Safety · Destination Guide
Anguilla and its Visitor Cays
Sandy Ground dive boats, protected reefs and a handful of properly arranged cay days.
Safety · Destination Guide
Sandy Ground dive boats, protected reefs and a handful of properly arranged cay days.
Dive and snorkel through properly operating local services, follow marine-park rules and prepare for the possibility of offshore medical evacuation. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources protects coral and seagrass areas around Little Bay, Sandy Island, Prickly Pear and Shoal Bay-Island Harbour. The 2024 dive policy described no on-island hyperbaric facility, but a September 2026 parliamentary statement reports investment in a new one. Whether it can provide staffed emergency dive treatment has not been independently verified. Weather, skipper judgment, individual fitness and current water quality override any broad destination guide. DFMR; Dive policy; 2026 parliamentary statement.
Use appropriately licensed local guides for scuba, provide certification and medical history, and refuse dives beyond your certification or recent experience. Confirm working emergency oxygen, first aid, radio/mobile backup, a surface lookout, buddy procedures and vessel pickup for every charter. Shore scuba is not the default permitted model. Dive with an SMB and dive computer if required by your guide; never enter an overhead wreck or marine archaeology site without separate authorization and appropriate training. Freedivers need a separate experienced buddy/safety system, not scuba buddy rules. Swim and snorkel only in conditions suited to ability. Avoid hyperventilation and solo breath-hold dives. Obtain provider-specific no-fly instructions and remain conservative before flights.
For emergencies call 911; UK FCDO lists Princess Alexandra Hospital (+1 264 497 2551), maritime emergencies (+1 264 497 2871) and natural disasters (+1 264 497 2926). The 2024 dive policy described a lack of on-island chamber access. In the 22 September 2026 House of Assembly record, a member reported investment in a new hyperbaric chamber. This parliamentary statement does not confirm commissioning, chamber staffing, treatment protocols or a 24-hour emergency service. Confirm real clinical availability with your operator and local emergency professionals; maintain an evacuation contingency. Seek a qualified local emergency response immediately, use emergency oxygen through trained personnel where indicated, contact DAN or your diving insurer and follow the organized medical evacuation plan. Serious cases may require off-island care. Emergency contacts; Health capacity; Chamber planning discussion; 2026 update.
Hurricane-season cancellations
Official Atlantic hurricane season is June-November, with a statistical peak from mid-August to mid-October. Boat trips, ferries, flights and remote restaurants can all be disrupted.
Marine parks are regulated, not open-entry dive zones
Use a licensed local dive operator, respect mooring rules, avoid fishing and never touch or collect reef life or wreck artifacts. No independent shore scuba itinerary is supported.
Hyperbaric chamber operating status unverified
Anguilla's dive policy described no chamber at publication, but a September 2026 parliamentary statement reports investment in a new one. Commissioning, staff and emergency access have not been independently confirmed. Recheck oxygen, evacuation arrangements and insurance before diving. Dive policy; Parliamentary statement.
Wind, surge and currents at boat and shore sites
Shoal Bay East, offshore cay stops and deeper walls can be unsuitable on a windy day. Pick a sheltered alternative or stay on land; no reef depth implies a safe swim.
Use permitted mooring buoys and follow the operator's instructions. The government brochure prohibits anchoring at Little Bay and Shoal Bay East, limits other park anchoring to designated sand, states that mooring fields are daytime-only, prohibits visitors fishing in marine parks and forbids removing or damaging animals, plants or heritage artifacts. Do not touch or chase turtles or rays, feed fish, stand on coral or approach nesting seabird colonies. Avoid noise, waste and bilge discharge. Protected Dog Island, Sombrero and other remote/private islands require authorization and sensitive wildlife treatment, not default sightseeing landing rights. The local operator must recheck all park rules and species/site closures with the Fisheries Unit. Government park guidance; Official biodiversity context.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when hurricane-season cancellations. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anguilla Emergency Services | Police, fire and ambulance dispatch | 911 | Emergency line; request the correct service immediately |
| Princess Alexandra Hospital | On-island hospital / emergency medical care | +1 264 497 2551 | Hospital contact; verify department and service arrangements |
| Anguilla Maritime Emergency Contact | Marine/coastal emergency coordination | +1 264 497 2871 | Government-listed maritime number; call 911 as appropriate for urgent response |
| Department of Disaster Management | Storm/disaster information | +1 264 497 2926 | Official disaster management contact; check notices and alerts |