Welcome to Anguilla, a stunning Caribbean island fringed with breathtaking white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush coconut palm trees.
If you’re looking to visit Anguilla and wondering what kind of destination it is, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the ins and outs of travel in this dreamy tropical paradise. Whether you’re deep in researching Caribbean destinations or have already booked your villa, you’ll find the info below useful.
So, sit back, relax, and join us as we uncover the beauty of Anguilla.
Rendezvous Bay Beach
Table of Contents:
Traveling to Anguilla is straightforward and simple.
Travelers from the US, Canada, most European countries, the UK, and Australia only need a valid passport.
If you’re traveling from somewhere else, you might need a visa. For visa costs, visa requirements, and a list of countries requiring a visa, visit here.
However, you won't need to apply for an Anguillan visa if you already have a US Green Card or a visa to the US, Canada, or the UK.
Regarding Covid-19 restrictions, Anguilla no longer requires proof of vaccination or negative test results to enter.
| Capital: | The Valley |
| Language: | English |
| Population: | Approximately 15,900 |
| Size: | 16 miles (26 km) long, 3.5 miles (6 km) wide, with an area of 35 sq. miles (91 km²) |
| Location: |
Lies to the East of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and is directly North to Saint Martin (just 26.3 km away). (Exact location and map) |
| Coordinates: |
18 15 N, 63 10 W |
| Airport Names and Codes: |
Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (IATA: AXA, ICAO: TQPF) |
| Electric Current and Plugs: | Similar to the U.S. standard: 110V, 60Hz (USA is 120 V, 60 Hz Cycles). |
| Time Zone: | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year, with no Daylight Saving Time clock changes. |
| Currency: | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. |
| Topography: | Anguilla is flat, with a low-lying terrain. The highest point on the island is Crocus Hill, at 65 meters above sea level. |
| Telephone: | The local area dialing code is +1-264. Dial the Anguilla country code +1-264, and the 7-digit local phone number. |
Anguilla is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. However, some basic precautions are usually necessary, as there have been instances of theft. Use overall common-sense safety measures.
Anguilla has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year.
You can enjoy the stunning beaches, coral reefs, and island festivities anytime, but some months are better than others.
The best time to visit Anguilla is between December and April, when the humidity is less intense and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, if you’re looking for more affordable prices, May to August is a great choice, although there’s a higher chance of rain.
Anguilla, located in the Caribbean, experiences a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. However, the humidity is less intense during the drier season, which typically falls between December and April.
The average temperature ranges from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) year-round.
The most common way to get to Anguilla is to fly into St. Maarten, and from there, catch the ferry or fly into Anguilla’s airport.
The island’s airport is also directly linked with Miami. Other international services are limited; the airport is small (this is one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean, after all). To make your arrivals and departures hassle-free, we contact our concierge service to organize all your international and domestic flights.
As a WIMCO guest, you will enjoy our exclusive concierge service for your Anguilla vacation. We will meet you at the airport and escort you to your villa.
If you want to travel to your luxury villa in Anguilla without any hassle, you can choose our VIP airport transfer service. We’ll pick you up from your home airport and take you directly to your villa on a private plane or a yacht.
If you’ve zeroed in on Anguilla as a destination for your next Caribbean vacation, you’re probably researching available accommodations. WIMCO has a wonderful selection of Anguilla villas available, but there is also a wide range of high-end hotels to choose from.
WIMCO’s portfolio of villas ranges from romantic, one-bedroom beach houses to sprawling 11-bedroom compounds.
Villa Cerulean, located directly on the beach
Villas on the beach are among the most popular on the island. Anguilla is well-known for its stunning stretches of sand, and being able to wade into the water mere steps from your villa is heaven.
Villa Rendezvous, offers chef and staff
And if you are looking to take this experience to the next level, see these Anguilla villas with a chef and staff. These villas offer a serene, lavish escape with bespoke gourmet experiences in a stunning island backdrop.
Villa Nevaeh, offers a beautiful contemporary design
Finally, for lovers of interior design and architecture, our selection of brand-new villas in Anguilla is for you. With the latest styles and amenities, these villas feature contemporary design and luxurious relaxation.
