Let's Go to Antigua!

The Beach is Certainly the Beginning

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Blue waters of a random beach in Antigua Photo - Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Quote:

It's a fact. Most tourists visit the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda in search of the white sandy beaches that have been listed as some of the best within the Caribbean by magazines and sites such as Frommers. Although united as one, the beaches of Antigua and those of Barbuda are famous for different reasons. Antigua is said to have 365 pure white sandy beaches, while Barbuda is known for its 11 mile beach of pink sand. Add the fragrant tropical breeze from the Caribbean Sea along with the warm sunshine all year round, and it's a complete package.All the beaches in Antigua are public, so your only worry is how to possibly find time in your visit to explore even half of them! Eac...Read More

It's a fact. Most tourists visit the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda in search of the white sandy beaches that have been listed as some of the best within the Caribbean by magazines and sites such as Frommers. Although united as one, the beaches of Antigua and those of Barbuda are famous for different reasons. Antigua is said to have 365 pure white sandy beaches, while Barbuda is known for its 11 mile beach of pink sand. Add the fragrant tropical breeze from the Caribbean Sea along with the warm sunshine all year round, and it's a complete package.

All the beaches in Antigua are public, so your only worry is how to possibly find time in your visit to explore even half of them! Each local household has their own personal favourite, and on public holidays such as Easter and Labour day, hundreds on families flock most of the popular beaches on the island. On such days, there are many djs and speaker systems on the beaches, picnics galore and instead of the the usual tranquility, there is a definite party atmosphere.

I have always loved the beach and the activites which come with it. Snorkeling, swimming, floating on a waterbed and riding a jet ski are some of the privileges I enjoy when I visit a beach in Antigua. There are four beaches which are close to my heart. They are located quite far from one another, and each possesses a distinct charm which lures me to their shores. I will now list and describe each sandy paradise.

Long Bay beach:
My favourite by far, due to the gentle clear blue waters which are fringed by powdery sand. This particular beach is situated on the eastern coast, a short walk from the village of Wilikies, Antigua. It is an extremely popular beach and the construction of many hotels in the vicinity serve to back my point. Some of these hotels include the luxurious Verandah Resort & Spa and the Dian Bay Resort and Spa. Long Bay has two bars which are situated mere steps away from the shoreline, providing beach goers with ice cold beverages and finger snacks, when hunger and fatigue inevitably arise. Small booths also stock unique trinkets and beach wraps for visitors to purchase as a reminder of their trip to Antigua.

Turners beach:
Another turquoise gem of a beach is in the form of Turners beach. Located on the south western coast of Antigua, this beach is preferred for two reasons. The long stretch of white sand on which to soak up the sun's rays, and the wonderful cuisine available at Turners Beach Bar. After the sun goes down, the flames in the kitchen at this bar ignite. The lobster dish here is particularly divine and costs approximately EC$90/US$33. The beach feautres numerous minature cabanas under which you may relax on a beach chair. The beach chairs are rented from the Turners Beach Bar for a nominal fee of US$5. The shore line is dominated by coconut trees, which provide lots of shade and reminds you that you are indeed basking in paradise.

Dickenson Bay beach:
Located on the north western coast of Antigua is a beach with a personality so to speak. This beach is a major hot spot for cruise ship visitors due to its close proximity to the St. Johns Harbour where most of the ships dock. Taxi fares from the capital of St. John's are in the price range of US$4 to $5 per person for the 15 minute journey. There are so many activities available here (provided by Tony's Water Sports), that it's pretty tough to choose what to do first. Visitors have the option of renting a jet ski (price is upwards of US$50), sailing on a hobby cat, parasailing etc. There are also bars on the beach where drinks (alcholic and non alcoholic) can be purchased. This is a perfect option for the active beach bum.

