Activities in Antigua
From water sports to a bustling nightlife, Antigua offers it all. Taking a holiday-break once in a while is a must for keeping your body and mind and family in harmony.
The highly marvelous place of Antigua is located on the eastern side of the Caribbean; the entire region is divinely beautiful. The isle of Antigua and Barbuda, the main airport is the VC Bird International Airport. There are some more impressively exquisite islands that lie very close to Antigua like Nevis, Guadaloupe, Montserrat, St. Martin, St. Kitts, and St. Barts. You and your family are sure to enjoy the natural enchanting beauty of this region.
Don’t miss seeing the Falmouth West Coast and English Harbor during the course of your Antigua holiday trip. This vast stretch of beach areas is a special environmental trait of Antigua. There are about 365 beaches in Antigua including Deep Bay, Dogs Beach, Dickenson Bay, Fort James, Runaway Bay, Fryes Bay, Galley Bay, Half Moon Bay Hawksbill, Rendezvous Bay, Long Bay, and Darkwood Beach.
Sea-View Farm Village
Find folk pottery made in the same fashion since the 18th century, when slaves fashioned cooking vessels from local clay. Today, folk pottery is fashioned in a number of places around Antigua, but the center of this cottage industry is Sea View Farm Village. SeaView Farm is located in the central part of Antigua.
Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
Long Street, downtown St. John’s, Antigua
Exhibits tell the story of Antigua from its geological birth to political independence, it is located within the old St. John’s Court House. Puruse this museum and discover the fascinating history of Antigua, from before European settlements to cultural experiences today. It may provide you with a new lens with which to view this tropical paradise.
Exhibits at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda include models of sugar plantations and steam engines, paintings and prints of Antigua and Barbuda, and a display of precious island stones. The building that houses the collections is of historical significance itself: the St. John’s Court House of 1750. On top of the history and natural history exhibits, the museum also has a reference library.
Shirley Heights
A fort located in English Harbour provides a lookout point with great views. It was named after General Shirley, Governor of the Leeward Islands. On Sundays, it is the site of free afternoon/evening concerts by reggae or steel bands. Shirley Heights is one of the most popular attractions in Antigua. Once a military lookout, the property is now home to a restaurant and bar that is famous for hosting a party every Sunday night as well as a handful of historic relics. Every Sunday night (for the past 31 years) from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the on-site bar and restaurant hosts a barbecue with live music, great food, and lots to drink.
Shirley Heights Fort is located in Antigua, so travelers to this area of Antigua will have convenient access to the historical site during their time there.
Harmony Hall Art Gallery
Located in Brown’s Bay at Nonsuch Bay, it is the center of the Antigua arts community. Local artists, as well as Haitian and Jamaican artist works, are displayed. The art gallery is located in a sugar mill tower and provides one of the island’s best panoramic views,
Water Sports and Hiking
Kayaking, scuba-diving, diving, boating, snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea fishing, Miramar sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming.
Those who are in love with hiking won’t get disappointed; there are excellent hiking trails throughout the island. The presence of some of the rare species of birds will surely make all bird watching aficionados happy. Of course, there are some excellent golf courses in this part of the world, too.
Diving Antigua
Many guests will find themselves with a yearning to get in the inviting waters that surround Antigua. A great way to explore the underwater landscape is to choose either or diving. Companies throughout the island offer a variety of packages and excursions designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Snorkeling is an excellent choice for any traveler, while diving requires more equipment and training. However, both activities will dazzle you with spectacular sights of vivid marine life and unbelievable coral reef formations. Excellent underwater destinations like the sunken freight ship of Jettia’s Wreck are fantastic places to take in everything that Antigua’s waters have to offer.
Antigua Fishing
Another way to embrace the water is fishing and chartering. Both options allow guests a wonderful way to enjoy an adventure out at sea. Fishermen will appreciate the large selection of vessels, fishing styles and other services provided by local Antigua businesses, such as the Antigua Fishing Company. Vacationers can catch different species of fish, from wahoo and tuna to kingfish and even shark. Those looking to spend a day out on the water sans fishing will be interested in the charters and cruises available in Antigua. Choose to either privately charter a vessel, or book a ticket on one of the island’s popular day cruises. You’ll never forget the experience of watching a breathtaking Antigua sunset while sipping on fresh cocktails as an experienced captain navigates the sea.
Antigua Snorkeling
If you love snorkeling there’s good news — you can easily find places to do so in the waters surrounding Antigua. Travelers may easily partake in snorkeling directly from one of Antigua’s beaches, while more remote locations are accessed by boat. Underwater visibility ranges from 50 to 140 feet, allowing snorkelers to see reef systems that are a less than desirable distance below the surface, though most people choose to stick to Cades Reef or snorkel from the shore. There are even a few ship wrecks that can be experienced, but for these and Cades it is recommended that you hire a local tour guide.
Golf
Hoping you can spend some time on the greens during your vacation? There are a pair of area golf courses. The area courses are Jolly Harbour Golf Course and Cedar Valley Golf Club.
Shopping
Many of the shops in Antigua are locally owned, which is great for visitors who are looking for something unique to bring home as a souvenir. Some such local handicrafts include shell curios, batik, woven hats, and jewelry crafted from rare jewels. You will also find an abundance of discounted items from overseas, such as china and perfumes. Many of these items are duty-free, but there is a national sales tax associated with most items you will want to take home. Click here to read more about shopping in Antigua.
Sightseeing
Yet another great option for visitors is simply enjoying the area’s sights and natural beauty. Among other things, the area has 12 historic sites and various other attractions of interest to tourists. Vacationers who enjoy natural surroundings will frequently enjoy visiting the area’s outdoor parks and botanical gardens.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Antigua hosts a slew of different events and festivals that cater to a range of interests. Many events involve sailing and boating, which is a great way for fisherman and water enthusiasts to celebrate their love for the ocean. Festivals like the Mango Festival and Antigua’s famous Carnival are excellent ways to absorb the local culture and learn about the island’s heritage while having a great time. Many events are family-friendly, such as the International Kite Festival and National Dress Day. With so many events occurring during the year, you’re sure to have a reason to celebrate during your next Antigua vacation.
Final Word
From water sports and fishing to golfing and nightlife, Antigua has everything vacationers need for a jam-packed Caribbean getaway. The options vary greatly, and strive to appeal to guests of all lifestyles and tastes. More adventurous tourists may enjoy diving, fishing and nightclubs, while the leisurely crowd will flock to daytime festivals, relaxing cafés and lazy days spent on a golf course. No matter what style of activities is calling your name, the offerings found on the island of Antigua promise to keep travelers active and excited.