There are so many reasons to visit the Anguilla-Shores. We'll give you some insight as to how to get there, what to expect, and what to do...
There are two ways to fly to Anguilla: You can fly into the Dutch side of St. Maarten, take a taxi to the French side (St. Martin), or you can fly directly into AXA, Anguillas airport. If you fly into St. Maarten you have two choices: you can take a taxi to the French side and catch the ferry to Anguilla, or you can hire a private boat taxi from the Dutch side to Anguilla. Either way, it is an absolutely beautiful trip approaching Anguilla from the sea. Flying into AXA is very simple. Walk off the runway into customs and you're in Anguilla. Anguilla now requires a passport to enter the country. No more birth certificates and drivers licenses.
Anguilla is 17 miles long and approximately 3 1/2 miles wide at it's widest point. With a population of about 13,000. The people of Anguilla speak English with a touch of Caribbean flair. The currency used is EC (Eastern Caribbean dollars) or US American dollars.
If you have been to other Caribbean Islands, you have probably seen the Islands that are full of shopping strips, high rise condominiums, and cruise ships coming in and out of the harbour. Not on Anguilla. Anguilla has some shopping, but it's not a major focus on the Island. As you would expect, the hotels have gift shops, and there are some very nice shops dotted up and down the shores. The Anguilla Arts & Crafts shop is a must. All the items in the store are made by Anguillans.
As for high rise condos and hotels taking up all the beautiful Anguilla Shores...not so. The west end has quite a bit of development, but has retained most of it's natural beauty and has privately located condos. The north, south, and east sides of the island have a lot less development, but show signs of growth.
Though Anguilla has been growing over the years, it is no where near being over developed. In fact, Anguillans take the Islands development very seriously. Of course there are parts that have gained popularity and are expanding and adding a golf course or two but it has not spoiled the Islands natural feeling of paradise.
The only ships you will see going in or coming out of the harbours of Anguilla are the ones that deliver product to the Island. And if you don't do some exploring you may not see those.
The fun part of visiting Anguilla is exploring. We suggest you rent a vehicle, they are reasonable if you shop around. Head out in any direction, getting lost is really just a minor delay. There are plenty of island maps so be sure to ask for one. It may look a bit confusing at first but getting lost is part of the fun. There's always somewhere new to discover.
If you are on a budget and do not plan on renting a vehicle bring your bicycle and your riding equipment. Like any other Caribbean Island, the roads are not very wide and there are a lot of blind turns, so be very cautious! Plan on bringing a back pack or bike pack on your journey. The weather is usually in the 80's or above and you will need lots of water to keep you cool.
Don't be afraid to go down those unpaved roads, you might find a very pleasant surprise. It could lead to one of Anguilla's beautiful shore beaches or a beach shack such as Nat's Place that offers great food and cold drinks. While exploring, you may end up at a place you absolutely love and spend more time there than you expected. Do it. You can explore the Island for days and discover new places each time.
When we go to Anguilla we still go on aimless drives looking for something we might have missed. We are never disappointed, there are always new adventures and beautiful places to see.
If you are going to Anguilla to relax on the beach for a week, you've got the right idea. There are endless beaches on the Anguilla Shores, some private, some not so private.
Leave VISITING ANGUILLA go to EXPLORING ANGUILLA
Check out Anguilla's most famous beaches