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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
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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