Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers a classic, high-end Caribbean experience. The main island, Antigua, is where most of the action is, with its numerous white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and bustling capital of St. John's. The island's deep connection to naval history is showcased at Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world. The viewpoint from Shirley Heights offers one of the most iconic and stunning panoramic views in the Caribbean, especially during the famous Sunday evening barbecue party.

The much smaller sister island of Barbuda is a world away. It is a flat, sparsely populated coral island known for its incredible, untouched pink sand beaches and for being home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere. For those seeking stunning beaches, a rich history, and a world-class sailing scene, Antigua and Barbuda is a premier destination.

Reasons to Visit

• 365 Beaches: Explore a different beautiful beach for every day of the year on the island of Antigua.
• Nelson's Dockyard: Step back in time at the beautifully restored, UNESCO-listed 18th-century British naval dockyard.
• World-Class Sailing: Experience one of the world's premier sailing and yachting destinations, home to the famous Antigua Sailing Week.
• Pristine Barbuda: Take a trip to the quiet sister island of Barbuda for its stunning, deserted pink sand beaches and frigate bird sanctuary.

Things to Avoid

• Wearing Camouflage: It is illegal for non-military personnel to wear camouflage clothing.
• Underestimating the Sun: The sun is very strong. High-SPF sunscreen and a hat are essential.
• Being Disrespectful of Local Culture: While it is a major tourist destination, it is still a conservative country. Dress respectfully when away from the beach.
• Only Staying at Your Resort: Rent a car or take a taxi to explore the island's many different beaches and historical sites.

Local Transportation Tips

Renting a car is the best way to explore the many beaches of Antigua. Driving is on the left. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive; agree on the fare before you start. A ferry service connects Antigua with Barbuda, and there are also small flights available.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A polite "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" is customary.
• Punctuality: A relaxed "island time" attitude is common.
• Beach Attire: Beachwear should be confined to the beach. It is not appropriate to wear it in towns or shops.
• Haggling: In the craft markets, some friendly bargaining is acceptable.

Did You Know?

Nelson's Dockyard is named after the famous British Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was stationed in Antigua in the 1780s. It is the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard in the world.

Cool Antigua and Barbuda Stats

• A Beach for Every Day: Antigua proudly claims to have 365 distinct beaches.
• Frigate Bird Sanctuary: The Codrington Lagoon on Barbuda is home to a colony of over 100,000 frigate birds, one of the largest in the world.
• Sailing Capital: Antigua Sailing Week is one of the world's most prestigious sailing regattas, attracting sailors from all over the globe every April.

Recommended Age Group

Antigua and Barbuda is a fantastic destination for all age groups, particularly couples, families, and seniors seeking a high-end beach holiday.

• Babies (0-2 years): Highly Recommended. The country is safe, and many resorts are very family-friendly.
• Kids (3-12 years): Highly Recommended. The calm, clear waters and numerous beaches are perfect for children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended. Teenagers will enjoy the water sports and the lively atmosphere of the main tourist areas.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. It is a premier destination for romantic getaways, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a luxurious beach vacation.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. The safe environment, high-quality infrastructure, and relaxed pace of life make it a very popular choice for seniors.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Many of the large resorts are well-equipped for accessibility.
• The major resorts in Antigua often have accessible rooms, ramps, and paved pathways to the beach.
• However, the historic sites like Nelson's Dockyard have uneven surfaces and can be challenging.
• Accessible transport can be arranged through specialized tour companies.