The Natural Gems of Anguilla

The magnificent island of Anguilla is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches, amazing sights, and beautiful Caribbean culture. Anguilla is full of fun adventures for everyone, whether you are on a romantic honeymoon with your loving partner or a family vacation with 40 of your closest relatives! Anguilla is a scrapbook of memories waiting to be filled with pictures of natural wonders, white sand beaches and so much more! The astonishing landscape and inviting island waters allow visitors to truly experience something unique. This newsletter will highlight Anguilla’s dazzling coastal caves, its broad offering of amazing ocean adventures and of course, the famous Anguilla Arch.

Sublime Spelunking

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The Fountain:

Photo courtesy of the Anguilla National Trust

For those who love subterranean adventure, Anguilla boasts some of the oldest caves in the Western Hemisphere. “The Fountain,” as it is known by the locals, is one of the most well-known caves in Anguilla. A source of freshwater for more than 1,500 years, “The Fountain” is an important location in Anguillan history, acting as a ceremonial site. At the heart of The Fountain National Park in Shoal Bay, on the Northeast coast of Anguilla, the cave has been the subject of many archaeological digs. It is believed that the Amerindians (the indigenous populations of the Americas) first discovered the cavern. A trip to “The Fountain” gives visitors the chance to learn about the island’s roots, a true one-of-a-kind experience.

The Cavannagh Cave:

Cavannagh Cave is located in the Katouche Bay area which can be visited on tours organized by Katouche Tours. Guests who are worried about ruining their nails after a day at the spa should have no fear, as Cavannagh Cave claims a unique boon: an abundance of naturally occurring balsam bush, long used by Anguillian women as a source of nail polish. Painted nails were often used during ceremonies and celebrations such as weddings! In fact, the beautiful greenery that surrounds the cave has many uses, such as brooms, medicine and even lint rollers. After passing through a locked gate, travellers can make their way into the heart of the cave. There, a fig tree has dug its roots and sprouted out into the sky. This extraordinary sight will leave you with unforgettable memories of Anguilla.

The Katouche Cave:

Photo courtesy of the Anguilla National Trust

Another extraordinary expedition from Katouche Tours, this journey is not for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic. Unlike other cave explorations, the Katouche Cave requires guests to crawl, crouch and crouch through some tighter spaces. This tour can take up to 90 minutes to two hours, depending on how adventurous guests feel. After signing waivers and rocking some fashion-forward safety gear, you are ready to venture deep into the stony heart of Anguilla. Thanks to a gradual decline, travellers may not notice how far they are travelling underneath the ground, but in no time, they will be 180 feet below sea level! What is jarring is the intense darkness users experience while exploring the cave. Thankfully, the strong headlamps provided allow guests to illuminate the cave’s depths and take in the geological marvels before them.

Blue Sea, Sandy Island and the Anguillan Arch

Katouche Bay:

Photo courtesy of Limin’ Da Coconut

The island of Anguilla offers many aquatic adventures for guests to enjoy while on vacation. For those who love quiet beach days, Katouche Bay is the perfect location, as it is not overcrowded with tourists making it the ideal spot for you and your loved ones. The secluded beach, similarly to its cave namesake, can be challenging to access, however, the reward heavily outweighs the efforts, as this beach is the epitome of peace and tranquility. If you are planning on spending the day there, make sure to pack plenty of food and beverages to keep you satisfied as you lounge in the glorious Anguillan sun. Make sure to explore the area and hike to the cliff to view Katouche Bay in a way that rivals only the beautiful birds of Anguilla. Katouche Bay is also one of the few locations permitting visitors to have a bonfire on the beach. I don’t know about you, but ending a beautiful day at the beach, gazing up at the stars in the comfortable vicinity of a roaring fire, seems like paradise to me.

ÔªøSandy Island:

Sandy Island is a popular small cay off the famous Sandy Ground beach in Anguilla and is the best option for those seeking a private day trip to an island just for them. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sandy Island is the ideal spot to experience the true culture of the Caribbean. Often described as one of the most beautiful spots in Anguilla, the stunning white sands, large umbrellas and relaxing loungers provide a myriad of reasons to call Sandy Island your home for the day. The restaurant located on the island is open daily to satisfy all of your Caribbean food cravings. All the ingredients are sourced locally, with a wide selection of fresh seafood every day. Nothing sounds more blissful than enjoying one of the best meals of your life while admiring the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.

Anguilla Arch:

Looking like something straight out of a movie or post card, the miraculous Anguilla Arch is located in the western end of the island. While many take this natural beauty for granted, it is truly a masterpiece to be seen. Built out of the stunning yellow and red limestone, it is the definition of ‘Instagram worthy’, the Arch is genuinely remarkable. Visitors can either gaze upon this natural wonder from the many surrounding cliffs or view it from the sea below, as no matter what, the Anguilla Arch will surely not disappoint.

The Natural Gems of Anguilla

Jesson & Co / MNI Media

Friday, September 17, 2021

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