Sandy Ground in Anguilla ©

Arriving in Anguilla during a Caribbean cruise is like stepping into a glossy postcard of the perfect island: beaches of powder-white sand, healthy coral reefs and crystal clear waters, then colourful, immaculate buildings fringing the welcoming harbour.

Anguilla is a shining jewel of the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles. It is a 20-minute boat ride from its larger neighbour St Maarten, but a thousand miles away from the hordes of travellers and duty-free shopping of many popular cruise destinations.

The beaches are regarded as the best in the Caribbean and there are 35 to choose from. Anguilla is also highly rated for its fine restaurants and excellent nightlife. Cruise ships dock in the bay outside Blowing Point Harbour, Anguilla's modest and attractive port.

Contact

The Anguilla Tourist Board
Coronation Avenue

Tel: 264-497-2759
atbtour@anguillanet.com

www.anguilla-vacation.com

Transport

The island is small and there is no public transport, except for taxis which are unmetered but have set rates. Harry's Taxi and Tour Bus Service offers a charter service for up to 45 people. Cars, mopeds and bicycles can all be rented; self-propelled travel is a good option here as Anguilla is predominantly flat.

Attractions

Anguilla's beaches are truly outstanding, and serve as the island's biggest draw card. The longest beach, and possibly the best, is Rendezvous Bay. For total seclusion make your way to Captain's Bay, while Sandy Hill is the most charming. That said, all of Anguilla's 35 beaches are clean, safe and carpeted in talcum-powder sand. Inland, visit Wallblake House to see the last remaining plantation estate in Anguilla, and the wonderful Heritage Museum Collection.

Restaurants

Blanchards - creative cuisine, wonderful service, one of the top Caribbean restaurants

Veya - great food in a great setting, romantic and fun

Mango's - super cool jet set eatery famous for fish and fashionable people

Best Dish

Shredded salt fish served with peppers and onions

Shopping

This is the wrong island for a shopping spree and there are few retail experiences to speak of; catch the ferry to nearby St Maarten for some of the Caribbean's best duty-free shopping. On Anguilla, it's worth visiting Anguilla Rums and picking up one of the celebrated Pyrat rum blends.

Best Buy

A block of Anguilla Plan postage stamps

Excursions

Go on a shopping trip to St Maarten.

Snorkel the perfect waters of Shoal Bay.

Climb Crocus Hill for spectacular sunset views of Anguilla.

Take a charter boat around the island and go big-game fishing.

Take a horseback ride along the beach.