Luxurious villa at the Four Seasons, Anguilla © Four Seasons
Anguilla is well-known for its luxury hotels as well. Whether you choose a beachfront resort or an intimate boutique, you’ll be near one of the island’s stunning beaches.
For a stay in Anguilla that combines the privacy of your villa with the top service of a resort, let us introduce you to the Villas at the Four Seasons Resort. With private infinity pools, access to the wonderful resort restaurants, and steps from the beach, this is a true luxury escape.
Nearly all the villas in Anguilla will have high-speed Wi-Fi, TVs, and cable channels. However, there may be some hotels that don’t offer TV and cable services, so it’s best to check before making a reservation.
A rental car is a convenient way to explore Anguilla at your own pace. With 33 incredible beaches on the island, you’ll want an easy way to explore wherever you want.
When you book your villa with WIMCO, we’ll take care of your car reservation.
Other options for transportation in Anguilla include private cars, taxis, scooters, and ATVs.
For more information about traveling within the island, information about driving, and more, we’ve done a detailed write-up on getting around in Anguilla.
Despite its small size, Anguilla boasts over 100 restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. The cuisine reflects the island’s history and culture, influenced by native Caribbean, African, Spanish, French, and English flavors.
Dining at Blanchard’s in Anguilla
Our recommendations for dining in Anguilla include a wonderful array of restaurants, from fine dining to local eateries.
We recommend making dinner reservations in advance. And as you may have guessed, WIMCO’s concierge service team is happy to take care of this for our guests.
Tipping is expected in Anguilla, but always check to ensure the restaurant hasn’t already applied a service charge to the bill (many do). Similar to the US, 15%-20% is customary when tipping.
From horseback riding on the beach to an incredible sunset from a secluded beach, you’ll love all the varied activities you can do in Anguilla.
Of course, one of the best things to do is to visit some of the world-class beaches on the island. Despite the island’s small size, there are 33 stunning strips of sand, ideal for romantic picnics, snorkeling, and water sports.
Getting out on the water is another great way to spend time here, with private yacht charters, remote cays, and stunning sunsets. Speaking of the water, Anguilla also boasts top-notch snorkeling and diving clubs as well.
Visiting Anguilla at any time of year lets you discover the local culture, jam-packed with vibrant and exciting festivals all year round.
Summer Carnival on Anguilla © Carnivaland
The Summer Festival is one of Anguilla’s most famous and popular. The 10-day festival in August celebrates the island’s emancipation from slavery with parades, boat races, live music, dancing, and fireworks.
Anguilla might have a reputation for being one of the Caribbean’s most high-end destinations.
Still, the island is all about a casual and relaxing atmosphere. Dining out at one of the island’s best restaurants? Dressing up is always nice, but formal attire isn’t required.
Aside from your beach wear and day-to-day island clothes, you won’t need much else.
For those high-end restaurants we mentioned, you might see men in a nice pair of shorts and a collared shirt, while women will opt for a flowy dress or a blouse with a pair of shorts. Overall, a smart casual dress code is typically suitable for fine dining.
Thinking about traveling to Anguilla with the little ones?
The good news is this is a fantastic destination for family travel. Most villas have direct access to a stunning beach and plenty of casual restaurants the kids will love, not to mention the island is one of the safest in the Caribbean.
And when it’s time to splash around in the sea, the waters surrounding Anguilla are quiet, safe, and perfect for children.
As a small island, you’ll never be far from one of Anguilla’s banks. It’s here where you’ll find the ATMs (as well as in some resorts) if you want to withdraw the local currency, which is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere across Anguilla, including shops, car rental companies, and restaurants.
Many establishments also accept payments in US dollars if you have some on you. The exchange rate is permanently set at 2.70 XCD to 1 USD.
For phone service, Anguilla relies on the Global System for Mobile Communications, commonly known as GSM. To use this network, you only need a GSM-enabled phone (99% of today’s models).
