Anguilla — Things to Do

On the surface, Anguilla’s arid and flat landscape may not appear very impressive compared to many other Caribbean islands. However, once visitors take a closer look, they will discover scores of secluded beaches with white coral sand and turquoise waters that beckon swimmers, snorkelers, and fishers from around the world with a plethora of things to do.

Jet skiing and spear fishing may be banned in Anguilla, but the island certainly has no shortage of other active pursuits. Take windsurfing, scuba diving, or sailing lessons for a fun day out. Guided bicycle tours to Shoal Bay and horseback riding excursions around Cove Bay are among the best ways to explore Anguilla on dry land. Visitors can end each day at any number of affordable Anguilla spas, many of which serve fresh rum punch and offer breathtaking sunsets with their relaxing treatments.

Visitors can find all of their Anguilla scuba diving needs at Anguillian Divers, which provides certified PADI instructors, tanks, and the other necessary equipment to navigate the hidden underground grottoes and stunning coral reefs around the coastline. Although Anguilla’s coral reef system is the Caribbean’s first to be artificially expanded and many of the ships beneath its waters were deliberately sunk, the tropical fish and fascinating caves remain very much authentic.

Anguilla visitors who cannot rent snorkeling gear from their hotels can easily get all the supplies they need from Shoal Bay’s Skyline Beach Rentals before heading towards Mead Bay, Shoal Bay, Barnes Bay, Maundays Bay, Road Bay, and several other prime snorkeling destinations.

As offshore fishing expeditions are not allowed without the guidance of a local captain familiar with the waters, Anguilla hotels can arrange expeditions with friendly local fishermen. Visitors can also go through reputable companies like Shoal Bay Scuba, whose fully equipped Panga Classic boats can accommodate up to four anglers at a time.

Sandy Ground’s Optimist Sailing School is operated by the Anguilla Sailing Association, which provides sailing lessons to people of all ages who want to learn Anguilla’s national sport. Visitors who prefer to stay on dry land can watch any of the exciting regattas which take place on Anguilla’s national holidays between locally designed and constructed boats.

Premier Tour Service, one of Anguilla’s leading bicycle tour companies, supplies bikes and helmets to anyone who participates in their 90-minute cycling tour around the harbor and Shoal Bay. A professional cyclist picks participants up from their hotel and takes them past stunning scenery which can’t be reached by motorized vehicles.

Seaside Stables, adjacent to the western Paradise Cove, offers not only daytime horseback riding excursions on the beach, but also 30-minute beachfront pony rides for children, romantic moonlight horseback rides for couples, and even horseback swimming excursions. Riding through Anguilla’s bush can also be arranged.

Those who want to stay on their own two feet can choose between the many guided hiking tours Bennie’s Travel and Tours offers, such as the coastal four-mile Brimegan Trail, the five-mile Windward Point trek across eastern Anguilla, or the Katouche Trail’s shorter two-mile loop.