One of the best ways to get around Antigua is by car. In order to drive on the island, you must obtain an Antiguan driving permit, which can be issued at most rental agencies and will be an additional cost of about $20. There are a number of rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis and Hertz, that have locations in the arrival hall of Antigua’s V.C. We suggest using a major U.S. rental company rather than using a local agency.

It is worth noting that Antiguans drive on the left side of the road. Also, be aware that the island can be difficult to navigate due to bumpy dirt roads and hilly areas that flood easily.

Most visitors get around by taxi (or tour operators). This is the best way to explore the island, since the drivers are happy to double as a tour guide. Many times, a particular driver will try to commit to you as their main driver during the duration of your stay. This is typical, but we do recommend getting a price quote before committing to one driver. Although this arrangement can be convenient, it can also get expensive. Taxis can usually be found near popular attractions and hotels. The government of Antigua fixes rates, and taxis are meter-less.

Getting around by bus is an economical option (most fares only cost $1), but we do not recommend them. Buses are largely unreliable, slow, and roads are extremely bumpy. Many of the buses on the island are 15-passenger minivans with colorful paint jobs.

The independent country of Antigua and Barbuda, divided into two islands, situated in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Nicknamed the land of 365 Beaches, a beach for every day of the year! These two tiny islands are layered in stunning tropical beaches dotted with luxurious all-inclusive resorts boasting excellent amenities and plenty of room to soak up all the sunshine.

Antigua is known for being the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands and the largest English speaking of the Leeward Islands, tiny in size it only measures 14 miles long by 11 miles wide, but boasts year-round average temperatures of 70-80 degrees. Dickenson Bay is one of the most popular destinations on Antigua, with a long stretch of soft white sand lined by resorts and restaurants and an endless option of watersports including the popular windsurfing. Nelson`s Dockyard National Park is home to the 18th century British Naval Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site decorated with historic buildings including old stone warehouses where hotels, restaurants, museums, shops, and galleries are now housed. Stingray City is a fun adventure off the east coast of Antigua, a shallow pool amid a vibrant coral reef with hundreds of friendly stingrays gliding through the waters. The cruise port in Antigua draws most of the island’s visitors, St. John`s is the island capital and is a gorgeous town brimming with dining, shopping, historic sites, and a laid back lifestyle.

Little Barbuda is the sleepy sister island of Antigua, a flat coral island located 30 miles north of Antigua boasting some of the most ravishing pink-tinged beaches in the entire world. The stunning idyllic tropical island is lapped by the bluest of blue waters where swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sailing are among some of the pastimes. Barbuda offers upscale resorts and is home to many movie stars and moguls vacation homes on the bedazzling shores. Barbuda is known for an intimate Caribbean vacation experience and is great for day trips from Antigua, known for its resident frigate birds and the stunning stretch of 17 Mile Beach and the sparkling Barbuda Lagoon.

Antigua Island and Barbuda are nicknamed the Land of 365 Beaches, a beach for every day of the year! These sun-drenched islands are the perfect destinations for a tropical getaway. The islands are lined by pristine pink-tinted sand, sparkling shores, and luxury resorts. St. John`s is a major cruise port in Antigua decorated with colorful historical architecture, shopping opportunities, and interesting museums. Barbuda is a peaceful secluded island filled with scenic beauty, nature, and famed frigate bird sanctuary. Both islands offer beautiful beaches for relaxing, water sports galore, and plenty of outdoor activities.

The tropical Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda boast spectacular sunshine-filled days throughout the year, they are said to be the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean islands boasting year-round average temperatures between 70-80 degrees. The islands enjoy a warm, tropical climate all year round, peak season is between the middle of December through the middle of April when lots of visitors seek the islands sun, sea, and sand to escape winters in the US and Europe. Offseason is from May to November when the island’s rates are the cheapest for accommodations and travel, this is also hurricane season (June-Nov) when the islands have a slight threat from storms, however, the weather is perfect and rarely reaches past 80 degrees. The island’s proximity to the equator makes it dried, less humid and there is little variation to the seasons. Tropical afternoon thunderstorms and bouts of heavy rainfall can be common from May to August.

More About Antigua Island