Much more than just an array of dazzling white sand beaches, Antigua and Barbuda is a sun-drenched, aquamarine dream of an country. The land is filled with history and culture, giving visitors an opportunity to get way more than just a golden tan. From beautiful resort hotels and waterfront events to restaurants filled with delicious local cuisine and exciting nightlife, visitors will get to experience it all during an amazing vacation to the Caribbean islands. The best time for visitors to go to Antigua and Barbuda is from December to April, when the weather is at its best.
Dickenson Bay
Found near Cedar Grove in Antigua, Dickenson Bay is known as a resort destination filled with tranquil seas and white sandy beaches. Visitors will have a great time on the beachfront; the nightlife is extremely exciting and visitors can hop from various beachside restaurants and beach bars to another. During the day, visitors can cool off in the clear water and enjoy the enthusiastic atmosphere that surrounds them. There are also many water sports available for visitors to partake in. The fully loaded resort beach experience shows visitors a lively side of Antigua that can’t be experienced anywhere else on the island. Map
Nelson's Dockyard
A marina and cultural heritage site in English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a part of the surrounding national park. The dockyard is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson; it has been fully restored to its original splendor while also housing many businesses, hotels, and shops.
The beauty of the dockyard and the boats and harbor is absolutely stunning; visitors can take some amazing photographs of the views over the waterfront. The Dockyard Museum, which is housed in the admiral’s former house, is a great place for visitors to start and to understand the history of their surroundings.
Nelson's Dockyard, Dockyard Drive, Antigua and Barbuda, Phone: 268-460-1379
Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour, which can be found near English Harbour on the south side of Antigua, is a natural harbor in the shape of a horseshoe. The harbor is home to many superyachts, many of which visitors can rent for some fun in the sun. Those who are there with their own vessels or for an extended stay can use the harbor facilities, such as dockage, container storage, and concierge services, or can stay in the nearby accommodation. Visitors who are just visiting the site for a day can take in the beautiful views, look at the stunning vessels, and dine in one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes.
Admiral's House Museum, Dockyard Drive, English Harbour, Antigua
Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre
Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre is a part of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park in English Harbour. The surroundings are a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also home to some of Antigua’s most exciting events such as Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting. The Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre doubles as a museum, where visitors can learn about Antigua’s history dating back to the Amerindian era. One of the most popular features of the Interpretation Centre is the multimedia presentation, which takes visitors on an informative journey through the land’s history.
Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre, Shirley Heights Road, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda, Phone: 268-481-5021
Barbuda Caves
Barbuda is an island composed of limestone and because of this is filled with many caves that are fun to explore. Over the years, a few caves have stood out and become popular with tourists who visit the island.
Some of them include Two Foot Bay, where visitors can see huge iguanas, tropic birds, crabs, and bats, and Darby Dave, which is a spectacular sinkhole that is over 70 feet deep and over 300 feet wide. The Dark Cave is another popular site that is home to blind shrimp, a rare species of amphipod, and was once a water source for Amerindian inhabitants. Map
Betty's Hope
Betty's Hope dates to 1651 and is one of the earliest sugar plantations on the island. The site is now a national heritage landmark and many aspects of it have been restored, such as the sugar mill towers and sails. Archaeologists from all over come to the site to help conduct research on the estate. The history of the Betty’s Hope plantation began as an industrial and agricultural enterprise, which visitors can learn about in the site’s interpretation center. The plantation played an important role in Antigua and Barbuda’s history, influencing the lives of many of its inhabitants over the years. A trip to the plantation invites visitors to go back in time and see how the land and people have evolved over the years.
Betty's Hope, Pares Village, St. Peter’s, Antigua
Fort James
In fear that the French would invade, Fort James was one of the many forts built by the British throughout Antigua and Barbuda in the 18th century. It is found at the entrance of St. John’s Harbour and is presently a popular attraction as visitors there will see some amazing views of the surrounding harbor. Visitors can still see the famed Fort James cannons to get a feel of Barbuda’s historical past; each of these stunning cannons weighs 2.5 tons and 11 men were needed to handle it. Visitors will also be able to see the foundation stone, which was set with full Masonic honors when the harbor was being constructed.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda is found on Codrington Lagoon and is one of the largest sanctuaries of its kind in the world. The sanctuary has an estimated population of over 100,000 birds, with numbers varying on both migration and mating seasons. Ornithology lovers are in for a real treat as they get up-close and personal with these amazing birds in their natural habitat. To access the sanctuary, visitors must go on a short boat ride across the Codrington Lagoon. The native tour guide who takes visitors across is extremely knowledgeable and quick to point out some amazing aspects of the sanctuary and its surroundings.
Phone: 268-480-1225
