10 Fun Things To Do In Anguilla

Anguilla is a beautiful, tiny Caribbean island located just 12 miles north of St. Maarten that seems to fly under the radar. It is home to some of the best luxury resorts and arguably some of the best food in all of the Caribbean! And, while you can definitely find lavish luxury here, the island still feels authentic and is known to have some of the friendliest locals! The cruise ship embargo keeps this island from becoming overrun by tourists, enabling it to keep its private and exclusive vibe going. This destination is perfect for foodies wanting a castaway-esque Caribbean escape, or beach loving honeymooners looking for a luxury experience. We recently did our babymoon in Anguilla and it was absolutely incredible!  While the island is small, there are so many nooks and crannies to explore that make this a one-of-a-kind destination! 

So what are the 10 Best Things to Do in Anguilla?!

For the tea on the most luxurious resorts on the island check out my Where To Stay In Anguilla guide.

Hit the Beaches

If you’re planning a trip to Anguilla, chances are you’re already a beach person. Good news: Anguilla has over 33 gorgeous beaches for you to explore! Let’s start with the most famous of them all: head to Meads Bay for a beautiful stretch of casual beach bars and beautiful hotels like the FS and the Malliouhana, Rendezvous Bay for a great view of St. Maarten, head to Cap Juluca’s beach for picture-perfect sparkling blue water, and Shoal Bay for that white sand and turquoise water photo-op!

JETSET TIP: The beaches in Anguilla are public, and the Belmond Cap Juluca has the best beach on the island (in my opinion) so even if you’re not staying there, head there with your towel and check it out for the day! You can also get lunch at their adorable restaurant Uchu!

Go Horseback Riding

Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset ride on the beach, or just want to have some fun on a group tour, head to Seaside Stables for a tailored excursion. I mean, the instagram photo opportunities are endless!

Give Watersports a Go

I love trying new things while on vacation, especially if you’re traveling with your significant other, it’s such a bonding experience to learn something new together! Some resorts offer kayaks and paddle-boards to their guests, but if not don’t fret, Anguilla WaterSports has you covered. Take a guided paddle-board or kayak tour, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a kite-surfing lesson!

Bliss Out At the Spa

I feel like a spa day is necessary to enter full on vacation and decompression mode. Even if you’re not staying on one of the large resorts like the Four Seasons or Cap Juluca, you can still spend a day at their spas! If you’re staying at an Airbnb, you can even look into getting a private masseuse to do on-sit couples massages. The Four Seasons never disappoints when it comes to the luxury spa experience. Other great options for quality service include: Zemi Beach House for oriental inspired offering and Cuisinart Resort, where you can get a heated Bamboo massage and LED light facials. 

Visit Little Bay

Only accessible via the water, this hidden cove is a marine reserve that offers rugged cliffs and a slice of white sand. It’s the best spot on the island for snorkeling! To get there, rent a stand up paddle board from the nearby Da’Vida restaurant or opt for a sunset cruise offered at the Frangipani Resort. 

Taste the Local BBQ

The food in Anguilla is SO GOOD! Who knew Anguilla was known for its BBQ? Lucky you! On the weekends, a row of vendors appear in the valley with their original BBQ recipes. From slow cooked shredded chicken or ribs, to traditional southern-style accompaniments like coleslaw and fries. Try out Ken’s Pork and BnD’s, another good option for lunch is the Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay. 

Do a Boat Day

There’s just something about being out on the water-where day drinking is mandatory and turquoise water stretches out in all directions. You’re going to want to stop at Scilly Cay for drinks and great vibes, and maybe pop off the boat to do some snorkeling!

If your hotel doesn’t offer boat tours, head to Calypso Charters, where you can book day-time island hopping tours or sunset cruises. Boats allow you to see those hard-to-get-to beaches and cays! If you want to up the ante on the sunset experience, go for a Sailboat cruise with Tradition Sailing, where you’ll meander around the island taking in the views before anchoring at Little Bay to enjoy drinks and small plates (wedding proposal goals anyone??).

 

 

Splurge on A Nice Dinner

The culinary scene here is way more than beach shacks and BBQ! Anguilla has some of the best upscale dining options in the Caribbean! I loved Veya for lobster and a chic atmosphere, or check out Julian’s for the absolute best wine list on the island. If you’re into tapas, the Sandbar ($$$)is a must, I love being able to taste a bunch of different dishes-plus their beachfront location and handcrafted cocktails set the perfect scene. For world class french food served right on the beach, get reservations at Jacala.

Enjoy The Live Music Scene

While you can typically find live music most nights, the big day for it is #SundayFunday, so plan accordingly. Head to the Sunshine Shack for reggae, or Gwen’s Reggae Bar and Grill. You can also count on Da’Vida for good live music and Ocean Echo!

Get To Know The Local Drink: A Rum Punch

Rum punch is Anguilla’s National drink and everyone makes it a little different, so you’ll have to try them all (for research purposes obviously). If you’re in need of a strong pour, go straight to Scilly Cay, where the Rum-Punch ratio is generous and at $6 a pop you’ll need to pace yourself (or not!!) For the creme de la creme, head to the bar at the Four Season’s resort, or for something a little less bougie try the locally owned spot, the Sea Spray Boutique.

Did I miss any of your must-do’s in Anguilla? Leave them in the comments!

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