Antigua & Barbuda – Travel Guide
Antigua & Barbuda, a Caribbean duo, entices with its powdery white-sand beaches, including the famous Pink Sands Beach. The historic Nelson`s Dockyard in English Harbour showcases colonial-era naval history and stunning harbor views. Shirley Heights, a vantage point overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours, offers breathtaking sunsets and lively Sunday evening parties. Antigua`s 365 beaches provide ample opportunities for water activities, from snorkeling in coral reefs to sailing in clear turquoise waters. The islands` rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty make them a captivating destination for a tropical escape.
All about Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda FAQ
What are the Antigua & Barbuda known for?
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.
What are the best places to visit in Antigua & Barbuda?
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.
How many days should I spend in Antigua & Barbuda?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Antigua & Barbuda?
The small size of the islands makes it easy to explore by car, Antigua is 108 square miles and a roundtrip of the entire island can be completed in 2.5 hours by car. Renting a vehicle while visiting gives you the freedom and opportunity to explore at your own pace and check out the hidden gems such as beautiful beaches, charming villages, historical sites, and the verdant jungle interior. Renting a car is the most popular way to discover the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, however, a valid driver’s license and a permit are required to drive in Antigua. There is a great selection of rental car companies including Avis, Hertz and Alamo found at the airport. There are air services that travel between the two islands by charter planes. And cruises and ferries are offered.
What is the currency of Antigua & Barbuda?
The currency in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is fixed to the US dollar (usually around $1USD = XCD 2.6). U.S Dollars are widely accepted. It is best to have both currencies on hand when traveling to the islands. There are ATMs found at the airports, and banks throughout the island.
Do people speak English in Antigua & Barbuda?
The official language spoken in Antigua and Barbuda is English.
Best time to visit Antigua & Barbuda
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.
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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.
Tipping in Antigua & Barbuda
The currency in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is fixed to the US dollar (usually around $1USD = XCD 2.6). U.S Dollars are widely accepted. It is best to have both currencies on hand when traveling to the islands. There are ATMs found at the airports, and banks throughout the island.
Top cities in Antigua & Barbuda
What to expect while traveling
