The 6 Best Things to do on Anguilla

Thinking of visiting Anguilla? We’re here to help! 

This little Caribbean island is famous for its laid-back, beautiful coastline, and the beaches here really make you forget what day it is. Not that we’re complaining, to be clear! 

But here’s something worth knowing: Anguilla isn’t always the easiest (or cheapest) place to stay, especially if you’re visiting from overseas. Luckily, you can explore the island on a day trip from nearby St. Maarten, which makes things much simpler. So with that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite Anguilla day trips, plus six fantastic things to do if you’re spending longer on the island. Let’s dive in!

Anguilla at a Glance 

Before you head off to explore Anguilla, there are a few things worth knowing! Here are our top tips to help you plan your visit.

Don’t forget your passport: Even if you’re only visiting Anguilla for the day from St. Maarten, you’ll still need your passport. Anguilla is a separate British Overseas Territory, so you’ll be crossing an international border. Make sure to check the entry requirements before traveling!

Bring some US dollars: Anguilla’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted. We recommend carrying some cash for taxis and smaller purchases, although many restaurants and businesses also accept cards.

Plan how you’ll get around: Anguilla doesn’t have a public bus system, so you’ll generally need taxis or a rental car to explore. If you’re visiting independently, arrange your return transport rather than assuming you’ll find a taxi waiting at every beach. Or you can book a guided day trip from St. Maarten and let someone else handle the logistics. That’s much easier if you ask us!

How to get to Anguilla

Getting to Anguilla takes a little more planning than some Caribbean islands, but trust us, it’s worth the effort! Anguilla has its own airport, with limited direct flights from places like Miami and connections through other Caribbean islands. However, many visitors fly into neighboring St. Maarten instead, which has a much wider range of international flights.

From St. Maarten, you can catch a short flight to Anguilla or travel by boat. The public ferry departs from Marigot on the French side of the island and takes around 20-25 minutes, while private boat transfers are also available near St. Maarten’s airport.

But here’s the thing: accommodation in Anguilla can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re looking for a beachfront place. And if you’re already staying on St. Maarten, arranging a separate hotel and transfers might feel like a lot of effort for a short visit!

That’s why we love the idea of taking a guided day trip from St. Maarten instead. You can enjoy Anguilla’s incredible beaches and turquoise waters without organizing an entire second vacation. We’ve rounded up our four favorite options below!

Best day trips to Anguilla

1. Anguilla getaway cruise (Our favorite day trip)

If you’re staying in St. Maarten but dreaming of Anguilla’s famous white-sand beaches, we’ve found the perfect day trip for you. This seven-hour Anguilla getaway cruise takes you across the Caribbean on a powerboat to discover some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and secluded bays. But the best part of it all is that you don’t have to organize a thing!

The boat departs from St. Maarten around 9 am, and you’ll spend the day hopping between gorgeous spots like Sandy Island, Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Rendezvous Bay. The exact stops depend on the weather, but you can expect impossibly turquoise water and powdery white sand – dreamy! And don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel.

There’s lots of time to relax, too! Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks from the open bar. Come on, a rum punch while cruising around the Caribbean? Don’t mind if we do!

But what really makes this tour special is the crew. They’re so funny and attentive, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Just remember to bring your passport and budget an additional $25 USD per person for the admission fee!

We think this is a fantastic way to experience Anguilla without the hassle of an overnight stay. And given the hundreds of glowing reviews, we’re not alone in that opinion! 

2. Private speedboat charter (Best private experience)

If you love the idea of exploring Anguilla but don’t fancy sharing a boat with a bunch of strangers, we’ve got just the thing! This private speedboat charter takes you from St. Maarten to Anguilla for seven hours of beautiful beaches and snorkeling. What makes it special is that you get to decide how to spend your day!

You’ll have your own boat and captain, who can help you plan an itinerary based on what you want to see. Want to spend longer at a particular beach? Go for it! Want to find somewhere quieter to snorkel? Your captain knows all the best spots.

Possible stops include Sandy Island, a tiny slice of paradise with white sand and a beach bar, and Little Bay, a secluded cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs. There’s also Crocus Bay, where you can stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and the gorgeous Meads Bay.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with unlimited water, soft drinks, and beer. Lunch costs extra, but we think stopping at a lovely beachside restaurant is all part of the experience!

We especially love this option for families or groups of friends who want to explore Anguilla at their own pace. After all, having an entire boat to yourselves while cruising around the Caribbean sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it?

Related Read: Spending a few days in St. Maarten? Check out our St. Maarten itinerary for our favorite things to see and do, plus tips to help you make the most of your time on the island!

