16 Best Things to Do in Anguilla (2023)

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The Caribbean island of Anguilla is best known as a haunt of the rich and famous, mostly because it’s a great place for chilling.

One island mantra says “Celebrities visit (nearby) St. Bart’s to be seen but they come to Anguilla to hide.” 

But there are plenty of things to do in Anguilla beyond soaking up its laid-back vibe.

Book a trip to this island and you’ll discover a wealth of activities and attractions from coral reefs to dining on what’s considered one of the Caribbean’s culinary capitals.

I’ve visited (and written about) roughly 40 Caribbean islands over the past two decades and I keep coming back to Anguilla.

To be sure I’m drawn by the chance to chill. It’s a friendly place where Anguillians make you feel welcome whether you’re a celebrity or not.

First time I visited Anguilla was on a yacht I skippered out of St. Martin.

The island’s unspoiled quality and gorgeous scenery (think dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches nuzzled by waters painted neon turquoise) immediately seduced me.

I’ve since returned three times. Most recently I sailed here to anchor for several nights and share Anguilla’s allure with friends and family. They were delighted by their discoveries.

Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Anguilla for an unforgettable vacation.

1. Hang Out On a Perfect Beach

When it comes to things to do in Anguilla, easily the most popular activity includes sun, sea and sand – all in one spot.

Chances are you might not hit every Anguilla beach during your visit. Similar to the island of Antigua’s beaches, you could do a different beach every day for a month and still not finish the job.

But you’re sure to find one that’ll be your favourite.

Shoal Bay is a delightful arc of pink sand in the east end. Offering calm clear waters for swimming thanks to an extensive barrier reef, this patch of paradise and turquoise waters is consistently rated among the Caribbean’s best beaches.

Meads Bay boasts a wealth of upscale resorts, hotels and restaurants (Frangipani Resort, Four Seasons, Tranquility Beach and Malliouhana) on a 2.4 kilometre expanse in the west end. 

Cove Bay and Rendezvous Bay are must-dos on the Anguilla’s south side.

They offer fantastic views of the voluptuous hills of nearby St. Martin, while Katouche Beach is a hidden oasis you might share with no one (so don’t tell anyone).

A day at the beach tops my list of things to do in Anguilla.

🌟 Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a great beach that’s seldom crowded (so don’t tell anyone), add Cove Bay to your “things to do on Anguilla” list.

2. Sample Anguilla’s Answer to the Piña Colada 

While there is no shortage of cocktails you can imbibe at one of Anguilla’s must-do beach bars, one libation that needs to be on your list of things to do in Anguilla (or things to drink) has to be the Piña Asada at Savi Beach Club in Meads Bay (Google Map).

Boasting seven handcrafted concoctions that feature inventive takes on classic cocktails, their cocktail list includes drinks like Bubble Trouble and Marga Tinis.

And the Piña Asada – Savi Beach’s answer to the Piña Colada.

Given the fact that I’ve toured most of Puerto Rico in search of the best Piña Colada on the island where they invented it, it’s a no-brainer that I order their Piña Asada.

Featuring Barrilito rum-infused grilled pineapple, honey and roasted pineapple cordial, coconut water and coconut espuma, it’s quite a bit different than its Puerto Rican inspiration. 

It proves so good I promptly order a second one as I peruse the next items on my list of things to do in Anguilla. 

🌟 Foodie Tip: Come for the Piña Asada but stay for a meal. Savi Beach’s menu combines the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine.

3. Climb Aboard a Traditional Sailing Sloop

As I steered our sailboat toward the anchorage at Sandy Ground, I noticed a traditional sailboat with a fire engine red hull weighing anchor as it chauffeured a group of tourists on an Anguilla day excursion.

“Carriacou boat?” I called out as I circled the vessel, referring to the fleet of traditional sloops hand-built on the Grenadian island of Carriacou.

Three days later, heading out on a wooden boat called Tradition, I had the opportunity to find out.

Once aboard, skipper Laurie Gumbs confirms my theory.

“You’re right,” he says. “It’s a Carriacou boat.”

Sailing this traditional sloop to the out island duet of Prickly Pear Cays quickly rises to the top of my list of best things to do in Anguilla.

Especially when combined with a lobster lunch and a fabulous beach.

But Prickly Pear Cays is not the only option if you want to take a Sailing Adventure on a Traditional Sloop.