Bird Island beach:
Bird Island is an offshore island located a short boat ride away from Antigua. It is the home of the Antiguan Racer Snake, which is endangered and found only on the island. It is very much small and harmless and feeds mostly on small animals, therefore it is very safe to visit the island. The beach h is very beautiful and secluded, and for this reason many boat tours take visitors ashore to enjoy the privacy. The beach also proves to be one of the best snorkeling spots that Antigua has to offer, with lots of colourful fishes and numerous sea anemones.

To sum it up, the beaches are the main feature of what Antigua has to offer. They are well taken care of and much is done to keep them worthy of being tourtist attractions. All of the island tours which are available always include a stop to one of the beaches with a stay from 1-2 hours. So have loads of fun but don't forget the sunblock!
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Cool stuff to do

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Island Paradise Photo - Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Quote:

Tourism is Antigua's major industry, which results in a vast number of land excursions available to visitors. Some of these excursions are organized by established companies, while other tours are conducted by the large number of registered taxis. For a detailed chart of taxi fares in Antigua, click on the following website. http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/documents/Taxi%20and%20tour%20fares%20-%20ABTB%20final.pdfIsland Safari is the most popular tour company in Antigua. They specialize in off road tours in the rugged and least visited areas of the island. When seated within one of their Land Rovers, you better buckle up tight and hold on for dear life. There are several different excu...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Soar above a tropical rain forest"

Antigua Rain forest Canopy Tour Photo - Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Quote:

Antigua Rain Forest Canopy Tour is the only zip line tour company on the island and involves a journey of 21 exercises, set in the lush tropical backdrop of Antigua's rain forest. The company is located on Fig Tree Drive, between the villages of John Hughes and Old Road. The tour allows its patrons a view which would be impossible to see otherwise, as well as the experience of a lifetime. A chorus of bird calls greet your arrival the moment you enter the site and will encourage you to become one with nature.Friendly tour rangers will brief you on what to expect before, during and after the tour and you are given an option to sign up for the zip line alone, or a combination of zip lines and...Read More

Antigua Rain Forest Canopy Tour is the only zip line tour company on the island and involves a journey of 21 exercises, set in the lush tropical backdrop of Antigua's rain forest. The company is located on Fig Tree Drive, between the villages of John Hughes and Old Road. The tour allows its patrons a view which would be impossible to see otherwise, as well as the experience of a lifetime. A chorus of bird calls greet your arrival the moment you enter the site and will encourage you to become one with nature.

Friendly tour rangers will brief you on what to expect before, during and after the tour and you are given an option to sign up for the zip line alone, or a combination of zip lines and an obstacle course. After making your decision, you are directed to their office where you pay for the tour and sign a waiver. This waiver is basically a form in which you admit to participating on the tour of your own free will, and that the company is not to be held responsible for any mishaps which is of your own fault.

After the paperwork is completed, you are asked to store any belongings in lockers which are provided by the company. Each person is then given a key which unlocks their belongings, and the rangers will tell you to clip it unto your belt so that it will not be lost during the expedition. After, you are then guided to a small enclosed area, which serves as the gateway to the canopy tour.

On arrival at the gateway, you will notice that there a rows of zip lining equipment on the floor. The rangers will then tell you to step in front of one of the said equipment and wait for further instruction. After everyone in your group is ready, a ranger will explain the purpose for the gear and then proceed to strap you in correctly. A helmet is then provided, and you are ready to go! Everyone troops out of the gate and unto a jungle bridge which will take you to the first platform where the zip lines begin.

There are two zip line tours available at the organization. One is for groups with children and adults not wanting to do the obstacle course, while the other tour is intertwined with the course. They company declares that all their guides are adequately trained and that their entire tour was designed and built by certified professionals.

Now for my personal experience. I attempted the zip line tour including the obstacle course in early December 2010. A group of friends and I were looking for adventure and decided to give it a go. After going through all the mandatory procedures, I said a prayer and stepped unto the first zip line platform. With trembling hands, I set up my gear as instructed, then I looked down. I was third in line to zip, and I watched as the guide soothingly calmed the fears of the first jumper. She was a young girl no more than 15, who was chattering excitedly the entire trip over the jungle bridge, but was now shaking with fear and trepidation. She eventually allowed the guide to give her a gentle push, and she went zipping through the rain forest, albeit screaming at the top of her lungs.

