The Ultimate Antigua Island Guide

The island of Antigua is a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean. As part of the West Indies, this island, along with the much smaller island of Barbuda is an independent nation, renowned as one of the best holiday hotspots in the region. I spent a few days in Antigua before moving on to nearby Barbados back in the summer. It was my first time in the Caribbean and I fell in love with the island instantly. If you visit, I’m sure you will too. In this post, I’m going to cover all you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Antigua. If its not yet on your radar, hopefully after this post you’ll be making plans to head over to this slice of paradise.

A Bit About Antigua

Antigua is a Caribbean island and is the larger of the two islands that make up the nation Antigua and Barbuda. It is in the Caribbean Sea, in the middle of the Leeward Islands chain. Geographically, this West Indie nation is the furthest north of the almost direct line of small islands that starts with Grenada above Trinidad and Tobago. Its closest neighbours are the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in addition to the territories of Montserrat (British) and Guadeloupe (French). The island is quite small, at only 281 square kilometres in area. I was told that you can get anywhere across the island within 30 minutes by car. Considering I saw a fair bit of the country in a short time, I’m won’t argue with that.

After being discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Antigua was colonised by the British two centuries later. Like many Caribbean islands, it became a sugarcane economy, with the first plantation being established by Sir Christopher Codrington in 1674. Over time, Antigua became one of Britain’s most secure Caribbean bases, with numerous forts being constructed around the island. Following the abolition of slavery, Antigua’s plantations went into decline. As the independence movement swept through the region, Antigua and Barbuda became an independent nation in 1981, with Vere Cornwall Bird as its first prime minister.

What About Barbuda?

Then there’s tiny little Barbuda. I didn’t make it to this island, but it wouldn’t be a complete guide to Antigua and Barbuda without mentioning the other island in the nation’s title! Lying to the north of Antigua, Barbuda is incredibly flat. Barbuda was home to around 1,600 people, however following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the entire population was temporarily relocated to Antigua, though most have now returned. Naturally, Barbuda is quite isolated and underdeveloped. The main reason tourists go to Barbuda is to visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The only way to get to Barbuda is by ferry or chartered flight from Antigua.

When to Visit Antigua

Being a Caribbean island, hurricane season should be factored in when planning a trip to Antigua. Generally speaking, the season can run all the way from June to November, though September and October are the times you really want to avoid. To put it all into context, I travelled to Antigua in July and had beautiful weather every day. It was warm (like 30 degrees Celsius warm), but isn’t that what you want when you come to the Caribbean?

Antigua’s peak tourism season runs from December to April. Its not as humid at this time of year, though temperatures will still get to the high 20s. Naturally, tourists from the northern hemisphere swarm the island at this time of year to escape the winter. Prices soar as well. When I visited, the island was quieter, though I did notice that a few restaurants and bars were closed for the season.

How to Get to Antigua

The VC Bird International Airport (ANU) is the only airport in Antigua & Barbuda. Located to the east of St John’s (Antigua’s capital), the airport receives direct flights from the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as various Caribbean nations (such as Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica). I flew into Antigua from Orlando, Florida, which took about 3.5 hours. The airport is quite small so you’ll be out in no time. Pro tip though – if you need to use the toilet, do it before landing as there’s no toilets in the airport terminal until after you clear immigration!

As always with international travel, you’ll want to check entry requirements depending on where you’re coming from and your nationality. Generally speaking though, most western tourists don’t need a visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda. You will need to show proof on onward travel however (your departing flight) when coming through immigration. Assuming you don’t need a visa, you’ll be able to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for up to 3 months as a tourist.

• You can check if you need a visa to travel to Antigua on the official tourism site HERE.

After clearing immigration, you’ll probably need to get a taxi to your hotel. There’s an official taxi desk outside the terminal. You’ll need to pay in cash (they accept US dollars), but there’s an ATM in the terminal that you can use. The Dickenson Bay tourist hub is about a 20 minute drive from the airport, while English Harbour on the other side of the island will take about half an hour to reach.

Where to Stay in Antigua

Due to its size, no matter where you stay in Antigua, you’ll be able to see the rest of the island. With that said, the public transport service isn’t great, so if I didn’t have a local friend able to drive me around, I probably would have struggled a bit more. I stayed in an absolutely gorgeous part of the island called English Harbour. This bustling harbour is stunning. Even if you don’t stay here, you’ll come to the Harbour at some point during your stay. I highly recommend the Antigua Yacht Club. This relatively affordable resort doesn’t have a pool (but there’s plenty of beaches around the island). While the rooms are fairly basic, they have all you need, and excellent balconies overlooking the water. The staff were great as well. Highly recommend looking into this place if you’re planning a trip.

