summer04

Have been to GC several times and love the accommodations, restaurants, snorkeling, and diving. Am researching Anguilla for this summer and have a few questions.
Is food as good as Cayman restaurants?
Are expensive restaurant comparable in price to Cayman or more?
Is drinking water safe?
How is the diving and snorkeling on Anguilla? Have heard conflicting reports.
Are mosquitoes a problem im June? Never had a problem in Cayman.
I know the major differences, but feel free to give me your opinion. Appreciate any help. Thanks!

canterbury417

Hi, we went to Anguilla last April (stayed at Malliouhana) and then GC in Aug.(stayed at the Hyatt). Anguilla is so much nicer that you cannot even really compare the two. Dining was slightly more in Ang. but it was better too. GC was full of mosquitos and weather was horrible when we were there. Also the beach at the Hyatt was one of our most disappionting travel experiences. It was God-awful.

Kristen1206

Hi. I have been to both islands and loved them both even though they are quite different.

Grand Cayman is more upscale, has much better roads, a prettier island overall, much better snorkeling/diving, more to do and a bit more expensive. Anguilla is a mich quieter island but very relaxing.

Both have great beaches though I'd say Anguilla's were a littel better, both have great resaturants (though i'd probably give Anguilla the edge here too).

I never noticed a problem with mosquitos on either island (visited GC in early Dec and Anguilla in early June).

Water was safe on both islands though we were onlu given bottled on Anguilla. Restaurants prices were comparable..GC may have been a little higher overall.

Best place for snorkelng on Anguilla is off the beach at Shoal Bay or on Pricly Pear Island though it can't compare to GC.

TomCayman

I run a resort in Grand Cayman, so am obviously a little biased, but have also visited Anguilla.

I think Kristen has summarised it quite well, although as I run a beach resort at the quieter East End of the island, I would say that if you stay off Seven Mile Beach then you can get a quiet and relaxing Cayman vacation !

In fact, most of our guests rent cars to explore our end of the island, and tend to go "into town" only once or twice, then often comment that they felt great to leave that busy part of the island and escape back to us

Re snorkelling and diving, as Kristen says, no comparison. For 2004, Caribbean Travel and Life readers rated Cayman as the #1 destination in the Caribbean for both diving and snorkelling... the first time any island has received both accolades.

meta

We've been to both islands, and I agree with Kristen and Tom. As far as snorkeling and diving go, Grand Cayman far exceeds Anguilla.

cartera

I have also been to both and they are very different. We can all agree that snorkeling and diving is better on GC. I really enjoyed the snorkelling excursions. Also loved biking there. We biked to Hell and back. Food was great. The part of 7 mile beach we stayed on was beautiful - we were there in June so it was not crowded. High end shopping. Anguilla has so many beautiful beaches that you can do one a day for over a week. We stayed on Rendezvous Beach and it was too windy on several days but everyone said that was a fluke. Food is terrific on the island and the people are very friendly. Not as much "touristy" stuff to do as there is on GC but hard to beat for relaxation. We went to St. Martin for a day but were sorry we forfeited a day on Anguilla in hindsight.

summer04

Thanks to all for your input! You really answered all of my questions well. What I like most about Fodors is how people are so honest and accurate with their recommendations. I was really interested in the snorkeling and diving aspect, as we've done both on Cayman and it is definitely world class. The truth is that all of the things I look for in a vacation, I found in Cayman. I really am a "Cayman Lover" at heart!
However, I've heard so many great things about Anguilla's beaches and restaurants that I would like to visit.
Message: Cartera-We were in Cayman in June, too. Stayed at Aqua Bay and the Westin. Maybe we passed on the beach!!

cartera

I wasn't clear but I was there in June several years ago. Maybe we'll pass on the beach on future trips!