A Guide to Antigua & Barbuda


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Good to Know…

  • Language: English

  • Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (37 cents = 1 East Caribbean Dollar)

  • Plugs: Type A and Type B are both used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.

  • Recommended Health Precautions: It is recommended that you do NOT drink the tap water. Drink filtered, bottled, or boiled water. Wear mosquito repellent to avoid the risk of Dengue and Zika virus.

  • Recommended Vaccines Other than Routine Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B

  • Getting Around: Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Public transportation such as taxis and buses are available.


Why Antigua and Barbuda?

I love Antigua and Barbuda because of its laid-back atmosphere and compactness! What do I mean by that, you ask? Antigua and Barbuda are separate islands. Antigua, the larger of the two, is approximately 14 miles wide and 12 miles long. That is NOT a lot of ground to cover! So, if you do get lost… you aren’t actually that lost! This is not to say that there isn’t much going on in Antigua, because there definitely is! Antigua and Barbuda have a total of 365 beaches, which means you can visit a new beach every day for a year if you want to! Antigua and Barbuda were my introduction to the Caribbean, and what a great introduction they were! I was completely taken with the crystal clear water, the abundance of white-sand beach, the amazing vista at Shirley Heights, and the welcoming locals. It is an island that you can feel completely free to drive and walk (or bike) around. You will find so many interesting stop offs along the way, and you might meet a few new friends too, because I found people to be genuinely friendly here. This is a very laid-back island, perfect for relaxing on one of 365 beaches or finding a nice, chill beach bar or cafe to enjoy some live music. However, it is also perfect for those adventure seekers and sightseers out there. Join a Jeep tour, or guided hike, rent a jet ski or kayak, or enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise! There is so much to do on Antigua & Barbuda, that I plan on making a second trip to the islands at some point. I usually make it a point not to visit a place more than once, because my travel bucket list is already WAY TOO LONG… but I am willing to make an exception.


Where to Stay on Antigua and Barbuda

There are not a lot of options for staying on the island of Barbuda. It is much more secluded and far less populated than Antigua. If that sounds like something you would really enjoy though, rather than the excitement of Antigua, then there are a few great options!


Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Resort

This is about as luxurious you can get on Barbuda. You can stay in one of the bungalows, or book your own villa! There is a spa and restaurant on-site, as well as room service and private chef service. This is a small 8-room boutique hotel, so just be aware that availability may vary.

Barbuda Cottages

Looking for that classic beach house feel? These eco-friendly cottages might be more your jam. The property boasts many different cottage options offering varied capacity, style, and amenities, along with an on-site restaurant.


Rather Stay on Antigua?

Here are some of the best places to stay on Antigua:

Tamarind Hills

Let’s start with where I chose to stay during my visit to Antigua! This is a LUXURY resort!! When we booked this place in 2017, it was just being built, so we found it to be a major bargain for what it was. These days, you’re going to pay a pretty penny to stay here, but it is 100% worth it! I have never stayed at a place like this before or since! The villas are expertly designed and decorated, and you can choose to be beachfront or enjoy a beautiful oceanfront vista. There are multiple on-site dining options and a spa, as well as a pool, gym, and concierge services. It is also right next door to one of my favorite tiny beaches in Antigua, Darkwood Beach, and one of my favorite beach bars, Jaqui O’s Beach House.

Cocobay Resort

This resort was only a hop, jump, and a skip away from Tamarind Hills, and we discovered it because we went out to eat at Sheer Rocks (which is AMAZING btw) that night. Sheer Rocks is connected to the Cocobay Resort premises and offers the best fine dining experience on all of Antigua, in my opinion. I have always said that if we were to go back to Antigua & Barbuda, then I would want to stay at Cocobay Resort. Unfortunately, this is an Adults-Only and All-Inclusive resort, so we would have to leave the little one at home. With private infinity pools, outdoor bathtubs, and easy access to the best restaurants in Antigua, this is definitely one of the more romantic places to stay.

