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Anguilla: A Caribbean Getaway!

Anguilla, the most northern of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, is a beach lover's paradise. The island is 16 miles long and 3 miles wide and, although small, boasts more than 30 sugar soft white sand beaches. A day's itinerary in Anguilla should be based on maximum tanning time, but can include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, and even horseback riding.

The Valley, located on the eastern end of the island on the north coast, is the island's only "town," as most of the island is divided into village communities, which are really small clusters of homes located in such areas as Sandy Ground, North Hill, Island Harbour, and West End. The soil on the island historically hasn't been the best for producing stabilized agricultural crops. But where there's a will, there's a way, and Anguillians have become known throughout the Caribbean for their boat making and fishing skills.

The beaches on Anguilla are simply stunning. The sand is so soft it feels like you are wading in, rather than walking on it. A day at the beach can be among other vacationers or, with a little determination, all by your lonesome on some secluded slice of heaven. The island's liveliest beach sits just north of The Valley at Shoal Bay. Beach bars, concession stands, and equipment rental shops line the gently sloping sand. For a quieter experience, head north to Island Harbour Beach. This relaxed fishing village has been relatively unchanged in the wake of Anguilla's tourism growth. Local fishermen come and go all day. Island Harbour is also a good place to hire a charter to take you to the outlying cays, or for a day of deep-sea fishing. For some great snorkeling, catch a water taxi out to Scilly Cay, located about 5 miles off shore of Island Harbour. The secretive Little Bay is also located just east of The Valley. This beach takes a bit of work to visit, but the views of the surrounding cliffs and the outstanding snorkeling will be well worth it. Shoal Bay West, located near West End, is a crescent shaped beach with wonderful views of nearby Saba and St. Martin. The longest stretch of sand is located at Rendezvous Bay, located near the southern end of the island on the eastern side. This mile long ribbon shaped beach has calm waters, small waves, and is the quintessential swimming beach.

The scuba diving and snorkeling off of Anguilla has been called some of the best in the Caribbean. The island is surrounded by reefs, and the marine life is abundant. Anguilla was also the first island in the Caribbean to artificially enlarge the reef system by deliberately sinking some battered and outdated ships. One popular spot is Stoney Bay Marine Park, off the northeast coast, where the ruins of a Spanish ship rest in shallow waters.

A theme of the island is, "Life's a beach, then you dine!" This statement adequately depicts the Anguillian affinity for après beach dining. There are over 70 restaurants dotting this tiny island, each one with a unique flair and a differing twist on island cuisine. Most of the eateries rest within walking distance of a gorgeous beach, and guests can try the local delicacy as they listen to the Caribbean waves lap against the shore.

A vacation in Anguilla means sunshine, beaches, and pampering yourself in a Caribbean paradise. Whether you choose to lounge in the sand, or venture out to sea in search of a perfect coral reef, friendly Anguillians are ready to point you in the right direction. Dine on the local lobster, crayfish, or Cajun grouper. Watch the sunset over Saba. Throw in a line from shore, or let a knowledgeable sea farer whisk you away to where they are biting. However you choose to spend your vacation, as long as you spend it in Anguilla, you couldn't have made a better choice.