The tropical Caribbean twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda is a great destination for those looking for perfect white-sand beaches. In addition to the 365 beaches, there are also coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, historic sites, golf courses, as well as good opportunities for sailing, sports fishing, birdwatching or tropical beach weddings. Especially the main island Antigua is a popular Caribbean tourism hot spot with plenty of luxury hotels and activity options.
Antigua & Barbuda consists of several islands located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico. Antigua is the largest and most populous island, whereas Barbuda, located north of Antigua, is the other main island. Antigua and Barbuda is the most developed and prosperous nation in the Eastern Caribbean region with tourism, offshore banking and gambling and education services as its main cash receivers. Most of the local population is of African descent, and there are also migrants from elsewhere in the Caribbean as well as many American expats. Many Antiguans live abroad, especially in the USA, Canada and United Kingdom. The local culture is typically Caribbean with many English traditions.
Water sports destination. Diving in Antigua & Barbuda is very good on both main islands, and snorkeling can be done easily from most beaches, as both islands are surrounded by coral reefs close to the shores. Sport fishing is also available on both islands. Sailing is very popular in Antigua & Barbuda, and charter sailboats are widely available. Especially the island of Antigua is a Caribbean yachting paradise with many natural harbors and beaches, marinas and a popular regatta. Golf in Antigua & Barbuda is available on both main islands. Antigua is a popular wedding destination and offers activities from tennis to horseback riding. The smaller island of Barbuda has only one village with 1,500 people, but the island is home to miles of beautiful beaches as well as a large and impressive frigate bird colony.
Traveling to Antigua & Barbuda is easy as Antigua is a major travel hub in the region. There is an international airport in Antigua with many flights from the USA, Canada, Great Britain and many Caribbean Islands.
Antigua & Barbuda consists of several islands located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico. Antigua is the largest and most populous island, whereas Barbuda, located north of Antigua, is the other main island. Antigua and Barbuda is the most developed and prosperous nation in the Eastern Caribbean region with tourism, offshore banking and gambling and education services as its main cash receivers. Most of the local population is of African descent, and there are also migrants from elsewhere in the Caribbean as well as many American expats. Many Antiguans live abroad, especially in the USA, Canada and United Kingdom. The local culture is typically Caribbean with many English traditions.
Sights and activities in Antigua & Barbuda: beaches, sailing, fishing and golf
The sunny and warm island of Antigua boasts 365 white and pink sand beaches, which are the primary reason for visiting this beautiful island country. Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay in the northwestern coast of Antigua are the most popular beaches with many resort hotels and available activities, and the wide, pink beaches of Barbuda are often deserted. West and East coasts of Antigua are great for windsurfing. Antigua is home to several interesting historic sites dating back to the colonial times. Shopping and lively nightlife with the largest casino in the Eastern Caribbean also belong to the attractions of Antigua.Water sports destination. Diving in Antigua & Barbuda is very good on both main islands, and snorkeling can be done easily from most beaches, as both islands are surrounded by coral reefs close to the shores. Sport fishing is also available on both islands. Sailing is very popular in Antigua & Barbuda, and charter sailboats are widely available. Especially the island of Antigua is a Caribbean yachting paradise with many natural harbors and beaches, marinas and a popular regatta. Golf in Antigua & Barbuda is available on both main islands. Antigua is a popular wedding destination and offers activities from tennis to horseback riding. The smaller island of Barbuda has only one village with 1,500 people, but the island is home to miles of beautiful beaches as well as a large and impressive frigate bird colony.
Antigua & Barbuda travel information and practical tips
Antigua and Barbuda have a dry tropical maritime climate with little variation in temperatures throughout the year. The cooler, dry winter months from December to April are the peak season for tourism in Antigua, whereas the wet season from May to November witnesses occasional hurricanes and tropical storms mainly from July to October. The coolest period is in January and February, and the rainiest season in Antigua & Barbuda is from August to November, but even then there is rain only on average eight days a month.Traveling to Antigua & Barbuda is easy as Antigua is a major travel hub in the region. There is an international airport in Antigua with many flights from the USA, Canada, Great Britain and many Caribbean Islands.
Photo: andy_tyler, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Many cruise ships visit the capital Saint John’s, and there are several popular harbors for private yachts in Antigua and Barbuda. There is also a passenger ferry to Antigua from the nearby British island of Montserrat, as well as ferries and daily flights between the two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda.
Local transport on Antigua is handled by buses and taxis, and local tour operators also offer bus and minibus transportation. There are no buses or taxis on Barbuda, but local drivers and boat owners can be hired for transporting you around. Rental cars are available on both main islands. Motorbikes and bicycles are also available for hire on Antigua.
High quality resorts. There is a great amount of hotels in Antigua and Barbuda, majority of which are high quality beach resort hotels. The accommodation in Antigua and Barbuda is concentrated especially on the island of Antigua, but Barbuda also has a number of hotels. A few guesthouses are also available on both main islands. Restaurants in Antigua & Barbuda can be found in all towns and tourist areas, with local, European and American dishes available. Bars and nightclubs can be found mainly in Antigua that is also home to a large casino.
Language & safety. English is the main language on the islands, although there are some Spanish-speaking immigrants on Antigua. Local Creole dialect of English can be hard to understand, though. Antigua and Barbuda are safe places, but as crime does occur here, take good care of your belongings and do not walk around alone at night. Stay and park your car in well-lit areas.
Short history of Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda were first inhabited by Siboney Amerindians in 2400 BC, but the islands were later populated by Arawak and Carib tribes. Christopher Columbus discovered the islands during his second voyage to the Americas in 1493 and gave them their present names. Spanish and French tried to settle Antigua, but the British replaced them in 1632, founded sugar plantations and formed a colony of Antigua in 1667. The flat and dry Barbuda was left largely undeveloped. African slaves were brought on both islands to work in plantations. Slavery was abolished in Antigua and Barbuda in 1834.Independence. The islands became an associate state of British Commonwealth and later an independent state in 1981 with the Queen of England as the head of the nation. Antigua and Barbuda were ruled by the father and son Bird, who acted as elected prime ministers until 2004. Antigua recently hosted the 3,000 residents of the island of Montserrat who were evacuated because of volcanic eruptions. Today, Antigua & Barbuda has become an important center for online gambling companies.
