Last Updated on February 26, 2025
Antigua & Barbuda makes for a terrific Caribbean escape: with its pastel-hued harbor cities, white-sand seashores, and wealthy maritime historical past. Here’s our record of the perfect issues to do in Antigua & Barbuda.
After spending every week in Antigua and Barbuda, I couldn’t fairly perceive how these Caribbean islands managed to remain below 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 every single day of the yr).
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 yr. But what actually makes this place particular is the vibe — easygoing, welcoming, and simply the best stability between journey and rest. Whether you’re into crusing, mountain climbing, or simply discovering a quiet stretch of sand to do completely nothing, there’s no fallacious option to expertise Antigua and Barbuda. Here’s what’s price your time.
Fun Things to Do in Antigua & Barbuda
1. Go Beach Hopping in Antigua
Antigua is dwelling to 365 gorgeous seashores. While 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 quite a bit as I’ve been to Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius).
The west coast of the island bordering the Caribbean boasts calm, crystal-clear waters ultimate for swimming and snorkeling. On the opposite hand, the Atlantic aspect 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 Beach, Ffryes Beach, and Carlisle Bay. One key factor to recollect: all seashores in Antigua are public regardless of some being fenced off by resorts. While the seashores are free to entry, you’ll pay a small charge for conveniences like renting solar loungers. Beach chair leases go for round $5 whereas water actions like kayaking price roughly $20 per hour.
2. Explore Shirley Heights in Antigua
Perched excessive above English and Falmouth Harbours, the historic navy lookout of Shirley Heights presents a few of the most breathtaking views in Antigua. Once a significant lookout station through the American Revolution, this restored gun battery now welcomes these desperate to soak in its panoramic vistas.
By day, the blues of the Caribbean stretch endlessly beneath, however for an unforgettable expertise, go to on a Sunday or Thursday night from 4 p.m. At this time, the positioning transforms into the island’s most iconic sundown get together. 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. But eating on the restaurant is additional, so convey additional money for meals and drinks. You can go to the positioning by yourself or take a guided tour. If you’re up for the solo journey, take a scenic hike from Galleon Beach to the summit the place you’ll discover the restaurant and bar. If you hate the hustle of planning logistics, take this 3-hour guided tour for a seamless expertise. They will offer you transport (to and from) however you’ll pay for entrance in addition to meals and drinks.
3. Zipline Across Antigua’s Rainforest
Soaring by way of the emerald cover of Antigua’s lush rainforest is an unforgettable approach 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. Though she appeared nervous at first, her spirits lit up as we zipped from platform to platform. This expertise is just out there by way of guided excursions.
Many of them provide a number of choices, together with six or twelve zip strains and even a problem course for the daring. Prices sometimes vary from $101 to $139 per particular person, relying on the package deal and operator.
4. Explore the Capital of St. John’s
The vigorous capital and first port of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s presents an enchanting mix of previous and new. While it is probably not probably the most picturesque metropolis at first look, its allure lies in its contrasts. 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 novel character. The vitality is especially vibrant down at Riverside Quay, the place pastel-hued storefronts and native eateries create an inviting ambiance. Despite the occasional weekday rush-hour site visitors, the town’s vast streets and grid structure maintain it from feeling too chaotic.
History buffs can discover the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda or go to the hanging St. John’s Cathedral. Foodies will recognize the native eating places and bars that supply a style of genuine island flavors. However, it’s price noting that exterior of cruise season, most of the companies stay closed.
5. Take a Day Trip to Barbuda
Most individuals base themselves in Antigua however you undoubtedly shouldn’t miss taking a day journey to Barbuda. Unlike 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. However, attending to Barbuda requires a little bit of planning. The two islands are about an hour and a half aside. The commonest option to attain it’s through the Barbuda Express ferry, which prices round $55 a technique and $100 for a round-trip ticket.
6. Swim with Stingrays
Stingray City is a shallow, crystal-clear sandbank in the course of the ocean the place wild southern stingrays collect every day to satisfy curious people. While these creatures have a fearsome repute, they’re truly mild and sociable when approached appropriately. Before 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 toddler can revel within the expertise with out you worrying about treading water. For about an hour, you’ll be able to feed and work together with the stingrays, in addition to snorkel within the space. The total expertise, together with the boat experience, prices round $60 per particular person and is totally price it.
7. Check Out Nelson’s Dockyard
Stepping into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua is like touring again in time to the island’s wealthy maritime previous. Once 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. Today, you’ll discover the marina bustling with yachts and ships.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dockyard can be dwelling to charming retailers, boutique lodges, museums, and varied maritime companies. Beyond its harbor, scenic mountain climbing trails result in remnants of historic forts, providing panoramic views of the island’s lush shoreline.
8. Visit Antigua’s Old Sugar Mills
As we drove throughout Antigua, we seen 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. While some have been repurposed as landmarks inside buildings, most of the mills at the moment are 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. Dating again to 1651, Betty’s Hope presents a strong glimpse into Antigua’s historical past, with two windmills nonetheless standing proudly aspect by aspect. Entrance to Betty’s Hope is simply $2, paid into an honesty field, a small charge that contributes to the continuing preservation of this historic website.
