ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Antigua & Barbuda gave the world 365 beaches and a yacht week so glamorous it makes Monaco blush aren’t here for the spotlight, they are the spotlight.
Antigua and Barbuda are where powdery shores meet regatta chic, where British colonial leftovers sip rum cocktails, and where “island time” is both a schedule and a flex. This isn’t your average beach break.
It’s where you might catch a cricket match and a couture wedding in the same afternoon, where locals smile knowingly when celebs dock offshore, and where even the wind seems to carry steel pan rhythm.
Here’s the thing about paradise: it knows how to party and unplug. Waters so clear they could be contact lenses. Locals who’ll debate Rihanna’s discography over a rum punch. And yes, that beach you’re standing on? There are 364 more just like it.
From Shirley Heights’ sunset serenades to Barbuda’s blush-pink sands, this is the Caribbean, curated.
Antigua & Barbuda attracts travelers who appreciate the finer things but don't need to announce it.
These are destinations for people who know the difference between expensive and valuable, and consistently choose the latter.
The luxury here has character. Think historic dockyard hotels where Nelson once walked, not cookie-cutter resorts. Private sailing charters that come with stories, not just champagne. Beach clubs where the staff remembers your name and your preferred rum.
This is where you'll discover that the best adventures often happen between scheduled activities. That perfect conch fritter from a roadside stand. The impromptu sailing lesson that turns into a sunset cruise. The local festival you stumble upon that becomes the highlight of your trip.
Whether you're exploring 18th-century fortifications, snorkeling with stingrays who seem genuinely friendly, or simply mastering the art of hammock meditation, Antigua & Barbuda rewards curiosity with authenticity.
You don't just visit, you become part of the story. And trust us, it's a story worth telling. Repeatedly. To anyone who'll listen.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
PLACES TO SEE
English Harbour
Historic Nelson's Dockyard and world-class sailing in a protected bay.
Half Moon Bay
Pristine crescent beach with pink sand and perfect swimming conditions.
Shirley Heights
Sunset viewpoint with Sunday barbecue and panoramic harbor views.
Barbuda's Pink Sand Beach
Eleven miles of untouched pink sand with crystal-clear waters.
St. John's
Colorful capital with markets, museums, and colonial architecture.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Barbuda's lagoon home to the Caribbean's largest frigate bird colony.
Devil's Bridge
Natural limestone arch carved by Atlantic waves over centuries.
Stingray City
Shallow lagoon where gentle stingrays glide alongside snorkelers.
Betty's Hope
Restored sugar plantation with windmill ruins and historical insights.
Dickenson Bay
Lively beach with water sports, beach bars, and resort luxury.
Fig Tree Drive
Scenic rainforest road through banana groves and tropical vegetation.
Codrington
Barbuda's laid-back village with local culture and fishing traditions.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Islands
Ferry service connects Antigua and Barbuda, or take a quick charter flight. Inter-island flights available to other Caribbean destinations.
Around Islands
Rental cars, taxis, and private transfers are common. Many resorts offer shuttle services. Barbuda is best explored with a local guide.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
From intimate boutique properties to all-inclusive resorts, Antigua offers luxury with personality. Beachfront villas, historic inns, and world-class spas blend Caribbean charm with sophisticated amenities.
Cruises
Major cruise lines dock at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. Excursions include beach visits, snorkeling, island tours, and cultural experiences in St. John's.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Local rum, handmade pottery, Caribbean spices, and duty-free luxury goods. Support local artisans at markets and craft centers.
Eat
Fresh seafood, national dish of fungee and pepperpot, goat curry, and tropical fruits. Don't miss conch fritters and locally caught lobster.
Drink
Cavalier and English Harbour rums, tropical cocktails, fresh coconut water, and local beers like Wadadli and Carib.
TIME ZONE
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is GMT-4. No daylight saving time observed.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
No Uber or Lyft. Taxis are the main form of transport and are regulated with fixed rates. Swyft and CaribeRide are local rideshare-style services in St. John’s and nearby areas.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
No Uber or Lyft. Taxis are the main form of transport and are regulated with fixed rates. Swyft and CaribeRide are local rideshare-style services in St. John’s and nearby areas.
