The archipelago of Anguilla: an encounter with marine wildlife you won’t want to miss
One of the best-kept secrets of the Lesser Antilles, the archipelago of Anguilla is a peaceful haven lined with white-sand beaches that offers views of spectacular rock formations and lush vegetation in an idyllic subtropical climate. Divers and bird-watchers will fall in love with it.
-----------------------------------------------
ATTRACTIONS
The Valley
The Valley, Anguilla’s capital, is the territory’s only major urban, commercial and government centre. In the past few years, The Valley has undergone a renewal, and a modern infrastructure for tourism was created in the process. Its shops and restaurants feature a colonial architecture that makes for enjoyable scenic walks in the small city.
East End
With its many artefacts and rich documentation, the Heritage Collection Museum offers history, geology and anthropology buffs a fine introduction to the territory’s culture.
-----------------------------------------------
Beaches and attractions along the North Coast
Island Harbour
Island Harbour is a lovely fishing village with a magnificent crescent-shaped beach lined with large palm trees. Brightly coloured picturesque boats off the shore await their owners to take to the seas.
Captains Bay
Captains Bay offers a setting of cliffs and choppy waters. Its often deserted beach is a great spot for hikes and impromptu picnics. The rock formations along its coast, like Abadam Hole, are a source of fascination for many visitors.
Shoal Bay East
This beach is among the loveliest of the Caribbean. Protected by a coral reef, the turquoise waters invite tranquil swimming in an idyllic setting. Shoal Bay East is perfect for breath-hold diving and lazing on the beach.
Limestone Bay
A nice challenge for strong swimmers, this isolated beach with strong currents is a haven for iguanas and turtles to make their nests. Dog Island, one of the archipelago’s many small islands, can be seen off the shore of Limestone Bay.
Crocus Bay
A hop, skip and a jump from Anguilla’s capital The Valley lies Crocus Bay, a charming beach with fossils that can be seen along the cliffs of its western portion. Divers will enjoy the coral reefs and their native fish.
Little Bay
From Crocus Bay, a taxi boat brings you to Little Bay, a small beach lined with steep cliffs. It’s a snorkelling paradise.
-----------------------------------------------
Beaches and attractions along the South Coast
Windward Point
Also a favourite with hikers, Windward Point is the perfect location for observing seabirds.
Elsie Bay
Because of the coral reefs that can be observed near its shore, this small, tranquil beach with clear waters offers beginners an ideal introduction to breath-hold diving.
Rendezvous Bay
As its name suggests, Rendezvous Bay is the perfect spot for combining fun at the beach and nightlife.
Dolphin Discovery Anguilla
In the turquoise waters that surround the island of Anguilla, you can enjoy a very special and safe swim with the dolphins.
-----------------------------------------------
WHERE ON EARTH
Extending over an area of 102km2, the archipelago of Anguilla, a British overseas territory, is located 8km north of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean. Its main island, Anguilla, where the capital The Valley is located, is only 26km long by 5km at its widest point. The archipelago also has smaller islands such as Sandy Island, Dog Island, Prickley Pear Cays, Scrub Island and Sombrero Island. Its approximately 15,000 residents speak English and Creole.