Consider a sunset cruise to a hidden cove accompanied by champagne cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day in paradise.

Check prices and availability of a Traditional Sailing Adventure to Prickly Pear Cays on Viator.com.

4. Play a Round at Anguilla’s World-Class Golf Course

If you’re a golfer you should book a tee-time at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Country Club (formerly CuisinArt Resort) at Rendezvous Bay.

It’s true you might get distracted by the great views of nearby St. Martin but the course itself is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s designed by Greg Norman and is considered third best course in the Caribbean. 

If 18 holes is too challenging (and will keep you away from those fabulous beaches for too long) book its 9-hole Avalon Links Short Course.

Or, if you’re as bad a golfer as me sign up for lessons at the Aurora International Golf Academy, featuring state-of-the-art instructional technology.

And once you’ve played a round you can do lunch at D. Richard’s onsite or stick around for a bit. Come sunset this restaurant transforms itself into Anguilla’s premier steakhouse.

🌟 Insider Tip: If you’re a foodie or a gardener check out a tour of the greenhouse hydroponics at Aurora Anguilla.

5. Dine on Haute Cuisine at a 5-star Restaurant

Barbados, Martinique, Grand Cayman, Grenada and Nassau, Bahamas – food is phenomenal in these culinary hot spots.

So it’s only natural that one of the most delicious things to do in Anguilla is to test the island’s reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

Our own gustatory journey starts on our first night in Anguilla. We’re enjoying some fine dining at a clifftop table at Celeste restaurant at the five-star Malliouhana Resort at Meads Bay.

There’s a perfect sunset view.

My feast begins with the best lobster bisque I’ve ever tasted. Next comes grilled snapper that includes charred corn and asparagus.

But that’s just the first of many upscale food experiences on Anguilla.

Add in the beach barbecue at Four Seasons, where we nosh on grilled crayfish, the Mahi Mahi at Da’Vida, or the beachside offerings at Jacala and you realize that the island’s culinary reputation is well-deserved.

There are more than 100 restaurants to experience on this small island.

If you really want to focus your attentions on all things culinary, visit in May. 

That’s when they present the Anguilla Culinary Experience, a four-day gastronomy festival showcasing both Anguillan and international chefs.

6. Join the Celebration at an Anguilla Festival

While culinary celebrations are an Anguilla must-do for foodies, the wealth of Anguillan celebrations is such that you’ll feel the love (and joy) whatever you’re into.

Once, my wife and I visited chiefly to savour the sounds of reggae at an annual celebration called Moonsplash Music Festival, tied – not surprisingly – to the full moon.

Here at Dune Preserve (one of the island’s best-known beach bars) dance to the beat and ministrations of island legend Bankie Banx, along with a full slate of performers from international stars to island talent.

Another popular music event is Festival Del Mar at Island Harbour in the east end. This 2-day Easter weekend fete includes “all things sea,” from sailboat races to fishing contests. It features lots of live music and even more fresh seafood.

Want to channel your inner writer? Then consider the Anguilla Litfest, offering workshops, guest presentations, panel discussions and, of course, cocktail parties.

Really want a celebration? Come at the end of July for the Anguilla Summer Festival. Think sailboat races, parades and live music at a ten-day celebration which is ultimately Anguilla’s tribute to Emancipation Day and their take on Carnival.

Can’t find fun things to do in Anguilla during this celebration and you’re not really trying.

🌟 Insider Tip: If you love the sea and sailing, don’t miss the sailing events that are part of the Anguilla Summer Festival.

Related: Love music and food? Add the Shirley Heights Party on Antigua to your travel bucket list. It’s one of the Caribbean’s top bashes.

7. Take a Hike and Learn About Island Herbs and Remedies

If nature is more up your alley than partying, you can bond Anguilla’s flora and fauna during a hike down the steep hills of Viewfort Plantation.

Highlights of this “jungle trek” include a visit to a cave and a lesson in island herbs and traditional cures from a knowledgeable guide.

This isn’t the only spot for an Anguilla hike, but it’s certainly one of the most educational and enjoyable. End your trek with a swim at Katouche beach, a secret and gorgeous oasis.

If you’re really committed to hiking you can prebook one of several options through Anguilla National Trust.