9. Check out the Blowholes at Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is a shocking pure limestone arch carved by the relentless Atlantic waves, making it one in all Antigua’s most charming sights. Located in Devil’s Bridge National Park, this spectacular construction was shaped over time because the fixed collision of the ocean’s surf eroded the rock beneath. Local legend provides a contact of thriller, claiming that the satan himself constructed the bridge to tempt souls to cross.
Despite its ominous identify, Devil’s Bridge is a gorgeous pure marvel that piqued my curiosity. The space is especially dramatic when the waves crash violently towards the rocks, sending water spouting by way of blowholes. It is such a gorgeous spectacle.
The park fees no admission however you have to be extraordinarily cautious in your go to. The rocks listed below are extraordinarily slippery and the wind could be fairly intense. We advise that you just put on sturdy, well-treaded sneakers for this journey. If you’re touring together with your toddler, maintain an in depth eye on them your complete time.
10. Kayak by way of the Mangroves in Antigua
Kayaking by way of mangroves was one of the vital unforgettable experiences in Antigua. This eco-adventure is on the market solely by way of guided excursions. Along the way in which, you’ll acquire perception into the essential function mangroves play in sustaining a wholesome marine atmosphere. You’ll even have the possibility 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 way of tranquil waters surrounded by lush mangrove forests on a clear kayak. Below, we had been capable of see an enchanting array of wildlife like starfish, sea cucumbers, and the quirky upside-down jellyfish.
11. Learn concerning the Island’s History 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. While many of those have crumbled over time or been repurposed, Fort James stays an evocative destroy with a uncooked, untouched allure.
Perched on the entrance of St. John’s Harbour, Fort James is one in all Antigua’s most hanging remnants of its colonial previous. The weathered stone partitions and deserted buildings lend an nearly cinematic high quality to the positioning, making it a dream for historical past buffs and photographers alike. A row of previous cannons nonetheless stands defiantly, mentioning to sea as if able to push back an impending assault.
However, main improvement plans are within the works, which means the fort’s rugged enchantment might quickly give option to a extra polished attraction. For now, you’ll be able to get pleasure from its atmospheric magnificence and sweeping ocean views in a setting that seems like a step again in time. The Fort James fees no admission charge.
12. Get a Taste of Antigua on the Heritage Market
If you’re desperate to get a style of the native life in Antigua, head to the bustling Heritage Market. Situated reverse West Street 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.
Inside the comparatively new market corridor, stalls overflow with Antigua’s well-known tiny pineapples, custard apples, inexperienced oranges, and large avocados. However, Saturday mornings are probably the most vibrant as a result of there are extra stalls than typical. The market spills past the corridor with distributors organising exterior 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 objects. If you wish to purchase a memento, head to the smaller craft market simply exterior. 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 can’t come to Antigua and Barbuda and never discover its underwater world. You’ll possible encounter completely different marine life like angelfish, parrotfish, rays, barracuda, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and even dolphins. My daughter and I took this Turtle Beach Power 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
If 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 the standout occasions is J’ouvert, an exuberant road get together the place brass and metal bands set your complete island transferring to infectious rhythms. The Parade of Bands brings a riot of shade as masqueraders flood the streets in elaborate costumes. The carnival additionally hosts pageants just like the Miss Antigua Pageant and the Caribbean Queen’s Competition, together with calypso and soca contests.
15. Hit the Hiking Trails
For journey seekers, mountain climbing in Antigua presents an unbelievable option to expertise the island’s lush rainforest and scenic landscapes. On our journey, we did a morning trek to Boggy Point and it was unbelievably lovely. We received there simply in time to see the dawn—merely breathtaking to say the least.
Other well-loved trails embrace the rugged Carpenters Rock Trail, the serene Jones Valley Trail, and the scenic Lookout Trail. Given Antigua’s tropical local weather, it’s smart to hit the paths within the morning or night to keep away from the sweltering noon warmth. While solo mountain climbing is feasible, it’s important to remain conscious of your environment, analysis the route prematurely, and inform somebody of your plans.
However, becoming a member of a guided tour is usually the only option, as native guides can guarantee security and improve the general expertise with their information. Many of them additionally present transport to and from the path in addition to present small incentives like bottled water. If you’re not sure the place to hike, I like to recommend you ebook this morning and sundown tour like we did.
16. Go Sailing on a Yacht
Sailing 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 Sailing 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 May yearly. As one of many Caribbean Sailing Association’s flagship occasions, it options intense racing within the picturesque English and Falmouth Harbours.
If the thought of racing doesn’t enchantment, you’ll be able to 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 out 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 reworked right into a vigorous bar, full with cozy cabanas and hammocks.
Located on the southwestern tip of the island, the Rum Bus is among the most well-known seaside bars, because of its vivid purple shade. I beloved that their menu is accessible on-line, which lets you know the costs upfront earlier than driving there. Almost every thing on the menu is priced at EC$60 ($22), apart from particular objects like lobster.
