For visiting sun-seekers, Antigua offers the expected Caribbean splendors—white-sand beaches, elegant resorts, and colorful reefs—alongside a generous dollop of history. Admiral Nelson resided here in the 18th century; explore that naval heritage at the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Meanwhile, one of the top things to do in Antigua every spring is enjoy the internationally regarded Antigua Sailing Week, which brings in yacht regattas and jetsetter types. For the rest of the year, life runs on island time—expect relaxation and rum punch in between snorkeling trips, rain forest ziplining, and tours of the capital, St. John’s.
Antigua has two seasons: a wet season and dry season. Most visitors tend to aim for the dry season, which runs from December through April, with average temperatures around 82°F (28°C). The wet season typically peaks between June and November, while May makes for a slightly more affordable shoulder season option. Antigua Sailing Week is a highlight of the spring calendar, but stick around until July to discover the island’s festive Carnival celebrations.
At just 108 square miles (280 square kilometers), petite Antigua is best explored by car. Taxis are plentiful around the island, which is helpful as public bus service is generally unreliable and best avoided. Antigua is connected to neighboring islands by ferry and plane, while a wide variety of boat tours—from snorkeling excursions to catamaran circumnavigation voyages—are a popular way to explore.
US dollars are widely accepted across Antigua, which means there’s little need to stock up on the Eastern Caribbean dollar before visiting. Don’t forget to bring your passport and your tickets or boarding passes with you to score duty-free prices at shopping destinations such as the Heritage Quay in Antigua’s capital of St. John’s, where you can browse luxury fashion, perfumes, watches, jewelry, and more.
Antigua is known, first and foremost, for its white-sand beaches flanked by crystalline waters—some 365 of them—as well as its ample opportunities for snorkeling and diving. It’s also known for its compact size—as the island is only around 14 miles across, getting from point to point is a breeze.
...MoreYou won’t see dolphins in captivity in Antigua, where swim-with-dolphins programs have been abandoned in favor of less-exploitative experiences. That said, dolphins do show up in the waters around the island from time to time, and the best place to witness the sensitive marine mammals is from aboard a sightseeing cruise.
...MoreAntigua has 365 beaches, so it would be unfair to deem one the nicest of them all. However, top contenders include Darkwood Bay and Dickenson Beach (both of which have lots of facilities), chilled-out Ffryes Beach, pretty Half Moon Bay, and secluded Rendezvous Bay.
...MoreAntigua's nightlife is largely geared towards tourists, and many of the island's numerous beaches have open-air bars that stay open well into the night. Casinos such as King Casino and Grand Princess Casino are also popular, while Abracadabra, a cross between an Italian restaurant and a nightclub, is a great place to go dancing.
...MoreEnglish is the official language of Antigua and Barbuda and it's used across the country in business and education. Many Antiguans also use Leeward Caribbean Creole English, a creole based on English, in casual conversation, but most people switch to standard English when speaking to foreign visitors.
...MoreAntigua can be expensive. As it's an island, a lot of food and other goods sold here need to be imported. Accommodations near the coast, particularly in the southern and western parts of the island, tend to be expensive, but if you're willing to stay in the St John's area, you'll find a number of budget-friendly options.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 16 |
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Number of Tours | 153 |
Number of Reviews | 3,646 |
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