Do you know if those are in fact the 2008 dates? Carnival was the week after that this year.

If those are the dates, it's very crowded on the island for Carnival, lots of partying and the boat races begin & end on Meads Bay where Carimar is so I don't think quiet is going to happen -- check the dates, though. You may be fine.

Our first trip to Anguilla was during Carnival and you're right to be concerned. We found it affects you more at night as bands that would normally be in one place, say, the Pumphouse, Johnno's or Dune Preserve were now some where else playing for a Carnival event. Try the island's new toll free # for information on the 2008 dates:

1 800 418 4620.

We had a great time though and my husband got great photos of Anguillans in their Carnival costumes.

Enjoy!

Carnival starts on August Monday, the first Monday in Aug. which in 2008 is Aug. 4. There are preliminary boat races, fire works, etc. before the offical start J'Ouvert, which is a march around the Valley to Sandy Ground following the band trucks. Many of the boat races start in Road Bay. On Aug. Thurs there will be a race out of Meads Bay but if you are leaving the 4th it won't effect you. Too bad you're leaving, Carnival is a blast! And the beaches are still pretty quiet though the restaurants tend to be busy that week.

Hope this helps.

PJ38