Anguilla and St John are Caribbean islands that are the dependency of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) respectively.
In this article, we provide you with a deep dive analysis of both islands to help you decide which one is right for your Caribbean vacation.
As a general rule, Anguilla is perfect for visitors seeking white sand beaches, the opportunity to visit St Maarten and direct airlift to international cities. Alternatively, St John is ideal for persons who enjoy hiking, white sand beaches with an interest in visiting St Thomas.
Read on for further details and explanations on how these two beautiful Caribbean islands compare. This article was written by a Caribbean national familiar with both islands.
Anguilla Vs St John- Which Island Is Bigger
Anguilla is the larger of the two islands being 39.38 square miles and the highest point is Crocus Hill with an elevation of 210 feet.
Contrastingly, St John is only 19.6 square miles with Bordeaux Mountain being the higher point of elevation at 1,277 feet.
Anguilla Vs St John- Entry Requirements
St John is the overseas territory of the United States of America and hence US citizens do not require a passport to enter.
On the other hand, US citizens require a passport to enter and exit Anguilla as well as proof of a return ticket.
Anguilla Vs St John- Does The Landscape Differ?
The look and feel of both islands is unlike. Anguilla is flat and dry in appearance while St John is green, lush and mountainous.
This also is reflected in the measurements of the highest point of elevation listed above.
Visitors may find the roads on Anguilla easier to navigate due to the terrain of the island.
The roads in St John are narrow and curvy. In some areas you may need to stop and reverse when going around a corner.
Anguilla Vs St John- Which Island Is Easier To Access
Anguilla is the easier of the two islands to access. The Clayton J Lloyd International Airport is a small airport located near the capital city The Valley that serves the island.
Currently, the only international airline that has flights to Anguilla is American Airlines.
There are no flights from London, Toronto or other major international cities.
International travelers fly to Antigua or St Maarten and transfer unto smaller airlines such as Seaborne or Winair.
Contrastingly, there are no airports in St John and therefore the only way to access the island is via ferry.
Visitors to St John can access the island through the Cyril E King International Airport in St Thomas or The Henry E Rohlsen Airport in St Croix.
This airport is a domestic one that is located six miles from the capital city in St Croix named Christiansted.
Anguilla Vs St John- Does The Currency Differ?
St John shares the US dollar as its official currency just as mainland USA.
Nevertheless, despite being an overseas dependency of the UK, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency of Anguilla.
This currency is shared by seven other islands in the Eastern Caribbean and managed through a regional central bank in St Kitts.
The US dollar is widely accepted in Anguilla.
Anguilla Vs St John- Can You Hop To Other Islands
Both islands provide excellent opportunities for island hopping.
From Anguilla, there are ferry services available daily from Blowing Point to both French St Martin and Dutch St Maarten.
Once you arrive, there are other ferry services with access to the Dutch Caribbean islands of Saba and St Eustatius.
Additionally, there are ferry services to the French Caribbean island of St Barths.
On the other hand, from St John there are ferry services to other US Virgin islands such as St Thomas, St Croix and Water Island.
Furthermore, one can also access the British Virgin Islands (BVI) via ferry services. Kindly note that US passengers require a passport for entry into the BVI.
Anguilla Vs St John- Which Island Has Better Nightlife
Both islands are quiet and laid back destinations and are suited for visitors seeking rest and relaxation.
However, they both have the advantage of having easy access to islands nearby with entertainment being St Maarten in the case of Anguilla and St Thomas for St John.
Additionally, both St Maarten and St Thomas are exceptional Caribbean islands for duty free shopping.
St Maarten is one of the islands in the Caribbean known for having a bubbling and vibrant nightlife environment.
There are a wide variety of lounges, rooftop bars, casinos, restaurants and night clubs on the island.
Therefore, if you will like to enjoy a considerable amount of entertainment, Anguilla is the better destination.
Anguilla Vs St John- Which Island Has Better Beaches
This category truly is a tough one because both islands have stunning white sand beaches with turquoise waters.
Therefore, the choice of either destination will leave beach lovers with a smile.
Trunk Bay Beach is the most iconic beach in St John and is usually what you will see in photographs for the US Virgin islands.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, there is an underwater trail.
Cinnamon Bay Beach is also a popular spot by locals and visitors to the island for swimming and snorkeling in St John.
This beach is the longest white sand spot on the island. This is the only beach where camping facilities are available.
On the other hand, Rendezvous Bay Beach, Shoal Bay East and Sandy Ground Beach are well loved in Anguilla for having beautiful stretch of white sand with turquoise waters.
Anguilla Vs St John- Activities & Things To Do On The Islands
Day Trip Scrub Island, Anguilla– spend a day on a private island located off the eastern end of the island. It is only 3 square miles with access only via boat.
It has a beautiful beach and it is not unusual to spot leatherback turtles while there.
The island is uninhabited and there are no amenities such as bathrooms, shops and restaurants present.
Hike Lind Point Trail, St John– this is a simple trail which makes it ideal for beginners with spectacular views of Cruz Bay which is the main town.
The trail takes about one hour to complete with access to both Salomon and Honeymoon beaches.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Anguilla is ideal for visitors seeking to relax on private cays with white sand beaches and island hopping to St Maarten/ St Martin. On the other hand, St John is suitable for persons desiring white sand beaches with turquoise waters and hiking various scenic trails.
Need More Information?
We trust that the article above was useful as you plan your upcoming Caribbean adventure.
Kindly feel free to continue browsing our website for more information on Anguilla, St John and the rest of the Caribbean using the search bar located above this page.
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