It's fairly easy to find your way around the island of Antigua, with the several means of transportation available. It depends on how adventurous you are, and the amount of money you are willing to spend for convenience. The main options one would have when…Read More

It's fairly easy to find your way around the island of Antigua, with the several means of transportation available. It depends on how adventurous you are, and the amount of money you are willing to spend for convenience. The main options one would have when attempting to get from point A to point B are:

Car rentals
This is obviously the most convenient mode of transport by far. There is no need to wait for a ride, or no limitations on where you can go depending on the time of day. There are several car rental agencies in Antigua, but they do charge at a rather hefty fee. Some of the agencies are:

Big's Car Rental: Located in English Harbour, has quite a large variety of vehicles.
Titi Rent-A-Car: Offers free delivery and collection of rented car, jeep or mini van.
ATS Car Rental & Limousine Service: Located close to the V. C. Bird airport.
Others: Budget Rent-A-Car, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Hertz and Thrifty.

On average, one can expect to pay anything from US$40 to $50 per day for the car rental while on vacation. Along with a valid driver's license from your country of residence, an international license or a valid permit to drive internationally is needed. If you do not have a temporary license, one can made available to you at the rental agency for a fee of US$20 and is valid for three months.

Taxis
For transport to fixed destinations, taxis are widely available. Unlike in certain countries, taxis in Antigua are not metered. Most destinations such as hotels, the airport and harbours have fixed fares, but to residential properties and other such destinations, the price depends on whatever the driver quotes.

Of course, you as the paying customer will decide if you find the quote to be reasonable or not, and there is no pressure to pay more than you think is adequate. There are taxi stands in St. John's and at the aiport, while several taxis can be found near popular hotels.

To sum it up, hiring a taxi is the most expensive way to get around in Antigua. However, if you are short on time, or prefer the convenience of sitting back and allowing someone else to take the wheel, it may very well be the easiest option of all.

Tours
This is the best option for very short stays or in the case of cruise ship visitors. The main advantage of a tour is that you not only get from point A to B, but you also receive an opportunity designed to pack as much as possible into a few hours. Tours vary in price, depending on what the customer is interested in seeing, but one can expect to pay anything from US$25 per person for a regular island tour.

Public transport
There are two bus stations on the island, which all public buses leave from and return to. There is the West Bus Staion, located on lower Market Street and the East Bus Station, located on upper High Street. The bus routes which most visitors would need to know originate from West Bus Station:

Bus # 17: This bus route ends in the historical village of English Harbour.
Bus #22: The bus route passes through several beach communties and most persons staying at hotels in the area of Jolly Beach would find this route quite useful.
Bus #42: Buses on this route will pass into Coolidge, if you need to go to the airport.

The public buses are by far the cheapest way to travel in Antigua. It is very safe for visitors and costs anywhere between USD $1 to $2. Simply take a moment to confirm with the bus driver that his bus route will take you where you need to go, then hop on. Most drivers are very willing to help visitors, and will stop at your destination, letting you know that your journey is completed.
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Things to keep in mind:
The road network in Antigua is very simple. (no bridges, tunnels and numerous lanes)
Roads tend to be on the narrow side.
Divers are not always courteous, and traffic can be crazy during rush hours.
Roads in the country can be bumpy and dotted with potholes.Close

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,…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.
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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…Read More

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.pdf

Island 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 excursions available, with visits to the most popular sites, including Devil's Bridge, Nelson's Dockyard and the Antigua Rainforest. There are also boat trips available which pay visits to Bird Island, Stingray City and kayaking circuits through the mangroves on North Sound. When planning a visit to Antigua, look them up facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Safari-Antigua/138232076195885

Explore by Sea
The island of Antigua is known as a sailing destination around the world. There are several harbours and many catamaran marinas, and the industry is quite up to date. The biggest sailing attraction which the island has to offer is the Antigua Sailing Week, which is held around Easter every year.

For those visitors who have a love for water and seacrafts, a circumnavigation tour of Antigua is a great and fitting option. There are many companies who offer various trips on catamarans and speed boats to areas not accessible by land, but a definitely worth a look at. Some of these companies include Adventure Antigua, On Deck, Wadadli Cats and Tropical Adventures.

Adventure Antigua is owned by Eli Fuller, and the company is mentioned by many travel magazines. They specialize in eco tours and they have quite a variety of trips available. One can choose to embark on a half day tour, motor sailaing around Indian Town Point and snorkeling at the coral reef in the vicinity of the offshore Green Isalnd. If a longer tour is preferred, there is the Xtreme Circumnav, which is a longer tour which circles Antigua, visiting Hells Gate, Green Island, Nelson's Dockyard and the Pillars of Hercules.

