Backpacking Anguilla in 2027

The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.

Planning a backpacking route through Anguilla can be tricky — you need to balance must-see places, travel times, budget, and how long to stay in each destination. Our free personalized Anguilla itinerary planner creates a route based on your travel style, trip duration, and interests, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring.

Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.

For visiting Anguilla, make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended because you can get it through contaminated food or water. Consider hepatitis B if you might have close contact with locals or need medical treatment. Typhoid vaccine is advisable if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas. Yellow fever vaccine is not required unless you arrive from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria risk is very low, so prophylaxis is generally not needed. Always carry proof of vaccination and consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip to tailor vaccines to your health and itinerary.


vaccination requirements

When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.

These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Anguilla, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.

There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Holafly, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.


HolaFly eSim

Respect local customs by dressing modestly outside beach areas; avoid revealing clothing in towns and villages. Always greet with a friendly nod or handshake when meeting locals. Do not raise your voice or show impatience; Anguillans value calm and polite interactions. Public displays of affection are generally accepted but keep them discreet in rural areas. Women should feel safe traveling alone but avoid isolated spots after dark. The island is tolerant, but public LGBTQ+ displays may attract attention; discretion is advised. Tipping around 10-15% in restaurants and for services is customary. Avoid littering and respect the environment to preserve Anguilla’s natural beauty.

Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Anguilla.Johnny Cakes
These are dense, fried bread rounds that serve as a staple side or snack. They’re simple but deeply satisfying, often eaten with saltfish or dipped in local sauces. Johnny Cakes reflect Anguilla’s resourceful use of basic ingredients and are a must-try for their authentic island flavor.Conch Stew
A rich, hearty stew made from conch meat simmered with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s a beloved dish that showcases the island’s connection to the sea and the skill of balancing bold Caribbean flavors. Conch stew is a cultural icon, often enjoyed at family gatherings and festivals.Grilled Lobster
Fresh lobster, typically caught locally, grilled simply with garlic butter or island spices. This dish highlights Anguilla’s premium seafood and the island’s laid-back approach to cooking—letting quality ingredients shine. It’s a luxury experience that’s surprisingly accessible on the island.Callaloo Soup
A creamy, green soup made from callaloo leaves, often combined with okra, crab, or salted meat. It’s a traditional dish that carries African and Caribbean heritage, valued for its earthy flavors and nutritional benefits. Callaloo soup connects travelers to the island’s history and local palate.Saltfish and Dumplings
Salted codfish cooked with onions, peppers, and herbs, served alongside soft, boiled dumplings. This dish is a staple breakfast or lunch option, embodying the island’s colonial past and its adaptation of preserved fish into everyday meals. It’s filling, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Anguillan identity.

Tap water in Anguilla is generally treated and safe for locals who are accustomed to it. However, tourists are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues, as the water quality can vary and may not agree with sensitive systems. Carrying a reusable water bottle with a reliable filter is a practical way to stay hydrated safely.

English is the official language of Anguilla and is spoken fluently by nearly everyone. Signs, menus, and official documents are all in English. Locals speak with a Caribbean accent, which might take a moment to get used to, but comprehension is not an issue. Service staff, taxi drivers, and shopkeepers communicate clearly in English. Travelers will have no trouble navigating daily interactions or asking for directions.

The local currency of Anguilla is XCD ($).

In Anguilla, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, with 15-20% customary in restaurants if service isn’t included. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect small tips for good service, usually a few dollars. Always check your bill to avoid double tipping, as some places add service charges automatically.