Anguilla is a small island, only about 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, about 5 miles north of St. Martin, and has an indented shoreline generously supplied with white sand beaches. It is relatively flat, with the highest of the island’s rolling hills, Crocus Hill, reaching only 213 feet above sea level. Not of volcanic origin, like many of the surrounding islands, it is of coral formation instead. It has excellent beaches and superb diving and snorkeling, protected by the coral reefs. The population is about 13,000, predominantly of African origin, but with some traces of Irish blood, especially among people on the eastern end of the island.

The earliest known inhabitants of the island were Arawak Indians, about 3,500 years ago, who were eventually overpowered by the Carib Indians. But by the 17th century, Amerindians had disappeared from Anguilla – wiped out by enslavement and European diseases. The British established the first permanent European colony on Anguilla in 1650 and despite a few invasion attempts by the French it has remained a Crown Colony ever since. There was an attempt by Britain to lump Anguilla together with St. Kitts and Nevis to form a new Caribbean nation, the Associated State of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, with Britain continuing to hold the reins of foreign affairs and defense, however Anguillians wanted no part of the new state, which they viewed as subjugation to a more powerful St. Kitts, and eventually Britain dropped the idea and the island remains a self-governing British dependency.

The main industries on the island used to be fishing, especially lobster fishing, salt production and boat building, but tourism is now the major generator of foreign exchange and employment. Anguilla gets over 120,000 tourists annually, of which 80,000 are day visitors. Inexpensive ferries shuttle between Anguilla and St. Martin, making Anguilla easy to visit as a day trip.

Anguilla is a dry island, and its vegetation has been overgrazed by free-ranging goats that are everywhere. However, there are sea grape and coconut palms in areas near the beach, and lush colourful gardens with flowering hibiscus, bougainvillea and other tropical plants. Ninety-three species of birds have been recorded on the island, although most are migratory. Two of the most colourful year-round residents are the bananaquit and the green Antillean crested hummingbird. There are numerous salt ponds on the island, a natural gathering place for egrets, herons, ducks, and other shorebirds. Most of the coastline of Anguilla is fringed by coral reefs, and the island’s waters are rich in marine life: off the shore are sunken coral gardens and brilliantly coloured fish. The government has also enlarged some of the existing reef system artificially, sinking old ships in carefully designated places to try and enlarge the island’s marine ecosystem, acting as nurseries for fish and lobster, and by doing that give scuba divers many new sites to explore.

Religion is an important part of the life of Anguillians, and you will find Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness and Church of God churches there. English is the official language spoken, but with a decided Caribbean lilt!

Important things to know before you go:

• The electricity current is 110 volts, exactly what you would find in North America.
• The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the official currency, however the US dollar is used everywhere as well – with its rate of exchange being about EC$2.65 per US$1.
• Anguilla’s post office is in The Valley, and opens from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.
• Both coin and card phones are common around the island. The phone cards can be used for local calls, calls to other islands, and calls to the United States.
• Banks are open Monday – Thursday 8 am –3 pm and Friday 8 am –5 pm.
• Anguilla has a weekly newspaper, The Light, which comes out on Monday and covers the local news and events of the coming week.
• There is a 36 bed hospital in The Valley, with modern equipment.
• Most people drink bottled water, but there is also rainwater or desalinated water for household use. Tapwater comes from rainwater catchment systems and thus should be boiled before drinking. Bottled water is readily available in grocery stores.
• Internet access is available at the public library in The Valley for US$2 per half-hour. In Sandy Ground, Body and Soul runs a small café and offers internet access for US3.75 per half-hour.
• There is a government-run radio station, as well as cable TV.
• The hottest months in Anguilla are from July to October, the coolest from December to February. The mean monthly temperature is about 80F.

Activities

Beaches and Swimming: The dazzling white-sand beaches are the best reason to come to Anguilla, and each one is different. They never seem to be crowded, and there are long stretches that are great for walking, plus beaches lined with bars and restaurants, your choice! For windsurfing and snorkeling, Barnes Bay is superb, while Sandy Ground has all the water sports imaginable, plus calm turquoise waters, also at Shoal Bay East. Other top beaches include Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay and Shoal Bay West. But for a quiet beach with good swimming and snorkeling, try Crocus Bay in The Valley area.

Boating and Sailing: To try out all sorts of boating and sailing activities, Anguilla is the perfect place! You can find windsurfers, paddleboats, water skis, snorkeling equipment, etc., available at several watersport shops, anything but jet skis – they’re prohibited here! There are glass bottomed boats, yachts or motorboat charters, sunfish sailing, and fishing excursions can be made with the local fishermen.

Scuba Diving: Conditions in Anguilla are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. It has clear water and good reef formations. In addition, there have been a number of ships deliberately sunk to enlarge the island’s marine ecosystem – they lie on sandy bottoms in depths of 35 to 75 feet and attract numerous fish. There are several dive shops ready to rent you equipment and take you out to the best spots. For snorkeling, Shoal Bay East, Sandy Island, Little Bay and Prickly Pear Cays are popular.

There's always a choice of activities on Anguilla… daytime or nighttime. Lazy beach days to rejuvenate your body and lift your spirit. Or art gallery and museum tours, boating to an offshore cay for a secluded picnic, or a long stroll on an uncrowded beach. Each day of your visit can bring a different watersport adventure, or the single adventure of beach chair, umbrella, book and tired toes in refreshing, pristine waters. The choice is yours to make each day.

The same holds true for evening pastimes. Sip a traditional Caribbean libation while gazing at a magnificent sunset. Dance to the romantic and sensual sounds of Caribbean music. Drop by a convivial nightspot and meet new friends. Or simply enjoy the view from your room, suite, apartment or villa. Each night brings a new choice.