Gentle seas to swim, astoundingly beautiful beaches for relaxation, reflection, contemplation - and beach games, jogs and picnics. The pinnacle of gastronomic delights including over 70 dining experiences presented by a cadre of world renowned international and award-winning local chefs, and enlivened by drop-by, roadside barbecues and beachside bistros and grills. Resorts and independent spas offering the latest in spa and wellness facilities, services and treatments. Unhurried, uncomplicated and easy to explore Anguilla invites bike tours and hiking excursions; and provides you with a myriad of activity choices. Unhurried, uncomplicated time to concentrate your thinking on nothing more than choosing which pleasurable activity you will select to round out your day of beach and sea pleasures. A visual pleasure or knowledge and intellect pleasure? Art galleries featuring original oils, pastels and watercolors; fine wood and metal sculptures; driftwood tables, mantle pieces. Museums with exciting artifacts detailing this small island's history from its beginning to the present. Choosing the evening's dining pleasure based simply on your mood - a romantic, candlelit dinner? A convivial pub? A beachside bistro? No lines. No hassles. Visitors to Anguilla are met by caring, friendly and welcoming Anguillians, and quickly embraced as friends. Innkeepers, whether of five-star luxury resorts or our smaller hotels, apartment hotels, villa and condo beach clubs, value their guests and strive to ensure that vacationers here return to their homes and careers fully rested and restored, in body, mind and spirit. It is this very nurturing and graciousness that has set Anguilla apart from many other vacation destinations, in the Caribbean and around the world. It is one of the common answers, in varying words, that you'll receive when asking of our past visitors -- "Why Anguilla?" The people.

BEACHES:

At least 39 of them...this is why Anguilla's famous. There is clean, fine, white coral sand and crystal water with relatively few people. Some are deserted, some have hotels, restaurants and snack bars. You can rent beach umbrellas, rafts and towels. The surf ranges from calm to invigorating.

WATERSPORTS:

This is a perfect place for these activities. Equipment rentals can be found for snorkeling, sunfish sailing, paddleboats and water skiing. Facilities offer windsurfers for rent or lessons. Jet skiing is prohibited.

SNORKELING AND DIVING:

Aside from laying on a pristine beach, snorkeling and diving are the other attractions of this island. Ideal conditions exist as the island is ringed by offshore reefs with good dives right off the coast, and of course, beautifully clear water. There are several islands offshore which are easily reached by boat which offer great snorkeling. The government has created artificial enlargements of the existing reef system and they are trying to eliminate anchor damage by designating permanent moorings in certain areas where you will need a permit to anchor. There is a 5-star PADI training center and dives are available for all levels of experience. There are several sunken wrecks, night dives and dives along reefs, a wall which falls from 15 to 60 feet and canyons, ledges and caves to explore.

BOATING AND SAILING:

Yachts, motorboats or catamarans can be chartered for sunset cruises, island hopping, day sails, snorkeling excursions, or moonlight cruises. Private charters are also available. A glass bottom boat tour can show you the glories underwater while staying dry.

BICYCLING:

Because Anguilla is very flat, the highest point is 213 feet above sea level, cycling is fairly easy. Mountain bikes can be rented.

FISHING:

Boats can be chartered for sport fishing. Tuna and mackeral are usually found.

HORSEBACK RIDING:

Beaches are a great place to ride and there are also nature trails. English or Western rides are available.

TENNIS:

There are a number of tennis courts (some lighted) and several tennis pros. Simply call in advance and make a reservation.

EXPLORING:

You can take a taxi tour of the island in about2 1/2 hours and a local driver will act as tour guide. If you would like to explore yourself, car rental agencies can issue the mandatory Anguillan driver's license which is valid for 3 months. You must remember to drive on the left.

SHOPPING:

Some beautiful local handcrafts can be found here... such as baskets, mats, tablecloths and bedspreads. Local artists produce painted wood carvings, pottery, ceramics, textiles and primitive art which are are sold at galleries. There are some little clothing boutiques which sell jewelry, beachwear, batik and some upscale European designer sportswear.

NIGHTLIFE:

Live music and dancing can be found at a variety of venus, from beach bars to restaurants. After dinner, late night or even all-night on weekends, things are pretty loose and lively. The various hotels offer barbecues, West Indian parties and musicians.