Tourist Attractions in Anguilla

By Caribbean standards, Anguilla is a quaint destination, catering to upper end travelers looking for a quiet, sun filled vacation. Large scale package tourism has been kept to a minimum, although there are several nice resorts on this small island. The soft sand beaches and turquoise waters are the island's main attractions but there are still plenty of other things to see and do.

Many people come to Anguilla simply to enjoy time on the beach. Some of the most beautiful and popular stretches of sand on Anguilla can be found at Shoal Bay East, Cove Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay, and Maunday's Bay. Shoal Bay East is the most well-known beach on the island and is a great place for swimming or snorkeling in calm water. Cove Bay is undeveloped and left in a natural state, making it an ideal spot for walking and bird watching. Rendezvous Bay offers a long stretch of sand with shallow waters for beachcombing or swimming. Mauday's Bay Beach has soft sand and beautiful views, and has also become a popular wedding spot. These are just some of the main beaches but visitors who take the time to explore will find there are many such places.

When you've tired of the beaches or have had enough sun for one day, consider taking a tour of the island or visiting a town or village. The island is small enough that it's easy to explore on your own. There are numerous car rental facilities, making it a convenient option, but driving is on the left hand side of the road. While not exactly a tourist center, the main town and capital of the island is The Valley, where there are a few noteworthy sights. The Wallblake House is a 1787 plantation house which has remained largely intact, giving a good impression of the plantation lifestyle during that time period. There are also a number of art galleries in the town and a few shops for supplies.

The fishing village of Sandy Ground has a nice beachfront area with casual restaurants, music, and dive shops. Fountain Cavern National Park is another interesting destination with Amerindian petroglyphs and rock carvings, along with stalagmites. Less impressive but still noteworthy is Big Spring National Park with similar archeological finds in a partially collapsed cave.