3. Best of Anguilla day tour (Best for active groups)

If your idea of the perfect Caribbean day involves a little more adventure than just lying on the beach, we’ve got a fantastic option for you! This seven-hour Anguilla catamaran tour departs from St. Maarten and takes you to three of Anguilla’s most beautiful coastal spots. Depending on the weather, you could visit places like Little Bay, Shoal Bay, or the gorgeous Prickly Pear Cays, a group of tiny islands surrounded by turquoise water.

But this isn’t just a sightseeing cruise! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to jump into the water, go snorkeling, and try paddleboarding. There’s even a huge floating mat if you’d rather lounge around in the sea. We might struggle to leave that thing!

And keep your eyes peeled while snorkeling, because you might spot sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish. How amazing would that be?

All that swimming is bound to work up an appetite, so it’s a good thing lunch is included! The crew serves a delicious BBQ spread with jerk chicken, garlic shrimp, and other tasty dishes. There’s also an open bar with unlimited drinks to keep the Caribbean vacation vibes going strong.

We think this tour is especially good for groups of friends or families who want a fun, activity-packed day without sacrificing those gorgeous beaches. And with a lively crew, great food, and plenty to do, we can’t imagine anyone getting bored!

4. Anguilla in style day tour (Best for beach lovers)

If your idea of paradise involves white sand, turquoise water, and absolutely no responsibilities, we think you’re going to love this one! This six-hour Anguilla in Style tour takes you from St. Maarten to some of Anguilla’s most beautiful beaches by speedboat. And rather than spending the whole day in one spot, you’ll get to experience several different slices of paradise.

The itinerary features four gorgeous stops, including Sandy Island, a tiny island surrounded by clear blue water, and Little Bay, a secluded cove that’s only accessible by boat. There’s also Meads Bay, famous for its soft white sand, and Rendezvous Bay, where you can enjoy stunning views across the water toward St. Maarten.

You’ll typically have around an hour at each spot, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out on the sand. Lunch is included, with a selection of baguette sandwiches, plus snacks and drinks throughout the trip. There’s even beer and rum on board, because apparently the gorgeous beaches weren’t enough!

We think this is a fantastic choice if you want to see Anguilla’s famous coastline without worrying about ferries or arranging transport between beaches. Four beautiful stops, plenty of sunshine, and a cold drink in hand? Sounds like a perfect Caribbean day to us!

Related Read: Planning to base yourself in St. Maarten? Check out our guide on where to stay in St. Maarten for our favorite areas and hotels to make your Caribbean getaway even better!

Things to do in Anguilla

Planning to stay in Anguilla for a few days? Lucky you! While the day trips above depart from St. Maarten, the following activities are all based on Anguilla, so they’re perfect if you’ve decided to spend a little longer exploring the island. And rest assured, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond those gorgeous beaches!

1. Learn the basics of scuba diving

We really do love snorkeling, but sometimes you just want to stay under the water for longer – hence why we love diving even more! The only problem is that sometimes diving tours are restricted to those who already have their PADI certification, but fortunately that’s not the case with this beginner-friendly experience! 

You’ll meet your instructor at Scuba Shack in Sandy Ground, where you’ll learn the basics of using the equipment and get a full safety briefing. Then it’s time to head out to Little Bay Marine Park for your first underwater adventure.

The dive takes you down to a maximum depth of 20 feet (6 meters), so you won’t be heading too far beneath the surface, but it’s definitely far enough to get a close-up look at tropical fish and sea turtles – yep, that’s right, turtles! 

We also really like that there are a maximum of four divers per instructor, because that way you’ll have plenty of guidance and support throughout the experience. That’s really valuable when you’re new to diving. 

Just remember this tour runs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so keep that in mind when mapping out your Anguilla itinerary. If you’ve been curious about scuba diving but haven’t taken the plunge yet, we think this is a fantastic place to start!

2. Spend an evening paddling under the stars

If you think Anguilla looks beautiful during the day, just wait until you see it after dark! This nighttime kayaking tour takes you out onto the Caribbean Sea in a transparent kayak fitted with underwater lights, giving you a whole new perspective on the island’s marine life. And we’re not talking about your average evening paddle here. The water literally glows beneath you! How cool is that?

The adventure begins at Crocus Bay, where you’ll meet your guide before heading out. You’ll paddle along Anguilla’s rocky coastline toward Little Bay, taking in the beautiful scenery beneath the stars.

But the real highlight is what’s happening under your kayak! The illuminated water lets you spot sea turtles, stingrays, colorful fish, and even lobsters going about their business. Apparently, some fish have even been known to jump into the kayaks! Talk about an unexpected passenger.

The experience lasts around an hour, and you don’t need any previous kayaking experience to join in. Your guide will help you get comfortable on the water and point out interesting marine life along the way.

This tour will really ensure you make the most of your evening in Anguilla. Floating beneath the stars in a glowing kayak is something you won’t forget in a hurry!

