For years, visitors have come to this British Overseas Territory looking for that typical Caribbean experience. What they find is more than sunny skies and fruity cocktails. Ah, tranquility. It’s in the smiles of locals that greet you. It’s where the ocean meets the sand. It’s what you feel after a stroll along pristine shores lined by fishing boats with richly painted wooden hulls. Anguilla is a country like no other.
Anguilla, a jewel in the Eastern Caribbean, is part of the Leeward Islands and is a British Overseas Territory. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and world-class beaches, the island is only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, yet it offers a vast richness of culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. Unlike many bustling Caribbean destinations, Anguilla has chosen a path of tranquility — with low-rise hotels, boutique resorts, and preserved coastlines that invite visitors to slow down.
Its tagline, “Tranquility wrapped in blue”, is not just a marketing phrase but an authentic reflection of the lifestyle and atmosphere you’ll find here. Life on Anguilla is unhurried, infused with warmth and kindness. Whether it’s the easy rhythm of island music, the friendly greetings of locals, or the rhythm of waves lapping against the shore, everything here reminds you to simply breathe and enjoy the moment.
Unlike its neighbor St. Maarten / St. Martin, Anguilla resists commercialization. There are no casinos, no cruise ship ports, and no high-rise buildings. Instead, you’ll find miles of untouched beaches, small family-owned restaurants serving local delicacies, and a cultural scene rooted deeply in heritage and storytelling.
Though today Anguilla is famed for luxury and tranquility, its history tells a story of resilience. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak people, who named it Malliouhana, meaning “arrow-shaped sea serpent.” Later, the European colonists arrived, and Anguilla became a site of agricultural struggle due to its dry climate and poor soil.
In the late 17th century, the British claimed Anguilla, and it has remained tied to Britain ever since. Its most defining political chapter was the Anguillian Revolution of 1967, when residents resisted being forced into a federation with St. Kitts and Nevis. The Anguillians sought independence, and their resistance eventually secured their continued status as a separate British territory.
Today, this proud history is woven into everyday island life. From the National Heritage Collection Museum in East End Village to storytelling sessions with local elders, Anguilla’s past is preserved and celebrated.
While Anguilla is about slowing down, that doesn’t mean it lacks adventure. The island offers some of the Caribbean’s most unique experiences for travelers who want to explore beyond the beach.
From St. Maarten / St. Martin, it’s easy and affordable to experience the blissful tranquility of Anguilla on a day trip. Sail with the Mambo to Rendezvous Bay, which departs daily from Aqua Mania Adventures in Simpson Bay. You don’t need to pack much, as this charter boat has everything you need on board. Imagine stepping onto soft white sand, dipping into calm waters, and letting island time take over as you sip your first rum punch.
Another must is a sail to Anguilla’s Prickly Pear island with the Lambada, where you can snorkel through outer reefs in crystal-clear water. The reefs teem with colorful fish, coral formations, and occasional sea turtles. For many, it feels like swimming inside a living aquarium — peaceful, mesmerizing, and restorative.
Would you like some more privacy, opt for a sail with Private Yacht Charters. Enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and laid-back lounging with personalized service and eco-friendly practices along the way. Whether it’s a special celebration or a spontaneous escape, they make every moment on the water extraordinary.
Don’t miss Anguilla’s most famous beach, Shoal Bay — consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. With two miles of powdery sand and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect spot to spend your day basking in serenity. Beach bars offer Caribbean cocktails and fresh seafood, but never in a way that disturbs the peaceful atmosphere.
You can also create vacation memories on an island tour as you soak up the culture and lifestyle of Anguilla. Visit small fishing villages where boats with richly painted wooden hulls line the shore, or drop into a local art gallery showcasing vibrant island life on canvas. And don’t miss the music — Anguilla has a rich reggae and soca scene, along with traditional string band performances that echo the rhythms of its history.
Food is central to Anguilla’s charm. From roadside barbecue grills serving ribs and lobster to fine dining restaurants offering fusion cuisine, every meal is a celebration of flavor. Popular local specialties include grilled crayfish, johnny cakes, and pigeon peas with rice.
For those who want more activity, Anguilla offers kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding on the beach, and hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints. Birdwatchers can also explore East End Pond and Crocus Hill, home to unique coastal species.
Though Anguilla has a small airport, Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), most international travelers arrive via nearby St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). From there, it’s a short ferry or boat ride to Anguilla. Private charter flights from Puerto Rico, Antigua, or St. Kitts are also popular.
The most common and scenic route is by sea. Fast ferries and charter boats connect St. Maarten/St. Martin to Anguilla in under 30 minutes. Many visitors choose to combine their trip to St. Maarten with a day in Anguilla, discovering just how easy it is to slip away into tranquility.
Once you arrive, getting around is part of the adventure. Car rentals are the most convenient option, as public transport is limited. Driving is on the left-hand side (a nod to British influence), and exploring the island by car lets you discover hidden coves and roadside barbecue shacks at your own pace.
For shorter distances, taxis are widely available, and many drivers double as informal tour guides. Some visitors even choose to rent bikes or scooters, though the island’s sun and distances can make cars the more practical option.
Anguilla is an island located north of St Maarten. Find Anguilla on the map below!
