When you hear “Anguilla,” what comes to mind? Pristine white-sand beaches? Crystal-clear turquoise waters? Celebrity sightings and luxury resorts with $1,000+ nightly rates? You’re not wrong, Anguilla is indeed a luxurious Caribbean destination that frequently tops travel magazines’ most beautiful beaches in the world lists. But here’s a little secret: You don’t need a celebrity’s budget to enjoy this 35-square-mile slice of paradise.
Savvy travelers already know Anguilla can be accessible, even if you’re watching your wallet. Will it ever be as budget-friendly as a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia? No. But with some strategic planning, local insights, and a bit of flexibility, you can experience the magic of an Anguilla beach vacation without emptying your savings account.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, honest advice for experiencing Anguilla’s world-class beaches, warm culture, and incredible food without breaking the bank. From when to visit to where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around, these tips come from personal experience and conversations with locals who know this island best.
So yes, you can afford Anguilla. Let’s dive into how.
Timing Is Everything: When to Visit Anguilla on a Budget
The single most significant factor in your Anguilla budget will be when you choose to visit. This tiny island experiences dramatic price swings throughout the year, with high season rates often double or triple what you’ll pay during quieter periods.
The Sweet Spot: (November & May)
For the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and significant savings, you should travel to Anguilla during the slower season. Early November, just before the peak holiday rush but after hurricane season, you’ll find pleasant weather with temperatures in the low 80s. Many properties and restaurants are freshly reopened and eager for business. May, after the winter crowds leave but before summer family vacations begin, offers warm days, gentle breezes, and substantial discounts (often 30-40% off high-season rates).
During these months, you’ll experience nearly identical weather to peak season while paying significantly less for accommodations. Many restaurants also offer early-season or end-of-season specials.
Deeper Discounts: Off-Season (June-October)
If your budget is particularly tight, consider visiting during the official low season from June to October. Yes, this overlaps with hurricane season (particularly August-October), but many travelers visit during this period without issue. Travel insurance is a must, however.
The advantages are substantial. Hotel rates can be slashed by 50% or more, flights are typically cheaper, many restaurants offer summer specials, and beaches are quieter and more secluded.
Absolute No-Go for Budget Travelers: December 20 – January 3
The holiday period sees Anguilla transform into a playground for the ultra-wealthy. Prices skyrocket and minimum-stay requirements are enforced. Simply put, if you’re budget-conscious, avoid the Christmas/New Year’s period entirely.
Getting There Without Breaking the Bank
Anguilla doesn’t have a major international airport, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for saving money. Here’s how to approach transportation strategically:
Most visitors reach Anguilla via neighboring St. Maarten/St. Martin, which has a major international airport (SXM) with direct flights from many U.S. and European cities.
The budget option is the ferry from Marigot. Take a taxi from SXM airport to Marigot (French side) ferry terminal for about $25. The public ferry to Anguilla costs approximately $20 each way, runs several times daily, and offers a 25-minute crossing with beautiful views.
The splurge option to avoid would be private boat transfers ($65-200 per person). They’re convenient but significantly more expensive.
Flight Considerations
Look beyond major carriers. JetBlue, American, and United offer competitive fares to St. Maarten. Being flexible with your travel dates can save substantial money, even shifting by a day or two can yield savings. If you live within driving distance of multiple airports, compare prices across them. It’s also helpful to set up alerts on Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner for your preferred travel dates.
Direct Flights to Anguilla (AXA)
While flying directly to Anguilla is more convenient, it’s typically more expensive. However, occasional deals do appear. American Airlines operates seasonal service from Miami. Cape Air and Tradewind Aviation offer connections from San Juan, Puerto Rico. For true budget travelers, the St. Maarten & ferry route almost always provides better value.
Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations in Paradise
Accommodations will likely be your largest expense in Anguilla, but there are options across various price points. The key is knowing where to look.