3. Enjoy one of Anguilla’s most famous beaches 

You can’t visit Anguilla without spending some quality time on its famous beaches, and Shoal Bay East is one of the very best! This stunning beach is known for its long stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water. It’s so perfect that it almost looks like a stock photo, and yes, it’s really this beautiful in real life.

Shoa Bay East is completely free to visit. It’s on the eastern side of Anguilla, not far from Island Harbour, so it’s easy to combine with a few other stops in the area. Plenty of casual beach bars and restaurants are nearby, so you can grab lunch or a refreshing drink without venturing too far. 

You’ll want to spend at least 2-3 hours here, but you could stay all day if you have the time! It’s the perfect backdrop for a dreamy Caribbean beach day.

4. Snorkel Little Bay, Marine Park

We’ve already mentioned how much we love snorkeling, so we couldn’t leave this next experience off our list! This two-hour snorkeling tour takes you out to explore the incredible underwater world around Little Bay Marine Park. With colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles swimming through the clear Caribbean water, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot!

You’ll meet at Scuba Shack in Sandy Ground before heading out by boat to explore the marine park. The trip typically includes two snorkeling stops around Little Bay and Pelican Bay, giving you plenty of opportunities to discover what’s hiding beneath the surface.

One thing we really like about this experience is that a guide actually joins you in the water! They’ll help you spot different marine creatures and share interesting facts about what you’re seeing. We love that, because there’s nothing worse than spotting an amazing fish and having absolutely no idea what it is (well, when snorkeling, anyway!)

You can also jump off Little Bay’s famous rock into the water if you’re feeling brave. All snorkeling equipment, along with flotation aids and drinks, is included, so you don’t need to bring much beyond your swimsuit and towel. 

Just keep in mind that this tour runs only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so you’ll need to plan your visit around that. But if you love snorkeling as much as we do, we think this experience is well worth fitting into your Anguilla itinerary!

5. Learn Anguilla’s story at the Heritage Collection Museum 

We know it’s tempting to spend every waking moment on Anguilla’s gorgeous beaches—and we won’t blame you if you do—but if you’d like to learn a little about its history, we recommend visiting Big Spring Heritage Site in Island Harbor. This fascinating archaeological site offers a glimpse into Anguilla’s past, long before it became the Caribbean vacation destination we know today.

The main attraction here is a collection of more than 100 ancient petroglyphs, which are drawings carved directly into the limestone by the island’s Amerindian inhabitants. Some date from AD 600 to 1200, which is pretty incredible when you think about it!

You can explore the site on a guided visit with the Anguilla National Trust, learning about the carvings, the former freshwater spring, and the people who once gathered here. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the beach, especially if you enjoy discovering the stories behind the places you visit.

Be sure to arrange your guided tour in advance, and allow about an hour for your visit. Big Spring is close to Island Harbour and Shoal Bay East, so you could easily combine it with a relaxing afternoon on the beach. A little history followed by a swim in the Caribbean sounds pretty good to us!

6. Wander through The Valley and Old Valley

If you’d like to get a feel for everyday life in Anguilla, we recommend spending a little time exploring The Valley, the island’s small but charming capital.

Unlike the busy capitals you might find elsewhere in the Caribbean, The Valley has a much more relaxed atmosphere. It’s home to government buildings, local shops, churches, and businesses, making it a lovely place to wander around and see a different side of the island.

But if you’re interested in history, make sure you head toward Old Valley, where you’ll find some of Anguilla’s most interesting historic buildings. Keep an eye out for Ebenezer Methodist Church, Miss Marjorie’s House, and The Warden’s Place, which offer little glimpses into what life on the island looked like in years gone by.

Another important landmark is Wallblake House, a former plantation house dating back to 1785. It’s one of Anguilla’s most significant historic buildings, although access inside can be limited, so we recommend checking ahead if you’d like to visit.

Exploring The Valley and Old Valley is completely free, and you don’t need a guide to enjoy the area. You can just wander around without rushing, which should take 1-1.5 hours.

And why not stop for a coffee or a bite to eat while you’re here? It’s a lovely way to soak up the local atmosphere before heading back to the beach—those turquoise waters are always calling!

Thanks for reading!

Anguilla might be small, but it certainly knows how to leave a big impression! Between hopping around picture-perfect beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles, and paddling through glowing waters after dark, there’s so much to love about this Caribbean paradise. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from St. Maarten or staying a little longer, we’ve included plenty of incredible experiences to help you make the most of your visit!

If Anguilla has you dreaming of your next tropical escape, be sure to check out our other Caribbean travel blogs! We’ve got plenty more incredible destinations, travel tips, and adventures to share. We’ve also included a few of our most popular guides below to keep that vacation inspiration flowing. Cheers!

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