Best Things To Do in Antigua For A Top Vacation
Antigua, officially known as Antigua and Barbuda, is a twin-island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago and is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with several smaller islands. Here are the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation.
1| Relax on the Beach!
Antigua is renowned for its beautiful beaches with pristine white sand, tall palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Some popular beach destinations include Dickenson Bay, Jolly Beach, Galley Bay Beach, and Darkwood Beach. For the majority of my stay, I was at Cocos Hotel, which is located right next to Jolly Beach, which was one of my favourite beaches to go to, and I would highly recommend going to it as it does have a lovely coastal view. This crescent-shaped beach spanning approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres), has powdery white sand and calm, warm waters, which make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities. The beach is generally well-maintained and offers lounge chair and umbrella rentals. The beaches across the island are one of the many reasons why people keep coming back to Antigua, which is why it is on the list of the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation.
Valley Church Beach can be found on the Southern West coast of Antigua, just south of Jolly Beach, and is another well-maintained smaller beautiful beach in comparison to Jolly Beach, with soft white sand and calm blue waters to swim in. Dickenson Bay is a beach with stunning soft white sand, gentle waves, and safe shallow waters. For these reasons, it is a perfect place for families to swim and relax in the calm waters. The best time for swimming is first thing in the morning when the sea is calm, clear, and turquoise blue. The beachfront does come alive at night, with restaurants serving local food and live music.
Another spoken-about beach destination in Antigua is Half Moon Bay Beach. This beach is located on the East coast of the island. I generally avoided most beaches on the East Coast as the waves tend to be more rough but there are a lot of positives about this beach and one of them being that it is usually less busy in comparison to other beach spots. So if you prefer a beach that is less busy, then this beach is a great place to visit, especially on a clear day. An important tip to note is that towards the north end of the beach, the waters are much calmer (rocky outcrops present), and there are umbrellas and sunbeds you cant rent for the day (20 US dollars). On the south end of the beach, you’ll see more rough waves crashing against the rocky shore, which is actually pretty nice to watch for nature lovers, but not the part of the beach you want to swim as it’s more a surfer’s idea of fun. There is a small shack where they sell drinks and simple eats if you get hungry, and it is a perfect spot to sit on one of the best beaches and eat.
Shirley Heights Lookout
Shirley Heights is a scenic lookout and historic site located on the southern coast of Antigua, in the English Harbour area. It offers breathtaking views of English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, and the surrounding islands. Here’s some information about Shirley Heights:
- Location: Shirley Heights is situated on a hilltop overlooking the historic English Harbour. It is approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the capital city of St. John’s and can be reached by road.
- History: The area is named after General Sir Thomas Shirley, who was Governor of the Leeward Islands in the late 18th century. Shirley Heights played a significant role in the island’s defence during the colonial period, serving as a lookout point to protect the English Harbour and the British naval base.
- Scenic Views: One of the main attractions of Shirley Heights is its stunning panoramic views. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard, and the surrounding bays and coves. On clear days, you can even see as far as the neighbouring island of Montserrat.
- Sunset Parties: Shirley Heights is famous for its Sunday sunset parties, which draw locals and tourists alike. These lively events feature live music, steel pan bands, barbecue food, and a festive atmosphere. The combination of breathtaking sunset views and the vibrant Caribbean rhythms makes for an unforgettable experience.
- Photography Opportunities: Shirley Heights offers photographers ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the Caribbean landscape. Whether it’s the colourful sunset, the historic buildings, or the lush vegetation, there are plenty of picture-perfect moments to be found. Below are pictures I took around sunset of the English Harbour and its surroundings, and you can quickly realise why this is one of the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation. I honestly could have gone back multiple times to watch this view again.
- Accessibility: Shirley Heights is accessible by car or taxi, and there is a parking area available. However, please note that the road leading to the lookout can be steep and winding in some sections.
3| Stingray City
One of the top things I would also recommend doing on Caribbean islands like Antigua & Barbuda is to witness the beauty of the islands’ clear water which is full of sea life. One unique experience that the island of Antigua has to offer is Stingray City, and a great way to spend your time. Take a boat trip to Stingray City Antigua, where you can swim and interact with gentle southern stingrays in their natural environment. This was a personal favourite thing to do in Antigua and It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages. Stingray City Antigua is situated off the coast of Antigua, in the shallow waters of the North Sound Marine Park. It is located on the eastern side of the island, near the town of St. John’s.