Curtain Bluff

When I was researching places to stay for our honeymoon in Antigua & Barbuda, this is the one that kept coming up over and over again. In the end, we chose to stay elsewhere, but not because I wasn’t impressed with the 20 acres of Curtain Bluff. Curtain Bluff has rave reviews, killer rooms and verandas, world-class amenities, amazing beachfront, and multiple dining options. The real kicker is that they have their own wine cellar, and world-class sommeliers on staff to guide you. This is a great place for families to stay. There is a kids club, kids camp, playground, and plenty of other activities for the children in your life! Everything you need for your next water adventure is at your disposal at Curtain Bluff. More importantly, this is a resort that has a long, 62-year history of going the extra mile for its guests.

The Ocean Inn

Need something a little on the cheaper side? The Ocean Inn offers rooms with a great view of English Harbour, and provides all of your basic needs, with breakfast included.


Where to Eat on Antigua & Barbuda

Sheer Rocks

In my opinion, this is the best option for a fine dining experience on Antigua. The food was exceptional and the view from atop a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean was to die for. The service was top notch. When we first arrive there, it was super busy, and unfortunately we didn’t get to sit right on the cliff’s edge (although our seat was still amazing). Once ther was a seat available cliffside, the staff graciously moved us to the seat with the more spectacular view to enjoy— and we didn’t even have to ask!


Papa Zouk

Papa Zouk isn’t just a great seafood restaurant, it’s also a rum bar! With a laid-back vibe and serving up good Caribbean and Creole-style food, you will be experiencing Antiguan food at its best.


Cloggy’s

Don’t let the name fool you— the view at Cloggy’s is anything but! Set at a marina in Falmouth, Cloggy’s offers beautiful oceanfront views and a mix of that classic beach food you love and mediterranean influences. You might feel more like you’re on the French Riviera here than in Antigua!


Hemingway’s Caribbean Cafe

Situated in downtown St. John, it doesn’t get much more Antiguan than Hemingway’s… with a little bit of a Key West twist! Perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle in town to enjoy authentic Caribbean food with a side of homemade Key Lime Pie!


Nobu Barbuda

It would be a mistake to go without mentioning at least one great restaurant on the island of Barbuda… because this is a guide to Antigua AND Barbuda after all! Nobu is actually a Japanese restaurant and Beach Club rolled into one— just like the delicious sushi and sashimi they serve up here (sorry I couldn’t resist that one). However, Nobu is actually much more than that! You can join a Sushi Master Class or Beach BBQ, or enjoy a private dinner at sunset right on the beautiful pink sand Princess Diana Beach. It is also worth mentioning that Nobu Barbuda is just one of many Nobu restaurants worldwide known for their award-winning cuisine, co-owned by Robert de Niro, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Meir Teper.


Shirley Heights Lookout

Simply looking for the best view on Antigua? Go up to Shirley Heights to get the best views and photo ops of English and Falmouth Harbours, and a bite to eat at the Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar. Even better— go on Sunday night and enjoy a barbeque and listen to a slew of local bands!



What to Do on Antigua & Barbuda

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

No trip to Antigua is complete without visiting Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a marina that has been in use since 1745, and has been revitalized in order to share its history with visitors. Many historical sites can be found within the national park, including Shirley Heights, and a visit to the Dockyard Museum is also a must. You can join a tour, or simply visit at your own leisure.

Rum in the Ruins

One of the best experiences in Antigua is a weekly historic and archaeological tour within Nelson’s Dockyard called Rum in the Ruins. You will be led by historic experts on a journey through Antigua’s past and influence on the sugar and rum industries. And the best part? You get to sample some good Antiguan rum!