Hiking options include a trek to Little Harbour through the island’s best mangrove forest or the Windward Point trek, offering some of the most scenic views of the island’s unspoiled East End.

If you want a fun thing to do in Anguilla should you ever tire of sea and sand, let me give you some free advice.

Take a hike.

🌟 Insider Tip: Part of this tour includes a visit to a unique cave. If you’re afraid of bats (the flying kind) you might want to skip that part.

8. Go Snorkelling a Coral Reef

If you book a Sailing Adventure on a Traditional Sloop, chances are pretty good your primary waypoint will be Prickly Pear Cays.

It’s a prime snorkeling place to explore an extensive reef. You’ll encounter a fair bit of healthy coral and a nice variety of fish, from sergeant-majors to several rainbow-painted parrotfish.

Another option is to snorkel from shore at Shoal Bay East. Here you’ll encounter a long reef and generally protected waters. There’s more healthy coral and marine life a bit further out.

Crocus Bay also offers some great snorkeling from shore. Just pull up outside the entrance to Da’Vida Restaurant (Google Map) and jump in.

Conversely, you can usually find Calvin, usually lounging in the shade next to the gazebo, who will run you over to Little Bay.

Little Bay offers a gorgeous secluded beach and good snorkeling. You can sometimes spot manta rays here)

Check out both the beach and the underwater attractions and you can check off two great things to do in Anguilla, in just one adventure.

Also worth checking out is the Snorkel, Sail and Lunch Excursion to Little Bay.

This half-day adventure on the sailing sloop ‘Tradition’ includes complimentary use of the boat’s snorkeling gear and swim aids.

Check prices and availability of Snorkel, Sail and Lunch Excursion to Little Bay on Viator.com

🌟 Insider Tip: If you’re more adventurous – or PADI-certified –  check out Scuba Shack Anguilla for dive trips, snorkelling excursions and equipment rental.

9. Visit an Island Made for Just Two

One of the best things to do in Anguilla is to play castaway on one of the offshore cays.

We chose to visit Sandy Island, roughly a kilometre out from Sandy Ground, on our chartered yacht after clearing customs ashore.

Doing lunch at a shaded picnic table beside the bar at this island getaway, we dined with a group of eight family and friends.

That means our tiny island just for two was suffering a population explosion á la Anguilla.

But even so, when I did a head count on this patch of sand dotted with a bit of coral, an occasional shrub and not much else than the bar/restaurant, I saw only two other couples.

So it was an island “almost” for two.

If you don’t have your own boat, book ahead and their fleet of runabouts will pick you up from the village of Sandy Ground (Google Map).

The names of these boats pretty well describe the state of mind you’ll experience once you arrive on Sandy Island, whether you take a ten-minute stroll around the island or just chill at water’s edge on alabaster sand.

Then step aboard “Happiness.” “Bliss.” “Joy.” Or “Euphoria.”

You’ll experience all of the above on this speck of sand surrounded by calm waters.

🌟 Insider Tip: : Make sure to check out their surprisingly impressive wine list and sample their Jo Jo Rum Punch. One of the best wine lists on (or off) Anguilla.

10. Indulge in a Lobster Feast on Scilly Cay

If you’re a lobster fan, be sure to book a day trip to another popular “Robinson Crusoe” island.

Spending some time on Scilly Cay, a tiny private island just off the east coast, is definitely a top thing to do in Anguilla.

Soak up some rays, sip their killer rum punch, do lunch of grilled lobster or chicken.

It’s one of our favourite get away from it all places to eat in Anguilla.

🌟 Pro Tip: Open Wednesdays, Thursdays (Reservations only) and Sundays. Confirm hours and make a reservation by email if needed: gorgeousscillycay@gmail.com

11. Go Horseback Riding in the Surf

An indelible image planted in my mind from our first visit to Anguilla was a photo my wife took of a group of people riding horseback over the sands of Rendezvous Bay.

For years I couldn’t get that vision out of my mind: hoofbeats dancing on the sand, waves nuzzling your feet as you cantered at water’s edge seduced by some of the best views Anguilla offers.

During that visit I ran out of time and never actually got to go horseback riding. 

On my most recent visit to Anguilla I wasn’t going to let that happen again.

Seaside Stables Anguilla is home to nine gentle horses, a tiny farm located just west of Aurora Anguilla Golf Club and Resort.

