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Activities on Anguilla
Information about some of the most popular visitor
activities on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
GET ACTIVE ON ANGUILLA!
Anguilla might be dubbed ‘tranquility wrapped in blue’, but for
those looking for more than simply a peaceful haven in which
to relax and do nothing, this Caribbean island offers a
surprising array of activities, some of which are outlined
below.
Bird watching - The numerous saltponds around Anguilla provide an
inviting habitat for more than 136 species of birds from Great
Blue Herons to Sandpipers and Snowy Egrets. The second largest
pond on the island, Cauls Pond, is important for migratory
shore birds, making it a particularly good area for keen
ornithologists to visit. ‘A Field Guide to Anguilla’s Wetlands’,
published by the Anguilla National Trust, is an ideal companion
for birdwatchers visiting the ponds.
Boating - Captain Kasha of The Island Yacht Charter Company offers
half and full-day charters of his 35ft custom-built power boat
and, for those who prefer to sail in the tropical winds, a
30ft yacht. Alternatively, join Captain Rollins on Chocolate,
a 35 ft catamaran, which is available for day excursions,
sunset cruises and private charters. Either option is an ideal
way of visiting some of the off-shore cays surrounding Anguilla,
such as Scrub Island, Prickly Pear and Dog Island.
Boat Racing - Visitors to the island during carnival and other public
holidays will be able to witness - and possibly to take part
in - Anguilla’s national sport of boat racing. Featuring the
island’s traditional, unique, hand-crafted wooden sailboats,
which create an impressive spectacle when in full sail, the
races have taken place around the island for fifty years and
usually culminate in a huge party!
Dancing the night away! - For those with energy left at the end of
the day, there are a number of night spots where live music and
dancing is on the agenda. Venues include Top of the Palms
alfresco restaurant at Sirena Hotel in West End, where Monday’s
Caribbean night includes steel band music, Shoal Bay for Sunday
afternoon musical entertainment, plus Johnno’s, Pumphouse and
Sandy Ground any night of the week.
Fishing - Half- and full-day trips are available from a number of
fishing charter companies, some of which allow visitors to keep
their catch - should they be lucky enough to reel something in!
Fishing is generally done by trawling live bait and the catch
might include wahoo, dorado, kingfish, silfish, marlin, or even
barracuda and grouper.
Horse Riding - is available at El Rancho Del Blues and Cliffside Riding
Centre where novice riders and experienced equestrians are welcome.
Daily lessons and hacks along the scenic Gibbons Trails, North Hill
Ridge and the white sand beaches are just some of the options offered.
Hiking & Nature Treks - miles of powdery white sand beaches,
dramatic cliff tops and tropical rainforest trails provide a
variety of interesting walks for those in search of a leisurely
stroll or a more energetic hike. On the north coast, in
particular, there are tracts of land that remain covered in
thick vegetation, providing a rich habitat for wildlife, while
trails through the Katouche Valley allow visitors to see the
best remaining example of a natural rainforest on Anguilla.
Other places of interest include Cavannagh Cave at the end
of the Katouche Valley, originally mined for phosphorous,
which today is home to the likes of bats, crabs and lizards.
Historical Walking Tours - There are two organised walking tours
that highlight the architecture and history of Anguilla.
The first takes in the historic houses of the Lower Valley, the
property now known as Koal Keel, originally a sugar and cotton
plantation, as well as the remains of the old courthouse. The
second guided walk highlights the history of Sandy Ground, home
to the Old Salt Factory, once the island’s best source of income.
Scuba Diving - Anguilla has six marine parks and six good dive wrecks,
plus a huge array of coral formations, walls ridges, canyons
and tunnels for the enjoyment of both novice and experienced divers.
In addition, the creation of Stoney Bay Marine Park has ensured
that artifacts dating back to the 18th century will continue to
be preserved for the future enjoyment of Anguillians and visitors
alike. The wreck of the Spanish galleon, El Buen Consejo, together
with canons, anchors and bronze medals embedded in the coral at
Stoney Bay, is possibly the island’s most impressive underwater
treasure.
