Table of Contents
Introduction
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Antigua and Barbuda is truly a beach lover’s paradise. This twin island nation in the Caribbean Sea boasts 365 stunning beaches – one for every day of the year! From action-packed resorts to serene stretches of powdery sand, Antigua and Barbuda offers beachgoers an idyllic tropical escape.
The islands have a rich history as one of Britain’s oldest colonies. English Harbour on Antigua became an important naval base in the 18th century. Traces of this colonial past can still be seen today at Nelson’s Dockyard, a restored Georgian dockyard that now houses shops, restaurants and museums. Beyond the coast, the lush interior is criss-crossed with trails through rainforests filled with mango trees, palms and tropical flowers.
With summerlike temperatures year-round, Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect destination for water sports, sailing adventures and snorkeling vibrant coral reefs. Discover this island paradise, blessed with natural beauty and Caribbean charm.
Main Attractions
365 Beaches
Antigua boasts having a beach for every day of the year, each with its own unique personality and landscape. On the southwest coast, Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay offer lively beach scenes with water sports, restaurants and resorts. For more privacy, head to the secluded Half Moon Bay tucked into a sheltered cove. Barbuda’s miles of pink sand beaches are mostly untouched by development. Or find your own private slice of paradise on one of Antigua’s many hidden beaches reachable only by boat. With so many options, you can experience a different stunning beach every time.
Nelson’s Dockyard
Step back in time at Nelson’s Dockyard, a restored 18th century British naval dockyard located at English Harbour. Named for Admiral Horatio Nelson, this Georgian dockyard now captivates visitors with its period architecture housing restaurants, hotels, shops and museums. Walk the stone dockyard paths and snap photos of the grand masts of restored sailing vessels. Sample local rums at the dockyard’s pubs, enjoy lunch at boater-friendly restaurants on the waterfront, and soak up the area’s rich maritime history at the Dockyard Museum and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
Rainforest Hiking
Beyond Antigua’s famed beaches, a verdant rainforest carpet blankets the island’s interior. For an eco-adventure, lace up your hiking boots and head for the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. This series of zip lines zigzags through the lush tropical forest, giving you a bird’s eye perspective of the flora and fauna below. Or take a more leisurely stroll along one of the Fig Tree Drive rainforest trails that wind past massive kapok trees wrapped in vines, delicate orchids and exotic tropical flowers. The rainforest’s dense cover also makes it a prime area for birdwatching.
Sailing and Snorkeling
With steady trade winds and protected harbors, Antigua provides prime sailing conditions for experienced and novice sailors alike. Charter a bareboat or crewed yacht and explore Antigua’s many secluded coves and beaches only accessible by boat. English and Falmouth Harbours offer full service marinas and dockage if you bring your own boat. Or for low-key family fun, book a sailing excursion along Antigua’s scenic coastline.
Below the waves, Antigua’s coral reefs shimmer with colorful fish and sea turtles. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise. Rent a mask and fins and swim out from shallow bays to discover underwater worlds filled with brain coral, elkhorn coral and schools of angelfish. Or for a deeper dive, book a two-tank scuba trip to reefs and wrecks offshore. Novice divers can take a resort course then follow an instructor for their first open water dive.
Accommodations
With such diversity among its many beaches and distinct communities, Antigua offers varied accommodations from lavish all-inclusive resorts to cozy inns and private vacation rentals.
Resorts
All-inclusive resorts line popular Dickenson and Runaway Bays, offering pampering service and amenities along with easy beach access. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa dazzles guests with its cascading pools and luxurious suites with private plunge pools. Family-friendly resorts like the Verandah Resort and Spa offer scheduled kids’ activities and Club Med Caravelle caters to multi-generational groups. Or enjoy Old World elegance at Galley Bay Resort with its plantation-style cottages amidst gardens and walking paths.
