Final Up to date on February 26, 2025
Antigua & Barbuda makes for an important Caribbean escape: with its pastel-hued harbor cities, white-sand seashores, and wealthy maritime historical past. Right here’s our checklist of the perfect issues to do in Antigua & Barbuda.
After spending per week in Antigua and Barbuda, I couldn’t fairly perceive how these Caribbean islands managed to remain beneath the vacationer radar. These islands have that laid-back Caribbean allure, however they’re extra than simply fairly seashores (although, to be truthful, there are 365 of them—actually one for each day of the 12 months).
There’s historical past within the outdated sugar mills and colonial forts, native meals that makes you rethink what you thought you knew about seafood, and Carnival-style music that will get you up and groovin’ any day of the 12 months. However what actually makes this place particular is the vibe — easygoing, welcoming, and simply the proper stability between journey and leisure. Whether or not you’re into crusing, mountain climbing, or simply discovering a quiet stretch of sand to do completely nothing, there’s no incorrect approach to expertise Antigua and Barbuda. Right here’s what’s value your time.
Enjoyable Issues to Do in Antigua & Barbuda
1. Go Seaside Hopping in Antigua
Antigua is residence to 365 gorgeous seashores. Whereas I didn’t go to all of them, I can confidently say that Antigua has a few of the finest seashores I’ve ever seen (and that tells so much as I’ve been to Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius).
The west coast of the island bordering the Caribbean boasts calm, crystal-clear waters preferrred for swimming and snorkeling. Then again, the Atlantic facet on the east presents stronger waves good for windsurfing and browsing. The southern seashores, backed by lush rainforests, create a uniquely scenic distinction.
Some must-visit seashores in Antigua embrace; Dickinson Bay, Darkwood Seaside, Ffryes Seaside, and Carlisle Bay. One key factor to recollect: all seashores in Antigua are public regardless of some being fenced off by resorts. Whereas the seashores are free to entry, you’ll pay a small price for conveniences like renting solar loungers. Seaside chair leases go for round $5 whereas water actions like kayaking price roughly $20 per hour.
2. Discover Shirley Heights in Antigua
Perched excessive above English and Falmouth Harbours, the historic army lookout of Shirley Heights presents a few of the most breathtaking views in Antigua. As soon as an important lookout station in the course of the American Revolution, this restored gun battery now welcomes these desirous to soak in its panoramic vistas.
By day, the blues of the Caribbean stretch endlessly under, however for an unforgettable expertise, go to on a Sunday or Thursday night from 4 p.m. At the moment, the location transforms into the island’s most iconic sundown get together. With reside music, scorching BBQ, and loads of rum punch, it’s a vigorous celebration of island tradition.
Entrance to Shirley Heights prices $10 per particular person, payable on the gate. However eating on the restaurant is additional, so deliver additional money for meals and drinks. You possibly can go to the location by yourself or take a guided tour. When you’re up for the solo journey, take a scenic hike from Galleon Seaside to the summit the place you’ll discover the restaurant and bar. When you hate the hustle of planning logistics, take this 3-hour guided tour for a seamless expertise. They may offer you transport (to and from) however you’ll pay for entrance in addition to meals and drinks.
3. Zipline Throughout Antigua’s Rainforest
Hovering by means of the emerald cover of Antigua’s lush rainforest is an unforgettable manner to absorb the island’s magnificence from a complete new perspective. My daughter had her first-ever ziplining journey within the breathtaking Fig Tree Drive rainforest. Although she appeared nervous at first, her spirits lit up as we zipped from platform to platform. This expertise is just out there by means of guided excursions.
A lot of them provide a number of choices, together with six or twelve zip strains and even a problem course for the daring. Costs usually vary from $101 to $139 per particular person, relying on the bundle and operator.
4. Discover the Capital of St. John’s
The vigorous capital and first port of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s presents an interesting mix of outdated and new. Whereas it might not be probably the most picturesque metropolis at first look, its allure lies in its contrasts. Right here, colonial-era buildings stand beside fashionable developments. So, it’s not unusual to discover a authorities workplace, a bustling roti store, and a mid-rise on line casino sharing the identical road.
This mixture of structure, harking back to sure Asian cities from my childhood, offers St. John’s a singular character. The vitality is especially vibrant down at Riverside Quay, the place pastel-hued storefronts and native eateries create an inviting ambiance. Regardless of the occasional weekday rush-hour site visitors, town’s large streets and grid format hold it from feeling too chaotic.
