Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua claims to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. We have not counted them all, but after visiting the island, the claim feels entirely believable. This is a place that was built for beach lovers. Every cove, every bay, every stretch of coastline seems to have its own personality, from wide open resort beaches to hidden crescents of sand you can have entirely to yourself.
Antigua sits in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, about a thousand miles southeast of Miami. It is one of the more developed islands in the Eastern Caribbean, with a solid tourism infrastructure, a well maintained airport that handles direct flights from the US, and a good mix of luxury resorts and smaller boutique properties.
Why Antigua Stands Out
The beaches are the main event, but Antigua has more going on than most visitors expect. Nelson’s Dockyard, a restored 18th century British naval base, is the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has a serious sailing culture, hosting Antigua Sailing Week every year, one of the premier regattas in the Caribbean. And the food scene, while not as well known as some neighboring islands, has been steadily improving.
Barbuda, Antigua’s sister island about 30 miles to the north, offers a completely different experience. It is flat, sparsely populated, and home to some of the most pristine, untouched beaches in the entire Caribbean. Pink Beach on Barbuda is the kind of place travel photographers dream about.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from December through April offers the best weather, with temperatures in the low 80s and minimal rainfall. This is peak season, and resorts book up quickly, especially around the holidays. The shoulder months of May and November offer a nice balance of lower prices and decent weather. Hurricane season runs from June through November.
Where to Stay
Jumby Bay Island is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean. It sits on a private island just off the coast of Antigua and is accessible only by boat. For couples, the adults only Curtain Bluff is a legendary all inclusive that has been operating since 1962 and consistently ranks among the best in the region.
Sandals Grande Antigua is the brand’s flagship Caribbean property and a favorite for honeymooners. It sits on Dickenson Bay, one of the island’s best beaches. For families, the Royalton Antigua and St. James’s Club offer all inclusive packages with plenty of activities for kids.
Things to Do
Beach hopping is the obvious starting point. Half Moon Bay on the east coast is dramatic and beautiful, with big waves and a wild feel. Jolly Beach on the west coast is calm and wide, ideal for families. Darkwood Beach is a favorite for its laid back atmosphere and reliable snorkeling.
Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is a must visit. The restored naval buildings house restaurants, shops, and galleries, and the surrounding national park offers hiking trails with panoramic views. Shirley Heights Lookout, perched above the dockyard, hosts a famous Sunday afternoon barbecue with live steel band music and views that stretch for miles.
For a day trip to Barbuda, take a small plane or boat and spend the day on miles of empty pink sand beach. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to one of the largest colonies of frigate birds in the Western Hemisphere.
Let Us Plan Your Antigua Trip
Antigua is one of those islands that works for a wide range of travelers, from honeymooners to families to sailing enthusiasts. Tell us what matters most to you and we will match you with the right resort and the right itinerary.
