Final Up to date on February 26, 2025
Antigua & Barbuda makes for an amazing Caribbean escape: with its pastel-hued harbor cities, white-sand seashores, and wealthy maritime historical past. Right here’s our record 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 attraction, however they’re extra than simply fairly seashores (although, to be truthful, there are 365 of them—actually one for day-after-day of the 12 months).
There’s historical past within the previous 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 best steadiness between journey and rest. Whether or not you’re into crusing, mountaineering, or simply discovering a quiet stretch of sand to do completely nothing, there’s no improper solution 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 dwelling to 365 gorgeous seashores. Whereas I didn’t go to all of them, I can confidently say that Antigua has a number 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 best for swimming and snorkeling. Then again, the Atlantic facet on the east gives stronger waves excellent for windsurfing and browsing. The southern seashores, backed by lush rainforests, create a uniquely scenic distinction.
Some must-visit seashores in Antigua embody; 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 charge 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 gives a number 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 wanting 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. Presently, the location transforms into the island’s most iconic sundown occasion. With stay 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 convey additional money for meals and drinks. You’ll be able to go to the location by yourself or take a guided tour. In the event 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. In the event you hate the hustle of planning logistics, take this 3-hour guided tour for a seamless expertise. They may give 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 way of the emerald cover of Antigua’s lush rainforest is an unforgettable manner to soak up 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 barely out there by way of guided excursions.
A lot of them supply a number of choices, together with six or twelve zip traces 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 gives an interesting mix of previous and new. Whereas it will not be probably the most picturesque metropolis at first look, its attraction 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 avenue.
This mixture of structure, paying homage to sure Asian cities from my childhood, offers St. John’s a novel character. The vitality is especially vibrant down at Riverside Quay, the place pastel-hued storefronts and native eateries create an inviting environment. Regardless of the occasional weekday rush-hour site visitors, the town’s large streets and grid format preserve 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 supply a style of genuine island flavors. Nevertheless, 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. Nevertheless, attending to Barbuda requires a little bit of planning. The 2 islands are about an hour and a half aside. The commonest solution 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 course of the ocean the place wild southern stingrays collect day by day to fulfill curious people. Whereas these creatures have a fearsome fame, they’re really light and sociable when approached appropriately. Earlier than moving into the water, the educated employees information you on work together with them safely, which makes the expertise a lot much less daunting.
The water was shallow sufficient to face in, so your infant 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. All the expertise, together with the boat journey, prices round $60 per particular person and is totally value it.
7. Examine 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. At the moment, you’ll discover the marina bustling with yachts and ships.
Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Dockyard can also be dwelling to charming retailers, boutique motels, museums, and varied maritime companies. Past its harbor, scenic mountaineering trails result in remnants of historic forts, providing panoramic views of the island’s lush shoreline.
8. Go to Antigua’s Outdated Sugar Mills
As we drove throughout Antigua, we observed the chimneys of previous 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. Relationship again to 1651, Betty’s Hope gives a robust 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 charge that contributes to the continued preservation of this historic web site.
9. Try the Blowholes at Satan’s Bridge
Satan’s Bridge is a surprising pure limestone arch carved by the relentless Atlantic waves, making it one in all Antigua’s most charming sights. Positioned in Satan’s Bridge Nationwide Park, this spectacular construction was shaped 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 way of blowholes. It’s such a gorgeous spectacle.
The park expenses no admission however you need to be extraordinarily cautious in your go to. The rocks listed here are extraordinarily slippery and the wind may be fairly intense. We advise that you just put on sturdy, well-treaded sneakers for this journey. In the event you’re touring along with your infant, preserve a detailed eye on them all the time.
10. Kayak by way of the Mangroves in Antigua
Kayaking by way of mangroves was one of the crucial unforgettable experiences in Antigua. This eco-adventure is obtainable solely by way of guided excursions. Alongside the way in which, you’ll acquire perception into the essential position mangroves play in sustaining a wholesome marine setting. You’ll even have the possibility to find vibrant coral reefs, all whereas being guided by consultants 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 way of tranquil waters surrounded by lush mangrove forests on a clear kayak. Beneath, we have been capable of see an interesting array of wildlife like starfish, sea cucumbers, and the quirky upside-down jellyfish.
11. Study concerning 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 spoil with a uncooked, untouched attraction.
Perched on the entrance of St. John’s Harbour, Fort James is one in all Antigua’s most placing remnants of its colonial previous. The weathered stone partitions and deserted buildings lend an nearly cinematic high quality to the location, making it a dream for historical past buffs and photographers alike. A row of previous cannons nonetheless stands defiantly, stating to sea as if able to keep at bay an impending assault.
Nevertheless, main improvement plans are within the works, that means the fort’s rugged attraction might quickly give solution to a extra polished attraction. For now, you may get pleasure from its atmospheric magnificence and sweeping ocean views in a setting that appears like a step again in time. The Fort James expenses no admission charge.
12. Get a Style of Antigua on the Heritage Market
In the event you’re wanting to get a style of the native life in Antigua, head to the bustling Heritage Market. Located reverse West Avenue 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 large avocados. Nevertheless, Saturday mornings are probably the most vibrant as a result of there are extra stalls than regular. The market spills past the corridor with distributors establishing outdoors to showcase an excellent wider selection.
As you navigate the vigorous aisles, pleasant distributors enthusiastically contest on your consideration, providing tips about 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 domestically 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’ll be able to’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 have been fortunate sufficient to identify some southern rays gliding gracefully alongside the seabed, together with colourful fish.
14. Attend the Antiguan Carnival
In the event 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 blinding 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 avenue occasion the place brass and metal bands set all the 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, mountaineering in Antigua gives an unbelievable solution 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 lovely. We obtained there simply in time to see the dawn—merely breathtaking to say the least.