Wadadli Cats is tour company who specializes in catamaran tours. Their slogan is "Sail Fast, Live Slow" which is quite appropriate for the trip which this party cruise tour will give you. The catamaran company caters for people who want to have a fun trip, equipped with plenty booze and finger foods. Wadadli Cats uses 5 boats (Spirit of Antigua, Sea Breeze, Siboney, Siboney 2 and the Falcon) to give visitors access to pristine beaches and the best snorkelling spots. They facilitate private charters and have special cruises to Cades Reef and Bird Island.

Antigua from the sky
The only established helicopter tour company in Antigua is Caribbean Helicopters. Based in Jolly Beach, the company offers visitors a chance to receive a bird's eye view of the isle. There is a half island tour availble which lasts for 20 minutes (US$115 p/p) and a full island tour for 30 minutes (US$165 p/p).

During your visit to Antigua, there are some points of interest worth a visit im my opinion. They include the following:

Any of the beaches – Choose from 365 beaches, all with sugar white sand and crystal clear waters.

Nelson's Dockyard - A national park in English Harbour, whose construction began in 1725. It served to maintain the Royal Naval warships in the Caribbean Sea and was named after Horatio Nelson, a past commander of the dockyard. The national park now features restored buildings, as well as destroyed forts.

St. John's Cathedral – The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is a national monument whose 70 ft twin towers can be seen from almost anywhere for miles around. Most cruise ship passenger can spot the church while they sail into the main harbour in St. Johns. The present church stands on the grounds of which two previous churches were constructed. The first was built as early as 1681, the second in 1720 and over a 100 years later, the cathedral we see today was constructed in August 1842. Today it is lovingly known to locals as "Big Church".

Stingray City – A local ocean park which mainly features friendly stingrays, located off the shore of Seaton's Village.

Shirley's Heights Lookout – Famous park which provides gorgeous views of English and Falmouth Harbour. Barbeque parties are held every Sunday night.

Pillars of Hercules – A national heritage site which features massive pillar like formations formed by coastal erosion. Mostly only accessible by boats.

Betty's Hope – National site which is home to one of the best preserved sugar mills on the island. Let's go back in time to when sugar was king. Miles upon miles of sugar cane could be seen from any point on the island. Betty's Hope plantation was owned by Governor Keynell, eventually passing through many hands, before finally being granted to the Codrington family from Barbados in 1674 who managed the estate for 270 years.

Devil's Bridge – Site of massive coastal erosion at Indian Town Point.

Antigua Rainforest – One of the largest areas of flora and fauna in Antigua. Zip lining tours are a major attraction in the area.Close

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,…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!
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How many beaches can a person see on one island? The answer is 365. Antigua alone has 365 beautiful beaches: That is one beach per day in a year. ONE BEACH PER DAY. Each one completely different from the other.My wife and I decided to…Read More

How many beaches can a person see on one island? The answer is 365. Antigua alone has 365 beautiful beaches: That is one beach per day in a year. ONE BEACH PER DAY. Each one completely different from the other.
My wife and I decided to do a shore excursion to visit one these sublime beaches. We had the very pleasure to visit the beach of Sandheaven.
The sun was crisp and soothing. The crystal-clear water was cool and refreshing. Waves crashing towards the beaches like a hard-hit tackle in a football game.
I had a welcoming French-speaking tour guide. This lady excited me because of the fact she spoke French: I wanted to see how skilled my French was. I thought of all the many hours of French classes I took since I was in middle school just to lead me to THIS moment. However, I was too nervous to eek a lick of French until I said "merci" to her after she told me where the bathroom was.
In order to recover from my failed attempt to talk French, I decided to get a delicious, fruity rum punch. This drink was a bit strong in the alcohol department, yet I managed to drink it all down. Très bien.
With my alcoholic drink in my system, I went walking on the beach with the cool, white sands caressing my feet until I noticed the atmosphere. The atmosphere fun and relaxing, with everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, but this was not to last. It started to rain; however, it was funny because everyone was packing up like the rain was the plage.
Now that I have knocked out one beach on this island, I have 364 more beaches to go. As the title say, "One beach down, 364 more to go."Close

I went after finding out that Paradise Fitness Center, downtown near the Largest Catholic church and the Museum, is open 7 Days a week. I had to pay only a mere 20.00 E.C., with their money being 2 and a half times less, it was…Read More

I went after finding out that Paradise Fitness Center, downtown near the Largest Catholic church and the Museum, is open 7 Days a week. I had to pay only a mere 20.00 E.C., with their money being 2 and a half times less, it was not even $10.00. They have two floors, a spacious upstairs with state of the art treadmills, bikes, and various size weights. Downstairs is a nice mini bar, with vitamin and fruit juices, very reasonable—$2 at the most.They didn't have cards to put their telephone number on, but I have it jotted down and will add it to my journal soon! I got in a wonderful 1 hour workout. The fitness center included nautilus weight machines and dumbbells downstairs, and upstairs there were fitness balls for the ladies and the men, and whomever want to use them. They also had weighted waist sticks and machines, they have it all! Close

