Antigua and Barbuda

The Caribbean is calling your name! Like other Caribbean destinations, Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation. Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean, the islands are in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. You’ll find Guadeloupe to the south, Montserrat to the southwest, Saint Kitts and Nevis to the west, and Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin to the northwest (not to be confused with St Maarten). The East Caribbean dollar is used here and the islands are an independent state of the British Commonwealth.

Antigua is the largest and most populated island and Barbuda, the other main island, is just north of Antigua. The capital, Saint John’s is on Antigua and Barbuda’s largest down is Codrington.

The weather is sunny and warm all year with soothing trade winds, the average temperature ranges from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the eastern Caribbean islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September.

Antigua

Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Other attractions include a historic overview of six periods of Antiguan history through a multimedia presentation at the Dow Interpretation Center. Visitors may also enjoy a panoramic view of the Caribbean’s longest continuously operational port from Shirley Heights. Further evidence of the island’s historical roots is St. John’s Cathedral, visible from around the capital; it is regarded as one of Antigua’s national monuments. Betty’s Hope, which was built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills.

Antigua is also recognized for its picturesque landscape and natural preserves. Explore the lush vegetation of the rainforest with an expedition down Fig Tree Drive. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch.

There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for every day of the year. The numerous reefs and coves combined with crystal-clear turquoise waters afford beachgoers the luxury of privacy and beauty. The great majority of beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is simply how to decide on the beach that suits one's taste. Popular spots along the west coast of the island include Morris Bay, Galley Bay, Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach, Dickinson Bay and Turners Beach. The shoreline along the east side of the island includes Half Moon Bay, voted the number one beach by the Travel Channel, and Long Bay which offers great snorkeling opportunities.

Barbuda

Swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, caving and beachcombing are most often the activities of choice on the island. Sights, other than the beaches, most often visited include:

Frigate Bird Sanctuary, accessible by boat, is home to 170 species of birds including the Magnificent Frigate Birds.

Dark Cave, a low, boulder-hung passage that leads 400 feet underground to (almost) fresh-water pools teeming with rare blind shrimp and certain species of crustacean found nowhere else in the world.

Darby’s Cave featuring a large sink hole, about 350 feet in diameter and 70 feet deep that contains a small but lush rainforest.

Getting to Barbuda

Carib Aviation operates 15-minute flights twice daily from Antigua. Passports are not needed, as the point of entry for both islands is Antigua. Visitors may also opt to take a one and a half hour ferry boat ride between the islands. Once on the island, taxis and the Barbuda Express (ferry service) are available.

Getting to Antigua & Barbuda

There are direct flights and connections from North America via San Juan and St. Maarten (and several weekly flights from Europe) provided by Air Canada, American Airlines, BWIA, Continental Airlines and US Air. Scheduled and charter service is available to many of the neighboring islands. Flying times: New York--4 hrs.; Miami--3 hrs.; Baltimore--4 hrs.; Toronto--4 hrs.; Puerto Rico--1 hr.; London--8 hrs.; Frankfurt--9 1/4 hrs.; Paris--8 hrs. V.C. Bird International Airport, located on the northeast corner of Antigua, is the point of entry for visitors arriving by air. There is a $20 airport departure tax for stay-over visitors.

Cruise ship ports are located in St. John's Harbour and Heritage Quay.

Private boaters can enter at St. John's Harbour, English Harbour or the St. James' Club or Crabbs Marina.

Getting around Antigua

Renting a car is an ideal way for visitors to discover more of Antigua. The cost is about $40 to 50 per day. A valid driver's license and a $20 fee are required to obtain a permit to drive in Antigua. The rental agency will assist in securing this temporary license, which is valid for 90 days. Motorists drive on the left side of the street and should be alert for cows, goats and speed bumps along the roads.

Taxis are available throughout Antigua. Fares between the airport, harbor, and many hotels and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival. Most fares are fixed rather than metered and should be decided upon prior to the trip. Taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips. Tour rates can be obtained beforehand through hotels.