Budget-Friendly Hotels and Guesthouses
Several well-rated properties offer rooms under $200/night during slower and low seasons. La Vue Boutique Inn stands out as one of Anguilla’s best budget options for an Anguilla beach vacation. On a hillside with stunning panoramic views of Sandy Ground Beach, La Vue offers some of the most affordable rates on the island without sacrificing comfort. Our clean, well-appointed rooms start as low as $99-150 during low season and rarely exceed $180. Each room includes air conditioning, free WiFi, a small refrigerator, and other amenities. The property features a lovely pool, and incredibly friendly staff who go out of their way to help budget travelers make the most of their stay. Though not beachfront, it’s just a short 10-minute walk to Sandy Ground Beach, and the spectacular views from the property more than make up for the distance.
Getting Around the Island
Anguilla is just 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, but transportation costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Unlike larger Caribbean islands, Anguilla has no formal public bus system.
Rentals
A rental car provides maximum flexibility and is often worth the investment, especially if you’re staying for more than a few days. Budget-friendly local agencies like Gumbsie’s Car Rental offer basic but reliable vehicles from $35-45/day. Longer rental periods have substantially better weekly rates than daily rates. You’ll need a temporary local license which costs $25 (valid for 3 months).
A money-saving tip is to reserve well in advance for busy periods and ask your accommodation if they have special rates with local rental agencies.
Taxis
Taxis in Anguilla operate on a fixed-rate system rather than meters. Airport to most hotels costs $20-35 one-way. Travel between beaches runs $15-25 per trip. Night surcharges apply after 10pm. These costs can quickly exceed a rental car’s price if you plan to explore multiple beaches or dine at different restaurants.
Bicycles and Walking
Some hotels offer bicycle rentals. Walking is feasible for nearby beaches and restaurants but be aware of limited sidewalks and tropical heat. For budget travelers staying in one area (like Shoal Bay), walking to nearby beaches and restaurants can eliminate transportation costs entirely.
Beach-Hopping for Free: Anguilla’s Greatest Value
Here’s the best budget news about Anguilla: Its main attraction—those world-famous beaches—are completely free! All beaches in Anguilla are public, with guaranteed access rights by law.
Must-Visit Beaches That Cost Nothing
Shoal Bay East is frequently rated among the world’s best beaches, with powder-soft white sand and brilliant turquoise water. Meads Bay offers a stunning stretch of white sand with excellent swimming conditions. Rendezvous Bay is a long, curved beach with views of St. Martin and shallow, calm water. Captain’s Bay is more remote and undeveloped, offering peaceful seclusion. Little Bay is a tiny, hidden cove accessible by a rope climb down a cliff or by boat: for the adventurous. Sandy Ground is a lively beach with bars and restaurants and beautiful sunset views.
Beach Day Essentials on a Budget
Bring your gear by packing a beach towel, snorkel equipment which is complimentary at some properties, and portable shade. Stock a cooler with drinks and snacks purchased from local markets. Free parking is available at or near most beaches.
The Beach Bar Strategy
Many beach bars allow the use of their chairs if you purchase food or drinks. For budget travelers, this creates a strategic opportunity. Enjoy free beach access all morning, purchase an affordable lunch at a beach bar, and then continue using their facilities (chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes restrooms) for the afternoon. It’s a win-win that supports local businesses while maximizing your beach time.
Eating Well Without Overspending
Anguilla has earned a reputation as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, but dining can be expensive. Here’s how to enjoy the island’s food scene without overspending:
Self-Catering Basics
If your accommodation has a kitchen or kitchenette, you can take advantage of this and prepare some of your own meals. Best Buy in West End and Long Path offers the widest selection, while Proctor’s Supermarket in The Valley has the best selection for fresh produce. The Agriculture Department’s produce market in The Valley (Saturday mornings) offers fresh local fruits and vegetables. You can purchase fresh seafood directly from fishermen at Sandy Ground or Island Harbour in the early morning. Preparing breakfast and some lunches at your accommodation can cut your food budget in half.
