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General Information
35 square miles surrounded by turquoise waters and 33 uncrowded white sand beaches, Anguilla is truly a tropical
paradise. From watersports to hiking, shopping to dining, Anguilla has something for every taste.
 How is the diving in Anguilla? Unlike the pinnacles of neighboring Saba or the deep walls
of St. Croix, Anguilla's natural diving is mostly shallow dives offshore or on fringing coral reefs. While there
are some walls, caves, etc.., the real draw to Anguilla is wreck diving.
Five excellent wrecks are currently being dived and three more soon will be. El Buen Consejo is scheduled to be
a marine park and historical site under the supervision of marine archaeologists.
Anguilla's turquoise waters boast seven marine parks: Dog Island, Prickley Pear, Seal Island Reef System, Little
Bay, Sandy Island, Shoal Bay Harbour Reef System and Stoney Bay Marine Park.
You would be unlucky to spend a week diving in Anguilla and not see a turtle or two. The sand that surrounds the
dive sites is where you will see stingrays and garden eels, and there is a good chance of spotting conch. If you
have a penchant for sharks, Scrub Island at the eastern end of Anguilla will virtually guarantee you a sighting.
The wrecks attract barracuda, both schools of small barracuda and solitary grandfather sized specimens.
Climate 75 - 85F 24 - 29C
Water Temp 77 to 83F 25 - 28C
Visibility 60 - 100+ ft 18 - 30 m
Dive Centers & Accommodations
New Travel Regulations
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport,
Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present
a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements
as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport
cards for land/sea entries.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do
not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. More Details... |
Getting There
There are a number of options available
for getting to this idyllic island. Visitors can fly directly into Anguilla's Wallblake Airport from Puerto Rico
via American Eagle/American Airlines and LIAT, or opt to fly directly to St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas or St.
Kitts for easy transfer to Anguilla:
San Juan via American Eagle and LIAT
St. Thomas via American Eagle, LIAT, TransAnguilla and WINAIR
St. Maarten/Martin: St. Maarten via scheduled and chartered air with WINAIR, LIAT,
TransAnguilla and Island Charters. St. Martin (Marigot Bay) via regularly scheduled ferries.
Antigua via LIAT and Caribbean Star
St. Kitts via LIAT and Caribbean Star
Ferries: Anguilla / St. Martin
Ferries are a popular way to travel between Anguilla and St. Martin. No reservations are necessary. Between 7:30AM
and 6:15PM, ferries run at approximately 30 minute intervals between Blowing Point, Anguilla and Marigot Bay, St.
Martin. Last ferries of the day are the 6:15PM from Anguilla and the 7:00PM from Marigot Bay, St. Martin. Ferry
crossings are $10 each way, plus $3 departure tax. Ferries are also available for charter.
Wallblake Airport:
American Eagle, WINAIR & LIAT, Caribbean Star
Local Air Charter Services:
Tyden Air, Air Anguilla & Trans Anguilla
Nearest International Gateways:
San Juan & Antigua (1 hr. flight); St. Martin, (7 minute flight).
Entry Requirements
A passport is required. Visitors are required to have a return or onward ticket.
Green card holders must have a valid green card and valid passport from their country of origin.
Nationals of the following countries require a visa to enter Anguilla:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Burkina, Burundi, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verdi, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Columbia,
Comoros, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory
Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirgizstan, Korea (North), Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Maldives
Travel Tips
Taxis are readily available to and from the airport or Ferry Dock. They are also available for island tours. Rates
are preset, there are no meters.
Driving
Driving is on the left and the speed limit is 30 mph. To rent a car you'll need your valid driver's license from
your resident country, and $20 to purchase a temporary Anguilla driver's license. Temporary Anguilla driver's licenses
are available through car rental agencies. Well-maintained rental cars and jeeps are readily available. Car seats
are available at rental agencies. Reservations for 'in season' car rentals and children's car seats should be made
in advance.
Two Wheeled Rentals
Many visitors to sightsee on a bike or scooter. Bikes are available from about $10 per day, scooters from about
$20 per day.
Money Matters
US currency is widely accepted throughout the island. Prices on menus, in hotels and for activities are generally
quoted in US dollars. ATMs on Anguilla accept international bank cards. Currently there are five ATMs located conveniently
throughout the Island: one each at National Bank of Anguilla (NBA), Scotia Bank, Caribbean Commercial Bank, and
Ashley & Sons Grocery.
Electricity
110 AC voltage, the same as in the USA
Water
The water is safe to drink, however bottled water is available at hotels and convenience stores.
Dress
Attire is casual. It is generally advisable to bring a light sweater or wrap for evenings. There are no nude/topless
beaches on Anguilla; keep your clothes on!
Safety
There is very little crime in Anguilla; however, travelers should take normal precautions such as locking doors
and securing valuables.
Activities
There are many activities in addition to diving that you will enjoy on Anguilla. The following is just a sample
of what you can find.
Horseback riding through trails and along beaches is a great way to discover Anguuilla.
Parasailing provides breathtaking island views for those not faint of heart.
Paddleboating and kayaking allows you to enjoy the tuquoise waters at your own pace.
Windsurfing is an exhilarating experience, gliding across the waters. Lessons are available if you would like to
learn.
Try your luck for the big game fish found off the coast of Anguilla - including Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin and more. Charters
are readily available.
Explore the underwater world from total comfort. The surrounding reefs come alive in glass bottom boat tours.
Want to just enjoy a day in the warm, tropical sun? Boats of various sizes are available for charter. Cruise the
crystal clear waters, snorkel swim or have a picnic on a secluded beach.
Hiking is another great way to discover the island and enjoy the bounty of nature here. Miles of trails tred, including
a small, but beautiful rainforest.
Not up for hiking? How about a casual and relaxing bike ride. The flat terrain of Anguilla makes it easy and fun.
Discover the past with with a museum tour. More than 3000 years of heritage on display.
Who thought dining could be so much fun? With more choices per acre than New York City, the gourmet choices will
turn on your taste buds.
You will not find sprawling department stores for shopping in Anguilla. What you will find are small shops and
boutiques, offering local paintings and crafts, spices, tropical clothing, island music, antiques, curios and other
souvenirs.
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