Anguilla Tips

The majority of the population speaks English, but amongst themselves, Anguillians lapse into a kind of Pidgin English mystifying to visitors. An influx of foreign workers has added Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, Creole, Jamaican, and Trinidadian lilts to the language pot.

Being polite and cordial can open many doors. “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” and “Good night” are essential conversation openers.

Anguilla is one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, but the same sensible precautions taken at home should be continued here. Valuables should not be left in unlocked cars, especially at beaches. Most hotels and resorts have security guards or alarms, but doors should be locked and windows closed at night.

Anguilla offers three full-service spas, numerous massage and physical therapists, yoga, and a half-dozen fully equipped gyms.

Traveling by car is the best way to get around the island. A dozen or so car rental agencies issue required local drivers licenses ($20). Off-season bargains exist when supply exceeds demand.

Anguilla was voted one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations by Modern Bride Magazine. Two days are needed to process a marriage license here, and most hotels and several wedding planners offer comprehensive services.

Smallish markets have recently expanded into modern U.S.-style supermarkets, with quite an astonishing but rather expensive variety of imported goods. Local fruit, vegetables, and eggs are more expensive than imported ones, but Anguillian-grown tomatoes, mangos, avocados, breadfruit and other produce are absolutely delicious. Grab them as soon as you see them. Check out which day your favorite market receives fresh food shipments, then go early as locals in the know quickly exhaust supplies.

Ferries depart from Marigot, St. Martin (French side), for Blowing Point, Anguilla, every half hour from 7:30am-7pm. Total travel time is 30 minutes. From the Dutch side, The Link (1-264-235-3290) leaves the Immigration Office on Simpson Bay 3-4 times a day and Shauna VI (1-264-772-2031) leaves Ric’s Place 5 times a day. Funtime (1-264-497-6511) powerboats depart near SXM airport and must be reserved in advance.

Upon leaving the airport, tourists must pay a departure tax ($20 adults; $10 children). Fees also apply when leaving by ferry ($5 adults; no charge children under 12).

Presentation of passport and travel documents is required for U.S. and Canadian citizens.

The Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) holds frequent online auctions for major savings at top resorts and villas.

Major credit cards are accepted most places. Bank and supermarket ATMs dispense both East Caribbean (EC) dollars and U.S. dollars. Prices are quoted in EC dollars, but U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. A 20% tax and service charge always added to hotel bills; 15% is added in most, but not all, restaurants.