April 17, 2024
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA
It is famously said that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year. So, the sun worshippers amongst us will have no shortage of beautiful spots to while away the days topping up that tan. With that being said, however, there is much more to this Caribbean island than just sun, sea, and sand. Visitors to the idyllic paradise will find that Antigua boasts an incredibly diverse holiday experience, providing you can drag yourself away from those 365 beaches!
From historic tours to nature-orientated excursions, fine-dining experiences, and adrenaline-fueled activities, Antigua might be a small island but it punches above its weight in terms of things to do. In fact, with so many appealing options on offer, the choice can be somewhat overwhelming. So, to make life easier, we’ve come up with a list of the top 10 things to do in Antigua.
1
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ON A HISTORIC SIGHTSEEING TOUR
There is no better way to get to know the island and her people than by taking a look back at Antigua’s history. A sightseeing tour is a great way to visit historical monuments and get an insight into the island’s complex past. From Nelson’s Dockyard National Park to the Shirley Heights lookout and the Blockhouse Ruins, taking a step back in time allows visitors to get a more in-depth understanding about Antigua’s history and culture. If The Inn at English Harbour is your home away from home during your holiday, a boat trip to Nelson’s Dockyard is steps away from your bed.
2
TAKE A BOAT TOUR
One of the best ways to find your bearings is to take a boat tour around the island. Admire English Harbour and see Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. A stroll around Admiral’s Inn and the Sailmaker’s Loft provides a nice break, while a visit to the Blockhouse Ruins overlooking the mighty Atlantic is a great opportunity to take in some stunning views.
3
SEE ANTIGUA'S TROPICAL FOREST WITH A ZIP-LINE TOUR
Have you ever wished you could swing from one tree to the next like Tarzan? Well, now you can. There is no better way of exploring Antigua’s lush rainforest than via a zip-line tour. While a full canopy tour experience lasts two and a half hours, you can also opt for a shorter 45-minute tour if you’re not sure your nerves will handle the full course.
4
GET UP CLOSE WITH STINGRAYS
A highlight of any trip to Antigua has to involve a visit to Stingray City. Take a speedboat out to see southern rays in their natural habitat. Crystal clear waters allow you to see straight to the bottom of the reef where the rays bury themselves in sand. You’ll even get a chance to feed these massive creatures and if you’re lucky you might even get a glimpse of a hawksbill turtle.
5
HIKE SHIRLEY HEIGHTS FOR A VIEW WORTH THE CLIMB
For a spectacular view overlooking the English Harbour, lace up those hiking boots and take a walk up to Shirley Heights. What was once a military complex is now the most wonderful spot to watch the sunset. From around 4pm every Sunday, visitors can enjoy a musical interlude from some local bands as they watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand.
6
EXPLORE THE PILLARS OF HERCULES
The spectacular rock pillars have been formed over thousands of years by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The stunning beaches that surround the pillars are a great place for both snorkellers and divers. To see the Pillars of Hercules from another angle, take the hiking trail which begins at Galleon Beach. While it does involve scrambling over some rocks, the views will certainly be rewarding.
7
VISIT BARBUDA FOR THE DAY
Head to Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda to visit some of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in the world. Featuring pink sand and miles and miles of crystal clear waters. Visit the famous beach bar Shak-a-kai for a cocktail and grilled lobster, or treat yourself to a luxurious day at Nobu, the world-famous restaurant. There is also one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds on island, with more than 2,500 of the black-feathered friends roosting amid the mangroves.
8
TAKE TO THE SKIES ON A HELICOPTER RIDE
For a truly unique way to see the island, take to the skies with scenic helicopter tours. Soaring above the clouds, you’ll get a panoramic view of Antigua from the air and see the island’s volcanoes from a spectacular vantage point. A helicopter tour will be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish in years to come.
9
SAIL THE CARIBBEAN WATERS
English Harbour is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated sailing destinations. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or looking for a leisurely day on the water, there are options to suit every level. Charter a yacht for the day, join a sunset cruise, or time your visit to coincide with Antigua Sailing Week in April for an electrifying atmosphere.
10
SPLASH THAT CASH ON DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Before it’s time to say goodbye to island life, be sure to find yourself a few souvenirs to remind you of your travels. Redcliffe Quay is a great place for art fans as you can peruse the galleries, boutiques and souvenir stalls to your heart’s content. If you’re after a more local experience, be sure to check out St John’s Market on Saturday morning. It’s another great spot to pick up handcrafted items and taste local delicacies.
SO MUCH TO DISCOVER
Clearly, there is no shortage of things to do in Antigua. Whether you want to enjoy time getting to grips with the island’s past or do something a little more active like taking to the hiking trails or exploring the jungle on a 4×4 buggy, Antigua attractions will rarely disappoint. What’s more, there are also seasonal highlights to take note of such as the Mango Festival in June and the Carnival which takes place at the end of July. So whatever your preference, be sure to prioritise and make sure you include some of the items on this list within your holiday itinerary.
Haven’t decided yet on where to stay during your Antigua holiday? Read our guide to discover why The Inn is the best boutique resort in Antigua.
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