Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
Anguilla
Anguilla’s secluded tranquility, not to mention some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, has proven to be a draw for the most affluent of visitors. Small and lightly populated with friendly and easy-going people, it’s become a trendy haven for those who want privacy and have the money to insure they get it.
Diversions
Sandy Ground is the island’s small, sleepy deep water port and is located about two miles west of The Valley, Anguilla’s capital and the island's only real town. Some taxi drivers meet incoming passengers and for a flat fee offer guided tours of the island. For those who want to explore on their own, bicycles and scooters can be rented in The Valley. Very little evidence of British colonialism remains here, since the decision was made to move government administration to St. Kitts long ago in 1825.
Despite the lack of a profusion of historic sights, most visitors find Wallblake House, one of the oldest structures on the island, of interest. Peek into the interior of the adjacent church, uniquely designed with a decorative stone front, open sides, and a ceiling shaped like the hull of a ship. The Anguilla National Trust Museum displays changing exhibits of Anguilla's history and natural environment and is worth a visit.
Anguilla’s interior is utterly devoid of dramatic scenery and lush foliage. It’s flat and dry, dotted with salt ponds that were commercially harvested until the cost of shipping the salt began to exceed its value. A look around the island quickly reveals its main appeals are the beautiful beaches, crystal aquamarine water, and nearby islets.
Shopping
Not exactly a shopper's paradise, there are a handful of places to shop for mainly local arts and crafts. A good selection of locally made silk-screened clothing, pottery, and baskets can be found at the Anguilla Arts and Crafts Center in The Valley. Small galleries on the island feature the work of Caribbean artists and antique maps.
Beaches
Some of the best of the beautiful beaches are Shoal Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Sandy Ground, and Barnes Bay. Little Bay, accessible by boat, is great for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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