A traveler's guide to Anguilla
There is no town scene to chase. The beach is the itinerary, and the restaurants are the evening.
Anguilla is a beach island with the volume turned down. Shoal Bay is the one on the posters: pale sand, reefs close to shore, and a couple of bars rather than a strip. The other bays are how you spend the days you do not need a scene.
When to go
Winter is the dry, expensive season. Summer is quieter and still bright, with the usual Caribbean storm caveat. The water is warm enough whenever you go.
The beach
Shoal Bay East is the famous one and still feels like a beach rather than a complex. Meads, Rendezvous, and Savannah are the rotation. Access is simple. Shade is not always free.
In the water
The reef at Shoal Bay is a shore snorkel on a calm day. Currents are usually gentle and not always. A boat to a cove is pleasant and rarely necessary.
If you only remember this
- Most people fly into St. Martin and boat across. The ferry is the ordinary way.
- A car is worth it. Beaches are not walking distance from each other.
- Reserve dinner in winter. The island has fewer tables than visitors.
- Cash and cards both work. The vibe is barefoot either way.