Anguilla 3 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

3-Day Anguilla Itinerary: Beach Bliss & Island Charm

This itinerary focuses on relaxation and enjoying Anguilla’s stunning beaches, with a taste of its local culture.

Things to Know Before You Go:

Visa Requirements: Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so US citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays up to 3 months. Other nationalities should check the Anguilla Tourism website (https://www.ivisitanguilla.com/ or their embassy’s website for specific visa requirements.
Currency: The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), but US dollars are widely accepted.

Day 1: Beach Hopping & Relaxation

Morning: Arrive at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla (or by ferry from St. Maarten).
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the beach!
- Option 1: Head to Shoal Bay East, known for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and calm waves - perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  - Transportation: Taxi or car rental (recommended)
  - Things to see & do:
    - Soak up the sun on the beach and enjoy the calm, clear waters.
    - Swim in the warm ocean, snorkel in the vibrant reefs, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore.
    - Lunch at Uncle Ernie’s Beach Bar in Shoal Bay East.
    - Dinner at Mangos, known for its beachfront dining and Caribbean cuisine.
Day:
- Morning: Relax and enjoy the beach!
  - Option 1 (Beach Day):
Activities:
- Morning: Swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing at Shoal Bay East is a great way to start your Anguilla adventure. This stunning beach boasts crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling conditions, and calm waves for swimming.
- Afternoon: Explore the beach’s natural beauty with a beach walk, collecting shells and enjoying the views.
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  * **Activity Options:**
      * **Rent kayaks or paddleboards** and explore the coastline.
      * Visit the **Anguilla National Trust**, which offers guided tours of historical sites and nature reserves.
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Evening: Enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner at Mangos, a popular beachfront restaurant with breathtaking ocean views.

Day 2: Exploring Anguilla’s Culture & History

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Site, where you can learn about the island’s fascinating past from pre-Columbian times to the present.
- Things to see & do:
  - Explore the local markets, like the Farmers Market in The Valley, for fresh produce, local crafts, and a taste of Anguillian life.
  - Visit the Heritage Collection, which showcases the island’s cultural heritage with exhibits on archaeology, history, and art.
Afternoon: Enjoy some water sports at Rendezvous Bay. This is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and boating.
- Things to see & do:
  - Rent a boat and go island hopping.
  - Visit the historic sites in Anguilla and surrounding islands.
Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant like Blanchards, enjoy a delicious meal while listening to live music, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the island.

Day 3: Beach & Water Relaxation

Morning: Spend the morning enjoying the pristine beaches of Anguilla. Relax by the crystal-clear waters, swim in the ocean, or simply enjoy the sun and sand.
Activities:
- Visit a historical site: Explore the ruins of the Old Fort in the Valley, a testament to the island’s past as a British colony.
Things to see & do:
- Explore the beach: Relax by the calm waters of Shoal Bay West, Meads Bay, or Sandy Ground and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, or even exploring the underwater world with a snorkeling adventure.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Meads Bay (or any other beach).
- Go for a swim: Explore the beautiful waters of Anguilla’s famous beaches and experience the island’s tranquil beauty.
- Visit the Anguilla Archaeological & Historical Society: Immerse yourself in the island’s archaeological history.
Dinner: Celebrate your Anguillian adventure with a farewell dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Things to see & do:

Experience the local culture:
- Visit a rum distillery: Learn about Anguilla’s famous rum and sample some of the island’s finest.
- Explore the local markets: Discover fresh produce, fruits, seafood, spices, and unique crafts from local artisans.

Things to do:

Enjoy Anguilla’s beaches: Relax on the white sands, swim in the turquoise waters, or go for a boat ride and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island.
Visit the Anguilla National Trust: Discover the history of Anguilla with a tour of this organization.
Go snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life around Anguilla’s beaches.

Things to see:

The Valley: Visit the historical sites in The Valley, such as the ruins of an old sugar mill or the island museum.

Enjoy local cuisine:

Sample Anguillian rum punch: Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of this island staple while enjoying a beachside sunset.
- Visit a local bakery: Try some delicious pastries like Johnny Cakes, a traditional bread made with flour, sugar, and butter.

Things to note:

Anguilla is a relatively small island, so you can easily explore it in a few days.
The island’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), but US dollars are widely accepted.
Anguilla is known for its relaxed atmosphere. Remember to pack sunscreen, swimwear, and a good book!

Things to remember:

Bring your passport: You’ll need it for travel and immigration purposes.
Pack some cash in local currency: While many places take US dollars, having some EC$ on hand is always helpful for smaller vendors or markets.
Consider the weather: This is a tropical island, so the weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Check out the local events: Find out what’s happening on the island during your trip. There might be festivals, concerts, or other events going on that you can enjoy!

Enjoy:

Local markets: Look for fresh ingredients and unique souvenirs to buy.
The beautiful beaches: Bring a towel and sunscreen!

Remember:

Respect the local culture: Be mindful of the customs and traditions of the people in Anguilla.
Be friendly: A smile and a “hello” go a long way.

Enjoy the beauty:

Experience the local culture (see above).
Visit a beach bar: Relax, enjoy the sunset, and meet some locals.

Remember to check online for specific visa requirements and information about travel to Anguilla.