CLIMATE
Tropical maritime climate with trade winds.
Dry season (December-April) is peak time.
Wet season (May-November) brings brief afternoon showers and hurricane season (June-November).
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Antigua and Barbuda has served as a lush filming location for productions like The Island (1980) and select scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. It’s also home to cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards, novelist Jamaica Kincaid, and fashion model Tennille Amor, with global celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Eric Clapton choosing the islands as a favorite retreat.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services: 911 or 999
Tourism Authority: 462-0480
Country Code: +1-268
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Sunrise over English Harbour
Start your day with a golden glow as the sun rises over Antigua’s historic harbor, casting light on centuries of maritime legacy.
The Blush Sands of Half Moon Bay
Sink your toes into the soft pink sands of this crescent-shaped beach, where the surf meets serenity.
Sunset Rhythms at Shirley Heights
As the sun dips behind the hills, live music and panoramic views transform Shirley Heights into a celebration of Caribbean spirit.
Aerial Views of Barbuda
Soar above the untouched beauty of Barbuda, where turquoise waters and remote beaches stretch endlessly below.
Among the Frigate Birds
Visit the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere and witness these majestic seabirds in their natural sanctuary.
Stingray Encounters at Sea
Step into the shallows at Stingray City and glide beside gentle rays in a rare and unforgettable ocean experience.
Sailing into Nelson’s Dockyard
Drop anchor in the only continuously operated Georgian dockyard in the world, where history and luxury yachts share the bay.
The Raw Power of Devil’s Bridge
Stand at the edge of this natural limestone arch as Atlantic waves crash through blowholes with breathtaking force.
Colors of St. John’s Market
Wander through vibrant stalls in the capital city’s market, where spices, crafts, and culture burst from every corner.
Canopy Ride Along Fig Tree Drive
Take the scenic route through Antigua’s lush rainforest, dotted with mango trees, banana groves, and sleepy villages.
Adventure at Dickenson Bay
Dive into water sports galore on one of the island’s most iconic beaches, where calm waters meet action-packed fun.
Everyday Life in Codrington
Experience the rhythm of island life in Barbuda’s only village, where friendly faces and local charm await around every corner.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
FAQ's
Is Antigua & Barbuda safe for tourists?
Visitors share that these islands are among the Caribbean's safest destinations.
Crime rates are low, and tourism infrastructure is well-developed. Standard travel precautions apply.
How many days do I need in Antigua & Barbuda?
7–10 days is ideal for experiencing both islands. Include beach time, cultural sites, and day trips.
Add extra days for sailing or exploring more remote areas.
When is the best time to visit Antigua & Barbuda?
December–April is dry season with perfect weather but higher prices.
May–November offers fewer crowds and lower rates, with brief afternoon showers and hurricane season considerations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Speedboats, Steel Drums, and Sugar Mills: Antigua and Barbuda’s Living History
Explore how this twin-island nation blends colonial echoes with Caribbean rhythms, from historic dockyards to Sunday-night steel drum sessions. Along the way, meet locals who’ve turned heritage into hospitality, guiding you through rum tastings, boat-building secrets, and sunset jams.
Beyond the Beach: Where Antiguans and Barbudans Go to Celebrate Life
Step off the sand and into village fêtes, roadside cook-ups, and church choirs that turn a Sunday into a full-blown celebration. This is where food is storytelling, music is conversation, and every guest becomes part of the island family.
From Dockyard to Drumbeat: Stories the Guidebooks Miss
Dive deeper into Antigua and Barbuda through the people who preserve its past and energize its present—from shipwrights at Nelson’s Dockyard to dancers at a community festival. These are the stories that live beyond the resort gates, waiting to be shared.
Best girls' trip ever
We chose Antigua for the beaches, but what we found was so much more—colorful villages, warm locals, and beach bars that felt like home. Already planning next year’s return.
Danielle M. & Friends
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Some images on this page are courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority