Rainbow-hued reefs, lush rainforests and white-sand beaches await in Antigua and Barbuda. The twin islands are marooned in the Caribbean Sea and combine a colourful African heritage with a fascinating colonial past. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious tropical getaway or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, you’ll find it in Antigua and Barbuda.
Things to do in Antigua And Barbuda
From sunset catamaran sails to jet skiing tours, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on the water. Escape the crowds with a 90-minute walk to Rendezvous Bay. The trail spits you out on a remote beach fringed by sugar-white sand and rainforest-covered hills. Palm-lined Valley Church Beach will entice you with its powder-soft sand and turquoise water. Off the beach, you can zipline through the rainforest, saddle up for horseback riding adventures in the mountains and get your pulse racing with off-road buggy rides.
Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and marvel at thousands of the red-throated tropical seabirds. The sanctuary is set in Codrington Lagoon National Park and is home to one of the largest colonies of frigates in the world. Sea-taxi tours are the best way to explore the lagoon and get up close to the colony.
Walk around Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Georgian marina dates back to the 1700s and was a former stomping ground for British Royal Navy officer, Horatio Nelson. Admire model ships, hand-drawn maps and a telescope used by Nelson in the Dockyard Museum housed in the former officers’ quarters.
Local cuisine combines traditional Caribbean and Creole flavours with influences from the Spanish, British and French. “Fungee” cornmeal served with a hearty okra stew called “pepperpot” is the national fish of Antigua and Barbuda. You’ll also see favourites like “ducana” sweet potato dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, saltfish preserved cod and deep-fried Johnny cakes. Cool off with a fruity glass of rum punch.
Getting around Antigua And Barbuda
Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Antigua and Barbuda at your own pace. It’s best to rent a 4WD if you’re visiting smaller towns, villages and resorts, while colourful buses and minivans are a fun way to get around the islands. V.C. Bird International Airport is a 15-minute drive from St. John's.