With a beach for every day of the year, this “gateway to the Caribbean" is an idyllic island paradise. Rich in history and loaded with charm, Antigua is equal parts luxury and laid-back. Its unique characteristics that centuries ago made it so appealing to Great Britain's Royal Navy, continues to work its magic on visitors today, transforming Antigua and neighbouring Barbuda into one of the Caribbean's premier vacation spots.
This is the island of 365 beaches, so it only makes sense to discover at least a few of them! Whether it's the popular Pigeon Point beach, located at the mouth of Falmouth Harbour, or the stunning Rendezvous Bay, which is also one of the most remote (and in turn, most rewarding), days of sun-drenched beach bliss await.
Fascinating little Barbuda, Antigua's neighbouring sister island, is dotted with endless and truly noteworthy white and pink sand beaches. Once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs, it is now home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the entire region. Located in the island's northwestern lagoon and accessible only by boat, it contains over 170 species of birds and is home to over 5,000 frigate birds. Barbuda can be reached easily from Antigua either by air (a 20-minute flight, twice daily) or by boat (1.5 hours).
If you are celebrating a birthday or another special event, take a trip into Antigua's capital city St. John's. A lively hub for shopping and dining; Redcliffe Quay is especially noteworthy.
Planning special events such as weddings or anniversary parties in Antigua is a cinch. Be sure to contact us for assistance in arranging your event or reception.
Antigua truly comes to life when the sun sets. A favourite island dining experience is devouring Antiguan barbecue at one of many eminent seaside eateries. If you want to combine great food and good music with some absolutely unparalleled views over English Harbour (and across to Montserrat and Guadeloupe), a visit to Shirley Heights is in order. Set in what once was an observation post during the island's colonial days, on Sunday afternoons and into the evening, it plays host to a barbeque and fantastic live music.
As both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls and shipwrecks, these islands offer spectacular locations and excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. Antigua, the southern and eastern coasts are where any underwater enthusiast should head, while virtually the entire coast of Barbuda offers pristine opportunities. The water is warm here, the current is mild to non-existent in most places and the marine flora and fauna are diverse and plentiful. Cades Reef is one of Antigua's best-known offshore sites. Interested in wreck diving? The wreck of the Andes, a three-masted merchant ship that sank in 1905 is also popular and easily accessible. It can be found in Deep Bay.
Antigua is an island known for its sailing thanks to its constantly blowing trade winds. What once used to blow British men-of-war ships safely into English Harbour, now provides the power behind one of the top regatta events in the world: Sailing Week. Held every spring, the event features six days of challenging racing and plenty of fun social activities. No matter the time of year, you can easily rent a sailboat, paddle boat, or even a yacht, and head out to discover the many beautiful coves and beaches, and even tiny uninhabited islands, that you can claim for yourself for the day.
Located on Antigua's southeast coast, English Harbour is a cherished sailing and yachting destination, home to Nelson's Dockyard, which is the only working Georgian marina on this side of the Atlantic and by far the island's most famous attraction. Named after Captain Horatio Nelson, this nautical wonderland will bring out the inner history buff in everyone. It is also home to many craft shops, a range of fine dining establishments and beautiful 18th century hotels of which have been restored to their original grandeur.