Antigua Travel Guide
Traveling to Antigua? Here's everything you need to know.
Official Language
English
Capital
St. John
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar
Time Zone
UTC-4
Experience island time during your Antigua vacation. This Antigua travel guide will provide inside one which of the 365 white sand beaches is the best, tasty eats for cruise ship passengers docking on the island for the day, and popular all-inclusive resorts for a truly luxurious stay on the island.
Thanks to insider tips from island experts, this in-depth guide will show you how to experience Antigua from the locals who know it best!
Your Antigua Caribbean island paradise awaits!
Best Time to Visit Antigua
Craving a Caribbean Island vacation? Antigua is a top choice for travelers year-round to experience the “Land of 365 beaches.” The best month for your Antigua vacation will have excellent weather to enjoy the top things to do on the island.
Antigua has a tropical climate averaging in the mid-70s to high 80s (Fahrenheit) all year. It has two seasons—dry season (December to April) and wet season (May to November). The dry season is the peak travel season in Antigua. Visitors enjoy the warm, sunny weather with little rainfall. Due to its popularity, airline tickets to Antigua are more expensive, and resorts can get booked quickly at this time of year. The wet season is an excellent time to find Antigua vacation deals and experience the island with fewer tourist crowds. These months typically get a short rain shower every day before returning to amazing weather to enjoy your trip.
Since it’s located in the Caribbean, Antigua also experiences a hurricane season every year. October and November are especially vulnerable to hurricanes and related weather. Be sure to check Antigua weather advisories before your travel dates.
Best Things to Do in Antigua
Plan the perfect Antigua vacation with these top activities, tours, and outdoor adventures.
Explore the best beaches in Antigua
Did you know you can visit a different beach every day for an entire year in Antigua? It’s home to 365 stunning beaches that many consider the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Beachcomb through soft, white sand, admire gentle bays protected by natural reefs, and enjoy visitor-friendly beaches lined with all the amenities! Here are our top picks for the best beaches in Antigua:
- Dickenson Bay – the main tourist beach lined with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, shopping, and beautiful white sand for relaxing and playing in the water.
- Jolly Beach – a large, family-friendly beach with lots of room for kids to build sandcastles, enjoy water sports, or sunbathe.
- Half Moon Bay – a secluded, crescent-shaped white sand beach away from the crowds.
- Hawksbill Bay – Tranquil beach tucked beside tropical groves with excellent conditions for swimming and surfing. It’s the only clothing-optional beach on the island.
- Ffryes Beach – located on the island’s western shore, it’s one of the best beaches to watch the sunset.
Must-try water activities
Find exciting water sports and activities at many of Antigua’s beaches. Splash into fun during your Antigua vacation with these top water sports:
- Snorkeling at Cades Reef, Paradise Reed, and the Pillars of Hercules
- Scuba dive to explore the underwater world at Andes Wreck and Pillars Reef.
- Swim with sting rays at Stingray City
- Catch waves while surfing at Half Moon Bay, Exchange Bay, and Jabberwock Bay
- Set sail from the English or Falmouth Harbours on sailing tours between November and April
Discover beautiful lookouts for picturesque views
In case you didn’t luck up with a window seat when flying into Antigua, plenty of other locations around the island offer views just as remarkable. Marvel at the lush island landscape from these popular Antigua viewpoints.
- Shirley Heights Lookout – one of the best lookouts in Antigua from a restored military outpost overlooking the English Harbour
- Monk’s Hill – take a short hike to this lookout atop the historic Fort George overlooking Falmouth Harbour
- Signal Hill – summit the second-highest peak on Antigua for a panoramic view of the island stretching from Rendezvous Bay to the inland tropical forests.
- Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre – visit this hilltop museum’s lookout point for a bird’s eye view of Nelson’s Dockyard.
Explore Antigua’s Maritime History
This Caribbean destination has always been a hub for maritime activity- from the first arrival of the Arawak tribes to the seafaring adventures of Christopher Columbus discovering the island for Europe to modern-day cruise excursions to Antigua. Deep dive into the island’s rich maritime history at Nelson’s Dockyard. Designated as a national park, this 18th-century British naval base now features restored buildings from the colonial period, housing the Dockyard Museum and the Admiral’s House Museum.
