Location
Flag
Quick Facts
Capital	The Valley
Government	dependency of the United Kingdom
Currency	East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Area	102 sq km
Population	13,477 (July 2006 est.)
Language	English (official)
Religion	Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12%
Electricity	120V/60Hz (North American plug)
Calling Code	+1-264
Internet TLD	.ai
Time Zone	UTC-4

Anguilla is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin.

Map of Anguilla

Villages

• The Valley - the capital

• Blowing Point
• Island Harbour
• Sandy Ground
• West End Village

Other destinations

• Meads Bay
• Rendezvous Bay
• Sandy Hill Bay
• Scrub Island

Understand

Anguilla was colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, and administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single UK dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate UK dependency.

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth.

Geography

Anguilla is a flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone. The highest point is Crocus Hill, at 65 meters.

Get in

By plane

American Eagle (the commuter subsidiary of the largest airline in the world, American Airlines) provides non-stop, 72 seat aircraft, service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once in San Juan, one may connect using American Airlines, or their Oneworld Alliance partner Iberia (to Madrid Spain), to 35 destinations in the United States and in the Caribbean. Liat provides once daily service to St. Thomas, and onwards to other destinations in the Caribbean.

It may be easier to access Anguilla via St. Maarten, which can be reached non-stop from many eastern U.S. cities, as well as European cities. From there, Winair operates flights which can take 8 minutes to reach Anguilla from St.Maarten. Many visitors charter boats privately from the pier near Princess Julianna Airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla. There are also modest, private ferries that depart from Marigot every 30 minutes or so. (see Get Around below)

By boat

There are regular ferries from St.Martin to Anguilla which is the main mode of transport off of the island. The ferry ride from Anguilla to St.Martin can be far more rough than travelling St.Martin to Anguilla. If you do not want to get too wet, choose your seat carefully to sit facing the wind. If you experience sea sickness quite easily, ensure you take medication before leaving Anguilla.

Get around

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Speeds are low, but the island is small. There are also a few round-abouts throughout the island. Keep left and GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT!

Taxi service is unmetered, with set rates. Taxi drivers offer island tours lasting several hours. Fares must be paid in cash.

• The ferry from Blowing Point to Marigot, St. Martin runs all day on the half hour. The last ferry departs Anguilla at 6:15pm and final ferry departs St. Martin at 7:00pm. Connections and charters are available to other islands.

• Cars, bikes, and mopeds can all be rented. Rental cars are available in from several different agencies. Hertz, Avis and other local agencies.

Talk

English is the official language, spoken everywhere.

See

Do

Swim with The Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery [1].

Buy

The East Caribbean dollar was fixed in 1976 at an exchange rate of 2.7 per U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere but change will be in East Caribbean currency. Credit cards are taken at hotels and restaurants (not everywhere will accept Amex. Mastercard/Visa preferred). Stores will have all prices listed in East Caribbean dollars.

Costs

Eat

Budget

Moderate

• Uncle Ernie's on Shoal Bay beach; inexpensive local BBQ;
• Smitty's [2] in Island Harbor.
• Scilly Cay in Island Harbor; pronounced Silly Key; take a boat or swim out to this tiny island off the island.
• Roy's [3] above Crocus Bay; started by a British expat and his wife. Great bargain lunches on Fridays. Very well known for their fish and chips.
• The Pumphouse in Sandy Ground next to the old salt flats
• Johnno's is an Anguillan landmark, run by John (Johnno) on Sandy Ground beach. It is an open air bar, restaurant and at night a dance club on the beach, often with live local bands.
• Cora's Pepperpot formerly Pepperpot, is a restaurant serving some of the most authentic local dishes.
• Zara's, Shoal Bay - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.

Reservations: 497 3229

• Sandy Island, Sandy Ground, 476-6534 (Simone) for reservations.. A tiny offshore island where you're guaranteed a GREAT time! (Be brave and try the rum punch!!)

Splurge

• Michel Rostant at the Malliouhana [4] Incredible view, an awesome view and great food. Conde Nast traveler rated this restaurant 100 out of 100.
• Hibernia [5] Unique food, gracious hosts and a wonderful time always. Worth the drive!
• Blanchard's [6] Great decor, which is unfortunately undermined by the bland food.
• Mango's [7] Directly on the beach, with wonderful seafood.
• Straw Hat [8] Don't miss the crayfish here!
• Altamer [9] Delicious lobsters big as orbiting moons, great service.
• The Overlook [10]Formerly Cyril's Ovelook of Montauk/NY fame but now in the trusty hands of Deon. Fabulous seafood and great gazpacho soup!

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Moderate

Anguilla Great House

Ku on Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay Villas [11] - Shoal Bay

Splurge

• Cuisinart Resort and Spa [12]
• Cap Juluca [13]
• Malliouhana [14]

Learn

Stay safe

Anguilla is a safe island with a low crime rate. But please take necessary precautions--lock your doors at night, don't leave personal belongings in your unlocked rental car and don't give rides to pedestrians.

Stay healthy

Respect

The beautiful people of Anguilla are incredibly friendly and hospitable.

Contact