Villas and Vacation Rentals
For additional space and privacy, consider booking one of Antigua’s luxury villas, many with infinity pools and sweeping Caribbean views. Jolly Harbour offers a range of rental options from studio apartments to multi-bedroom homes along its marina. The English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour areas also have apartments, condos and townhouses available for extended vacations. These provide home comforts with the convenience of being walking distance to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Cuisine
Reflecting the diversity of its culture, Antiguan cuisine blends African, British and Caribbean influences. Fresh seafood takes center stage on many menus, highlighted in local specialties like lobster fritters, conch stew and pan-fried snapper.
Local Seafood
Be sure to sample the fresh catch of the day grilled or blackened to perfection at beachside restaurants like Coconut Grove and Boon’s. Or for a Caribbean twist, try shrimp and lobster seasoned with local peppers and herbs then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Don’t miss the national dish, fungee – a cornmeal mush served with okra, fish and spicy pepper pot sauce. Wash it down with a cool Wadadli, the local beer.
Rum Distilleries
Caribbean rum flows freely in Antigua, which is home to some of the world’s oldest and most renowned rum distilleries. Tour the English Harbour Rum Company, steeped in centuries of tradition, or sample small-batch varieties at the new Copper & Cane distillery at Nelson’s Dockyard. Learn the rum production process on a tour, then relax with a tasting and mojito-making lesson. Cavalier Antigua and Mount Gay Distilleries also offer rum tastings and unique rum products at their gift shops.
Nightlife and Events
Once the sun sets, Antigua comes alive at night with live music, dancing and casinos.
Music and Dance
Steel pan bands infuse an infectious Caribbean rhythm to popular bars and hotel happy hours. Or for authentic local music, check the calendar for festivals featuring soca, calypso and reggae artists. Folk dancers in brightly colored costumes perform traditional African-inspired dances, while costumed locals parade through the streets during the festive Carnival celebration leading up to Lent.
Casinos and Bars
Try your luck at any of Antigua’s full-service casinos located in luxury resorts. Or opt for cocktails and conversation at open-air beach bars like Trappas Nest on Fort Bay or Castaways Beach Bar, popular for its barbecue nights. Shirley Heights Lookout transforms into a Sunday evening party, where locals and visitors gather to watch the sunset, listen to steel pan music and dance under the stars.
Best Times to Visit
Antigua enjoys mostly sunny, temperate weather year-round, though the islands closely track the Atlantic hurricane season from June through November. High season runs from mid-December through April, bringing bigger crowds and higher prices. Spring (late April to early June) and late summer/early fall offer fine weather with fewer tourists and lower rates.
Major events like Antigua Sailing Week in late April or Carnival in late July/early August are popular times to visit. Or time your trip around one of the big music festivals like the Antigua Jazz Festival or Reggae in the Hills. With so much natural beauty and vibrant culture, any time is a fine time to discover the best of Antigua and Barbuda.
Conclusion
From its 365 sun-drenched beaches to its lush rainforests and lively music scenes, the tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda dazzle visitors with natural beauty and Caribbean vibrancy. Hike through historic Nelson’s Dockyard, sail the aquamarine seas and dance under the stars at local beach bars. With so many ways to embrace island life, Antigua and Barbuda offers the quintessential Caribbean escape. Let its infectious rhythm get into your soul and you may never want to leave this beach lover’s paradise.
FAQs
What are some of the best beaches in Antigua?
Some of Antigua’s top beaches include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Runaway Bay, and Jolly Beach. Barbuda is also famous for its miles of pink sand beaches.
What is there to do in Antigua besides going to the beach?
Popular activities in Antigua include sailing, snorkeling/diving, rainforest hiking, visiting Nelson’s Dockyard, touring rum distilleries, birdwatching, and enjoying the lively music and nightlife scenes.
What is the weather like in Antigua?
Antigua has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round, typically ranging from the mid 70s F to the mid 80s F. The water temperature averages around 80 F.
When is the rainy season in Antigua?
Antigua has a relatively dry climate, with the most rain typically falling between September and November. Even during the rainy season, sunny days are common.
What type of food is Antigua known for?
Antiguan cuisine is influenced by African, British and Caribbean flavors. Local specialties include fresh seafood, fungee (cornmeal), pepper pot, and tropical fruits and vegetables. Rum is the national drink.