Though the ranch itself is generally not open to the public and isn’t high on the list of popular Anguilla attractions (since it’s relatively unknown) a gentle horseback ride along the island’s southern beaches is one of the most memorable things to do in Anguilla.

🌟 Insider Tip: Book a 30-minute horseback ride that takes you to Cove Bay or book the 1-hour ride that includes a visit to Maundays Bay.

12. Paint a Masterpiece (or Buy One)

Another English ex-pat, Emily Garlick, offers a unique Anguilla must-do that seems a far stretch from horseback riding or an afternoon of sun and sand.

Then again, you could paint your own beach scene over at Shoal Bay.

Housed in a barnlike structure beside the parking lot, the Paint Gallery and Studio offers the chance to create your own masterpiece with a variety of Paint’n’Sip programmes.

It also hosts some gorgeous artwork by local artisans.

Or for another creative experience, visit the excellent Lynne Bernbaum Art Gallery at Sandy Ground (Google Map) and sign up for an art lesson.

If you don’t want to create your own masterpiece, check out the island gallery tour, curated by artist Lynne Bernbaum herself.

Bernbaum also offers weekly classes at Four Seasons Resort.

“We needed to remind people that here on Anguilla is an art community and presence,” says Bernbaum, talking about the inspiration for this island initiative.

Art appreciation – talk about a fun (and unique) thing to do in Anguilla.

🌟 Insider Tip: Pick up (or have it shipped) one of Lynne’s painting of goats. These animals are emblematic of Anguilla for some reason.

13. Taste a Johnny Cake

According to Anguillian chef Dale Carty, a maestro with an international reputation and proprietor of an island restaurant called Tasty’s, the Johnny Cake is both culinary artifact and lesson in island culture.

“Historically many island men went to sea – fishing or sailing from island to island,” Carty told me as we shared cod fritters on the patio that comprises Tasty’s Point of View.

This clifftop patio (Google Map) is the newest addition to this Anguilla institution.

“Their wives would bake a batch of these staples and send their husbands out on their journey. That’s why they called them journey cakes.”

I’m not sure how the word was corrupted and I couldn’t substantiate Mr. Carty’s claim. But I’m sold on the appeal of the johnny cake, whatever its origin.

I can substantiate Tasty’s reputation for the best johnny cakes on Anguilla.

Housed in a former house on a main drag in The Valley, with a décor that straddles the line between quaint and garish, Tasty’s is also a top spot for traditional Caribbean dishes such as pumpkin soup, curry goat stew and slow-cooked oxtail.

But back to the lowly johnny cake.

For a twist on this culinary delicacy, get yourself to SandBar Restaurant at Sandy Ground.

My taste buds still revel in the memory.

At SandBar, johnny cake is transformed into a delectable johnny cake sundae thanks to a topping of whipped cream and a helping of ice cream. 

And the pastry itself is worthy of praise.

🌟 Insider Tip: If you want to create your own johnny cake, sign up for a cooking class with tour operator Quest Experiences.

14. Get a Helping of History

If your list of things to do in Anguilla includes a helping of history, you need to hook up with the afore-mentioned Quest Experiences.

They offer a curated 1.5 hour walking tour of the Valley, Anguilla’s chief settlement includes a visit to the Wallblake Plantation House, the oldest such structure on the island.

Fully restored and including the kitchen, stables and workers quarters, this property, now privately owned, can be explored if you book the Quest Experiences tour.

Worth a look nearby is the Catholic Church featuring a unique stone façade designed to look like the hull of a ship.

Further afield you’ll find Fountain Cavern National Park, comprising a series of limestone terraces and a cave system with petroglyphs created by the original Taino inhabitants. 

Though you cannot tour the caves themselves the park does offer visitors an interesting exhibit outlining Amerindian history.

The Heritage Collection Museum, a labour of love curated in the past by historian Colville Petty is a must-do for history buffs.

Although the museum is not currently open to the public, rumour does have it that you may be arrange a bespoke tour through Quest Experiences. Email for details: info@whatwedoinanguilla.com

🌟 Insider Tip: Other unique experiences offered by Quest include kite-making and rum tastings.

15. Learn the Anguilla Tradition of Salt Picking

Salt-picking may be one of the most unique activities in Anguilla.