Explore Antigua boat tours to experience the island’s beauty from the water.
Embark on a sea excursion with these local boat tour companies:
Visit the Vibrant Capital of St. Johns
St. Johns will literally brighten your day on your Antigua vacation. Exploring the capital is one of the best things to do in Antigua to see historic landmarks and experience the island culture. Add these Antigua attractions and activities to your itinerary during your visit to the capital:
- Sightseeing at John’s Cathedral
- Exploring the ruins at Fort James
- Shopping at Heritage Quay – popular for cruise passengers
- Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
Support Antigua Eco-tourism
Experience the natural beauty of Antigua with eco-tourism activities. These activities immerse travelers in the lush, natural setting while promoting the preservation of the island’s nature and cultural heritage. Here are a few popular eco-tourism activities:
- Fig Tree Drive – rent a car for this 20-mile scenic drive through the island’s rainforest
- Rastafari Eco-tours – Join Humble & Free Wadadli tours exploring the island’s Rastafari heritage.
- Antigua hiking trails – enjoy the outdoors on various hiking trails to Mount Obama, Christian Valley, Signal Hill, and Greencastle Hill, considered the Stonehenge of the Caribbean.
- Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours – zipline through the canopy of the Antigua Rainforest on this eco-friendly adventure for all ages.
Images in order from top to bottom:
The Inn Antigua, Catamaran Tours, Admirals Inn, Smiling Harry’s, Shirley Heights, Humble and Free Wadadli Tours (x2)
Where to Eat in Antigua
Dining is a tasty bonus when visiting Antigua. This tiny island is a melting pot of the world’s best cuisines served on one plate! Indigenous, African, and European cuisines influence many of the recipes. Together, they form a unique identity of Caribbean dishes. Foodies get ready because you’ll have plenty of things to eat during your Antigua vacation.
Many of the best restaurants in Antigua are found in popular tourist areas like St. Johns and the English Harbour. Here are a few picks if you’re staying in these areas:
- Hemingway’s Caribbean Cafe – traditional Caribbean dishes
- Le Bistro Restaurant – French-style cuisine
- Kon Tiki Bar and Grill – a fun, unique bar floating in the middle of Dickenson Bay serving cocktails
- The Cove Restaurant – a cliff-top restaurant overlooking the ocean serving Caribbean and French-inspired dishes.
- Papa Zouk – Antiguan comfort food featuring seafood and delicious rum punch.
- Trappas Bar and Restaurant – a laidback restaurant specializing in fresh seafood caught right from the harbor. It has live music.
Passengers arriving at the Antigua Cruise Port will have several restaurant options at the Heritage Quay Complex.
Check out our Antigua & Barbuda Insider Guide for even more restaurant recommendations from our island experts.
Where to Stay in Antigua
Although Antigua is a tiny island, staying near popular tourist areas—St. Johns, Half Moon Bay, Carlisle Bay—makes it easy to check out the top local attractions, restaurants, and beaches. Travelers can experience an all-inclusive trip to Antigua while staying at popular resorts:
Treat yourself to the epitome of luxury during a stay at these upscale resorts:
Vacation rentals in Antigua are always popular. Airbnb and VRBO have many options near the best places to stay in Antigua for a more “local” stay.
Visitor Resources:
- Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA)
- Website: https://www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/
- Phone: +1 268-562-7600
- Office Address: 1st Floor |Sir John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre
FAQs:
Do you need a passport to visit Antigua?
All travelers must have a valid passport to visit Antigua, whether traveling by air or on a cruise ship. Many travelers, including US citizens, receive a tourist visa upon arrival. Passport cards are not accepted.
Is Antigua safe to visit?
Antigua is a safe, tourist-friendly destination. Popular resort areas have plenty of security. Always be aware of your belongings and surroundings, especially in public areas outside the resorts. Avoid flashy clothing, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.
Can you use US dollars in Antigua?
The Easter Caribbean Dollar is the official currency in Antigua. However, many vendors accept US dollars (USD). Prices may be higher when paying in USD due to the currency conversion compared to using the local currency. ATMs are available around the island, but exchange your money before your trip for the best rate.
Do you have to tip in Antigua?
Tipping is standard on the island of Antigua, with typical rates between 10-15%. Consider tipping in restaurants, taxi drivers, and helpful hotel staff.
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