10 Things to Do on Your Antigua Vacation
An-tih-gwah? An-tee-gwah? An-tee-gah? — No matter how you pronounce it, this small island sitting pretty in the middle of the Caribbean is effortlessly irresistible to visitors of all kinds. Whether you’re in search of desert island romance, fierce sailing competition, or unique cultural experiences, Antigua is a world-class travel destination that does not disappoint.
There are so many delightful things to see and do along Antigua’s 54-miles of exquisite coastline and throughout the 365 secluded islands and cays. Here are some of our top picks to consider when planning your picture perfect Antigua vacation…
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2016, 273-year old Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is Antigua’s most popular sightseeing attraction, where you can enjoy beautiful historic architecture, multiple restaurants, and the Dockyard Museum.
Dickenson Bay
The island’s most popular and bustling beach – and hub for Antigua’s active windsurfing scene – Dickenson Bay is chock-full of resort hotels, laid-back beach bars, and watersports rental facilities. Just off the coast of the busy bay, discover a few uninhabited islands that are home to a one-mile long coral reef, which makes for a superb snorkeling site.
Fort Barrington
For a scenic and historically-signficant excursion on land, venture on the 10-minute hike to Fort Barrington at Deep Bay, which is just a short southbound sail from Dickenson Bay. Sitting atop Goat Hill, the over 230-year old ruins of Fort Barrington will transport you back in time and reveal spectacular views of Antigua’s second-to-none sailing paradise.
Antigua Sailing Week
As the world-renowned “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean”, avid sailors and racing lovers retreat to Antigua every year for a week of exciting regatta action and great memories. This year, Antigua Sailing Week 2018 is being held from April 28th – May 4th.
Galleon Beach
Located near the entrance to English Harbour, Galleon Beach is as beautiful as it is diverse, featuring an array of facilities, pristine snorkeling conditions, and multiple trails, including the one that leads to the eroded cliff formations known as the Pillars of Hercules.
Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament
For the sport-fishing enthusiasts, the Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament, being held from May 19 – 20 in 2018, serves up a family-friendly weekend of fun-in-the-sun with lots of great seafood to eat.
Shirley Heights
A must-see Antigua attraction, the summit of Shirley Heights offers magnificent panoramic views once you’ve completed the scenic hike up. On Sundays the Lookout Bar & Restaurant becomes a local party hot-spot with live music, Caribbean barbecue, and bottomless rum punches.
Cades Bay Pineapple Farm
Plan to visit the Cades Bay Pineapple Farm, where the succulent aroma of Antigua’s very own rare species of pineapple fills the air. The locally-cultivated Antigua Black Pineapples are said to be the sweetest in the world, featuring a distinctive golden color and lower acidity levels that you must taste for yourself.
Antigua and Barbuda Mango Pineapple Culinary Competition
From June 29 – July 1, 2018, professional chefs put their skills to the test when the Caribbean islands host them for the annual Antigua and Barbuda Mango Pineapple Culinary Competition, which is conveniently open to visitors and spectators.
Great Bird Island
Great Bird Island is an offshore paradise for yacht charterers, as well as a natural safe haven for a variety of endangered wildlife species, including red-billed tropic birds and West Indian whistling ducks. The scenery is breathtaking and the snorkeling is remarkable.
From the infinite enjoyments found at the premier Jolly Harbour Marina to the many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered throughout the cruising grounds, there is a plethora of things to see and do in Antigua, especially aboard a private vacation platform that allows you and your favorite travel crew to explore freely on your own clock and compass.
Contributor
Leslie Montenegro
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