English Harbour is a bit removed from the other parts of the island though. In hindsight, I probably would have looked for something closer to St John’s if I planned things out more. Dickenson Bay and Jolly Harbour are the main touristy areas of the island, filled with luxury resorts.

As a rough guide, you can expect to pay the following prices for a double room in peak season in Antigua (per night):

• Budget: less than $100.00 USD.
• Mid-Range: $100.00 to $300.00 USD.
• Luxury: more than $300.00 USD.

While the Caribbean can be expensive, I actually found Antigua to be more affordable than some other islands I visited in the region.

How to Get Around Antigua

As I mentioned, Antigua’s public transport system leaves a lot to be desired. There is a bus service that operates around the island but from what I understand (I didn’t use it), its very slow, with buses waiting until they are full before departing. Basically, if you want to see the whole of Antigua, you’ll probably need to rely on taxis if you’re not driving. Renting a car is a good option for flexibility, and there are numerous rental companies available at the airport. Note that Antigua’s roads are highly variable in quality though – some are filled with potholes and bumps. I definitely don’t suggest driving at night if you’re not used to the conditions. Also, bear in mind that cars drive on the left side of the road (as a former British colony).

I was lucky enough to have a great friend that lives in Antigua. This meant she was able to drive me about the island. I definitely would have had to do more planning on how to get around if I didn’t have that. PS – Cheradine, you’re the best!

Other Things to Know About Antigua

The official currency of Antigua & Barbuda is the East Caribbean Dollar (ECD), which is also used by a few other Caribbean nations. The US dollar is also readily accepted throughout the country (however you’ll receive your change in East Caribbean dollars). ATMs aren’t that common in Antigua – I actually had to walk about 15 minutes from my hotel to find one near the entrance to Nelson’s Dockyard. Most major tourist providers and restaurants however will accept credit cards.

As a former British colony, English is the language of Antigua.

Antigua and Barbuda is a very safe, heavily touristed destination. I wasn’t uncomfortable anywhere during my stay on the island. As always though, you should exercise normal safety precautions (don’t flash valuables around or wander down darkly lit alleys etc). Use normal common sense and you’ll be fine in Antigua.

Things to Do in Antigua

While Antigua is a relatively small island, to get the most out of a visit, you really need to spend at least a few days in the country. I wish I got to spend more time in Antigua than I did (I was visiting a number of Caribbean islands on my trip), but I loved what I saw of the island. Here are some of the highlights that I was able to enjoy on my visit. On a longer trip, there’s much more you can do, especially when it comes to getting out on the water, doing zip-lining and horse riding, just to name a few activities.

Relax on the Beach

Antigua is best known for its beautiful white sand beaches. Locals claim that the island has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. Suffice to say, you won’t see all of them on a trip to Antigua! One of the most popular though, owing to its proximity to luxury resorts such as Sandals, is Dickenson Bay. An absolutely stunning strip of sand gives way to calm waters, making the beach perfect for families travelling with children. You’ll find countless water-sports operators and bars along the beach. One of my fondest memories in Antigua was taking a short boat ride out to a floating bar in the middle of Dickenson Bay for the afternoon.

• Spending time at the Kon Tiki Bar floating out in Dickenson Bay was one of the best things I did in Antigua. Read all about it HERE.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot to soak in the sun, you could try Pigeon Point Beach to the island’s south. A short walk over the hill from English Harbour, this is where I enjoyed my first Antiguan sunset while dining at a nearby cafe. Its a beautiful part of the island and you’ll see a mix of tourists and locals relaxing here in the afternoon.

Explore Nelson’s Dockyard

• Where? Dockyard Drive, English Harbour
• When? 8.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Admission: $15.00 USD or $40.00 ECD
• Website: https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/nelsons-dockyard/

As Antigua’s only UNESCO Heritage site, a trip to Nelson’s Dockyard is an essential part of any visit. Located on English Harbour, the Dockyard dates back to the days of British colonisation. Nelson’s Dockyard (named after Captain Horatio Nelson) has been a working dockyard since 1745. Today you’ll mostly see luxury catamarans and yachts docked at its piers, however during the 18th century, there was no British outpost more secure than English Harbour. In fact, the Caribbean Fleet of the Royal British Navy was based here from 1725 to 1854.

On a visit to the dockyard, you’ll embark on a self guided tour of the original buildings throughout the property. The grounds are filled with plaques that tell you about life during the Dockyard’s heyday. Entry to the Dockyard Museum is included in your admission (its located in the old Naval Officer’s and Clerk’s House). The Museum is small but contains displays that chronicle the development of the dockyard and English Harbour’s military history. You can cap off a morning at the Dockyard with brunch by the excellent waterside cafe at the Admiral’s Inn.