It’s been an island tradition since the 1600’s and salt-picking (and its exportation from the island) became a major industry early in the 20^th century.

You can participate in this time-honoured tradition from May to September. The experience includes wading through knee-deep waters in the 100-acre salt pond beside Sandy Ground (a popular bird-watching destination).

Along the way, you’ll learn learn how to harvest this condiment under the guidance of island experts.

It’s a bit like prospecting for gold, though the end product is infinitely more delicious.

If that’s salt-harvesting is a bit hands-on for your liking, consider booking an Anguilla Salt Body Polish at the Anguilla Spa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

Might not be so culturally rich as the salt-picking experience but certainly just as rewarding.

🌟 Pro Tip: Salt Picking is a seasonal activity. It’s only offered during the dry season since a certain amount of water has to evaporate from the salt ponds.

16. Get Lost and Find Anguilla

Anguilla boasts an overall area of only 102 square kilometres. It lays claim to so few major roads you can count them on the fingers of one hand.

That means getting lost here might be a challenge.

Even so, renting a car and getting lost here may turn out to be one of the most rewarding things you can do on Anguilla.

One day we set out in our rental car to discover a geological landmark called the Arch.

We never find it but we feel downright adventurous as we trundle over a rudimentary dirt road in the western reaches of the island.

We discover instead an idyllic scene dominated by a couple of horses, a congregation of goats and a delightful pastel-painted chattel house.

After a missed turn on another road we find ourselves on a swathe of sand at Katouche Beach. It’s a gorgeous oasis we share with no one. 

Then there was a delightful beach bar called Waves. We’d never have discovered if we were actually looking for it.

The latest tourism slogan of Anguilla is “Lose the Crowds. Find Yourself.”

After several missed turns I’ve come up with an even better slogan.

“Get Lost. Discover Anguilla.”

🌟 Insider Tip: One great place to get lost – or a great place to find – is Katouche beach, a scenic but little-known stretch of sand.

You’ll need a car to go exploring in Anguilla. Just as in Bahamas, Trinidad, Antigua and Grenada, driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Compare car rental rates at Discovercars.com an online car reservation system that lists deals and availability from several companies.

Check for the best car rental rates at Discovercars.com

Travel Planner for Your Anguilla Vacation

Where is Anguilla?

 Anguilla is a relatively small, flat island just north of St. Martin/Ste Maarten. It’s southeast of the British Virgin Islands, north of St. Kitts and Nevis and northwest of Antigua and Barbuda.

Unlike Caribbean countries that are part of the former British West Indies, Anguilla (along with the British Virgin Islands) is a British Overseas Territory.

Official Tourism Authority

For all things Anguilla including event schedules, activities, beaches and entry requirements, log on to www.ivisitanguilla.com 

Hotels in Anguilla

While you won’t find all-inclusive resorts on Anguilla, the island is home to a wealth of five-star luxury properties. However, the good news is that you can also find budget-friendly options from small hotels to rental properties.

Luxury: Tranquility Beach Anguilla

Perfectly situated in the middle of the beach at Meads Bay (one of Anguilla’s nicest), Tranquility Beach Anguilla is close to great bars and restaurants.

One, two or three-bedroom suites located in one of three buildings are right beside the beach itself. Each features great views and luxurious amenities like expansive outdoor areas, including your very own Jacuzzi hot tub.

Elegance and seclusion are both characteristic of this property, one of Anguilla’s newest. It’s fast becoming a go-to spot for a posh Caribbean honeymoon.

Check rates and availability of Tranquility Beach Anguilla Resort on Booking.com.

Moderate: Carimar Beach Club

Though Anguilla can be expensive, Carimar Beach Club is a three-star property located right on the beach at Meads Bay.

Options include one or two-bedrooms villas, each with a view of one of Anguilla’s nicest beaches. Stay here and you can even book amenities ranging from in-room spa services to a private in-room chef.

The resort also boasts two tennis courts and even a pickle ball court. This would be a fun spot for a family vacation or a girls getaway.

Check rates and availability of Carimar Beach Club on Booking.com.

 How to Get to Anguilla

American Airlines flies direct to Anguilla from Florida. Most visitors however fly into Sint Maarten.

Then they take the ferry over to Anguilla from the Dutch or French side (roughly 45 minutes).

You can also book a very short flight from Sint Maarten with Anguilla Air Services. 

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