After traveling to SXM for 15 years, we are once again planning on going to Anguilla for our first time. We are going to try to fight "sand gravity" and actually go, as it is indeed on our bucket list. I was thinking about renting a car at the ferry dock. I have driven all over New Zealand on the "other" side of the road, and understand that in Anguilla it is even more strange because the driver side is on the left, but am still undaunted. Any suggestions about car vs taxi, and things to do and see would be appreciated. I know we could also just take a taxi to shoal bay and hang out, and we would consider doing that as well.

Many day trippers would only do the car rental but personally speaking, as a first-timer on AXA, I'd skip the car rental and hire a taxi myself. A taxi tour and driver can give you so much more info regarding the island in general and its people and little tidbits of island lore you might otherwise miss out on, as well as the latest hot spots and not to be missed sights and beaches.

You can easily hire a taxi just outside the immigration hall and negotiate the price including the drop off at one or two beaches along with your ultimate return to Blowing Point in time for your boat back. Remember, you pay your driver upon return to the immigration hall. They know the ropes and won't let you down......

On subsequent trips the rental car is the better way to see Anguilla particularly if your comfortable with the driving but I'm thinking you might miss some of the high spots doing it on your own the first time out, but that said, it's a very easy drive so in the end, it's your call. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Great. Thanks so much for the info. Do you recall what you paid for the taxi tour? Just trying to get some kind of benchmark price to start with.

You are very welcome - happy to help when I can. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I honestly don't recall prices since its been quite a while since we've done one, and as small as the island is, one is generally enough for a very good over-view. These days when we go to AXA we usually stay over but I'm thinking the taxi fare fee from the little hotel we stayed in was about $20.00 one way to Blowing Point so I'm guessing it would probably be about $60 to $70.00 but as I said, it's been a long time since we've done one and mine is purely a guesstimate. Surely someone will post with more up-dated info as to fares.

Doing a day trip over tomorrow on a catamaran so hoping the weather is good. On arrival we will be taken by taxi to Shoal Bay, where lunch is included in the price of our trip. Looking forward to it.

Just be careful of the surf....was at SB, but left the surf is so bad.....if you do come over make sure you walk the whole of the beach at least past the yellow brollies...less crowded.....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

I don't go near the water when it's bad. Mayo has been bad for about a week now. Hubby suggested I go and get some photos of the surf over there tonight, I declined as I got some last week. Pretty wild. I'm hoping for calmer waters at Shoal Bay tomorrow.

And it might not be a bad idea to check with the company doing the trip to see if they're going out. The trip from St. Martin to Anguilla is typically a smooth one but when the swells are running, it's anybody's guess. I do recall once when even the smaller Anguilla ferry boats wouldn't make the crossing.

I'm thinking I wouldn't want to make the trip on a boat of potential partiers who might not have the best of sea stomachs. Just a thought and it wouldn't hurt to check it out in advance to save yourself some potential disappointment.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure if they would make a cancellation call until the day of the trip, we'll find out in the morning.

Supposedly it's supposed to be very rough for the next ten days. I might call them and cancel myself, especially if you are at all prone to seasickness.

It may be too late to see today but check the webcam, this is where the cats pass, it has been wild for a week now.

http://www.earthcam.com/cams/anguilla/meadsbay/?cam=meadsbay_hd

I heard the surf is up on both sides of the island.

Ellen

Ellen it is bad all over the Island....a guest just came back was over at Cap J, she & a friend got hit by a wave and she said she was never so scared in her life....the only beach that seems calmer is Sandy Ground.....looking at the beach now you can see the undertow.....the reefs are just white from the surf.....the other night I was at Viceroy for sunset, the surf was hitting the new "rocks" pretty hard......kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

WOW. Had no idea about the waves. Thanks for the heads up!!!!!

I just posted this a few days ago for another person. Hope you don't mind my cutting and pasting it for you. My wife and I also enjoy Anguilla. Have been there a few times. Don't forget to take your passport when you head to the ferry and leave as early as you can to get a full day on the island. Remember to get back in time for the last ferry back. Be in big trouble if you miss it! We have always rented a car where you get off the ferry. I really enjoy driving on the left side of the road which you do in Anguilla. We love visiting the Aquaponic farm at the Cuisinart Resort. The curator, Howard Resh gave us a tour one trip. Don't know if he still does that personally, but you can take a tour of the place. Turn left when you exit the road that runs from the ferry. Ask for a map when you pick up the car. Close to the Cuisinart is Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve. Food is OK but the atmosphere is pretty neat if Bankie is there. On the other side of this part of Anguilla is Blanchards Restaurant. Also a great place to eat either inside or on the beach. Mead's Bay is where this beach is located and we enjoy it almost as much as Shoal Bay East. If you decide to go to Blanchards, buy their book "A Trip to the Beach" and read it before you go. You'll appreciate the place even more. But, the reason you want to go there is to see Shoal Bay East. Don't miss it. Take your snorkel gear if you have any. You won't be disappointed. As takeus2sxm said, the beaches are less crowded as are the roads. But, don't forget the map. You will love your day!

We are obviously in the minority since I have seen no one else mention Cove Bay, but if you don't want the tour and just want a relaxing day on a normally calm beach with great food. try Smokies at Cove Bay. Great beach, great food, small crowd, chairs are free with lunch, and Desiree and Pearl(may be still on maternity leave)are great waiting the tables/chairs.