Comprehensive Anguilla Guide for Families

The Ultimate Anguilla Family Guide

Planning a trip to the “Tranquility Wrapped in Blue” with kids? This Anguilla family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly—from the world’s best calm-water beaches and fun offshore cays to kid-approved restaurants and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.

Top Things to Do

Anguilla is the pinnacle of beach relaxation, but it also offers unique, gentle adventures. Families can take a boat to a tiny offshore cay, go horseback riding on the beach, explore coves by kayak, or enjoy the island’s low-key, friendly vibe.

Visit an Offshore Cay: Take a short boat trip to a tiny, pristine island like Sandy Island or Prickly Pear Cays for a day of snorkeling, exploring, and feeling like a true castaway.
Shoal Bay East: More than just a beach, this is an activity hub. Rent glass-bottom kayaks, snorkel the reefs, and enjoy the numerous casual beach bars.
Horseback Riding on the Beach: A magical experience for kids, trotting along the sand and in the shallow surf at spots like Cove Bay.
Explore by Kayak: Paddle from Crocus Bay to the secluded Little Bay, a tiny, calm cove perfect for snorkeling and cliff jumping for adventurous teens.
Anchor Miniature Golf: A surprisingly lush and fun 18-hole mini-golf course that’s a perfect break from the beach, especially in the late afternoon.

Top List of Things to Do

Best Beaches for Kids

With 33 public beaches, finding a family-friendly spot is easy. Anguilla is famous for its powdery white sand and incredibly calm, clear, and shallow turquoise water, making it one of the world’s safest and most beautiful natural swimming pools for children.

Shoal Bay East: Often voted the “best beach in the world,” its 2-mile stretch has powder-soft sand, gentle water, and fantastic snorkeling right from the shore.
Rendezvous Bay: A 2.5-mile crescent with perfectly calm, shallow water. It’s ideal for toddlers and young swimmers to splash and play in.
Meads Bay: A stunning, wide beach with silky sand and calm-to-playful waves. It’s home to top resorts and casual spots like Blanchards Beach Shack.
Sandy Ground: This village beach is set in a protected bay. The water has no slope or drop-off, making it a favorite for families with very young children.

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Top Ranked Family Stays

From world-class luxury resorts with full-service kids’ clubs to charming boutique hotels and private villas, Anguilla has lodging for every family style. The West End is popular for its cluster of resorts and restaurants, while the center of the island offers more space and a local feel.

West End (Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay): The main luxury hub, known for its 5-star resorts, famous restaurants, and access to the calmest, widest beaches.
Shoal Bay Area: Ideal for families who want to be right on the “best beach,” with a mix of villas, condos, and smaller hotels.
Luxury Resorts & Villas: Many properties (like the Four Seasons, Aurora Anguilla, and Malliouhana) are dedicated to families with kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and activities.

Top-Ranked Family Stays

Snorkeling with Kids

Anguilla’s clear waters and protected coves are perfect for introducing kids to snorkeling. Many beaches offer great snorkeling right from the shore, and dedicated boat trips can take families to shallow offshore reefs teeming with life.

Shoal Bay East: A fantastic spot for beginners to snorkel from the shore. The reefs are close to the beach and full of colorful fish.
Little Bay: A protected, calm cove accessible by boat or kayak. It’s famous for the sea turtles that frequent the bay and is great for all skill levels.
Prickly Pear Cays: This offshore cay is a short boat trip away and offers pristine, shallow reefs perfect for families to explore together.

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Family-Friendly Hikes

While known for being flat, Anguilla offers several easy, scenic hikes that are great for families. These coastal and inland trails are perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the island’s rugged natural beauty away from the beach.

Katouche Bay (Iguana Cave): An easy trail that leads to a large cave where you can spot iguanas and bats. A fun, shady adventure for kids.
Crocus Hill: Hike to the highest point on the island (213 ft) for stunning panoramic views. The path is short and manageable for most children.
Captain’s Bay: A more rugged coastal hike that leads to a remote, windswept beach, perfect for adventurous families.

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Where to Eat

Anguilla’s dining scene is world-class, but it remains incredibly laid-back and family-friendly. You’ll find a wide range of options from casual “toes-in-the-sand” beach shacks to fun, open-air restaurants with live music. Most places are very welcoming to children.

Beach Shacks (e.g., Blanchards on Meads Bay, Gwen’s on Shoal Bay): Casual, open-air spots right on the sand are perfect for a family lunch.
Sandy Ground: This village is lined with casual, fun restaurants on the water, offering a lively local vibe, especially in the evening.
Pizza & Casual Bites: Places like Artisan Pizza in Island Harbour offer easy, kid-approved dinners in a relaxed setting.

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Regional Breakdown

Anguilla is a small island (only 16 miles long), but its different areas offer distinct vibes. The West End is the center of tourism, while the East End is quieter and more remote.

West End (Meads Bay, Rendezvous, West End Village): The bustling hub with major luxury resorts, fine dining, and the island’s calmest, widest beaches.
Central (The Valley, Sandy Ground, Crocus Bay): The island’s capital, main port, and local hub. Offers a more residential feel and great access to the entire island.
East End (Shoal Bay, Island Harbour): A quieter, more windswept side of the island with stunning natural scenery, the world-famous Shoal Bay, and a charming local fishing village.

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Local Tips

Driving is on the **left** side of the road. Roads can be dark at night, so drive with caution.
The tap water is desalinated and generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely preferred for taste.
Currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but **USD is accepted everywhere**.
Power plugs are **U.S.-style (Type A & B)** with 110V in almost all hotels, so U.S. travelers do not need adapters.
All 33 beaches in Anguilla are public, even those in front of resorts.

Best Time to Visit

Anguilla’s peak season is from December to April, offering the best and driest weather. The shoulder seasons (May-June and November) are great for fewer crowds and lower prices. The official hurricane season is from June to November, with the highest risk from mid-August to October.

Getting Around

Taxis are the most common way to get around, but they are unmetered, so **agree on the price in USD** before you get in. **Renting a car is highly recommended** for exploring the island’s many beaches at your own pace. A temporary local driver’s license is required and easily purchased from the rental agency. There is no public bus system.

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards
Bug spray (especially for evenings)
Water shoes for snorkeling and rocky coves
Light rain jacket for brief, tropical showers
Snorkel sets to explore right from the beach
Sun hats and sunglasses

We hope you found this Anguilla family guide useful. For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Anguilla.