Planning Your Trip

Plan the trip of a lifetime to this beautiful Caribbean island, known for its white-sand beaches, world-class snorkeling, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.

Plan the trip of a lifetime to this beautiful Caribbean island, known for its white-sand beaches, world-class snorkeling, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.

Anguilla is a Caribbean paradise, located in the Lesser Antilles. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxed family vacation or your wedding, knowing how to get to the island, where to stay, and what to pack will set you up for the best experience during your travels. 

Getting to Anguilla

Just North of Saint-Martin, Anguilla is a hop, skip, and jump from many Caribbean hotspots. Because of this, there are many different options for getting to the island.

Flights

There are a variety of direct flights from several cities in the United States to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, also known as AXA. American Airlines offers daily flights between Miami and Anguilla, which are approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Many flights from Antigua (ANU), Puerto Rico (SJU), and St. Kitts connect travelers with a direct route to Anguilla. 

Another common way to travel to Anguilla is by taking a flight to St. Maarten (SXM), serviced by many major and international airlines. After landing in St. Maarten, you can either transfer to a short seven-minute flight or enjoy a 25-minute ferry ride to Anguilla. 

Start searching for your flights

[LINK TO/EMBED: https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/United-States-US0/Anguilla-AI0]

Ferries

A ferry ride is a wonderful way to take in the Caribbean as part of your vacation, and fortunately, for those who get seasick, the waters between St. Maarten and Anguilla tend to be gentle. If you decide to take a ferry from St. Maarten, there are several options for catching a boat. 

On the French side, St. Martin, there is a public ferry that runs eight times a day to Anguilla’s Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. The ferries depart St. Martin at a regular schedule, which can be found on the Margot Ferries website or the Anguilla Ferry Service, Link Ferry Services. The one-way fare is $30 USD for anyone 12 and older, and USD $20 USD for anyone under 12. *Prices subject to change

On the Dutch Side of the island, St. Maarten, several private companies operate professional ferry, or charter services. The St. Maarten Ferry Terminal is located across from the Princess Juliana Airport and is where all services depart. Most ferry services run between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and the fares start at $65 USD per person. 

To explore ferry options for your trip, check out our Airlines & Ferries services page

Services Boat Charters Anguilla

Private Charters

If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, you can arrange a private charter to Anguilla. Several companies offer private flights and boat charters from St. Martin and other neighboring islands. 

For anyone looking for a personalized experience, chartering a private plane or boat allows you to choose your travel schedule. Many companies offer customized packages that include transportation, accommodation, and activities. 

To start exploring private charter options, take a look at our [LINK TO SERVICES PAGE] services page. You’ll be able to find options for flights and ferries to bring you to the island for your exciting vacation. 

Where to Stay in Anguilla

There are many options for where to stay on the island. From five-star resorts to villas to apartments for long-term stays, there’s a place for everyone. Because Anguilla is a smaller island, traveling around the island to different beaches and must-see destinations is easy. This means you can pick your favorite beach or hotel as a starting spot and still see the entire island – or relax the day away near your accommodation.

Best Beaches

There are several main areas where people like to stay on the island. On the west side of the island, you can find Meads Bay [LINK TO MEADS BAY]. This area is the perfect spot for a dreamy Caribbean vacation, as it’s close to some of the best beach bars, local stores, and watersports. 

Also on the west side, you’ll find Blowing Point [LINK] and Rendezvous Bay [LINK]. This is a great spot for family vacations, as Rendezvous Bay is a great swimming spot, and the only waterpark on the island is located nearby. 

Closer to the center of the island is Sandy Ground [LINK]. While Anguilla isn’t known for having a wild nightlife scene, this area offers some of the best experiences for younger travelers – and those young at heart. On weekends, you can find locals performing traditional dances, which is an incredible way to learn about the island’s history and culture. Sand Ground is also a great choice for families, as the water in this area is calm and shallow. This makes is a great place for kids to wade and swim safely. 

On the east side of the island, Shoal Bay Village [LINK] is a nature-lover’s paradise. Nearby, there’s the Big Spring Cave as well as unique Heritage Tours run by The Anguilla National Trust. This is also a great area for fishing and snorkeling, as some of the best coral reefs of Anguilla are located nearby. 

