The island of Antigua, along with its neighbor Barbuda, is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda naturally play host to a variety of beaches and water activities. Surprisingly though, the islands offer visitors a variety of alternate options as well. From the nature lover to the historical buff, Antigua and Barbuda have a little something for everyone.
Once a part of the British colonies, Antigua has become a premier vacation spot. Antigua offers everything one would expect of a Caribbean island, from water sports, to shopping, to casinos. Barbuda on the other hand remains rather untouched by commercialism. Tranquil, serene, stunning…all describe Barbuda perfectly. Together, the two islands form the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Both provide an opportunity for the perfect Caribbean adventure.
Most vacationers travel to Antigua for fun in the sun. “A beach for every day of the year” is the island’s slogan after all. With 365 beaches from which to choose, it can be a bit overwhelming to try and find the perfect spot, although it can be done. Runway and Dickenson Bays house most of the resorts on the island, so expect these to have the most people. For a less crowded experience, two beaches to definitely try are Half Moon Bay and Long Beach. Generally, these beaches are conducive to swimming and snorkeling, among other water activities.
Out of all the island’s beaches, Darkwood might be the most acclaimed and yet it remains one of the least populated. Located at the end of what is called Fig Tree Drive, Darkwood is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the find. Whether people are just not aware of this beach or because of the distance, Darkwood remains secluded pretty much all the time. So if you like feeling like you’re in your own little heavenly world, this is the place to go. These are just a few of the options you have, but it should at least give you a starting point.
For those who love exploring historical/local attractions in the places they visit, the following destinations should provide some insight on the must-sees in Antigua. St. John’s Cathedral dominates Antigua’s capital city and is thus quite impossible to miss. The church has lovely baroque architecture and has been rebuilt three times over a four hundred year span due to earthquakes in both the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Another neat building is an old sugar plantation by the name of Betty’s Hope. The house takes its name from the daughter of one of the original owners. The local museum has taken pains to restore the building and the plantation has now become a popular tourist spot. Check out the windmills that sit on the property. If you didn’t know any better, it almost reminds you of being in Holland.
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park must be included among the most popular attractions in the entire Caribbean. The actual dockyard hosted the British Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars in the eighteenth century. Admirals such as Lord Nelson frequented the naval harbor. The entire dockyard remains remarkably intact. The rest of the park is home to a variety of flowers and vegetation, and even to archaeological sites constructed during B.C. times. Nelson’s Dockyard is a must-visit when in Antigua.
Devil’s Bridge, located in another of Antigua’s National Parks, called Indian Town, has a heartbreaking history. Devil’s Bridge is a rock formation located above the Atlantic Ocean coast, and is so named because slaves who inhabited the island centuries ago used to fling themselves into the water in a usually successful attempt at suicide. Today, Devil’s Bridge hosts many picnics due to its wealth of green grass and its spectacular view.
Some other fun sites to try include Shirley Heights, a former military fortification. Located on top of a hill, Shirley Heights offers some of the most spectacular views imaginable. For an extensive history lesson of Antigua, visit the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center. This museum offers a multimedia presentation of the island’s past. If you’d like to see as much of Antigua’s landscape as possible, make sure you rent a vehicle and journey along Fig Tree Drive. Fig Tree covers a circular area of 20 miles and runs through numerous villages, the mountain range, and a rainforest.
For the shoppers in the group, don’t miss Redcliffe and Heritage Bays. Redcliffe features many boutiques, while Heritage is lined with over 40 stores selling everything from jewelry to rum. Antigua also features many casinos, including the St. James Club, and plenty of bars and nightclubs for those interested in late-night activities. The possibilities in Antigua are seemingly endless.
As previously mentioned, Barbuda is much less commercialized and populated than Antigua. Hence, Barbuda lacks the attractions and activities. Other than fishing and gaming, there is not much to do in Barbuda with the exception of relaxing in peaceful surroundings. One site that must be visited, however, is the Magnificent Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The frigates cannot walk or swim and must rely on catching fish by swooping down into the water but never landing. Observing these birds is a highly enjoyable experience, even for non-bird watchers.
While activities in or around the water and sand are the most popular activities for visitors, Antigua and Barbuda offer so much more if one is interested in exploring farther inland. No matter what your age or interests, these gems of the Caribbean are sure to captivate even the most hard to please and will have you planning your next trip before you ever leave.