Historical past buffs can discover the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda or go to the placing St. John’s Cathedral. Foodies will admire the native eating places and bars that provide a style of genuine island flavors. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that outdoors of cruise season, lots of the companies stay closed.
5. Take a Day Journey to Barbuda
Most individuals base themselves in Antigua however you undoubtedly shouldn’t miss taking a day journey to Barbuda. In contrast to its extra developed sister island, Barbuda stays refreshingly untouched. I like to recommend reserving a Caribbean luxurious yacht constitution to get you there. We cruised throughout the turquoise water on a luxurious yacht and it made the expertise all of the extra particular.
On Barbuda island, you’ll discover expansive, unspoiled seashores, together with the gorgeous pink sands of Coral Bay. Nonetheless, attending to Barbuda requires a little bit of planning. The 2 islands are about an hour and a half aside. The commonest approach to attain it’s by way of the Barbuda Specific ferry, which prices round $55 a method and $100 for a round-trip ticket.
6. Swim with Stingrays
Stingray Metropolis is a shallow, crystal-clear sandbank in the midst of the ocean the place wild southern stingrays collect each day to satisfy curious people. Whereas these creatures have a fearsome status, they’re truly light and sociable when approached accurately. Earlier than moving into the water, the educated employees information you on how you can work together with them safely, which makes the expertise a lot much less daunting.
The water was shallow sufficient to face in, so your baby can revel within the expertise with out you worrying about treading water. For about an hour, you may feed and work together with the stingrays, in addition to snorkel within the space. The complete expertise, together with the boat journey, prices round $60 per particular person and is completely value it.
7. Test Out Nelson’s Dockyard
Entering into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua is like touring again in time to the island’s wealthy maritime previous. As soon as the British Royal Navy’s key stronghold within the Caribbean, this historic dockyard has been absolutely restored to its former 18th and Nineteenth-century grandeur. Right this moment, you’ll discover the marina bustling with yachts and ships.
Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Dockyard can also be residence to charming retailers, boutique motels, museums, and numerous maritime companies. Past its harbor, scenic mountain climbing trails result in remnants of historic forts, providing panoramic views of the island’s lush shoreline.
8. Go to Antigua’s Previous Sugar Mills
As we drove throughout Antigua, we seen the chimneys of outdated sugar mills that dotted the panorama and couldn’t resist digging into the island’s painful previous. These towering remnants of plantation life and the brutal period of slavery stand as silent witnesses to historical past. Whereas some have been repurposed as landmarks inside buildings, lots of the mills are actually crumbling and overtaken by nature.
A go to to Betty’s Hope, one of many island’s most important and affluent estates, is a should. Courting again to 1651, Betty’s Hope presents a strong glimpse into Antigua’s historical past, with two windmills nonetheless standing proudly facet by facet. Entrance to Betty’s Hope is simply $2, paid into an honesty field, a small price that contributes to the continuing preservation of this historic website.
9. Take a look at the Blowholes at Satan’s Bridge
Satan’s Bridge is a surprising pure limestone arch carved by the relentless Atlantic waves, making it one among Antigua’s most fascinating sights. Positioned in Satan’s Bridge Nationwide Park, this spectacular construction was fashioned over time because the fixed collision of the ocean’s surf eroded the rock beneath. Native legend provides a contact of thriller, claiming that the satan himself constructed the bridge to tempt souls to cross.
Regardless of its ominous title, Satan’s Bridge is a gorgeous pure surprise that piqued my curiosity. The world is especially dramatic when the waves crash violently in opposition to the rocks, sending water spouting by means of blowholes. It’s such a gorgeous spectacle.
The park costs no admission however you have to be extraordinarily cautious in your go to. The rocks listed below are extraordinarily slippery and the wind may be fairly intense. We advise that you simply put on sturdy, well-treaded footwear for this journey. When you’re touring along with your baby, hold an in depth eye on them the whole time.
10. Kayak by means of the Mangroves in Antigua
Kayaking by means of mangroves was one of the vital unforgettable experiences in Antigua. This eco-adventure is on the market solely by means of guided excursions. Alongside the way in which, you’ll achieve perception into the essential position mangroves play in sustaining a wholesome marine setting. You’ll even have the prospect to find vibrant coral reefs, all whereas being guided by specialists who share the secrets and techniques of this hidden aquatic world.
