Water-lovers will have the time of their lives in Antigua. With its magnificent beaches, crystal clear waters, and tropical weather, there are surely lots of water-based activities to try. There's swimming with the stingrays if you are looking for adventure. You can relish a romantic sunset on a catamaran or a jet-ski. You can even spend a day traveling over to Barbuda or another offshore island. Like any other Caribbean destination, Antigua and Barbuda are great places to go snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. Sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are also trendy water sports in Antigua.
Deep-sea Fishing
Before I jump into talking about the amazing beaches Antigua and Barbuda have to offer, I am going to share some things you can do (besides being a beach bum).
Things TO DO in Antigua and Barbuda
Charter a Yacht
Antigua and Barbuda are exotic, making them ideal locations to charter a luxury yacht. Among all Caribbean islands, they have more anchorages and beaches. Let's just say they have a beach for every day of the year. Yup, 365 amazing beaches.
It's not surprising that Antigua is the forerunner when it comes to Caribbean destinations, and because of this, it features the most exclusive charter yachts. Even the islands nearby offer diverse activities for those cruising on ships.
2. Betty’s Hope
Betty's Hope was the first and the most abundant sugar plantation on the island of Antigua. It stands as a reminder of the role that Antigua played in the British Colonial Era. It was a plantation that helped Britain generate considerable wealth in the Caribbean.
Established in 1674, it was named after the daughter of one of the former owners. The comprehensive visitor’s center and museum educate tourists on the daily lives of slaves on this plantation. It also offers a way to step back into the past and understand Antigua’s rich history.
3. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and Shirley Heights
Nelson's Dockyard, located in English Harbor, served the British Naval Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). It also served as the headquarters for Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson from 1784-1787. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a museum where you can spend a fantastic day out in Antigua.
Shirley Heights is a great hike that you can take from the Dockyard. Shirley Heights is just under 500 feet above sea level, and the summit of this hike allows for views of Guadeloupe island and the active volcanic island of Montserrat, both located just to the south. It is also a prime spot for a great Sunday night party at the Shirley Heights Lookout Bar and Restaurant. For more nightlife fun head to Falmouth and English Harbors.
The BEACH Life
For beach bums, Antigua is heaven on Earth. It has 365 beaches. You can visit one every day of the year. Antigua only measures 20 kilometers long and 17 kilometers wide. The island is brimming with rolling green hills, tall palm trees, and long stretches of sand.
What's your idea of lounging on the beach? Whether you plan to “people watch”, go snorkeling, enjoy windsurfing, or swim in the clear waters, it's all in Antigua. You will find that all beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are open to the public, but there are some hard-to-reach beaches. The desolate beaches are the most beautiful and tranquil ones you can find.
There are beautiful beaches like Half Moon Bay, Dickenson Bay, Galley Bay, and Valley Church. These are just the right places to enjoy sunbathing, water sports with the family, swimming, and snorkeling fun, but there is so much more to do.
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Want to learn a little bit more about Antigua and Barbuda and all they have to offer to their visitors? Check out our amazing destination guide for Antigua and Barbuda (just click on the image below) to get some more ideas on what you can do on your vacation. Then, when you are ready to plan your trip to Antigua and Barbuda, we can help you every step of the way!
Antigua and Barbuda