Anguilla

Background

Anguilla is a British Territory in the Caribbean Sea and the most northerly of the Leeward Islands. The word Anguilla comes from "eel" and may be a reference to the shape of the island. Visitors to Anguilla will note that St. Martin is near, but Anguilla itself offers such elegant serenity that gambling and shopping may suddenly seem too pedestrian to warrant the ferry ride. Anguilla is a tax haven with a penchant for pampering its guests. People come to Anguilla to take advantage of business opportunities, beaches, and beauty regimens; the abundance of white powder coastline gives one the chance to feel as posh and opulent as he or she dares.

Geography

Anguilla's land is flat and composed of coral and limestone. The Anguilla Channel separates Anguilla from St. Martin. People come to Anguilla by ferry or plane, landing at either Blowing Point or Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, respectively. The poor soil on Anguilla renders it ineffectual for agriculture so the island's economy is based largely on banking and tourism. Anguilla is known for its coral reefs and beaches. Anguilla is the name of the big, main island, but it actually includes several other smaller (mostly unihabited) islands and cays: Anguillita, Dog Island, Prickly Pear Cays, Sandy Island, Scrub Island, Scilly Cay, Seal Island, and Sombrero.

According to Frommer's guides, the highlights of Anguillian beaches are Dream Beach at Shoal Bay and the aforementioned Scilly Cay. Dream Beach is one and three-quarter miles long with perfect sand, coral gardens, and beautiful fish. Scilly Cay, a short boat ride from the mainland, is where to go for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing among coral and exotic plants. If you're up for scuba diving, then you'll be glad to know that there are seven shipwrecks to explore amid the coral reefs here at Anguilla.

Art, Health, and Beauty

The Anguillian art scene is quite big for a fairly small island. Anguilla is home to Jo-Anne Mason (writer and illustrator), Marg Morani (oil painter), and many venues that are ready to sell Anguilla's art. Anguilla did not get recognition and respect from the wealthy without investing in serious relaxation and wellness services. There seems to be a plethora of choice for people in need of massage, acupuncture, spa treatments, reflexology, or even cranio sacral therapy.

A final "Don't Miss" word of advice on Anguilla is that a Carnival celebration takes place every year around the first of August and marks the anniversary of Emancipation Day when enslaved Africans were freed (in 1834). Boat races comprise the majority of Carnival's celebration and can be a great way to experience Anguillian culture while making the most of Anguilla's national sport. Enjoy!

Visit the local Anguilla home page

Visit the local Government page about Anguilla.

Neighboring islands in the Leeward islands
Many islands comprise the main area of what is commonly referred to as "the Leeward islands"

With over 1400 charter yachts in our charter yacht database online, and many more unlisted yachts accessible to us. We are the ultimate in choice and personal attention in the yacht charter industry, the ONLY yacht charter company you need to contact to explore these islands the best way possible - by water!

Contact us to learn more about these islands and yacht charter in general.

 

Not sure what you can do on land on different islands? we can help! Click one of the following links to read more; Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Nevis & St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Barts.