FAMILY FUN IN THE CARIBBEAN

Turtle spotting, boat racing, swimming with dolphins and exploring offshore cays, are just some of the exciting activities which the Caribbean island of Anguilla can offer families travelling with children. Measuring just 16 by three miles, Anguilla is safe and welcoming, providing an ideal environment in which children thrive and acquire new skills. Plus there’s the opportunity for them to learn fascinating facts on all manner of subjects from Arawak Indians to the turbulent history of the West Indies, as well as being able to revel in tales of Spanish galleons, pirates’ adventures and shipwrecks.

Rated among the best in the Caribbean, Anguilla’s 33 pristine beaches combine miles of uncrowded white powder sand with dunes and secret coves ideal for fossil hunting, picnics, swimming and snorkelling over the seemingly endless coral reefs. The warm, clear sea extends an irresistible invitation to participate in Anguilla’s mountain of watersports, that range from parasailing, windsurfing, boogie boarding and body surfing, to kayaking and boat racing, the island’s national sport.

Nature lovers should take time out from the beach to follow one of the trails that lead through the small rainforest, where ground and tree lizards, bats, iguana, slippery backs and perhaps even the elusive iguana, are among the wildlife that may show itself to visitors.

For an even closer experience of Anguilla’s wildlife, the new Dolphin Discovery facility offers the chance to swim with these gentle creatures, while between May and November there’s the opportunity to witness baby Sea Turtles emerging from their shells on the island’s beaches. Children will also be entranced by the abundant bird life that inhabits the island’s salt ponds and wetlands. Over 130 species, including the endangered Brown Pelican, Great Blue Herons, Sandpipers and Snowy Egrets, visit these habitats upon which they depend.

Anguilla boasts other natural and man-made attractions that captivate visitors, both young and old. Pitch Apple Hole, a deep cavern formed in the limestone thousands of years ago, was once home to a giant prehistoric rat that stood three feet tall and weighed 350 pounds, while Copper Hole is a large blow hole which draws in sea water, only to expel it, creating an impressive rainbow-lit spray.

Exploring Wallblake House, the island’s only surviving plantation property, or the old fort at Sandy Hill, horse riding along scenic trails, a game of tennis or angling for wahoo, dorado and kingfish are just a few more of the additional options to add to the family fun on a holiday in Anguilla.

A number of hotels, as well as self-catering properties welcome families to the island. Among them is the Malliouhana Hotel where a supervised children’s playground, kids’ pool complete with pirate ship, water cannons, a drawbridge, water chute and diving boards, plus special children’s menus and a babysitting service make it one of the most family-friendly luxury resorts in the world. Additionally, several properties run children’s programs including arts and craft, swimming, mini tennis coinciding with school holidays. Cap Juluca has programs from March 13 - April 30 and then July 1 - August 31, 2006. CuisinArt Resort & Spa also offers supervised programs during Christmas, Easter and Spring break.

For a self-catering alternative overlooking the beach, it would be difficult to better Blue Waters Beach Apartments at Shoal Bay West. The one and two-bedroom properties are all fully equipped for self-catering holidays and are suitable for both families and couples. Prices for family accommodation start from US $125 per day, including maid service.

Further information on family holidays in Anguilla is available by visiting the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.anguilla-vacation.com