Anguilla
Day 1: To get to the island of Anguilla, either fly there directly or fly to St. Maarten (usually cheaper flights) and take a water taxi to Anguilla. After arriving and checking into your hotel where you will be during your entire stay, locate a good map of the island, and if you have time, visit Shoal Bay for an introductory welcome swim or snorkel.
Day 2: Anguilla is still a bit off the tourist map, but that is just the way I like it. Day-trippers will come over for a few hours from St. Maarten, but with over 30 beaches to choose from, the island never seems crowded. On your first full day, explore the northeast side of the island. Start at Savannah Bay and Junks Hole Bay (good swimming) and then work your way south to Mimi Bay (good swimming and secluded) and Sandy Hill Bay (good snorkeling), spending a few hours at each spot or just planting yourself when you find a favorite beach. Day 3: Today, make your way to the southwest end of the island to visit the beaches there. You can start the day at Merrywing Bay and then make your way around to Cove Bay, Maundays Bay, Shoal Bay West and Barnes Bay, spending a few hours at each. Swimming is good at all of the beaches, and there is good snorkeling at Merrywing, Shoal Bay West, and Barnes Bay. My favorite is Maundays Bay, which is near the Cap Juluca Hotel and has excellent swimming conditions. If you like collecting shells and have a mask and snorkel, you can go shellkeling—my made-up term for using your snorkeling equipment to comb the shallow sea floor for shells being constantly brought in by the waves. Day 4: Dedicate your last day to finding the elusive Little Bay. Little Bay is somewhat difficult to reach, but well worth the effort. From the main settlement in the Valley, you will drive up a dirt road until you reach a ridge where you can park on the road (ask the locals for directions). Then hike down a steep trail for a few minutes until you reach the final descent to the beach. From here you can walk out to the edge, jump into the water and swim to the beach or, with the aid of the rope, you can climb down to the beach. It sounds harder than it really is, but you will not be disappointed when you get there. Little bay is hemmed in on both sides by cliffs, which enclose a picture perfect small sandy beach on three sides. There isn’t much shade, and there are of course no facilities, so bring everything you need, including water and a lunch. The snorkeling here is as good as anywhere on the island, especially along the cliffs, and in the bay is a small island with another rope where visitors climb up and jump off into the ocean. If you tire of Little Bay, spend the rest of your day at one of your favorite beaches or try one that you didn’t have time for yet. Day 5: Pack your bags and get ready to take the water taxi back to St. Maarten for your flight. If you are bringing back shells, make sure to pack them carefully in your checked luggage. As you leave this special island, don’t regret the places you didn’t have time to see, just make a resolution that you will return to these sandy shores again. |