ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua, with its stunning coastline, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Half Moon Bay is a gem, offering crystal-clear waters and immaculate sandy shores, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Pigeon Point Beach, located near English Harbour, provides a picturesque setting for beachgoers and hikers alike. The turquoise sea, lush surroundings, and inviting water make it a must-visit spot. Whether you’re seeking tranquility at Valley Church Beach, adventure at Rendezvous Bay, or vibrant nightlife at Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s diverse beaches cater to every traveler’s desires

go

Antigua, with its stunning beaches, tropical weather, and rum cocktails, is a Caribbean paradise. Here’s the scoop on when to visit:
Overall Best Time (December to April): Perfect for beach-goers and sailing enthusiasts. The dry season ensures pleasant weather, even in cooler months. Key events like Antigua Sailing Week happen during this period.
Cheapest Time (May to November): Rates are lowest during the offseason. Although there’s a threat of hurricanes (Antigua sits in “hurricane alley”), the weather remains in the 80s.
Least Busy Time: May and June, right after peak season and just before the wet season (July to November).

do

Here are some must-do highlights:

Shirley Heights Lookout: Offers panoramic vistas of English and Falmouth Harbors. It’s a great spot to watch sunsets and enjoy local cuisine.

Stingray City: A face-to-face adventure with friendly stingrays that banishes fears forever1.
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park: Historic site with restored buildings and scenic views.

Valley Church Beach: A beautiful beach on Antigua.

Frigate Bird Sanctuary: Located on Barbuda, home to 170 bird species.

Fig Tree Drive: A scenic drive through Antigua’s rainforest.

17 Mile Beach: Barbuda’s pink-tinged sandy beach.

eat

Here are some must-try foods:

Saltfish and Chop Up: Saltfish (usually cod preserved with salt) is a staple. It’s soaked or boiled to remove the salt, then cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and other veggies. It’s often served alongside “Chop Up,” a soft mash of boiled vegetables like callaloo, eggplants, and okra. This combo is a popular breakfast choice.

Bun and Cheese: A classic breakfast item, the Antiguan raisin bun is sliced open, buttered, and enjoyed with sliced cheese. Unlike some Caribbean countries where buns are only made for Easter, Antigua serves this year-round.

Johnny Cakes: These deep-fried balls of goodness are crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside. They’re typically served with meaty sides at breakfast. Expect generous portions of these floury delights.

Black Pudding: Not a pudding in the traditional sense, it’s a sausage made with herbs, spices, blood, and sometimes rice or potatoes. Encased in animal intestines, black pudding is a unique dish worth trying.

Ducana: A banana leaf dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, coconut, coconut milk, flour, sugar, ginger, nutmeg, and raisins. Often served with stewed or salted fish.

Goat Water: A flavorful soup prepared with goat meat, onions, tomatoes, flour, breadfruit, and aromatic herbs. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish.

tips

Here are some useful tips:

Currency Exchange: The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2.7:1. So, 1 USD equals approximately 2.70 XCD23. US dollars are widely accepted.

Car Rental: Consider renting a car from the airport for exploring the island. It gives you flexibility and allows you to discover hidden gems.

Tours: Explore the island through various tours. Some popular options include snorkeling, beach hopping, scenic tours, and catamaran cruises.

Accommodations: Choose from a variety of resorts based on your budget and preferences. Highly rated options include Tamarind Hills, Cocobay Resort (adults only), and Sandals Grande Antigua.