Tips for Visiting Amazing Antigua
If you’re planning on a Caribbean trip then Antigua is a solid choice. Here’s our guide to get you orientated to the logistics and what it has to offer.
Antigua is the main island of the county Antigua & Barbuda. It is located in the West Indies in the Eastern Caribbean, in the middle of the Leeward Islands. Surrounding islands are Montserrat and Guadaloupe to the south and Nevis, St Kitts, St Martin and St Barts to the north. Antigua (pronounce An-‘tee-ga), being a Caribbean island, is a true beach destination. It has an energetic and vibrant island culture. English is spoken everywhere on the island.
You can get to Antigua by either air or boat. VC Bird International Airport is located just outside of the capital city, St John’s, and has regular flights to and from North America and Europe. Nineteen cities have nonstop flights to Antigua. A lot of visitors arrive in Antigua by cruise ship. Passengers who get off in St John’s can enjoy a walk through the Heritage Quay into the centre of the city. There are a few options to get around the island. The most convenient is renting a car. This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, but expect to pay quite a lot. Also keep in mind that the speed limit everywhere on the island is 30mph. Buses are often unreliable, but offer a very cheap alternative to cars. All bus routes start or end on Market Street in St John’s. Fares are between $1-2 per person. Another, more luxurious, way of getting around is by chartering a yacht. Antigua is the centre of the yacht charter business in the Caribbean.
Most things to do in Antigua are – not surprisingly – related to water. Many reefs fringe the eastern coast and as a result scuba diving is the most popular activity there. The water is extremely clear and you can see fish in all kinds of colours. This is also a good spot for snorkeling, which is much cheaper than scuba diving. There are no reefs on the western side of the island, but the beaches are not crowded and beautiful. Another popular activity is sailing. All sorts of boats can be hired from companies all around the island and there are several secluded coves and natural harbours you can explore. Arguably Antigua’s most attractive beach is at Rendezvous Bay. It can be reached only by 4WD, boat or by trekking through the rainforest. It is worth it though; the beach is virtually unspoilt. A completely different highlight on the island is the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, one of Antigua’s major tourist sites. Dating from 1745, it is now the most important port for yachts. There is the Dockyard Museum, as well as many restaurants and shops. Another historic site is Shirley Heights, a hill with 18th-century fort ruins and views of Mamora Bay and English Harbour and of Montserrat and Guadaloupe in the distance.
Antigua is a tropical paradise and this means the presence of resorts and holiday homes. For example, celebrities such as Oprah, Giorgio Armani and Eric Clapton have homes here. There is something to fit every budget though, and even budget travelers – after some research – will find a beach for themselves.
There are accommodation options dotted all around the coast. Like most places in the Caribbean, Antigua is known for it’s more luxe options, like Curtain Bluff Antigua in Saint Marys, plus various options in Jolly Harbour in the Southwest, and two Sandals resorts near the capital St John. Search out accommodation that has good restaurant reviews as well as good reviews for the accommodation.
photo credit: stefanedberg via photopin cc
