(Newswire.net — June 28, 2018) — Anguilla is a beautiful Caribbean island popular with celebrities. It took a big hit when Hurricane Irma swept through the Caribbean in late 2017, but the islanders are resilient! A big aid package from the United Kingdom has restored most of the infrastructure, and many of the hotels and Anguilla villas are open for business.
If you are planning a trip to Anguilla this year, keep reading for a list of the best sights and activities on the island.
Hit the Beach
Unsurprisingly, the beaches are Anguilla’s best-known attraction. The island is famous for its wonderful beaches, where the sand is like powdered sugar and the turquoise water is so clear you can see fish swimming yards below you. Shoal Bay is the most popular stretch of sand, but there are 33 different beaches on the island. If you would rather go to a quiet cove where you can enjoy some quality time with a loved one, Anguilla has that too.
Bear in mind, some beaches have more facilities than others. Also, some beaches are less accessible than the popular tourist beaches. For example, Little Bay is a beautiful secluded cove accessed by a steep footpath down to the sand, which might be difficult for families with young children or seniors.
Water Sports
Snorkeling is a popular activity off the beaches of Anguilla. The water is crystal clear on most days, so you should have no problem seeing the marine life. You can snorkel off the beach or join a boat excursion offshore. Snorkeling around Prickly Pear is amazing, the coral reef is full of colourful fish and marine life.
Swimming is also popular, as the water is warm and mostly calm. It can be dangerous in some coves, as there are strong undercurrents. Stick to swimming and snorkeling off the main tourist beaches unless you know the area well.
If you want to try something different, book a kite-surfing lesson. Several water sport companies on the island offer lessons with trained staff and private groups. It’s not as easy as it looks, but with some expert tuition, you will soon be zooming along in the warm, sea breeze.
Boat Trips and Day Cruises
Booking a day trip or boat cruise is an excellent way to see the island from a different perspective. There are numerous companies that ship out from the island and serve food and drinks on board. You can relax on the deck with a cocktail or soda and watch the world go by, or try snorkeling and swimming around one of the uninhabited islands offshore.
Anguilla Heritage
The Heritage Museum was badly damaged during the hurricane, but it should be open again soon. If you get the chance to visit this fascinating museum, you can learn more about Anguilla’s history and how it became a British overseas territory.
There’s also a self-led walking tour that starts at the museum and ends at the old cotton gin factory. Just grab a map from the museum and follow the roadside markers to experience the island’s history in a fresh way.
There is a lot to see and do on Anguilla, so make the most of your time on the island!