Affordable Local Eateries
Skip the celebrity chef restaurants and international cuisine for authentic local food at reasonable prices. Ken’s BBQ, a roadside barbecue stand in The Valley, offers delicious grilled chicken, ribs, and sides at bargain prices. Johnno’s Bar & Restaurant is a popular beach bar in Sandy Ground with reasonably priced meals. Valley Bistro has good breakfast and lunch options at moderate prices. Sharky’s is a local favorite with varied menu and generous portions. Look for roadside food trucks like Hungry’s (famous for their “Double Six” breakfast) and Mabel’s for authentic local flavors.
Lunch vs. Dinner Strategy
Many upscale restaurants offer lunch menus with identical quality but lower prices than dinner. Blanchards Beach Shack, the casual offshoot of upscale Blanchards, offers quality food at moderate prices. Sunshine Shack is a beach bar on Rendezvous Bay with reasonably priced grilled items. Falcon Nest is a simple beachside restaurant on Island Harbour with fresh seafood. Straw Hat is a higher-end restaurant with a more affordable lunch menu.
The Water Bottle Savings Plan
Bottled water costs add up quickly in the Caribbean heat. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at your accommodation. You can ask restaurants to fill it with tap water (Anguilla’s tap water is generally safe to drink). This small habit can save $5-10 daily.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Cultural Exploration
Stroll through The Valley, Anguilla’s small capital, visiting the modest National Museum ($5) and historic courthouse. The Heritage Collection Museum offers a private collection chronicling Anguilla’s history ($5). Wallblake House is a historic plantation house with self-guided exterior tour (free). If your visit coincides with events like Summer Festival (August) or Moonsplash Music Festival (March), many community activities are free or low-cost.
Natural Attractions
Big Spring Cave features ancient Amerindian petroglyphs in a natural grotto (free). Meads Bay Pond is a birdwatching area with migratory species (free). East End Pond Conservation Area offers a nature walk with mangroves and bird habitats (free). Katouche Bay Trail is a short hiking trail through a dry tropical forest (free).
Active Pursuits
Little Bay, Shoal Bay, and Sandy Island offer excellent snorkeling from shore without booking a tour. For spectacular free sunset views, head to Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, or Barnes Bay. A self-guided driving tour for island exploration costs only gas money. Some hotels allow non-guests to use tennis courts for small fees or free during off-peak hours.
Splurge Strategically: Worth-It Expenditures
While this guide focuses on saving money, certain Anguilla experiences justify a splurge. Budget for these selectively.
Day Trip to Sandy Island or Prickly Pear Cay
These tiny offshore cays offer the quintessential desert island experience. While not cheap, they’re memorable. Sandy Island costs $40 for the round-trip boat shuttle excluding meal costs. Prickly Pear boat shuttle runs for $50 for round trip transportation.
One Special Meal
Choose one higher-end restaurant for a memorable dining experience. Veya’s Caribbean-Asian fusion, Jacala’s French-influenced cuisine, Blanchards’ elegant setting and refined menu, or Hibernia’s artistic presentation would all make excellent choices for your splurge meal.
A Half-Day Boat Trip
Nothing captures the essence of Caribbean life like time on the water. While full-day charters are expensive, half-day trips or shared experiences can be more affordable. Junior’s Glass Bottom Boat offers 2-hour snorkeling trips for around $40 per person. Tradition Sailing offers half-day excursions and sunset excursions.
Conclusion: Paradise Without the Price Tag
With thoughtful planning, Anguilla’s pristine beaches, friendly culture, and amazing food can be enjoyed without emptying your bank account. By planning an Anguilla beach vacation during slower season, staying at value-focused properties like La Vue Boutique Inn, cooking some of your own meals, and focusing on free beach access, you can experience the magic of Anguilla at a fraction of the luxury price tag. Remember that the most memorable aspects of Anguilla such as its stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and warm island hospitality are absolutely free!
Whether you’re seeking a quick island escape or planning a longer stay, our short-term rentals in Anguilla deliver convenience and comfort near the coast. For extended getaways, enjoy the laid-back charm of our weekly rentals in Anguilla or soak up the sunshine during a festive stay in one of our holiday rentals in Anguilla. Find your perfect retreat by browsing all La Vue Inn accommodations.