Different well-loved trails embody the rugged Carpenters Rock Path, the serene Jones Valley Path, and the scenic Lookout Path. Given Antigua’s tropical local weather, it’s sensible to hit the paths within the morning or night to keep away from the sweltering noon warmth. Whereas solo mountaineering is feasible, it’s important to remain conscious of your environment, analysis the route upfront, and inform somebody of your plans.
Nevertheless, becoming a member of a guided tour is usually your best option, as native guides can guarantee security and improve the general expertise with their data. A lot of them additionally present transport to and from the path in addition to present small incentives like bottled water. In the event you’re not sure the place to hike, I like to recommend you guide 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 seashore bars, because of its vivid crimson colour. I beloved that their menu is accessible on-line, which lets you know the costs upfront earlier than driving there. Virtually every little thing on the menu is priced at EC$60 ($22), except particular gadgets like lobster.
Antigua & Barbuda Journey Information
How you can Get to Antigua & Barbuda
It’s somewhat straightforward to entry the gorgeous twin island nation from the US. With flight instances 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 major airport, V.C. Hen Worldwide Airport (ANU), is positioned on the island of Antigua, simply northeast of the capital, St. John’s.
A number of main airways, together with American Airways, Delta Air Traces, 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 lodge to begin your journey on the gorgeous islands.
Seek for flights to Antigua and Barbuda right here!
How you can Get Round Antigua & Barbuda
By Automobile Rental
Renting a automotive is a handy solution to discover Antigua & Barbuda at your personal tempo. With Antigua spanning solely 108 sq. miles, you may drive from one finish to the opposite in about 45 minutes. Nevertheless, 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 automotive leases, we at all times use Uncover Vehicles, as they constantly supply the perfect charges and customer support, with leases usually ranging from as little as $45 per day.
Seek for automotive leases in Antigua and Barbuda right here!
By Taxi
In the event you hate driving in another country however love exclusivity, taking a taxi is your finest wager. Most drivers are properly conversant with locations and might double as native tour guides, sharing insights concerning the islands alongside the way in which.
Nevertheless, taxis right here function with out meters, so it’s important to barter and agree on a hard and fast 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 quick 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 solution to discover the island. The native minibuses are generally known as “jitneys” and function on a relaxed schedule, usually ready to replenish earlier than setting off.
Working day by day from 5:30 a.m. to six p.m., these buses join St. John’s with varied cities and villages throughout Antigua. Fares are round $2 for a bus journey across the capital, making it an reasonably priced and genuine solution 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 seashore actions, water sports activities, and having fun with cultural occasions just like the Antigua Crusing Week in late April. Nevertheless, it’s the excessive season and motels usually cost a premium for lodging.
In the event you’re seeking 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). Some of the 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 normally transient and go away loads of sunshine. Additionally, the official hurricane season (from mid-August to mid-October) carries a low threat of hurricanes, however it’s best to nonetheless monitor climate forecasts.
The place to Keep in Antigua & Barbuda
The dual island nation bustles with numerous resorts and motels wanting to serve you, significantly in Antigua. Barbuda continues 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 seashore with easy accessibility to close by sights. The world is inside attain of numerous eating places and retailers, and different seashores are only a quick bus journey and even inside strolling distance.
Finances: Jolly Seaside Antigua
Present in a surprising Bolans Village, Jolly Seaside Antigua gives 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. Try 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. Company can unwind on their non-public 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. Try the charges right here.
Luxurious: Guesthouse Antigua Chiama Italia
Positioned simply 10 minutes from Ffryes Seaside, Guesthouse Antigua Chiama Italia gives a peaceable and well-equipped keep. The self-catering villas present ample facilities together with a tennis court docket, sundeck, and golf course, excellent for these seeking to loosen up or keep lively. 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. Try the charges right here.
The place to Eat in Antigua & Barbuda
Eating in Antigua & Barbuda gives a pleasant mixture of acquainted consolation meals and vibrant Caribbean flavors. Whilst you’ll definitely discover conventional dishes that really feel like dwelling, that is the right place to dive into the native delicacies. Caribbean staples like corn, coconut, spiced rooster, curried goat, yams, plantain, conch, rice, beans, and saltfish make up the center of the food regimen. Additionally, contemporary seafood is served at many native spots.
My private favorites included fried plantain, coconut shrimp, zesty sizzling shrimp, BBQ rooster, 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 number of the finest eating places in Antigua & Barbuda;
Nicole’s at Verandah Resort and Spa
Eating at Nicole’s is a pleasant culinary expertise, significantly for seafood lovers and people craving hearty steaks. The menu contains a vary of spectacular dishes, with the coconut shrimp being a must-try. My daughter couldn’t get sufficient of their jerk rooster so I ended up taking their cooking class to find out how they put together it. Try the critiques.
Trappas Restaurant and Bar
Positioned close to the vigorous English Harbour, Trappas Restaurant and Bar was one other culinary revelation. The environment is at all times buzzing, making it the right 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. Try the critiques.
Dennis Seaside Bar
Eating at Dennis Seaside Bar gives not solely excellent seashore views but in addition among the best meals you’ll have all week. The recent and spicy shrimp have been significantly wonderful—daring and filled with taste. The restaurant is positioned on Ffreye’s Seaside and a crowd favourite in the summertime. Try the critiques.
Plan Your Journey to Antigua & Barbuda
I’ve to confess that Antigua & Barbuda was such a riveting expertise, in all probability the perfect decide of all my Caribbean adventures. The contrasting attraction of this twin nation caught me somewhat off-guard and I can’t wait to go to once more. In the event you’d wish to learn extra on the Caribbean, try my articles under:
Disclaimer: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. when you guide a keep by way of one in all my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks on your assist!
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