Island Safari Jeep Tours

Island Safari Jeep Tours

Take a Jeep Tour

One of my favorite things that we did on Antigua is go on a Jeep Tour, which began at a fresh produce stand and took us to see some of the historical sites of Antigua, a visit to the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary, snorkeling on the reef, a visit to Bird Island (which was gorgeous and I highly recommend getting there) and a kayak tour of the mangroves. Our guides were just the best at what they do, and they provided us with a super tasty lunch of BBQ chicken, pasta salad, beans, and unlimited rum punch… which made it all the more fun! There are many companies that offer this kind of tour, but I can only vouch for Island Safari Jeep Tours.

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St. Barnabas Anglican Church

Drive baby, drive!

One of my best tips for visiting Antigua is to just take things in your own hands sometimes. Do your own thing. Don’t get me wrong, tours are great and informative! Sometimes though, you just have to let go and enjoy the ride. I make some of my best discoveries when I just go for a drive, and Antigua is small enough that even if you get lost, it’s not going to take you that long to get back home. Purchase your Antiguan driver’s license (no test required but do be prepared to drive on the left side of the road), rent a car, and just explore the island at your own pace! You find some great views, photo ops, and hidden gems this way.



365 Beaches

You may not be visiting Antigua & Barbuda long enough to visit all 365 beaches, but it never hurts to try! Having a few beach days is an absolute must, and with so many beaches to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones! Some of the more popular beaches on Antigua & Barbuda are Half Moon Bay (crescent-shaped with pink sand), Darkwood Beach (quiet and usually deserted with super clear water), Galleon Beach (a great place for spotting turtles and the shipwreck just off shore), Ffryes Beach, Jolly Beach, Dickenson Bay, and Princess Diana Beach on Barbuda. Honestly there are so many more that I didn’t list that deserve to be, but that’s the problem with having 365 gorgeous beaches!



Watersports

The water around Antigua and Barbuda is kinda perfect for lovers of watersport. Antigua is renowned for its sailing. The water is super clear, so snorkeling and scuba diving are a must. The water is relatively calm, so boating and jet skiing are easy activities. You can rent gear on many of the beaches, including jet skis, but you can also go with a company that provides a day of these activities with highly trained people.

Antigua Sailing Week

Did you know that Antigua hosts one of the world’s best regattas every year from late April to early May? It attracts sailors from all over the world every year and is a week long event comprised of multiple days of competative racing. On top of being one of the most exciting weeks in Antigua, it also ends up being one of the most lively weeks with many side events and celebrations and a little extra partying all around the island. So, if you really want to see a spectacle on Antigua, I highly recommend planning your visit around Antigia Sailing Week!



Day Trip to Barbuda

If you aren’t already staying on Barbuda, then I highly recommend at least making a day trip (a short trip by boat) to the island. Barbuda may be the quieter, less developed sister to Antigua, but that doesn’t make her any less spectatcular! Barbuda has its own beautiful beaches, and they are not to be missed! Visit Princess Diana Beach where Princess Diana herself loved to get away. It is said that Barbuda was her home away from home, and when you stroll along the serene and secluded Princess Diana Beach, you will see why! Other notable beaches are 11 Mile Beach and Pink Sand Beach. You just can’t go to Barbuda without visiting the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Over 170 species of birds plus over 5,000 Frigate birds fly in from the Galapagos Islands and reside here. Be sure to pack your binoculars to catch a glimpse of these beauties!



The Nest Beach Bar

The Nest Beach Bar


Best Time to Go

Dry Season in Antigua and Barbuda is December through April, therefore this is also the busiest time for tourists. May and June are actually the best months to go in my opinion, because they are less busy and if you want to attend Antigua Sailing Week, the you will need to go at the tail end of April and early May. I visited in May, and the weather was absolutely perfect!

If you would like to experience Carnival in Antigua, then the tail end of July and the first week of August are when you are going to want to visit.

Antigua Donkey Sanctuary

Hanging out with my new friend, Charlie, at the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary.

Alex Sallee

Alex Sallee is a freelance travel writer, copywriter, and amateur photographer hoping to tick every box off of her 124-country-long bucket list and share it with the world. Alex doesn’t take herself too seriously and is not afraid to share her most ridiculous moments with the world either!

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