Hermitage Bay 

Antigua and Barbuda is the prime example of laid-back Caribbean life. This is the type of place where you can stroll the markets sip fresh coconut juice and chat with locals for hours. Most of the activities on the island are governed by the water, including Nelson’s Dockyard which is at the front of Antigua and Barbuda’s yachting and sailing platform.

For those who want more variety, there are areas where you can view abounds of colourful bird and insect life. In addition, Barbuda has an unspoiled haven of wild animals including deer and beautiful exotic birds.

For the adventurous types, there are a variety of national parks to explore, including Devil’s Bridge which is a phenomenon created by a collision between the Atlantic and Caribbean sea.

In addition to a wide selection of imported delacacies served in the larger hotels, local specialities found in smaller restaurants in St John's should never be missed. Tropical fruits and vegetables found on other Caribbean Islands are also readily available, such as guava, mango and breadfruit. The local Cavalier Rum is a good tipple and beer can be bought at reasonable prices, especially the local Wadadli Beer. 

If planning to dine in the hotels on the island, the cost are similar to UK prices, but it is possible to eat much cheaper in the local restaurants of St John's.

Popular National Dishes of Antigua & Barbuda
The following is a list of the most popular dishes within the country:

Pepperpot:A thick vegetable soup with meat, often served with okra dumplings and cornmeal
Roti: Beef or chicken patties filled with curry-style potatoes
Ducana: Sweet potatoes mixed with coconut, spices, and cane sugar

St John's

St John's, the capital of Antigua is built around the largest of the natural Harbours. Radcliffe Quay located by the harbour is a picturesque area of restored historical buildings now full of souvineer shop's, boutiques, duty free shops and restaurants. Heritage Quay opened in 1998 and offer's a duty free shopping complex, a casino and a vendors mall, an excellent place to buy for bargains.

English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard.

English Harbour has become one of the worlds most attractive yachting centres and is now a "Hot Spot" for tourists at night. Nelson's Dockyard is the hub of English maritime power in the region and has now been restored and is one of the most interesting historical monuments in the West Indies. The Nelson's Dockyard Museum has now been renovated to give the complete history of this famous Georgian Naval Yard and the story of the famous English Harbour.

Shirley Heights

Over looking the English Harbour, Shirley Heights are the ruins of fortifications built in the 18th Century and offer spectacular views down accross the bay. At the lookout point, or Battery, is a bar and restaurant and on Sunday this is the place to be! Steel Band's play from 3pm - 6pm followed by Reggae from 6pm - 10pm. 

Devils Bridge

Devils Bridge located at Indian Town Point on the Atlantic Coast is a site well worth seeing. The area on the Atlantic Coast is a national park where rough waves have carved out a rock bridge and made man made blow holes, not easily visible at first, but quite impressive when the spray breaks through.

Museum of Antigua & Barbuda

The museum of Antigua & Barbuda is located in the former Court House in Long Street, St John's and is worth a visit, both to see the exhibition of precolumbian and colonial archaelogy and anthropology of Antigua and the Court House building itself, first built in 1747, damaged by earthquakes in 1843 and 1974 but now restored.

Nightlife

Popular luxury hotels on the provide dancing, calypso, limbo dancers, steel bands and barbecues under the moon light. The English Harbour Area has become the hotspot for tourists and includes Life, Copper and Lumber, The Dry Dock and Abracadabra which is nearly always lively.

Casinos

There are three casinos in Antigua. The latest casino is called Grand Princess and located in Jolly Harbour, which occupies 3 floors, a rooftop bar, dining, entertainment and a nightclub.

Water sports

Antigua offers a wide selection of water sports including waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkelling and deep sea fishing. Cocktail and barbecue cruises are reasonably priced as are trips around the island.

Golf

There are two 18 hole golf courses, at Cedar Valley, near St John's and at Jolly Beach. Rental equipment is available at both gold courses. Guests have often found that Jolly Beach offers a better range.

Cricket

Cricket is the national sport and test matches are played at the Recreation Ground in the capital. There are matches between Antiguan teams and teams from neighbouring islands (Jan - Jul).

