Experiences in Anguilla
Anguilla offers a wealth of activities virtually all year long.
MARCH – APRIL
The Moonsplash Festival
Moonsplash is one of the premier music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean. For more than 25-years, famed Anguillian musician Bankie Banx has traditionally hosted this hosted amazing reggae music event in March/April as the full moon rises over his Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay.
Festival Del Mar
Each Easter, Anguilla honors all things from the sea at Festival Del Mar, a two-day celebration that takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Island Harbour. Deep sea fishing competitions, swimming races, crab races and traditional cooking and culinary competitions are all “on the menu,” at this colorful event, along with live music and boat racing.
MAY
Anguilla Regatta
The 3-day Anguilla Regatta pays tribute to traditional sailing and the island’s national sport: boat racing. Started in 2002 the Anguilla Regatta home grown, relaxed atmosphere harkens back to an era when regattas revolved around friendly competition, sailing comradery and just plain fun. All proceeds from the Regatta fund the Anguilla Sailing Association, whose central purpose is to teach sailing to the young boys and girls of Anguilla.
Anguilla LitFest
Anguilla LitFest in May celebrates Anguilla’s literary heritage. It’s a festival for writers and all lovers of the spoken word, both avid readers and those looking to enjoy presentations from thought leaders in a beautiful and intimate setting. An enticing mixture of keynote presentations, lively panel discussions, author workshops, book signings, and of course, “Jollification,” a uniquely Anguillian term for good times.
JULY – AUGUST
Anguilla Summer Festival
Anguilla Summer Festival in July/August is a Caribbean Carnival-style event —music, dancing, street parades and beach parties—commemorating the emancipation from slavery in the British Caribbean.
John T. Memorial Cycling Race
Competitive road bike cycling is also a big sport; in July, the Anguilla Cycling Association (axacycling@gmail.com) hosts the John T. Memorial Cycling Race, one of the Caribbean’s biggest cycling events. Additional competitions—triathlons, seafood cooking, fishing, and swimming— feature in this popular event. And volleyball and concert performances add to the festivities.
NOVEMBER
The Anguilla Cup
The Anguilla Cup made its debut in November 2016, and has already become one of the island’s biggest draws. Sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, the Anguilla Cup showcases a week of world class tennis, with an exhibition match by top international pros, a junior and senior championship events, and a tennis camp.
Livin In The Sun
Livin’ in the Sun is an electronic dance music festival that brings top deejays from across the globe to the spectacularly beautiful beaches of Sandy Island, a tiny spit of land just off the coast of Anguilla. For two days and nights the casual, laid-back tempo of Anguilla takes a remarkably upbeat turn as global music, top notch food and beverage service, live art and water sports dovetail to create the ultimate music festival experience.
Golf in Anguilla
The Greg Norman-designed, championship course at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, is open to the public. Avid golfers will discover non-stop views at every hole, and an absence of crowds, given Anguilla’s many other attractions. The rental equipment is considered top-notch by aficionados.
CuisinArt, offers fine dining options that make the ‘19th hole’ options particularly rewarding. Those interested in playing the full 18 holes are encouraged to schedule a tee time.
Boating in Anguilla
One of the best ways to see Anguilla and discover its many charming facets – regal white luxury villas, a bay studded with bright fishing boats or an idyllic cove with swooping pelicans — is by sea.
Day boats or leisurely sailing charters are readily available. Climb aboard to experience offshore cays or secluded beaches — with a picnic lunch or a sunset cocktail in the offing. Or book a leisurely sailboat and lower your anchor for a sleepover at sea.
You can also opt for the thrill of a speedboat, a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Both children and adults can access top-flight sailing instruction and learn in safe conditions nearly year-round. Visitors can also opt for a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
Shopping in Anguilla
Anguilla’s shopping is as eclectic as its cuisine. From couture to cultural, artisanal to international, casual beach to modern chic, an array of unique treasures can be found while shopping on Anguilla.
The range of products available include fine jewelry, gourmet foods and spirits, designer beachwear, elegant resort wear, and more. In the beginning there were only a very few souvenir shops, supplemented by the art galleries that pepper the island, but as our luxury tourism has grown, so too has the demand for diversity and sophisticated shopping options.
In addition to shopping for fun – retail therapy is just as important as spa therapy! Anguilla has a number of stores for your daily necessities, including sunscreen, tanning lotions, groceries, cigars and more.
Cash sales are preferred, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Some locations will also offer credit and debit card services upon presentation of photo id. A great service that is also available from some stores is the ability to ship your purchases home – all the fun of the purchase; none of the hassle of transportation!
Family fun in Anguilla
Anguilla is a wonderful destination for families.
We offer a safe, hospitable environment. Family friendly resorts. Lots of kid-friendly activities, and excellent childcare is available.
Take a journey on horseback or a sail to Prickly Pear, visit the Anguilla Heritage Museum or Ani Art Academies, go bird watching through the wetlands or do a historic tour of the Valley — activities for the family abound.
Paradise is personal and in Anguilla it can be whatever you want it to be. Spend family time at the Aqua Park, the Caribbean’s largest inflatable water park. Or get up close and personal as you play exciting games with our dolphin family or attend ‘Mermaid School’. Anguilla has activities for everyone in the family to enjoy.
