Snorkeling and Other Activities on Anguilla

Provided my wife and I can overcome sand gravity, we are planning a trip over to Anguilla from St. Martin in February.

We know to bring our passports.

Is the snorkeling any better than St. Martin or Tintamarre?

We're planning on visiting Cheddie's Carving Studio.

Any other suggestions?

Snorkeling in Anguilla (and anywhere else in the Caribbean) is better than Sint Maarten/St Martin.

The best thing to do in Anguilla is follow one of the local sayings, "It is good to do nothing all day, and then to relax"


You could probably add, "Paddle a bit, then dance"

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In my view, this is a questionable generalization - although I agree to the extent that when we ourselves go to the main island of Anguilla, we are not going for the snorkeling off beach there. I think Creole Rock and the outer reef south south east off Pinel (just two examples) are as good if not better than most of what you can find in and around Anguilla - as a side comment, I think Prickly Pear has declined significantly over the last ten years. Also, it very much depends on where in Anguilla or SXM and, for anyone simply coming for a day or two, it very much depends on sea and weather conditions - that is why I always am reluctant to make too specific a recommendation for someone who is going to be there just there for a day - such folks are best served by going with an outfit like Paul or Bob run, and they will react to the particular day. There also is the issue of what you consider good snorkeling - some people are very happy just to see some turtles or a lot of fish - others think it lousy snorkeling unless there is a healthy and colorful coral reef - the latter being the thing which may not exist in another 20 years.

I guess you have limited snorkel experience in St. Martin! It's not the best in the world but there are plenty of very interesting places. Yiou just need someone who knows where to go and to tell you what to look for once you get into the water. Shore snorkeling from beaches like Shoal Bay in Anguilla is not that exceptional unless you are willing to swim a long way out to the barrier reef.

Sail by night....that picture of Gwen's is so outdated....unfortunately it has been claimed by the sea....she has moved to the other end of Shoal Bay....

the snorkeling in Anguilla is not great as, as a matter of fact most of the reefs are dead or dying.....

I do go out with Junior of Glass Bottom Boat, he is usually at Elodia's in Shoal Bay....he could take you out to the reefs (Seafans)....some colourful fish and lots of conch....

Cheddies carvings are just wonderful...great works of art...across the road is Devonish Gallery....Courtney Devonish also does carving as well as pottery.....

Sunday's are a great day to go if you like live music....Da'Vida with Omari Banks....Johnno's....Bankie Banx with Johnny Lloyd (Dune Preserve)....Gwen's at Shoal Bay.....

if you need more info......kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

How does SSE of Pinel compare to the WNW corner of Green Cay, right near the shore? How far off Pinel? We usually snorkel from Club O watersports to Green Cay sandbar, then work north.

I think that off Pinel is somewhat better but that is just my impression. We enjoy swimming to and snorkeling off Green Cay.

Is the snorkeling off Pinel or Green Caye clothing optional ?

I will answer with regard to my view of what is done - not with regard to legal technicalities. If you are off a boat, then your captain answers the question as to C/O. If you are off beach from Pinel, I would say no - definitely no if you are off beach from west side where the main activities are - there may be some who would think C/O OK if off beach from north or south (usually deserted) beaches, but I would not recommend it. Green Caye itself always has been treated as C/O, depending on whether anything is going on there and if so, what. So, same thing as to off beach snorkeling from Green Caye.

There are some geocaches to be found on Anguilla. Also don't forget Blanchards - they have a beach shack and a great restaurant as well for dinner.

Thank you to everyone who shared information about Anguilla! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Do you know if Blanchards beach shack is closed on any particular day?

According to their website:

http://www.blanchardsrestaurant.com/beach-shack.html

Jan. 5 - Aug. 23, 2014-Open Mon. - Sat. 11:30am - 8:30pm

August 24 – Nov. 5, 2014-Closed for the season

Nov. 6 – Dec. 15, 2014-Open Mon. - Sat. 11:30am – 8:30pm

Dec. 16 – Dec. 30,2014-Open 7 days a week 11:30am - 8:30pm