{"id":3664,"date":"2016-09-30T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2016-09-30T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=3664"},"modified":"2016-09-14T10:45:49","modified_gmt":"2016-09-14T14:45:49","slug":"a-day-in-anguilla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=3664","title":{"rendered":"A Day in Anguilla"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are many islands in the Caribbean, but none with beaches as pristine and white as Anguilla!<\/p>\n

Anguilla, a British territory, lies to the north of St. Maarten and consists of the main island of Anguilla and much smaller unpopulated islands and cays. \u00a0Only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point, it is widely known for its beautiful beaches, sailboat racing and outstanding dining experiences.<\/p>\n

Easy to reach by ferry while visiting St. Maarten, you cruise into the Blowing Hole Ferry terminal after a quick 20 minute ride. \u00a0Hoping to make the 0945 ferry, we arrived at the Marigot terminal, found a parking spot (an almost impossible feat!) purchased tickets, cleared immigration and actually made the 0900 ferry instead.<\/p>\n

\"welcome-to-anguilla-terminal-sign\"<\/a>Planning to rent a car once we had reached the island, we were approached by one of the stewards on the boat who offered a car for $55, taxes and fees included. \u00a0Since I had already checked out the list of car rental agencies and their prices before we had departed, I knew that this was a fair price. \u00a0We were able to fill out the paperwork on board the boat, saving time once we arrived. \u00a0After clearing immigration, we met the steward\u00a0after exiting the building and was escorted to the car which was running and ready for us a few feet away.<\/p>\n

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Shoal Bay West<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0Not quite knowing what the island entailed, we took a quick look at our map and quickly tried to decide which part of the island to explore. \u00a0Heading to the west, we decided to bypass Rendezvous Bay since it was so close to the ferry terminal and instead drove to Shoal Bay West. \u00a0Spying a beach covered in seaweed and rough seas, we decided that this was not the place for us. \u00a0Crossing over to the north side, we tried Mead’s Bay which was calm, clear and beautiful. \u00a0Everyone being quite hungry, however, decided that we should return to this location after exploring a bit more and finding something to eat.<\/p>\n

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Mead’s Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Pink-hued Salt Pond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing eastward, we headed down to the area of Sandy Ground since it appeared to have more hotels and eateries. \u00a0Driving down the inclined road, there is a beautiful view of Road Bay and the pink-hued salt pond on the right. \u00a0When we arrived, however, it seemed that things were just being set up on the beach. \u00a0 The bay was full of moored boats and it didn’t seem like a place we wanted to hang out for a while.<\/p>\n

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\"dionnes-food-truck\"<\/a>During\u00a0our journey east, we continued our search for lunch in the island’s capital, The Valley. \u00a0There appeared to be a street fair and some lolos (barbecue stands) being set up in the town area, but nothing more than a Subway, which everyone decided was against the rules (you can’t eat American fast food on vacation in another country, unless it is an emergency!). \u00a0By this time, the boys were wanting Jamaican patties, so we drove around a bit more looking for a place selling the delectable pies. \u00a0 Unfortunately, the bakery which would have sold them, was closed, strange, being that it was a Saturday. \u00a0After a bit more driving, we finally decided upon a food truck for our lunch. \u00a0Food was a bit mediocre, but it got the job done.<\/p>\n

During lunch, after\u00a0reading up a bit in the tourist magazine I picked up on the ferry, I discovered that Shoal Bay East was a beach that was highly recommended. \u00a0We were not extremely far from this location so we decided to give it a try.<\/p>\n

Upon our arrival, we noticed a few taxis dropping lots of tourists off and a couple of parking lots available. \u00a0We paid five dollars to park and made our way down the road in the direction of the beach. \u00a0A middle-aged islander sidled up to us and offered to set us up with\u00a0chairs and umbrellas. \u00a0We agreed on two chairs and an umbrella for $10, since the boys never sit still. \u00a0The chair pads and umbrellas were a bit worn but, did the trick.<\/p>\n

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Taking a look around, I had to admit, this was truly one of the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen. \u00a0Clear, turquoise\u00a0and calm water extended out before us and our feet sunk into the soft, white sand. \u00a0Very few resorts or restaurants were on this long stretch of beach and it was not extremely crowded.<\/p>\n

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We decided that since we had driven most of the island already and seen what there was to offer, this was where we would spend the afternoon before heading back to the ferry for our return journey.<\/p>\n

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A relaxing and beautiful day, we hung out, swam, snorkeled and took a walk on the mile-long beach down to the eastern end, where it concludes\u00a0at the point. \u00a0At this end, we discovered an extensive protected marine park, which offered up an amazing snorkeling spot.<\/p>\n

There were a couple of restaurant’s offering food and some souvenirs…Eric and the boys found some great t-shirts and I got a cool hat!<\/p>\n

Finally, we decided to end our day and head back toward the ferry terminal to make the second-to-last ferry (we didn’t want to risk the last one) stopping along the way to grab some drinks and topping off our gas tank.<\/p>\n

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Overall, we enjoyed our day in Anguilla, however, the burning question remains…would I go back and stay on Anguilla on a future vacation?<\/p>\n

Happy to get another stamp in my passport, it was an enjoyable and different way to spend a day on our trip. \u00a0Originally, I had run the idea by my husband\u00a0to go straight to Anguilla when we arrived in St. Maarten, stay there for 2 or 3 nights and then return to St. Maarten for the remainder of our vacation. \u00a0After visiting, however, we realized that the island is very quiet and probably more suited for honeymooning couples rather than a family with teen aged boys seeking continual entertainment. \u00a0There are apparently some top restaurants located on the island, a plus for foodies, but not for us who enjoy a good meal, but would sometimes just rather have a pizza or a Jamaican patty. \u00a0During my investigation of\u00a0the island, I did find that there are some great nightlife spots in Sandy Ground, with bands and dancing on certain nights. \u00a0Overall, I think that if my husband and I would return, maybe we could enjoy a couple of nights on the island, however, I think a day via ferry was perfect for us at this time.<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

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Anguilla<\/strong><\/p>\n