazing views, turquoise waters and coral reefs so make sure to bring your mask and flippers to snorkel.
Enjoy the Booming Anguilla Culinary Scene
Did you know that Anguilla is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean? While it’s impossible to eat at every single one of the amazing restaurants on one trip here are a few that many of locals told us were the absolute best and should be on the top of your list to try:
- Blanchards – One of Anguilla’s most famous restaurants and a must visit while you’re visiting. If you’re looking for something quick for lunch try Blanchards Beach Shack or for something more formal head to Blanchards Restaurant.
- Tasty’s – Tasty’s is a favorite among both locals and visitors and the chef has won numerous awards for his fresh local Caribbean dishes.
- Straw Hat – Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week with the most beautiful view of Mead’s Bay.
- Sharky’s – We asked a ton of locals what their favorite restaurant in Anguilla was and every single one of them said Sharky’s.
- Pimms – A local institution located at Cap Juluca and known as one of the most romantic dining spots on the island.
Fountain Cavern National Park
The Fountain Cavern National Park is part of the Anguilla National Trust and an area that was very important to the Taino, one of the Caribbean’s Amerindians peoples. This underground cave was once a major pilgrimage and worship site and ancient petroglyphs dating from the year 900 surround the 2 freshwater pools inside the cave structure. The Fountain Cavern site also has a statue carved into the likeness of the “Lord of the Yuca”, a spirit of fertility.
Fountain Cavern is recognized as a highly significant Pre-Columbian archaeological site and one of the 10 most important rock art sites in the Circum-Caribbean region.
Catch Some Live Music at Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve Beach Bar
Dune Preserve Beach Bar is located in Rendezvous Bay and open for drinks and light fare daily (except Monday) from noon to sunset. But what really makes this place special is the nightly live entertainment on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday by Bankie Banx, Anguilla’s reggae star, and friends. Many people claim this is the coolest places to chill in the Caribbean and with delicious cocktails and amazing music it is not to be missed.
Drink a Rum Punch
You can’t go to Anguilla and not get a rum punch! And while you can get one at pretty much any restaurant or bar you visit here are the 5 best places to get one:
- Scilly Cay – A restaurant located on Scilly Cay, a private island in the bay of Island Harbour. Scilly Rum Punch is their signature cocktail and many tote it as the best in Anguilla.
- Sandy Island – Another restaurant only accessible by boat because of it’s location on an island just off of mainland Anguilla. Their Jojo Rum Punch is sweet and a favorite of many that visit.
- The Ferryboat Inn – Many claim this is the closest version of rum punch to the more historically accurate rum punch from the past.
- Elvis’ Beach Bar – Listed on the menu as “Elvis’ World Famous Rum Punch” so you know it has to be good!
- Ocean Echo – Located in Meads Bay, their Rumzie Rum Punch is listed on the menu with “secret ingredients” so you’re just going to have to trust them and order it.
Take a Sunset Cruise
One of the best things to do in Anguilla it to see this beautiful Caribbean island by water! And if you’re looking for a little bit of a more chill and special experience than taking an all day boat around the island then I suggest a sunset sail! This sunset sail and cocktail hour is an intimate experience on a historic Caribbean Rum-smuggling sailboat during golden hour and something you absolutely will never forget. This 2 1/2 hour sail includes signature Champagne cocktails, premium open bar, house-made hors d’oeuvers and the most beautiful view.
Play Tennis or Pickleball
Given that Anguilla has amazing weather pretty much year round its the perfect place to play a few games of tennis or pickleball. Most of the hotels on the island have courts – Cap Juluca, Aurora, Quintessence and more all have lots of sports activities available.
Horseback Riding Tour
If you’re looking for a truly special experience in Anguilla I recommend booking a horse riding experience with Seaside Stables Ranch. Owner, Tonia, is extremely knowledgeable about not only the horses, but the island itself and many describe this as a truly memorable experience. Your guide takes you on some of the most beautiful beaches of Anguilla and into the water.
Play a Round of Golf
If you’re interested in playing a round of two of golf during your stay in Anguilla head over to Aurora Anguilla Resort which is consistently ranked as the #1 Caribbean Golf Resort of the Year. They have 2 golf courses there and are the only courses on the island.
Eat a Caribbean Lobster Lunch
Trying Caribbean lobster is a must when visiting Anguilla. While Maine Lobster may be softer, Caribbean lobster, also known as Spiny lobster is slightly sweeter and firmer with a hint of saltiness. I recommend Sharky’s Restaurant if you’re looking for somewhere to try it, it was highly recommended to us by so many locals.
Get the Best Johnny Cakes at Palm Grove Restaurant
A Johnny cake is a piece of dough, fried to form a crispy crust and soft middle and are a “must try” while visiting Anguilla. Palm Grove Restaurant, aka Nat’s Place, at Junk’s Hole on the East End of the island is famous for their Johnny cakes, but a ton of other restaurants on the island make them if you can’t make it there.
Day Trip to Prickly Pear Cays
Prickly Pear Cays is pair of two small uninhabited islands just 6 miles from Anguilla mainland and one of the most popular attractions among tourists when visiting Anguilla. It’s home to the delicious Prickly Pear Restaurant and Bar along with lounge chairs to rent on the famous Prickly Pear beach. Here you’ll find a true island paradise with pearly white sands and light turquoise calm waters.
There are many ways to get to Prickly Pear Cays, but this boat trip that includes a day sailing the Caribbean Sea, open bar, snacks, a lobster lunch, snorkeling and time to explore the cays sounds like a dream and is such a fun way to not only spend a day on the water, but also a chance to explore Prickly Pear Cays.