We took the SoCoHo Eco half-day tour and it was fairly an perception. We glided by means of tranquil waters surrounded by lush mangrove forests on a clear kayak. Under, we had been in a position to see an interesting array of wildlife like starfish, sea cucumbers, and the quirky upside-down jellyfish.
11. Be taught in regards to the Island’s Historical past at Fort James
Like many Caribbean islands, Antigua was closely fortified by the British, who constructed a community of forts, ramparts, and watchtowers to guard their prized territory. Whereas many of those have crumbled over time or been repurposed, Fort James stays an evocative break with a uncooked, untouched allure.
Perched on the entrance of St. John’s Harbour, Fort James is one among Antigua’s most placing remnants of its colonial previous. The weathered stone partitions and deserted constructions lend an virtually cinematic high quality to the location, making it a dream for historical past buffs and photographers alike. A row of outdated cannons nonetheless stands defiantly, stating to sea as if able to beat back an impending assault.
Nonetheless, main growth plans are within the works, that means the fort’s rugged attraction might quickly give approach to a extra polished attraction. For now, you may take pleasure in its atmospheric magnificence and sweeping ocean views in a setting that seems like a step again in time. The Fort James costs no admission price.
12. Get a Style of Antigua on the Heritage Market
When you’re desirous to get a style of the native life in Antigua, head to the bustling Heritage Market. Located reverse West Road Bus Station, the market comes alive as early as 5:30 a.m. You’ll see waves of locals stream in, some with baskets brimming with contemporary produce to promote, others keen to purchase contemporary produce.
Contained in the comparatively new market corridor, stalls overflow with Antigua’s well-known tiny pineapples, custard apples, inexperienced oranges, and massive avocados. Nonetheless, Saturday mornings are probably the most vibrant as a result of there are extra stalls than normal. The market spills past the corridor with distributors establishing outdoors to showcase a fair wider selection.
As you navigate the vigorous aisles, pleasant distributors enthusiastically contest on your consideration, providing recommendations on how you can eat or prepare dinner unfamiliar gadgets. If you wish to purchase a memento, head to the smaller craft market simply outdoors. Right here, you’ll discover regionally made arts and crafts at unbelievable costs. My daughter and I purchased some matching bracelets right here for round $2.
13. Snorkel with Turtles
You possibly can’t come to Antigua and Barbuda and never discover its underwater world. You’ll seemingly encounter completely different marine life like angelfish, parrotfish, rays, barracuda, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and even dolphins. My daughter and I took this Turtle Seaside Energy Snorkeling guided tour and it was fairly an unforgettable journey. We had been fortunate sufficient to identify some southern rays gliding gracefully alongside the seabed, together with colourful fish.
14. Attend the Antiguan Carnival
When you’re touring to Antigua in late July, you’re in for an electrifying expertise on the Antiguan Carnival. This 13-day competition is a stunning celebration of freedom, marking the emancipation from slavery with music, dance, and vibrant parades. The festivities kick off in late July and culminate on the primary Tuesday in August.
One of many standout occasions is J’ouvert, an exuberant road get together the place brass and metal bands set the whole island shifting to infectious rhythms. The Parade of Bands brings a riot of colour as masqueraders flood the streets in elaborate costumes. The carnival additionally hosts pageants just like the Miss Antigua Pageant and the Caribbean Queen’s Competitors, together with calypso and soca contests.
15. Hit the Mountain climbing Trails
For journey seekers, mountain climbing in Antigua presents an unbelievable approach to expertise the island’s lush rainforest and scenic landscapes. On our journey, we did a morning trek to Boggy Level and it was unbelievably stunning. We received there simply in time to see the dawn—merely breathtaking to say the least.
Different well-loved trails embrace the rugged Carpenters Rock Path, the serene Jones Valley Path, and the scenic Lookout Path. Given Antigua’s tropical local weather, it’s clever to hit the paths within the morning or night to keep away from the sweltering noon warmth. Whereas solo mountain climbing is feasible, it’s important to remain conscious of your environment, analysis the route upfront, and inform somebody of your plans.
Nonetheless, becoming a member of a guided tour is commonly your best option, as native guides can guarantee security and improve the general expertise with their information. A lot of them additionally present transport to and from the path in addition to present small incentives like bottled water. When you’re not sure the place to hike, I like to recommend you ebook this morning and sundown tour like we did.