When my turn arrived, I refused to look down, but focused instead at the next platform ahead. Holding on for dear life, I launched into the air and zipped across my very first zip line. The rush it gave me was exhilarating and addictive, and I found myself anticipating the next one. Everything went by really quickly from there, as I enjoyed the sweet air gently lashing at my face while I soared over the flourishing flora of the rain forest below. I then arrived at the midpoint of the zip line tour, where I gladly accepted the cold cup of water being offered. I splashed a few drops on my heated face, seeking some refreshment. The tour then continued, and before I knew it, I was at the point where the zip line ended and the obstacle course began.

The obstacle course was grueling to say the least, and I would not recommend it to persons who are not fit. The course involved walking over bridges with no railings, while holding unto ropes hanging from above for balance and balancing on suspension bridges whose planks were less than five inches in width. All in all, I was very much relieved when it was over, but the victorious feeling which surged through my veins was much deserved. I saw, I tried and I conquered!

Anyone interested in attempting the Antigua Rain forest Canopy Tour can reach them at:

www.antiguarainforest.com

Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 20, 2011

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour
Fig Tree Drive
Antigua, Antigua
268 562 6363

Cheer!
Flag

Bird sanctuary and much more

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

Whether it's a day trip or romantic weekend getaway, if you have time, try and visit Barbuda. Barbuda is Antigua's smaller sister island, There is a large lagoon which encompasses roughly half of the isle. This lagoon is actually a bird sanctuary, home to over 170 species and most importantly, the rare frigate bird. Barbuda is one of the least developed main islands in the caribbean, with a population of approximately 1500. Most of the population reside in the main town of Codrington, named after the family who established it. The town has only one main educational facility, The Holy Trinity School and does not yet have a local hospital. Badly injured or sick persons must be airlifted by helicopters ...Read More

Whether it's a day trip or romantic weekend getaway, if you have time, try and visit Barbuda. Barbuda is Antigua's smaller sister island, There is a large lagoon which encompasses roughly half of the isle. This lagoon is actually a bird sanctuary, home to over 170 species and most importantly, the rare frigate bird. Barbuda is one of the least developed main islands in the caribbean, with a population of approximately 1500. Most of the population reside in the main town of Codrington, named after the family who established it. The town has only one main educational facility, The Holy Trinity School and does not yet have a local hospital. Badly injured or sick persons must be airlifted by helicopters to the Mount St. John Medical Centre in Antigua.

Barbuda has serveral beaches, the most famous being their 11 mile long beach. The sand has a distinctive pink tinge to it, and the waters are the bluest of blues. Many honeymooners choose Barbuda as their destination, mainly due to the fact that the island is never crowded, leaving beaches almost always empty. There are only two major hotels on the island, the Lighthouse Bay Resort and Coco Point Lodge. Both are all inclusive and carry hefty price tags of US$800 upwards per night. More affordable accomodation options include the Palm Tree Guest House and Nedd's Guest House with prices around US$50.

If you are only visiting for the day, the bird sanctuary is a must. The tour is a 40 minute boat ride in the Codrington Lagoon and is heaven for the active birdwatcher. The birds really are beatiful, and it's quite an experience to see them in their natural habit. For the more adventurous visitor, there are several huge caves to explore, with one of them containing ancient cave drawings. The diving is also spectacular, with many wrecks submerged beneath the local waters. Whether it's for relaxation or to go birdwatching, Barbuda will give you an idea of exactly how beautiful nature can be.