To ensure a safe and educational experience, it is recommended to join a guided tour when visiting Stingray City. Local tour operators provide knowledgeable guides who share information about the stingrays’ behaviour, habitat, and conservation efforts. They also provide instructions on how to interact with the stingrays safely. Accessibility: Shirley Heights is accessible by car or taxi, and there is a parking area available. However, please note that the road leading to the lookout can be steep and winding in some sections.
Stingray City is a family-friendly attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. Children especially enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stingrays and learn about these unique creatures. Stingray City provides excellent photo opportunities. Capturing moments of interaction with the stingrays, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters to also see tropical fish, and the beautiful surrounding scenery can result in memorable and unique photographs. The pictures captured above do not compare to what it is like when you are actually there with these wonderful animals, which is why this is one of the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation.
4| Take a Catamaran Cruise
The best way to explore the coastline of Antigua is aboard a catamaran. These cruises often include stops at secluded beaches, snorkelling spots, and a delicious lunch or sunset dinner and it was one of my favourite things to do in Antigua. A catamaran cruise in Antigua is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the stunning coastline, visit scenic spots, and enjoy the Caribbean waters. Several tour operators in Antigua offer catamaran cruises, which typically include various packages and itineraries to cater to different preferences. You can choose from half-day, full-day, or sunset cruises, depending on your desired duration and experience.
Many catamaran cruises include visits to scenic and secluded beaches. These stops give you the chance to relax on the soft sand, take a refreshing swim, or bask in the sun in some of the best places on the island. We even got to swim with sea turtles which was an added bonus. Some popular beaches that catamaran cruises often visit include Deep Bay, Green Island, and Great Bird Island. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, swim, or relax in the crystal-clear waters. Many catamaran cruises provide complimentary drinks, snacks, and light refreshments on board. Some tours may also include a delicious lunch or BBQ. I loved doing this with friends, and it is a good way of having fun and meeting other people on holiday.
5| Take A Hike!
Antigua offers several hiking opportunities that allow you to explore the island’s natural beauty, enjoy the best views, and discover hidden gems at any day of the year. It wasn’t one of the popular attraction I knew about when looking up activities to do in Antigua but it certainly is one of the tourist attractions to consider doing if you do go, especially if you have friends or family that enjoy hikes. Cactus Hill Hike was one I did and found very memorable and one of my favourite things to do and a great spot to hang out and let time pass by. You pick up the start of the trail at Carsile Bay Beach (We stayed a few nights at the hotel and discovered this lovely hike when exploring the beach). It is not an intense hike, but during a warm day, when there is clear skies, you can definitely pick up a sweat, although the coastal breeze comes in handy.
There’s some thorn scrub and cactus, so watch your legs where it gets bushy, and some areas of the trail are narrow, so just be wary of this and be careful. There are decent coastal views and plenty of wildlife on the trail. Carlisle Bay is a good place for a swim afterwards as a reward for the effort. The first bay south of Carsile Bay is also swimmable and has good snorkelling. Also, one thing I didn’t know until after the hike was about the manchineel trees, which are apparently present during the hike. This large poisonous tree grows commonly behind Antigua’s beaches. The fruit resembles a small green apple; it is poisonous, so don’t sample it! Historically, the Caribs would take the white sap of a broken twig and spread it on their arrowheads to use as poison!
But I did really enjoy this hike, and the coastal views at the end of the hike high on the cactus hill were stunning. I am in no way an experienced hiker at all, and I found this hike relatively simple to do, and the path was easy to follow. Other recommended hikes to go on the list for the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation can be found below:
- Fig Tree Drive: Fig Tree Drive is a scenic road that winds through Antigua’s rainforest. While it’s not a traditional hike, it offers a leisurely drive or walk where you can appreciate the lush vegetation, tropical plants, and fruit-laden fig trees.
- Signal Hill: Signal Hill is the highest peak on Antigua, standing at approximately 365 meters (1,200 feet) above sea level. The hike to the summit takes you through the forested area, and once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island.
- Wallings Reservoir Trail: Located near the village of Jennings, the Wallings Reservoir Trail offers a moderate hike through the countryside. It takes you to the Wallings Dam and reservoir, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and birdwatching opportunities.
I hope you enjoyed reading the best things to do in Antigua for a top vacation. Check out my other blog posts to know more at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/ or check out my interest for more travel inspiration at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/?eq=mymemoriesabaroa&etslf=8105.