16. Go Crusing on a Yacht
Crusing is a beloved pastime in Antigua and was one of many highlights of our journey to the island. Our journey coincided with the famend Antigua Crusing Week. This annual occasion attracts over 150 boats from all corners of the globe, starting from aggressive crews on smaller yachts to billion-dollar superyachts.
The occasion is held in late April or early Could yearly. As one of many Caribbean Crusing Affiliation’s flagship occasions, it options intense racing within the picturesque English and Falmouth Harbours.
If the thought of racing doesn’t attraction, you may embrace the season in different methods by reserving a visit with a Caribbean luxurious yacht constitution. These charters take you on an unforgettable island tour, providing up a scrumptious Caribbean feast and limitless rum punch alongside the way in which.
17. Hang around on the Rum Bus
On our final Sunday in Antigua, we discovered ourselves debating the place to go, and in the end, we selected the Rum Bus after seeing all of the glowing critiques. It’s a double-decker bus that has been cleverly remodeled right into a vigorous bar, full with cozy cabanas and hammocks.
Positioned on the southwestern tip of the island, the Rum Bus is without doubt one of the most well-known seaside bars, because of its vivid pink colour. I beloved that their menu is accessible on-line, which lets you know the costs upfront earlier than driving there. Nearly all the pieces on the menu is priced at EC$60 ($22), except particular gadgets like lobster.
Antigua & Barbuda Journey Information
The way to Get to Antigua & Barbuda
It’s slightly simple to entry the attractive twin island nation from the US. With flight occasions of about 3-5 hours for direct flights—it’s no shock Antigua is without doubt one of the most revered Caribbean locations. The nation’s main airport, V.C. Fowl Worldwide Airport (ANU), is situated on the island of Antigua, simply northeast of the capital, St. John’s.
A number of main airways, together with American Airways, Delta Air Strains, and United Airways, function direct flights from key U.S. cities. For example, a direct flight on American Airways from New York begins from round $450. Upon arrival, board a taxi to your resort to start out your journey on the attractive islands.
Seek for flights to Antigua and Barbuda right here!
The way to Get Round Antigua & Barbuda
By Automotive Rental
Renting a automobile is a handy approach to discover Antigua & Barbuda at your individual tempo. With Antigua spanning solely 108 sq. miles, you may drive from one finish to the opposite in about 45 minutes. Nonetheless, driving right here requires some warning as a result of many roads are slender and have potholes.
Understand that driving is on the left facet, so staying centered—particularly at intersections and roundabouts—is important. Keep away from the principle streets at peak hours (evenings and mornings) by taking the outer roads for a smoother expertise. For automobile leases, we all the time use Uncover Vehicles, as they constantly provide the perfect charges and customer support, with leases usually ranging from as little as $45 per day.
Seek for automobile leases in Antigua and Barbuda right here!
By Taxi
When you hate driving in another country however love exclusivity, taking a taxi is your finest guess. Most drivers are nicely conversant with locations and may double as native tour guides, sharing insights in regards to the islands alongside the way in which.
Nonetheless, taxis right here function with out meters, so it’s important to barter and agree on a set fare earlier than beginning your journey to keep away from any surprises. Fares are based mostly on each distance and the variety of passengers, with brief rides usually costing round EC$30 ($11) and longer journeys reaching as much as EC$75 ($28).
By Bus
Touring by bus in Antigua and Barbuda is an easy-going and budget-friendly approach to discover the island. The native minibuses are often called “jitneys” and function on a relaxed schedule, usually ready to refill earlier than setting off.
Working each day from 5:30 a.m. to six p.m., these buses join St. John’s with numerous cities and villages throughout Antigua. Fares are round $2 for a bus journey across the capital, making it an reasonably priced and genuine approach to expertise native life.
When to Go to Antigua and Barbuda
The most effective time to go to Antigua and Barbuda is between December and April. Throughout these months, the climate is pleasantly dry, and temperatures hover across the mid-80s Fahrenheit (30°C). This era is right for seaside actions, water sports activities, and having fun with cultural occasions just like the Antigua Crusing Week in late April. Nonetheless, it’s the excessive season and motels usually cost a premium for lodging.
When you’re trying to expertise the festive vitality of the islands with out paying an enormous sum, plan your journey in the course of the summer time (Could to November). One of the crucial anticipated summer time occasions is the Antigua Carnival. It’s held yearly from late July to the primary Tuesday in August.
