Top 20 Activities in Anguilla: Unforgettable Snorkeling and Live Music

The secret is out about the exclusive paradise of Anguilla. This secluded Caribbean island nestled among the Lesser Antilles is rimmed with white-sand beaches and home to a booming culinary scene. It’s also earning accolades with iBestTravel readers — you’ll find it on the lists of best islands in the Caribbean and in the world.

New visitors may have heard of the island’s luxuries, but devotees who return year after year know that the destination also does laid-back beach bars and local Caribbean fare very well. With Anguilla’s world-class resorts, secluded, romantic villas, and even some of the best family-friendly beach resorts in the Caribbean, it’s hard to imagine any style of traveler who wouldn’t find something to love here.

With the help of local experts like Shannon Kircher, a long-time Anguilla resident and marketing director of the award-winning, family-run Frangipani Beach Resort, and Stacey Liburd, director of tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best things to do in Anguilla.

01. Enjoy a sunset sail on a classic ship

Anguilla locals and visitors alike recommend jumping aboard a classic sailing vessel, known as a sloop, with Tradition Sailing Charter, saying this is the best way to explore the coastline of Anguilla in style. “A sunset cruise on a classic West Indian sloop is quite memorable,” says Liburd. The delicious cocktails and Caribbean bites served onboard certainly don’t hurt.

02. Rent a car to explore the island

Unlike other Caribbean islands that may prefer travelers to experience the destination from inside the walls of their resort, Anguilla encourages exploration. Renting a car allows you to discover the island’s beaches, historical sites, restaurants, and attractions at your own pace. “Everything is safe, and everything is accessible,” says Kircher.

03. Play tennis with Anguilla Tennis Academy

Anguilla’s location in the Caribbean creates “a near-constant breeze that vacillates from a gentle breath of cool air to a stiff gale — exhilarating conditions for tennis players,” according to local enthusiasts. The Anguilla Tennis Academy sends pros to many island resorts, making it easy for travelers to join lessons or find a hitting partner.

04. Try kitesurfing with Anguilla Watersports

Break up a long afternoon on the beach with kitesurfing lessons at Anguilla Watersports. The island’s balmy breezes make it the perfect spot to give the sport a try, offering lessons and equipment rentals for all skill levels. Enjoy paddleboards and glass-bottomed kayaks also available for rent.

05. Visit Anguilla’s off-shore cays

“Going to the off-shore cays is one of the highlights of any Anguilla visit,” shares Liburd. Catamaran excursions to tiny, white-sand cays like Scrub Island or Sandy Island offer exceptional experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood on a boating excursion.

06. Snorkel at Shoal Bay

“The underwater visibility is excellent all around Anguilla,” Lockyer notes, making snorkelling a must-try activity. Shoal Bay is among the top snorkeling destinations, where visitors can frequently spot stingrays and sea turtles. After snorkeling, enjoy drinks and relaxation at Shoal Bay Beach Club.

07. Take a Moke ride

To get the lay of the land, rent a Moke for an adventurous drive around Anguilla. These open-air vintage vehicles are iconic and available for rent with Moke Anguilla, perfect for capturing those picturesque island photos.

08. Enjoy Anguilla’s live music scene

From beach bars to restaurants and clubs, live music fills Anguilla’s nightlife. Notable locales such as Sandy Ground and Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve are well-known for hosting talented musicians, making it an exciting way to experience the island’s culture.

09. Swim at Meads Bay

Visitors can’t go wrong at any of Anguilla’s 33 pristine beaches, with central Meads Bay being particularly impressive due to its tranquil turquoise waters and pristine sands, lined with dining options and luxurious resorts.

10. Sample Anguillan roadside barbeque

Don’t miss out on roadside barbeque spots in Anguilla. These no-frills eateries offer delicious local favorites such as chicken and ribs, accompanied by rice and peas. “Inexpensive and amazing, it’s always a go-to,” Kircher suggests.

11. Enjoy Anguilla’s rich culinary scene

With an array of culinary options, Anguilla stands out as a gastronomic destination. Local cuisine includes Italian, French, and Caribbean flavors. An excellent dining option is Sharky’s, known for its elevated island favorites.

12. Take in the views from Crocus Hill

As the highest point on Anguilla, Crocus Hill offers stunning panoramic views. Don’t let its elevation of just 213 feet deceive you; the road to the summit is steep, making it a worthy hiking challenge.

13. Learn about Anguilla’s history through petroglyphs

Visit Fountain Cave and Big Spring to observe hundreds of petroglyphs carved by the Taino indigenous populations. These incredible artworks offer insights into the island’s rich history.

14. Spot nesting sea turtles

Support conservation efforts by joining evening “turtle patrol” excursions provided by Anguilla National Trust during nesting season from July to October. These educational excursions offer the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

15. Hit the spa

Luxury resorts abound, offering a selection of high-end spa services and treatments. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla boasts an oceanfront spa with stunning views, perfect for relaxation.

16. Visit Rendezvous Bay

Cherish stunning vistas of neighboring St. Martin from the sugar-sand beach at Rendezvous Bay. With fewer resorts along the shores, the atmosphere remains tranquil, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and dining.

17. Try your hand at salt picking

The salt industry once thrived on Anguilla. Visitors can learn about its history through salt-picking tours or purchase unique flavored salts from local vendors, offering an authentic glimpse into the island’s heritage.

18. Celebrate Anguilla’s carnival

Experience the vibrant Anguilla Summer Festival from late July through early August with boat rides, beach parties, parades, and concerts. The grand “August Monday” celebration features live calypso and soca music, setting the stage for a lively atmosphere.

19. Play a round of golf

If you’re a golf enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to play at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, featuring a spectacular 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman, set against the beautiful backdrop of the ocean.

20. Dive at the wreck site of a Spanish galleon

Anguilla features seven marine parks protecting its vibrant underwater life. One of the most stunning dive spots, Stoney Bay Marine Park, holds the 18th-century wreck of the Spanish galleon El Buen Consejo, allowing divers to explore an underwater archaeological treasure.