Antigua & Barbuda Travel Guide
How to Get to Antigua & Barbuda
It’s moderately 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 among the most revered Caribbean locations. The nation’s main airport, V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), is situated on the island of Antigua, simply northeast of the capital, St. John’s.
Several main airways, together with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, function direct flights from key U.S. cities. For occasion, a direct flight on American Airlines from New York begins from round $450. Upon arrival, board a taxi to your lodge to begin your journey on the attractive islands.
Search for flights to Antigua and Barbuda right here!
How to Get Around Antigua & Barbuda
By Car Rental
Renting a automotive is a handy option to discover Antigua & Barbuda at your personal tempo. With Antigua spanning solely 108 sq. miles, you’ll be able to drive from one finish to the opposite in about 45 minutes. However, driving right here requires some warning as a result of many roads are slender and have potholes.
Keep in thoughts that driving is on the left aspect, so staying targeted—particularly at intersections and roundabouts—is crucial. Avoid 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 Discover Cars, as they persistently provide the perfect charges and customer support, with leases sometimes ranging from as little as $45 per day.
Search for automotive leases in Antigua and Barbuda right here!
By Taxi
If you hate driving in another country however love exclusivity, taking a taxi is your finest wager. Most drivers are properly conversant with locations and may double as native tour guides, sharing insights concerning the islands alongside the way in which.
However, 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 primarily based on each distance and the variety of passengers, with quick rides sometimes costing round EC$30 ($11) and longer journeys reaching as much as EC$75 ($28).
By Bus
Traveling by bus in Antigua and Barbuda is an easy-going and budget-friendly option to discover the island. The native minibuses are generally known as “jitneys” and function on a relaxed schedule, typically ready to refill earlier than setting off.
Running every 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 experience across the capital, making it an inexpensive and genuine option to expertise native life.
When to Visit Antigua and Barbuda
The finest time to go to Antigua and Barbuda is between December and April. During these months, the climate is pleasantly dry, and temperatures hover across the mid-80s Fahrenheit (30°C). This interval is good for seaside actions, water sports activities, and having fun with cultural occasions just like the Antigua Sailing Week in late April. However, it’s the excessive season and lodges sometimes cost a premium for lodging.
If you’re trying to expertise the festive vitality of the islands with out paying an enormous sum, plan your journey through the summer season (May to November). One of probably the most anticipated summer season occasions is the Antigua Carnival. It is held yearly from late July to the primary Tuesday in August.
Though the island sees occasional tropical showers, particularly from May to August, the rains are normally temporary and depart loads of sunshine. Also, the official hurricane season (from mid-August to mid-October) carries a low danger of hurricanes, however you must nonetheless monitor climate forecasts.
Where to Stay in Antigua & Barbuda
The twin island nation bustles with numerous resorts and lodges desperate 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 space is inside attain of numerous eating places and retailers, and different seashores are only a quick bus experience and even inside strolling distance.
Budget: Jolly Beach Antigua
Found in a shocking Bolans Village, Jolly Beach Antigua presents a tropical paradise expertise. Surrounded by lush gardens, the resort boasts two refreshing out of doors swimming swimming pools and a calming spa. The air-conditioned rooms are adorned with vibrant décor, and most present breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Check out 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 gives a serene escape. Guests can unwind on their personal veranda, taking within the breathtaking surroundings. The resort’s structure, with blocks of 4 rooms every having a non-public entrance, ensures a way of privateness and tranquility. Check out the charges right here.
Luxury: Guesthouse Antigua Chiama Italia
Located simply 10 minutes from Ffryes Beach, 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. Check out the charges right here.
Where to Eat in Antigua & Barbuda
Dining in Antigua & Barbuda presents a pleasant mixture of acquainted consolation meals and vibrant Caribbean flavors. While you’ll actually 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 hen, curried goat, yams, plantain, conch, rice, beans, and saltfish make up the guts of the eating regimen. Also, 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. When it involves drinks, rum reigns supreme. Whether at a bustling bar or a beachside café, you’ll discover loads of variations of the island’s well-known rum punch.
It’s sometimes made with darkish or gentle rum, tropical fruit juices like pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, topped off with lime and a contact of sugar. Here are a few of the finest eating places in Antigua & Barbuda;
Nicole’s at Verandah Resort and Spa
Dining 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 find out how they put together it. Check out the critiques.
Trappas Restaurant and Bar
Located close to the vigorous English Harbour, Trappas Restaurant and Bar was one other culinary revelation. The ambiance 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. Check out the critiques.
Dennis Beach Bar
Dining at Dennis Beach Bar presents not solely good seaside views but additionally among the finest meals you’ll have all week. The scorching and spicy shrimp had been notably wonderful—daring and stuffed with taste. The restaurant is situated on Ffreye’s Beach and a crowd favourite in the summertime. Check out the critiques.
Plan Your Trip 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 allure of this twin nation caught me somewhat off-guard and I can’t wait to go to once more. If you’d prefer to learn extra on the Caribbean, try my articles beneath:
Disclaimer: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. when you ebook a keep by way of one in all my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you on your assist!
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