Things to do in Anguilla

What to see and do in Anguilla: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Anguilla

Nature

Relax on Shoal Bay East

Shoal Bay

Soak up the sun on the powdery white sand and swim in the impossibly clear, turquoise water of this world-famous beach, often ranked among the best in the Caribbean.

Nightlife

Watch sunset from Elvis' Beach Bar

Sandy Ground

Unwind with a rum punch in hand as the sun dips into the sea at this legendary beach bar, accompanied by live music and a barefoot, friendly crowd.

History

Explore Wallblake House

The Valley

Step inside the islands' only surviving plantation great house, built in 1787, and admire the steep-roofed, stone-and-wood architecture while learning about colonial-era life.

Adventure

Snorkel the hidden cove of Little Bay

Little Bay

Descend a steep rope or take a short boat ride to this secluded bay, where you can drift over a lively coral wall and spot sea turtles just offshore.

Food

Dine at Blanchards Restaurant on Meads Bay

Meads Bay

Enjoy Caribbean-inspired cuisine with your toes in the sand at this beachfront institution, known for its conch chowder and crayfish, set against a dreamy sunset backdrop.

Culture

Visit the Heritage Collection Museum

East End

Browse a remarkable private collection of Arawak artefacts, colonial documents, and photographs that chronicle Anguilla's compelling history from pre-Columbian times to the 1967 Revolution.

Nature

Kayak to Prickly Pear Cays

Prickly Pear Cays

Paddle across calm waters from Road Bay to these uninhabited cays, where you can snorkel vibrant reefs, spot nesting seabirds, and picnic on a pristine, empty beach.

Food

Feast on barbecue at Smokeys at Cove Bay

Cove Bay

Tuck into fall-off-the-bone ribs and fresh grilled lobster right on the sand, while live bands play beneath the stars at this lively beach grill.

City

Stroll through The Valley

The Valley

Wander the quiet, streets of Anguilla's tiny capital, lined with pastel-coloured colonial buildings, local boutiques, and the historic Ebenezer Methodist Church.

Culture

Join the Anguilla Summer Festival

The Valley

Experience the island's biggest party in August with J'ouvert morning paint splashes, colourful parades, calypso competitions, and the excitement of traditional boat races.

Adventure

Hike the Katouche Cave trail

Katouche Bay area

Descend into a lush limestone forest on a guided nature walk that leads to a natural cave system, home to delicate stalactites and a colony of bats.

Hidden gem

Spend a day on Sandy Island

Sandy Island

Take a short boat shuttle to this tiny cay off Sandy Ground, where you can snorkel a protected reef, savour grilled lobster at the rustic bar, and lounge on a sliver of white sand.

Nature

Chase the green flash at Meads Bay

Meads Bay

Settle onto the soft sand at dusk to witness one of Anguilla's best sunsets and keep a keen eye for the elusive green flash as the sun melts into the horizon.

Adventure

Dive the MV Meppel wreck

Off Sandy Ground

Explore the sunken Dutch freighter, deliberately sunk as an artificial reef, now encrusted with corals and teeming with schools of snapper, angelfish and barracuda.

Nightlife

Sip a rum punch at Dune Preserve

Rendezvous Bay

Relax in a one-of-a-kind driftwood bar built by reggae legend Bankie Banx, nestled behind the dunes of Rendezvous Bay, with live acoustic sets that embody the island soul.

Adventure

Horseback ride along Cove Bay

Cove Bay

Canter through the gentle surf on a guided beach ride, passing dramatic limestone cliffs and the wild, windswept eastern shore for an unforgettable perspective.

History

Explore the Old Salt Factory at Sandy Ground

Sandy Ground

Peer into the remnants of the island's 19th-century salt industry at this restored pumphouse, which once refined sea salt for export, and picture Sandy Ground's bustling past.

Food

Taste authentic Anguillian dishes at Tasty's

South Hill

Sample local favourites like slow-cooked goat stew, johnny cakes, and grilled crayfish in a colourful, casual setting that's been a favourite of islanders for decades.

Nature

Snorkel around the old pier at Shoal Bay East

Shoal Bay East

Just a few metres offshore, the weathered pilings are encrusted with colourful sponges and corals, attracting parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional hawksbill turtle.

Adventure

Go deep-sea fishing from Sandy Ground

Sandy Ground

Head out into the Atlantic aboard a sportfishing charter in search of trophy wahoo, mahi-mahi, and blue marlin, with dramatic views of the island's coastline behind you.

Hidden gem

Discover the petroglyphs at Big Spring Cave

Island Harbour area

Venture into this important archaeological site near Island Harbour, where ancient Amerindian carvings and a natural freshwater pool lie hidden inside a limestone cavern.

Food

Enjoy artisan gelato at West End

West End

Cool off with a scoop of homemade soursop or mango gelato, crafted from tropical fruits grown on the island, at this tiny gelateria overlooking the sea cliffs.

Nightlife

Dance at a full moon party at The Pump House

Sandy Ground

Join the monthly beachside bash at this historic pumphouse-turned-bar, with bonfires, DJs, and a crowd dancing barefoot under the moonlight at Sandy Ground.

Hidden gem

Tour the Fountain Cavern

Shoal Bay area

Follow a guide into this lesser-known cavern near Shoal Bay, a site of Taino spiritual significance, where you can see more ancient carvings and a deep freshwater pool.

Other

Indulge in a spa day at Maundays Bay

Maundays Bay

Pamper yourself with a beachfront massage and holistic treatment at a luxury resort spa, listening to gentle waves just steps from your open-air cabana.

Nearby destinations

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