• I’ve written more about my morning at Nelson’s Dockyard HERE.

Ascend Shirley Heights

• Where? Shirley Heights Road, English Harbour
• When? Any time
• Admission: $8.00 USD (though entrance is included with your ticket to Nelson’s Dockyard)

If you’re looking at a photo of Antigua, there’s a very good chance that it was taken from Shirley Heights Lookout. Overlooking English Harbour, this lookout point sits at approximately 149 metres in altitude, and is a former military post and gun battery. It was named after St Thomas Shirley, who was the first Governor General of the Leeward Islands. Today you can enjoy 360 degree views over the island, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset. Visit earlier in the day and you can also check out a small interpretative centre that provides the historical background to the outpost.

If you’re in Antigua on a Sunday, you have to come to Shirley Heights for dinner. Much of the island will have the same idea (in fact, when I flew in, it was the first thing that the customs agent told me to do on the island!). From 4.00pm to 10.00pm, Shirley Heights hosts a barbecue, complete with rum punch, steel drums and everything you need to dance the evening away Antiguan style. Admission to the party is $10.00 USD.

Check out Devil’s Bridge

• Where? Pares Village Main Road, past Willikies, Long Bay
• When? Any time
• Admission: Free

This natural rock formation can be found in the eastern part of the island, at the end of a very bumpy ditch filled road. It takes a bit of effort to get out to Devil’s Bridge, and while there’s not much to actually do there, its a trip I highly recommend taking. The Bridge is a rugged limestone formation that extends out between windswept cliffs enduring the wrath of the Atlantic Ocean. I definitely don’t recommend trying to walk across the very slippery bridge (I saw a tourist do it and thought he was crazy!), but stop for a while and take in the gorgeous scenery. Depending on the tide, there may be some blowhole action in the area as well. Bring your camera.

• You can read more about Devil’s Bridge in my post HERE.

Visit Historical Betty’s Hope

• Where? Off Pares Village Main Road, Pares
• When? 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Saturday (visitor’s centre hours)
• Admission: Free

Betty’s Hope is another relic of Antigua’s colonial past, being the island’s first sugar plantation. It was established by Christopher Codrington, and was actually named after his daughter Betty. Hundreds of slaves and labourers worked at Betty’s Hope over the course of three centuries, making a trip to the site a somber, but also essential part of an Antiguan vacation. When you visit the site of Betty’s Hope today, you’ll find two restored windmills from the plantation. There’s also a small interpretative museum, where you can learn about life on the plantation, and the island’s tragic history of slavery. A visit to Betty’s Hope can easily be done on the same trip to Devil’s Bridge, making it a great way to see two of the island’s most noteworthy sites.

Spend Time in St John’s

St John’s is the capital of Antigua. The commercial centre of the island won’t eat up much of your time, but I feel like you always need to try to see the capital when you visit a new country. Antigua’s is quite colourful, with vibrantly hued buildings offering many photogenic opportunities (I actually noticed colourful houses all over the island – apparently you can paint your house whatever colour you want without getting anyone’s permission in Antigua). As for things to see, the main one is the VC Bird Monument. At ten metres tall, this statue sits in the heart of St John’s and commemorates the nation’s first prime minister.

To delve deeper into the island’s history, you can stop by the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda while in St John’s. Open from 8.00am – 4.00pm Mondays to Fridays (with shorter hours on Saturdays), this modest museum housed inside the old courthouse takes you through Antigua and Barbuda’s story, from the island’s formation to political sovereignty. Other notable places to check out in St John’s include the ruins of Fort James and the Public Market.

Eat At A Local Restaurant

While Antigua contains many all-inclusive resorts, make sure you enjoy some authentic Caribbean cuisine during your stay on the island. I ate at a local restaurant recommended by my friend called Nigel’s Restaurant & Bar at the Anchorage Inn, just north of St John’s. It was delicious.

An essential dish to try in Antigua is Pepperpot, which is a meat and vegetable stew. If you haven’t tried goat, now is your chance (just know that its boney). Wash it down with a Wadadli, the national beer of Antigua (named after the original Arawak name for the island). And then of course there’s rum punch. So much wonderful rum punch. The best rum in Antigua is called English Harbour (just like the place), and is an essential Antiguan experience.

While there’s many places in the Caribbean that I haven’t yet been to, Antigua is a place that I definitely hope to return to some day. As the first island in the region that I visited, I met some amazing people and had a really great time here. There’s a lot to see beyond just lazing around by the beach as this post has hopefully shown (though spend as much time on the beach as you like!). I’d love to hear from you if you’ve been to Antigua. Tell me about your experiences on the island, and some recommendations for next time!