Visit the Pamead Shipwreck on Sandy Ground Beach
Anguilla doesn’t have too many historical landmarks, so I’m going to consider the Pamead Shipwreck a historical site you must see on your visit. Wrecked during Hurricane Lenny in 1999, this cargo ship’s permanent home is now on the southwestern tip of Sandy Ground Beach.
Sunday Funday at Leon’s
Every Sunday from 5-8pm Leon’s at Meads Bay hosts Sunday Funday and it is not to be missed. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and cocktails all while watching the sunset. It’s such a chill, fun night and we had such a good time there. Make sure to order the Rock Shrimp, Crispy Rice and Dragon Roll (or really any of the sushi it is amazing!)
Rent a Moke
If you’re looking for a truly unique way to explore Anguilla then you need to rent a Moke. Mokes are colorful little trucks that you can drive around Anguilla. They have removable tops, waterproof seats, Bluetooth speakers and are just so cute. There is no better way to explore the island to see all of the iconic spots.
We rented a Moke for 1 days to explore different areas of the island and it was so much fun! But just a heads up they are much more expensive than a rental car, so if you don’t care about the aesthetics and are just looking for a way to get around the island during your stay then a rental car is probably a better and less expensive option.
Go Kite Surfing
Kite surfing or kike boarding is a wind-powered sport that combines surfing, wakeboarding and windsurfing while using a kite on the water and is a popular activity in Anguilla. If you’re an adventurous traveler then definitely bump this activity to the top of your list. Anguilla Watersports is a great company that offers kite surfing lessons along with other activities!
Snorkel
Anguilla is one of the best places in the Caribbean to snorkel thanks to its crystal clear water and many active, beautiful reefs. The best spots to snorkel around Anguilla are Shoal Bay East, Crocus Bay, Barnes Bay (near the Four Seasons) and Little Bay. At all of these beaches you’ll be able to see many exotic fish without too much effort.
Visit the Anguilla Arch
This stunning natural beauty on Anguilla’s West End is a landmark you don’t want to miss. It was shaped by the ocean over MANY years and now is a unique rock formation that you can visit on your next visit to Anguilla. The road leading up to it is a gravel and dirt road, but just follow the signs it’s very easy to find. We drove there with our Moke on the day we rented it.
Catamaran Tour
The main attraction of Anguilla is its many beautiful beaches and the best way to see them ALL is by boat. A full day catamaran tour that takes you around Anguilla with stops at all of it’s popular beaches is HIGH on my list of the best things to do in Anguilla. This is also an amazing day trip activity if you’re staying in St. Martin and you want to visit Anguilla. There are a ton of options for full day catamaran tours of Anguilla that leave from the north coast of Saint Martin.
Underwater Sculpture Park Snorkeling
If you’re an avid snorkeler looking for a unique experience while in the Eastern Caribbean look no further than Under SXM in Sint Maarten. This Caribbean Sculpture Snorkeling Adventure is an artificial reef sculpture adventure park in Little Bay, St Maarten. Under SXM won The Caribbean’s New Attraction of the year award in 2025 so you know its good! Check out their website for the different ways available to explore the park.
Night Kayaking
Since the island of Anguilla has some of the most pristine waters in all of the Caribbean it is the perfect place to kayak in hopes of catching a glimpse of marine life. But what’s even cooler than a traditional kayaking experience is a night kayaking adventure with Liquid Glow, as experience you can truly only have in a place like Anguilla. As you paddle through the water in a clear bottom kayak you’ll be surrounded by the glow of phosphorescence as tropical fish, turtles, lobsters and more cross your path. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Anguilla this is it.
Spend the Day at the Aurora Entertainment Park
Aurora Anguilla is not only a beautiful resort to stay at in Anguilla, but it is also home to Anguilla’s only water park. It is a great activity for families featuring a zero-entry swimming pool, lazy river, three water slides, splash pad, cabanas, swim up bar and much more! The water park is is open to resort guests and tickets are available to purchase for the public.
Day Trip to Saint Martin
Traveling between St. Martin and Anguilla is super simple thanks to the Anguilla ferry. The ferry operates 7 days a week from 8:30am to 6:00pm and takes about 20 minutes. Just remember you are entering another country when you get off the ferry in either direction so you’ll have to clear customs at arrival.
How to Get to Anguilla
There’s a few different ways to get to Anguilla, but here are the 2 most popular ways. From the US you can fly into Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport in Anguilla directly from Miami International Airport with American Airlines. Or you can take a nonstop flight to Saint Martin from several East Coast cities followed by a 20 minute water taxi ride to Anguilla.
I flew from Westchester Airport (HPN) in New York to Anguilla with American Airlines with a quick layover in Miami and it was and easy trip.
Many of the high end luxury Anguilla hotels with also arrange private transportation for you from either the US, Saint Martin or Puerto Rico.
Best Time to Visit Anguilla
The best time to visit Anguilla is from December to April when it tends to be drier, but honestly there is no bad time to visit Anguilla. The temperature in Anguilla is in the low 80s year round, but the summer months, especially during hurricane season from July-October are “wetter” than others.
If you’re looking for a lower price I suggest visiting during the Spring shoulder season from April to June. It’s significantly less crowded during that time and prices of hotels tend to be much cheaper.
I visited in February and while accommodations were more expensive it was an amazing warm weather escape from a New York winter.
Where to Stay in Anguilla
I have entire blog post on the best hotels to stay in Anguilla so make sure to head over there to finish planning your trip! On my recent visit I stayed at both Belmond Cap Juluca and Malliouhana and they were beyond amazing.
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