For a deeper dive into different beaches and parts of the island, see our post about [LINK HERE -NAME TBD].

Picking Your Hotel

Along every beach in Anguilla, you’ll find a variety of options for accommodation. For those looking for luxury resorts, there are several all-inclusive experiences to choose from, including the iconic Four Season Hotel. There are also more cost-friendly hotel options that will meet the needs of more casual travelers. 

There are also options beyond traditional hotels. Staying in a villa is a great way to get a more private experience on the island. You can find villas across the island, but some of the best are within walking distance of amazing beaches and great food. 

To start searching for your perfect place to stay, explore our [LINK TO] accommodations search feature. 

What to Pack 

The best time of year to visit Anguilla is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The temperature ranges from 78° Fahrenheit (25° C) to 85° Fahrenheit (29° C), with the hottest part of the day between 10 AM and 2 PM. Anguilla tends to be humid all year round. 

To prepare for the tropical weather, there are a few things to make sure you have in your suitcase. It’s important to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The island is sunny and because it’s close to the equator, the sun can be very intense. By keeping yourself sun-safe, you’ll leave your vacation with a great tan instead of a bad burn. 

People dress casually in Anguilla, so flip-flops and shorts are welcome in most places, including restaurants. For fancier restaurants in five-star hotels, sundresses for women and a light button-down polo shirt for men may be more appropriate. No matter what you plan on wearing, making sure that the fabric is lightweight will help you beat the heat. 

For those who plan to explore beyond the nearest beach, pack a pair of sneakers. The island is very walkable and having comfortable shoes will help you make sure you’re able to be out and about all day. 

And for those who are all about the water, don’t forget your swimsuit…or two. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear, if you happen to have some, because Anguilla has some incredible underwater scenery to explore. If you don’t already have the equipment, you can rent it from one of several shops on the island, which you can explore with our [LINK TO] activities search feature. 

Other Important Information

Having all of the small details sorted before you travel makes everything more enjoyable. Here are a few other things to plan for when traveling to Anguilla. 

Passports and Visas 

A majority of travelers from around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, do not need a visa to visit Anguilla. Most travelers can stay in Anguilla for 90 days or 3 months, depending on where you’re visiting from.

To check whether you need a visa, and to learn how to apply for a travel visa, visit The Government of Anguilla’s website on visas.

Money / Currency 

While the official language of Anguilla is English, the country uses the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$). You can check the current exchange rate here. Anguilla accepts both US Dollars and EC$.

Many businesses accept credit cards, but it is common for local businesses to only accept cash. There are several ATMs around the island. To find an ATM near your hotel, search our [LINK TO: EXPLORE ATM] resources. 

Tipping in Anguilla is not expected, but it is always appreciated. For porters and cab drivers, it is more common to give a few dollars per bag handled or a small tip at the end of the ride. 

Little Island Details

The time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). However, the island tends to run on its own time, with businesses and services running on slower and laid-back schedules. It’s good to call establishments ahead of time to check opening and closing times, as hours of operation can change. 

Anguilla Traveler Information

  • The currency in Anguilla is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$).
  • The official language is English.
  • The time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • The electrical voltage is 220 volts, and the standard electrical outlet is a three-pronged outlet.
  • The emergency number is 911.
  • The dialing code for Anguilla is +1-264.
  • Many businesses accept credit cards, but a lot of places only accept cash. There are a small number of ATM’s throughout the island. Some of them run out of cash from time to time. [insert Explore: ATM)
  • AXA Time is real: Always call establishments to check for open/close times.

Here are some tips for traveling to Anguilla:

  • Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Be sure to try the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, rice and peas, and johnnycakes.
  • The best time to visit Anguilla is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
  • The island is very safe, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
  • Tipping is not expected, but it is always appreciated.
  • Anguilla is a very laid-back island, so don’t expect things to move at a fast pace.
  • Be sure to relax and enjoy your time on this beautiful island!
A man sitting at a table on the beach at sunset.
Darrell Miller

Ivan Berry

In the 1990s, Berry worked with BMG Music as Senior Vice President of A&R International. He also collaborated with Haitian artists in Montreal and signed Wyclef Jean (Fugees) to record Haitian records.

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