Anguilla Carnival is small crowd big energy beach bars boat races and that soft white sand everywhere.
What to Expect
Anguilla's Summer Festival is a carnival with boat racing at its heart — sailing is the national sport here, and the races are what locals actually plan the week around. There is J'ouvert and a Parade of Troupes, but the crowds that matter gather on the sand at Sandy Ground and Meads Bay. It is small, unpolished in the best way, and almost entirely free of cruise-ship crowds.
2027 festival centres on August Monday (2 August) and August Thursday (5 August)
The August Monday Boat Race starts from Sandy Ground at 1pm and races right around the island
August Thursday brings the Meads Bay Boat Race; the Champion of Champions final closes the festival that Sunday
Boat racing is the national sport — the season runs May to August and peaks here
J'ouvert before dawn and a Parade of Troupes through The Valley sit alongside the racing
Places to Stay
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Getting Around
Anguilla doesn't currently have app-based ride-hailing. Local registered taxis are the best option — agree on a price before you get in. Your hotel or guesthouse can usually recommend trusted drivers.
Things To Do
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Getting There
Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport
Or fly via Princess Juliana (SXM) St Maarten then ferry
Getting Around
There is no public bus system — taxis and hire cars are the only real options, so budget accordingly.
Taxis are unmetered with government-set rates between fixed points; confirm the fare before you set off.
Driving is on the left. Visitors must buy a temporary Anguillan licence, around US$28, usually handled by the rental company.
The island is only 16 miles long, so a hire car covers everything easily.
The ferry from Marigot in St Martin is cheap and frequent but stops in the early evening — plan arrivals in daylight.
Typical Costs from the UK
Estimates only — prices vary by airline, timing and section choice. Use the budget calculator to build your own breakdown.
When to Book
Summer Festival 2027 runs across the first week of August, with August Monday on the 2nd and August Thursday on the 5th, closing with the Champion of Champions boat race on the Sunday after. There are no direct UK flights: fly to Antigua (ANU) or St Maarten (SXM) and cross by ferry or short hop. The ferry from Marigot is cheap and frequent but stops in the early evening, so plan to arrive in daylight. Anguilla is an expensive island with a small room stock, so accommodation is what to book first — by March at the latest. Troupe registration opens around May. Budget more for food and drink here than you would for a larger island.
Plan This Carnival
🎭 Late Jul – 2 Aug 2027 (Summer Festival)
MUAs & Photographers for Carnival
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