Official Name: Anguilla Capital: The Valley Flag: Population: 14,436 Language: English Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Government Website: www.gov.ai Chamber of Commerce: www.anguillachamber.com Emergency Info:

About Anguilla Island

Anguilla, the smallest Island in the Leeward Island, was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. He gave the Island her name "Anguilla" because of its shape resemblance to an eel, Anguilla means "eel" in Spanish. Today, Anguilla is one of the safest Islands in the Caribbean, full of friendly locals. The Valley is the capital of Anguilla, with about 500 residents. If you're interested in learning about the History and the Culture of the Island, and for a little afternoon shade, the Heritage Collection Museum located in the East End of Anguilla is a great place to go.

Anguilla's Shoal Bay East was voted one of the ten best beaches in the Caribbean. It's the Island's most popular beach, and has all the amenities including umbrellas and lunch shacks, restaurant, fishing, diving, snorkeling and more. If you're looking for a more secluded sandy spot you won't be disappointed by Little Bay, Anguilla's best kept secret. The quiet white sandy beach proves fantastic for snorkeling. If you're traveling with children you may also want to check out Little Harbor which is protected on all sides, eliminating virtually all waves. Little Harbor is ideal for both swimming and boating.

The good amount of uninhabited land on Anguilla makes the Island ideal for exploring; both mountain biking and hiking are popular land activities on the Island. There are also two horseback riding stables located on the Island, perfect for a beach or trail ride. Unique to Anguilla are the fascinating caves among the Island, created by gaps in the coral where softer surface rock has been eroded by rain. The unique caves and holes can be found all over the Island, sometimes hidden in secret spots that you can find by picking up a 'Cave Map' once you are there.

Diving in Anguilla means discovering the undersea shipwrecks of it's shores. The Stoney Ground Marine Park is Anguilla's first underwater heritage site, a site no diver traveling in Anguilla should miss. The Park is a natural wreck of the late 18th Century Spanish Crown vessel, El Buen Consejo. An underwater tour will give you all the history behind the ship and a chance to get up close to the cannons, anchors and artifacts of the underwater wreckage. The tours are available on a limited basis, but snagging one is absolutely worthwhile.

For a taste of the Caribbean Ocean, the Spiny lobster (an Anguilla specialty) is a must have! Local fisherman catch the lobsters fresh of the coast of the Island, and the local restaurants are pro's at cooking them up. For something a bit more casual, Anguilla's Barbeque stands are the perfect hit-the-spot stops. There are plenty of local chefs barbecuing chicken and ribs on large grills underneath tents, typically right on the side of the road. If you're enjoying an afternoon in the sand, ask around (or follow your nose) to find out where the nearest BBQ stand is… it's the perfect beach lunch and the right price!

Among all of the creatures and animals living on Anguilla, the most popular seems to be the Anguilla Dog. This strange little dog can be spotted all over the island, in all sorts of variations; with one curious commonality… they are all unusually long. There are lots of great stories of how the Anguilla "long dog" came to be. Ask around… these aren't stories you'll soon forget!

Whether you're visiting Anguilla for its beaches or it's diving, it's history or it's Caribbean cuisine, or even a peek at the long dog, Anguilla meets all expectations.

Anguilla Island Map