Although the island sees occasional tropical showers, particularly from Could to August, the rains are often temporary and depart loads of sunshine. Additionally, the official hurricane season (from mid-August to mid-October) carries a low danger of hurricanes, however you must nonetheless monitor climate forecasts.
The place to Keep in Antigua & Barbuda
The dual island nation bustles with numerous resorts and motels desirous to serve you, notably in Antigua. Barbuda remains to be largely underdeveloped and most vacationers solely go to the island for a few hours on day journeys.
For first-time guests, Jolly Harbour in Antigua is a perfect base, combining a gorgeous seaside with easy accessibility to close by sights. The world is inside attain of numerous eating places and retailers, and different seashores are only a brief bus journey and even inside strolling distance.
Finances: Jolly Seaside Antigua
Present in a surprising Bolans Village, Jolly Seaside Antigua presents a tropical paradise expertise. Surrounded by lush gardens, the resort boasts two refreshing outside swimming swimming pools and a soothing spa. The air-conditioned rooms are adorned with vibrant décor, and most present breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Take a look at the charges right here.
Mid-range: Sugar Ridge Resort Antigua
Nestled on a picturesque hillside with sweeping views of Jolly Harbor, Sugar Ridge Resort in Antigua offers a serene escape. Friends can unwind on their personal veranda, taking within the breathtaking surroundings. The resort’s format, with blocks of 4 rooms every having a non-public entrance, ensures a way of privateness and tranquility. Take a look at the charges right here.
Luxurious: Guesthouse Antigua Chiama Italia
Positioned simply 10 minutes from Ffryes Seaside, Guesthouse Antigua Chiama Italia presents a peaceable and well-equipped keep. The self-catering villas present ample facilities together with a tennis court docket, sundeck, and golf course, good for these trying to chill out or keep energetic. Inside, you’ll discover fashionable comforts like air-con and a TV, together with a non-public terrace or balcony to benefit from the island breeze. Take a look at the charges right here.
The place to Eat in Antigua & Barbuda
Eating in Antigua & Barbuda presents a pleasant mixture of acquainted consolation meals and vibrant Caribbean flavors. Whilst you’ll definitely discover conventional dishes that really feel like residence, that is the proper place to dive into the native delicacies. Caribbean staples like corn, coconut, spiced hen, curried goat, yams, plantain, conch, rice, beans, and saltfish make up the guts of the eating regimen. Additionally, contemporary seafood is served at many native spots.
My private favorites included fried plantain, coconut shrimp, zesty scorching shrimp, BBQ hen, grilled butterfish, and crispy conch fritters. In terms of drinks, rum reigns supreme. Whether or not at a bustling bar or a beachside café, you’ll discover loads of variations of the island’s well-known rum punch.
It’s usually made with darkish or mild rum, tropical fruit juices like pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, topped off with lime and a contact of sugar. Listed below are a few of the finest eating places in Antigua & Barbuda;
Nicole’s at Verandah Resort and Spa
Eating at Nicole’s is a pleasant culinary expertise, notably for seafood lovers and people craving hearty steaks. The menu incorporates a vary of spectacular dishes, with the coconut shrimp being a must-try. My daughter couldn’t get sufficient of their jerk hen so I ended up taking their cooking class to learn the way they put together it. Take a look at the critiques.
Trappas Restaurant and Bar
Positioned close to the vigorous English Harbour, Trappas Restaurant and Bar was one other culinary revelation. The ambiance is all the time buzzing, making it the proper spot for each locals and guests to unwind. The menu is a pleasant fusion of Caribbean flavors and worldwide influences, that includes tantalizing dishes like Caribbean curries, ceviche, sashimi, and grilled fish. Take a look at the critiques.
Dennis Seaside Bar
Eating at Dennis Seaside Bar presents not solely good seaside views but additionally top-of-the-line meals you’ll have all week. The new and spicy shrimp had been notably wonderful—daring and stuffed with taste. The restaurant is situated on Ffreye’s Seaside and a crowd favourite in the summertime. Take a look at the critiques.
Plan Your Journey to Antigua & Barbuda
I’ve to confess that Antigua & Barbuda was such a riveting expertise, most likely the perfect decide of all my Caribbean adventures. The contrasting allure of this twin nation caught me slightly off-guard and I can’t wait to go to once more. When you’d prefer to learn extra on the Caribbean, try my articles under:
Disclaimer: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. if you happen to ebook a keep by means of one among my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks on your assist!
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