My favorite restaurant in Antigua, next to Sandals of course,  is Hemingways in downtown Heritage Quay area. It looks above the downtown streets and directly across the street from Kings Casino. It is not open on Sundays. I got Lobster with lime sauce and a…Read More

My favorite restaurant in Antigua, next to Sandals of course,  is Hemingways in downtown Heritage Quay area. It looks above the downtown streets and directly across the street from Kings Casino. It is not open on Sundays. I got Lobster with lime sauce and a huge side dish of my choice was crab meat and sauces. Hemingways is on St. Mary's Street. It's in downtown St. Johns and is a charming green and white restaurant. It is upstairs in a wooden West Indian house, built about 1829. It opens from 8:30am until pretty late. They offer dinner, lunch, and snacks or tropical drinks... served on the veranda where I always eat. This is my third time. The place overlooks St. Mary's busy street and the duty-free Heritage Quay. The salads are fantastic, and sandwiches, burgers, seafood (my personal favorite), luscious desserts, and everything has this amazing Caribbean flavor. You can just watch the world go by as, I do every time that I go. Close

The horseback riding at the resort was nice. The horses fairly decent. They'll move if you prod enough. Helmets are available but not mandatory. English or Western saddles are available. It's okay to run the horses. Reasonably priced, at $40 for…Read More

The horseback riding at the resort was nice. The horses fairly decent. They'll move if you prod enough. Helmets are available but not mandatory. English or Western saddles are available. It's okay to run the horses. Reasonably priced, at $40 for 2 hours. A guided tour takes you along beach, by some restaurants and clubs, to the St. James. Stop for drinks and look at the fort and old cannons. Great view!! The guide's horse was nice-- a little Arab mix that loved to run.Close

1. The Coast: Popular nightclub located in the heard of the capital. This venue consists of a restaurant and two dance floors, and draws a large crowd once the door opens. The restaurant serves good food, ranging from burgers USD $8 to grilled lobster…Read More

1. The Coast: Popular nightclub located in the heard of the capital. This venue consists of a restaurant and two dance floors, and draws a large crowd once the door opens. The restaurant serves good food, ranging from burgers USD $8 to grilled lobster $34. A wide variety of beverages are always available. Website: www.coast.ag

2. C&C Wine Bar: Not just for lovers of wine, but anyone who cares to have a good drink. The motto of this establishment is as follows 'I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without drink'. This venue is more of a chill out spot, with mellow music and tasty finger foods. Small groups looking for a peaceful night on the town would feel very welcome here.

3. Bayhouse Restaurant: Intimate setting and really good food makes this a popular dining destination for couples in Antigua. Located on a hill in Dickenson Bay, fresh island breeze caresses you while you indulge yourself in culinary masterpieces. Dress code is semi formal and dining costs won't break your bank account.

4. King's Casino: Located in St. Johns, this is Antigua's largest casino. There are over a dozen table games including BlackJack and Roulette. There are countless modern slot machines available as well, so come and try your luck. There is a taxi stand immediately outside and ATM machines are inside for your convenience.

5. Mad Mongoose: The party central of English Harbour. Nonstop fun and music is the way of life at this bar/club located right in the heart of the village. Many patrons are visitors to the island looking for action...and they find it here.

6. Shirley Heights Lookout: If you are lucky enough to be on island on a Sunday night, make your way to this national site, where there is a huge BBQ and party with big crowds and good music. This option is frequented by both visitors and locals alike.

All in all, there are many options to choose from, and the greatest tip of all is to drink responsibly!Close

Antigua is the larger of the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda. It's 106 square miles is filled with powdery sand beaches, friendly locals and a colorful culture. There are many attractions here than I viewed or took part in. The rainforest canopy tour…Read More

Antigua is the larger of the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda. It's 106 square miles is filled with powdery sand beaches, friendly locals and a colorful culture. There are many attractions here than I viewed or took part in. The rainforest canopy tour was by far the bravest venture I dared here, and it was loads of fun. Other points of interest include the rocky cliffside tourist site of Devil's Bridge, the beautiful port of English Harbor and my favorite beach, Long Bay. Antiguans are very helpful to visitors and I had many questions for them. Needless to say, my stay there was a breeze thanks to the countless suggestions that the locals gave to me. I snorkeled, rode in a dune buggy, and strolled along the streets of St. John's, Antigua's capital. I always felt safe, and even went out at night a few times with friends. The nightlife was very lively, with upbeat music and good strong drinks. The alcohol is very affordable there. There are many tours which may interest future visitors. I for one, did the Antigua Helicopter tour and went out on a speed boat to one of the offshore islands, Bird Island. Antigua is a gem in the Caribbean, and I would recommend a visit to all.Close