However, it is important to note that to use your phone in Anguilla, you will incur international roaming fees. Check with your provider for the exact policies before calling home.
If you do need to make and receive phone calls in Anguilla, a good option is to get a local SIM card. You can buy these from Digicel and Flow stores in The Valley.
In Anguilla, the standard voltage is 110, which means those from North America will be able to use their electrical devices without any trouble. The island also uses the same sockets as America, type A and B.
Since both Europe run on 230V, travelers from those destinations will need a power adapter or converter to prevent device damage when using the 110 V outlets in Anguilla.
However, it’s important to note that most electrical devices are rated for dual voltage use.
To check, see if the display near the device’s power source states something like ‘INPUT: 110–240V’. If it does, you will only need to travel with an adapter to use the power outlets in Anguilla.
Anguilla History © aahsanguilla.com
Anguilla was initially settled by Amerindians, who called the island Malliouhana. European colonizers soon followed, naming the island "eel" due to its shape. Then came the British, who took over in the 1650s, but the French repeatedly tried to invade for the next 150 years.
Anguilla became a British colony with significant home rule in the 1800s but was forced to join the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla union in the 1830s.
In 1967, Anguilla declared independence, which was recognized in 1980. Anguilla's relatively late entry into Caribbean tourism resulted in a unique aesthetic to the island’s resorts and villas, different from other destinations in the region.
For a more detailed dive into Anguilla’s history, check out this page.
Tenemos Golf Course © Aurora Anguilla
Anguilla’s world-class golf course features stunning views toward St. Maarten, and was designed by Greg Norman, two-time British Open Champion.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
From tranquil and secluded coves to white sandy beaches lined with high-end hotels and restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the beaches in Anguilla.
The only museum in Anguilla, the Heritage Collection Museum offers an astonishing collection of artifacts that walk you through the island’s history.
Famed for their local seafood dishes, a dinner at Sharky’s will be a night to remember during your vacation in Anguilla.
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun sink below the ocean, sending a cascade of colors across the sea, island, and sky.
Anguilla's main draw is its beaches, but it’s not just about beaches! Hop on a boat or charter yacht to St. Maarten, explore underwater life, snorkel or dive around fabulous reefs, or hike up Rendezvous Peak for amazing views.
Finally, for a great start to your Anguilla vacation, why not let WIMCO stock up your villa with all the essentials? The villas in Anguilla all come with beautifully appointed kitchens where you can experiment with the local ingredients.
If you are looking for a Caribbean island that has it all, look no further than Anguilla. There’s a reason this small but stunning island is regularly voted as the best destination in the Caribbean.
Anguilla offers more than just beautiful white-sand beaches, although they are certainly among the finest in the world.
You can also enjoy various activities, events, and cuisines that will make your stay unforgettable.
And best of all? It’s still startlingly quiet, an under-the-radar Caribbean island where the worries of life melt away.
Anguilla is a paradise for water lovers, with incredible beaches, horseback riding on the sand and in the water, and golfing with a spectacular view of the sea.
After a relaxing dip in the water or a snorkeling session, you can settle down at one of the colorful beachside bars, where live reggae tunes and rum punch flow freely.
Sunset Lounge © Four Seasons Anguilla
One of the highlights of travel to Anguilla is its food scene, which is widely regarded as the best in the Caribbean. The island's chefs combine influences from West Indian, African, French, and British cuisines to create delicious and diverse dishes.
You can savor haute cuisine at elegant restaurants or enjoy casual barbecues by the roadside. No matter what you choose, you will be delighted by the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Seafood is, of course, a highlight.
In a region of wonderful tropical islands to discover. The island's charm and warmth will make you feel welcome and relaxed.
Whether you come for the sunrises and sunsets, the beaches and activities, or the food and culture, you will find that Anguilla is beyond extraordinary.
Whether you want more details on how to get to this magical island or you’re ready to book the perfect Anguilla villa here, get in touch with WIMCO today! We can’t wait to set you up in paradise in the Leeward Islands.
You can browse available villas in Anguilla or contact the WIMCO team online right here.
Please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