Citizens of the UK who are spending no more than 30 days in Antigua do not require a Visa. A return airline ticket is needed, as well as a full passport valid for at least six months after the return date to the UK.

If you require more assistance please visit or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Airport Departure Tax amounts to approximately US$30 per person. Children under 12 pay 50%. Cash Only.

Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the 2 flat pin type, as in the USA.

If you plan to bring any electrical appliances from home such as a hair dryer or electric shaver ensure you bring an adaptor with you.

Antigua is a very safe island and has with very little crime. Harassment of tourists is rare and Antiguan's are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. Normal precautions should be taken with belongings and unlit areas should be avoided after dark.

Antigua is a dry island with average rainfall of about 45 inches a year and although September - November is considered the rainy season, the showers are usually short. Temperatures range from 73F - 85F between winter and summer and the trade winds blow constantly. Hurricanes can affect the Caribbean during the months of August through to November.

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN ANTIGUA

The above table is a guidline and Western & Oriental Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

The following immunisations are recommended but it is best to consult with your GP for upto date information or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647:

• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A

Several airlines fly directly to Antigua, with the journey taking approximately 8 hours 30 minutes from the UK. 

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly non stop from Gatwick Airport to Antigua. British Midlands fly from Manchester Airport.

Schedules are subject to change.

Upgrades:

Premium economy and upper class on Virgin
Premium economy and business class on British Midland 
World traveller plus and buisiness class on British Airways

Please call us for supplements and pricing.
 

The official language of Antigua is English.

We suggest that all our customers review foreign office advice before travelling Antigua.
Please use the following link: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for the most up to date advice

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but the US$ is accepted in most places.

Credit cards are widely accepted but small restaurants may only take cash or travellers cheques.

If travelling by taxi always check if they are quoting you in EC$ or US$.

As of April 2011 the exchange rate was £1= EC$ 4.47
 

Antigua operates in Atlantic standard time which is 4 hours behind GMT.

Dress Code

Antigua's dress code is usually casual. If you are staying in one of the top hotels, you may want to pack a few posh frocks or shirt and tie but generally shorts and T shirts are the norm in Antigua & Barbuda.

We can arrange transfers or tours all around the island, as well as between airports and hotels. It is possible to tour the island in a couple of days.

Antigua Calendar of Events 

January

01 - New Years Day. Official Start of the Cricket Season

April

Antigua Yacht Club - Mega Yacht Challenge 
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta - One of the most foremost classic yacht regatta's in the world 
Antigua Sailing Week

May 

Labour Day public holiday
Whit Monday public holiday
International Anglican Food Fair

July

Caribbean Comedy Festival
Antigua Carnival Celebrations - a non stop celebration of music and dance culminating in a spectacular costume parade

August 

Carnival Monday and Tuesday - Public Holiday

October

Heritage National Dress Day
Spring Gardens Morvian Independence Food Fair

November 

"Moods of Pan" - exciting showcase and workshops by steel pan orchestra/musicians

December

25 - Champagne Party in Nelson's Dockyard - Many local and visitors gather here to celebrate Christmas from noon onwards for partying with live bands, drinking champagne with all the proceeds going to the Hourglass Foundation Charity.

These dates may change without prior notice and Western & Oriental Travel reserves the right not to be liable for these changes. If you wish to holiday in Antigua for a specific day or event please check before you book.
 

Taxis

Available throughout the island and many of the main tourist destinations are on a fixed rate. Ask at your hotel regarding rates. Many drivers are also qualified tour guides and can operate sight seeing trips for tourists. 

Car Rental

Renting a car is probably the best way to see the island's sights but beware as the roads are bumpy and narrow and some are not too well maintained with numerous potholes. 

Drivers require a valid driving licence and a Antiguan driving permit which is obtained locally at at cost of approximately $20 and is valid for three months. Driving is on the left hand side of the road as in the UK.

Mopeds and bike hire

Available to rent daily or weekly but motorcycles can be dangerous as the roads are narrow and bumpy. Cycling is easy as the roads are flat and traffic is moderate. The most efficient way to see the island is to take an  organised excursion. Please see our tours section.

Buses

Local buses operate - check with the hotel for timetables.