Antigua and Barbuda Adventure Travel Guide
Antigua and Barbuda
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Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, in the east of the Caribbean. It is one of the Caribbean’s premier tourist destinations, and visitors to the island commonly fall in love with the expansive, winding coastline that boasts a wealth of secluded sandy beaches; the coral reefs attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies 30 miles north. The island is known for its stunning beaches and history of shipwrecks, which made it a scavenger’s paradise! The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, ... (Read more...)
now a nature reserve. Once serving as Britain’s most important Caribbean port - as well as a valuable commercial colony in the sugar trade - the island is steeped in history. The carnival festivities of Antigua’s capital, St. John, commemorate the earliest abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean.
Roughly 17 degrees north of the equator, a warm climate makes Antigua and Barbuda accessible all year round. Temperatures generally range from 25C in the winter to 30C in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the eastern Caribbean islands. The northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September.
Roughly 17 degrees north of the equator, a warm climate makes Antigua and Barbuda accessible all year round. Temperatures generally range from 25C in the winter to 30C in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the eastern Caribbean islands. The northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September.
Yachting
The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht cruising and racing, with constant warm trade-winds and many safe harbours for exploration. The island hosts 'Race Week' in April every year, a major event in the worldwide yachting calendar. Competitors from all over the world flock to Antigua year after year for this once local event to enjoy the party atmosphere and non-stop social scene. The boats involved are packed with Olympic and round-the-world sailors, so it’s a chance to compete with the cream of the crop. Boats are always available for charter; you could easily spend a week cruising around this picturesque Caribbean island! Sister island Barbuda has beaches so long that they dip below the horizon.
Classic Itineraries
The two islands may be in easy reach of each other, but they could be a world apart when it comes to lifestyle. Antigua’s steel drums and lively locals make for an exciting party atmosphere. Here you can dance all night as well as enjoy duty free shopping and watersports. The unspoilt sister island of Barbuda, with its picturesque, pink, sandy beaches and wild bird sanctuaries make this a tranquil paradise for rest, relaxation and complete solitude. No trip would be complete without sailing between the two on the beautiful waters of the Atlantic.
Other Activities
Antigua prospers almost solely on its tourism industry, so there is no shortage of activities for sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, families, or culture-buffs. The country’s coral reefs are famous for their beauty and wildlife. Tourists can snorkel, scuba dive, and fish at any of its beaches. Other watersports include windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming with sting rays! On land, tennis and cricket are popular sports among the locals. Tourists can also visit the beautiful golf courses or bird watch at the island’s many bird sanctuaries. Discover Antigua’s eco-system on one of the popular ‘Seafaris’, and visit off-shore deserted islands, discover hidden caves, capture amazing scenery, and perhaps even get the chance to see a dolphin or a whale!
