Anguilla on a Budget? Yes, It’s Possible (And Here’s How)
Anguilla has a reputation. It is often whispered about in the same breath as St. Barts or Mustique—a playground for the ultra-wealthy, where billionaires dock their yachts and celebrities hide away in $5,000-a-night villas. And while that side of Anguilla certainly exists, it isn't the only Anguilla.
Beneath the veneer of high-end luxury lies a grounded, incredibly friendly, and distinctively authentic island that can be explored without liquidating your savings. With 33 pristine white-sand beaches (all public, by the way) and a culinary scene that rivals any major city, Anguilla is worth the effort.
If you want to experience the turquoise waters of the British West Indies without the astronomical bill, here is your blueprint for saving money in Anguilla.
1. The "Ferry Hack" for Arrival
The first sticker shock for many travelers is the flight. Flying directly into Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) can be convenient, but it often comes with a premium price tag, as fewer major airlines service the small runway.
The Fix: Fly into St. Maarten (SXM) instead. St. Maarten is a major Caribbean hub with frequent flights from the US and Europe, often at much lower rates. From there, it’s a simple 20-minute ferry ride across the channel to Anguilla.
- Public Ferry: Catch the public ferry from Marigot (on the French side of St. Martin). It departs every 45 minutes and costs roughly $30 USD one way (plus a small departure tax). It’s authentic, breezy, and significantly cheaper than a private charter.
2. Timing is Everything (The Shoulder Season Sweet Spot)
Anguilla basically shuts down in September and October for hurricane season, and prices skyrocket from December to April.
- The Strategy: Aim for May through August. The weather is still spectacular, the water is warm, and hotel rates can drop by as much as 40–50%. You’ll also find the beaches are even emptier than usual, giving you that "private island" feel for free.
3. Eat Like a Local (The BBQ Culture)
You could easily spend $150 on dinner at a resort, and it would be delicious. But if you want to eat the best food on the island, you need to follow the smoke. Anguilla is famous for its roadside BBQ stands.
- Ken’s Pork (The Valley): Legendary among locals. You can get a massive slab of ribs, garlic bread, and coleslaw for under $15. It’s messy, cash-only, and unforgettable.
- B&D’s BBQ: Another fantastic spot in Long Bay where you can get grilled chicken and fish for a fraction of resort prices.
- The Bakery Run: For breakfast, skip the hotel buffet. Head to Le Bon Pain in Island Harbour for fresh croissants or The Village Bakehouse for pastries. A hearty breakfast here will cost you less than a coffee at a luxury hotel.
Wallblake House, a plantation house thought to be the oldest building in Anguilla. Source- Wikipedia, Josveek Huligar.
4. Be Smart About Connectivity
One hidden cost that catches travelers off guard in the Caribbean is roaming. Because Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, it is often not covered by standard US or European "inclusive" roaming packages. Daily roaming fees can stack up to hundreds of dollars over a week.
The Fix: Do not rely on your home carrier. The most cost-effective method is to purchase and install an eSIM data plan before you arrive. This allows you to connect to local networks immediately upon landing without swapping physical cards or paying high daily roaming rates. You will need data to navigate the unmarked roads and check menu prices, so having a prepaid set amount of data is a crucial budget safeguard.
5. Getting Around: The Rental Car Reality
There is no public bus system in Anguilla. Taxis are available, but they operate on a zone system (no meters) and costs add up quickly if you are hopping between beaches.
- Rent a Car: It sounds counter-intuitive for a budget guide, but renting a small car is usually cheaper than taking three taxi rides a day. Drive on the left, watch out for the goats that roam freely, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the entire island.
- The License Fee: Keep in mind you will need to pay a small fee (around $25) for a temporary Anguillian driver's license, which the rental agency will issue you on the spot.
6. Beach Hopping is Free Entertainment
In some Caribbean destinations, resorts own the beaches and charge for access. Not in Anguilla.
- All Beaches are Public: You can legally walk onto the sand at the most exclusive resorts in the country (like Cap Juluca or the Four Seasons). While you can't use their pool chairs without paying, you can lay your towel on the same sand and swim in the same water for free.
- Bring Your Own Gear: Snorkeling excursions can cost $100+ per person. However, the snorkeling right off the beach at Shoal Bay East or Little Bay is world-class. Bring your own mask and snorkel (or buy a cheap set at a local supermarket) and you have free daily entertainment.
7. Accommodation Alternatives
You don't have to stay at a 5-star resort to enjoy Anguilla.
- Apartment Rentals: Look for "apart-hotels" or guesthouses in the West End or Sandy Ground areas. These often come with kitchenettes.
- The Kitchen Factor: Having a kitchen is a game-changer. Buying snacks and water at a local grocery store (like Best Buy or Proctor’s) instead of the hotel will save you a fortune.
The Verdict
Anguilla will never be the cheapest island in the Caribbean, but it offers a value proposition that mass-market destinations can't match: Space. You aren't fighting for a spot on the beach or waiting in line for a buffet. You are paying for tranquility, safety, and pristine beauty. If you eat local, travel in the shoulder season, and manage your logistics smart, you can experience the billionaire’s paradise on a backpacker’s (or at least a smart traveler's) budget.