Around 4000 years ago, Anguilla was a lush island covered in dense rain forest. Amerindian peoples who came by dugout canoes and rafts from South America's mainland discovered it. They called Anguilla "Malliouhana" which meant arrow-shape sea serpent and they developed villages, farms and ceremonial sites to their gods. Anguilla has plenty of beautiful beaches should the mood strike you to take a dip or lather yourself with tanning butter. Sandy Ground has calm turquoise waters, as do the impressive sweeps at Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous Bay. Other notable beaches include Meads Bay and Shoal Bay West. Top honors in the Valley area go to Crocus Bay.
Anguilla's relaxed and secluded environment offers many activities for those who wish to experience a vacation away from the noise and chaos of everyday life. Thirty-three magnificent beaches border this small island offering a idyllic place to sunbathe, jog, stroll, read a book, or simply build a sandcastle. For those looking for a little more adventure, this beautiful island offers horseback riding, water-skiing, parasailing, paddle boating, windsurfing, and glass-bottom boats. Anguilla also offers a variety of dive sites, including wreck dives, shore dives, mini-wall dives, and heritage diving. It is also the home of a unique attraction, a 960-ton Spanish galleon that rests on the bottom of the ocean floor. This shipwreck is easily accessible and open to all certified divers. However, to fully enjoy this dive-site, it is best to travel within the summer months when the visibility is at its best. |