Barbuda is not directly accessible to international visitors, but instead a stopover in Antigua is necessary. The Barbuda Express is a ferry service which operates 5 days a week, bridging the distance between the two islands. Presently, fares are quoted at US $40 for a one way journey for adults, children ages 2-12 pay $29 and children under 2 years of age are charged $18. A full day tour is offered which includes the boat trip to and from Barbuda, a taxi ride to the pier, where a tour boat will take visitors to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Afterwards, a taxi will give a land based tour of the island, making stops at the caves and the ruins of the Codrington Family Home, before finally ending the day with an included lobster lunch on the beach. This excursion costs US $159 and provides quite a bit of value for the price.

Regardless of how short your stay will be, a visit is definitely recommended. Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Max out the credit cards!

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Souvenir shop in Redcliffe Quay Photo - Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Quote:

Everyone knows the truth, so it's futile for me to deny it. The term female is equivalent to this word: Shopping. Antigua creates a perfect atmosphere to encourage visitors, both male and female to part with their funds. Whether your interest lies in art, souvenirs, articles of clothing or that perfect piece of jewelry for your loved one, Antiguan stores do not disappoint. The local currency is the XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollar) but the U.S currency is widely accepted. Other currencies must be exchanged at any of the many banks situated across the island. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most of the larger stores, especially in the tourist areas.The main shopping centers in Ant...Read More

Everyone knows the truth, so it's futile for me to deny it. The term female is equivalent to this word: Shopping. Antigua creates a perfect atmosphere to encourage visitors, both male and female to part with their funds. Whether your interest lies in art, souvenirs, articles of clothing or that perfect piece of jewelry for your loved one, Antiguan stores do not disappoint. The local currency is the XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollar) but the U.S currency is widely accepted. Other currencies must be exchanged at any of the many banks situated across the island. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most of the larger stores, especially in the tourist areas.

The main shopping centers in Antigua are located in the capital city of St. Johns. Persons interested in local arts and crafts will fall in love with Redcliffe Quay, the Craft Market and Vendors Square. These locations specialize in paintings by local artists, hand crafted masks and small souvenir trinkets such as key rings and magnets. Colourful beach sarongs and T-shirts with funny quotes in the local dialect are also available.

Redcliffe Quay is a whimsical area located in the town, which is full of old artifacts. The stores are quaint and colourful, with many open air restaurants in the vicinity. The atmosphere is quiet and peacful, almost akin to an oasis in the middle of an upbeat city. The stores here are mostly small boutiques with designer fashions, shops with larger souvenirs and beach wear galore. There's a cafe called Grab A Java, which sells great coffe and iced drinks, a well stocked ice cream parlour and a small but inviting wine bar. The main restaurants in the area include Big Banana (they make the best pizza on the island) and Mid East, a small middle eastern eatery with a very tasty menu. Redcliffe Quay encourages you to slow down and unwind, and the shopping scene is worth a peep.

Heritage Quay has almost everything, and all items are duty free. From jewelry, to clothing to designer shades and leather goods, this shopping site is the largest which Antigua has to offer. For electronics, there is the Camera Shop and the Music Shop. In the mood for a new swimsuit to hit the waves? Sunseakers has the largest selection of swimwear with popular brands such as Billabong and Roxy. How about jewelry? Some of the many jewelry stores available in Heritage Quay are Colombian Emeralds International, Abbotts Jewelry and Jewellers Warehouse. In terms of clothing, The Edge and United Colours of Benetton offers causal wear, where boutique stores like Gingerlily cater for that sophisticated look. So break off a bill or two because the shopping here is extensive.

For a more local shopping experience, there is the main farmer's market, located in downtown St. John's. There is a wide variety of local produce for sale, such as pumpkins, tomatoes, seasoning and lots of seasonal fruits. The market is comprised of a large building, with many small stalls from which the farmers sell their goods. Some park their pickups outside, selling their fruits and vegetables from the back of their vehicles. The prices are very affordable and the fruits/vegetables are fresh.
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

IgoUgo

Antigua Journals

Upload Photos