Antigua and Anguilla are Caribbean islands that are located near to each other.
It takes approximately 45 minutes for a regional carrier to travel between the islands.
Both islands are English speaking and share the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as the official currency.
Nevertheless, Anguilla is an overseas British territory while Antigua is an independent nation with its own Prime Minister.
In this article, we compare these two gorgeous Caribbean islands to help you decide which is better for your upcoming Caribbean vacation.
As a general rule, Antigua is the destination of choice for visitors interested in white sand beaches, exploring Caribbean history and swimming with stingrays. Alternatively, Anguilla is better for travelers who are interested in turquoise beaches, exploring dive sites and tranquility.
Read on for further details and explanations on how these two stunning Caribbean Islands compare. This article is written by a Caribbean national who visited both countries in excess of ten times.
Antigua vs Anguilla: Which Island Is Bigger
Antigua is the larger of the two islands being 169.9 square miles with the highest point of elevation is Boggy Peak which stands at an elevation of 1,319 feet.
Contrastingly, Anguilla is only 39.38 square miles and the highest point is Crocus Hill with an elevation of 210 feet
Antigua vs Anguilla: How Does The Landscape Differ
The landscape on both islands varies vastly. Antigua is hilly, lush and mountainous in appearance.
On the other hand, Anguilla is flat and arid.
There are no public transportation in Anguilla and due to its terrain, visitors may find it easier to navigate the roads on the island.
Antigua vs Anguilla: Which Island Has Better Access To International Cities
Antigua has greater access to major international cities such as the USA, UK, Canada and Europe.
These airlines include Delta, Jet Blue, United, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Condor and Sunwing Airlines.
Alternatively, the only international airline that currently 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.
Antigua vs Anguilla: Which Island Has Better Beaches
Both islands have gorgeous and stunning beaches. The main difference is there are many more beaches in Antigua.
The island is fondly known for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Contrastingly, Anguilla only has 33 beaches.
Dickenson Bay is one of the well- loved beaches in Antigua with both locals and tourists alike.
Its shallow and calm waters make it an ideal spot for water sports such as paddle boarding
To help visitors choose among its many beaches, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority launched a beach personality quiz.
Feel free to visit the page to find the perfect beach for you.
Furthermore, Shoal Bay Beach truly embodies Anguilla’s slogan tranquility wrapped in blue. This beach is long strip about 2 miles with perfect pinkish white sand and clear blue waters.
Shoal Bay shares its shoreline with many hotels, restaurants and beach bars.
The beach is perfect spot on the island for diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
Antigua vs Anguilla: Which Island Has The Better Nightlife
While pace of life is slower on both islands, there are more nightlife options on Antigua than Anguilla.
Shirley’s Heights Lookout is a well- known spot in Antigua on Sunday evenings for entertainment.
There is usually a live band with drinks and food available for purchase.
Some of the other popular nightlife spots on the island are The Lime and Tryst Nightclub, Bar and Restaurant.
Likewise, restaurants and beach bars also form a major part of the entertainment activities in Anguilla.
Some of the popular entertainment spots in Anguilla include The Lounge Bar, Sky Lounge and The Pumphouse.
Nevertheless, one key advantage that Anguilla has over Turks & Caicos is easy access to St Maarten via ferry.
St Maarten is one of the Caribbean islands with a bubbling night life environment.
Travelers who want a great blend of tranquility, entertainment and duty free shopping may prefer Anguilla for this reason.
Antigua vs Anguilla: What Are The Unique Things To Do
Unique Things To Do In Antigua
Visit Laviscount Island- enjoy a getaway to a private island which is home to Giant Aldabra Tortoises.
Animal lovers will truly enjoy feeding and interacting with the tortoises on this island.
Swim With Stingrays– enjoy swimming and snorkeling in beautiful waters of Antigua with friendly stingrays.
There are also amazing coral reefs and several species of fishes that you can enjoy at the pool.
Visit Nelson’s Dockyard- delve into the history of the island by visiting Nelson’s Dockyard where there are modern conveniences such as shops and marina businesses.
This dockyard allows visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty.
There is also the dockyard museum which provides deep insight into the dockyard’s history and current research on the island.
Unique Things To Do In Anguilla
Visit The Fountain Cavern National Park– this park is located in Shoal Bay East and covers an area of 14.5 acres and is the most iconic attraction on the island.
There is an Amerindian Interpretation Centre (AAIC) built with thatch roof reflecting the typical dwelling of the Taino Amerindians in Malliouhana.
The cave which is limestone was used by the Taino Indians who left stone carvings and petroglyphs.
This area has two freshwater swimming pools which are used by locals.
Explore Dive Sites– Anguilla is a paradise for divers due to the presence of wrecks and artificial reefs.
There are several exciting parks which include Prickly Pear, Dog Island and Sandy Island.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Antigua is an exceptional choice for individuals who love exploring the island’s many beaches and hopping to neighboring Montserrat. On the other hand, Anguilla is an exceptional choice for a traveler whose priority is enjoying blue and turquoise beaches and island hopping to St Maarten.
Need More Information?
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