Minimal sea currents within its waters make Anguilla an ideal site
for novices and there are a number of dive centres, including
Shoal Bay Scuba & Watersports, running PADI instructional courses
for complete beginners up to Divemasters.
Shopping - Anguilla features a variety of gift shops offering
Caribbean mementos, arts and crafts ranging from silk screen
printed goods, wood carvings and handmade baskets to paintings,
t-shirts and books about the island. However, for an even greater
selection, hop on the ferry at Blowing Point for the seven mile
journey across calm waters to neighbouring island, St Martin,
where shops selling duty free jewelry, watches, precious stones,
perfumes and clothes are in abundance.
Stepping back in time - Built in 1787, Wallblake House is the oldest
and only surviving plantation house on the island. This
National Trust property is one of only a few remaining plantation
houses in the Caribbean where the entire complex - including
kitchen, stables and workers’ quarters - has remained just as
it would have been centuries ago. The property now also houses
a museum showing the history of the island’s cotton industry.
Anguilla’s Heritage Collection in East End Village maps the
history of the island from its discovery by Arawak-speaking
Amerindians some 4,000 years ago. Visitors can learn about
Anguilla’s colonisation by the English, the subsequent battles
which took place among opposing nations determined to win this
Caribbean jewel, and the revolution of 1967.
Swimming with Dolphins - Visitors to the newly-opened Dolphin Lagoon
at Mead’s Bay have the opportunity of swimming with and feeding
these fascinating creatures in the company of a specialist
training instructor. Beginning in 2002, a Scuba Programme,
will allow small groups of divers to swim with dolphins in the
open sea off Mead’s Bay and Barnes Bay.
Tennis - Most hotels on the island have tennis courts available for
use by guests from other resorts. There are also two public courts
in The Valley and another in East End.
Touring Museums & Art Galleries - Anguilla has a strong and expanding
community of artists and visitors are able to see a cross-section
of their work on a guided tour of the island’s art galleries,
organised through the Savannah Gallery. There are also a number of
fascinating museums, including Sydney’s Antique Museum, which
chronicles the history of Anguillian home life and where,
occasionally, visitors can witness Sydney making traditional bush
tea and cooking local Anguillian dishes. The Heritage Museum has
a well organized collection of historical documents and photographs
that trace the islands history.
Touring by Car or Bicycle - The best way for holidaymakers to ensure
that they visit every corner of the island during their stay,
is to hire a car/jeep or even a bicycle. Driving is on the
left-hand side of the road, the speed limit is usually 30 mph
or slower, and there’s only one main road with smaller branches
off towards the coast, so it should be a stress-free experience!
Turtle Spotting - The Anguilla Sea Turtle Project is committed to
preserving these ancient creatures which arrive on the island’s
beaches every year between May and November. Visitors may have
the opportunity to witness hatchling’s emerging from their shells
or scrambling across the beaches towards the sea.
Watersports - Anguilla has more than 30 beaches, most of which offer
a calm, safe environment in which to swim, plus water so clear that
the conditions are perfect for snorkelling above the many coral
reefs. Those looking to participate in more active pursuits should
head for Rendezvous Bay or Shoal Bay (East), both of which offer
over a mile of beach and a variety of water sports facilities,
including wind surfers, sailboats and kayaks. Alternatively,
Savannah Bay has the best conditions for boogie boarding and
body surfing.
Relaxing - When relaxation and pampering is all that’s required,
in addition to its numerous sandy beaches, restful bays and
idyllic views, Anguilla also has a number of qualified massage
therapists and beauticians offering a range of treatments from
manicures and facials to eyelash tinting and waxing, together
with clinics where alternative therapies are a specialty.
Further information on the wide range of activities available in
Anguilla can be found by visiting the official website of the
Anguilla Tourist Board: www.anguilla-vacation.com.
See also:
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