Explore the ultimate Caribbean experience in Antigua and Barbuda with our curated guide that highlights the islands' top attractions, most exhilarating activities, and the most stunning beaches you won't want to miss.
Top 20 Attractions in Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua:
Nelson's Dockyard National Park - A historical marina with Georgian architecture, a museum, and gorgeous views.
Shirley Heights - A lookout point offering panoramic views, especially popular for its Sunday sunset parties.
Stingray City - An interactive experience where you can feed and swim with stingrays in a natural environment.
Jolly Beach - A popular beach known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Fort James - A historic fort offering a glimpse into the island's past, as well as stunning views of the harbor.
English Harbour - Known for its yachting and sailing activities, as well as its historical significance.
Dickenson Bay - A bustling beach area with water sports, bars, and restaurants.
Half Moon Bay - A crescent-shaped beach ideal for snorkeling and relaxing, a bit off the beaten path.
Betty's Hope - A historic sugar plantation that offers insight into Antigua's colonial history.
Fig Tree Drive- A scenic drive through Antigua's lush rainforest and agricultural areas.
Barbuda:
Codrington Lagoon National Park - Home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest colonies of frigate birds in the world.
Pink Sand Beach - Famous for its unique pink-hued sands and crystal-clear waters.
Martello Tower - A historic fort and tower that also serves as a museum, offering panoramic views of the island.
Highland House - The ruins of the 18th-century home of the Codrington family, who once owned Barbuda.
Two Foot Bay Caves - Natural limestone caves offering a rugged adventure and historical petroglyphs.
Barbuda Belle - A luxury eco-resort offering solitude and pristine natural beauty.
Spanish Point - A great spot for snorkeling and diving, rich with marine life and coral reefs.
Palmetto Point - An isolated stretch of beach perfect for those looking for tranquility and natural beauty.
Indian Cave - Another fascinating cave system featuring ancient petroglyphs, said to be the work of the island’s earliest inhabitants.
Coco Point - A sandy spit surrounded by azure waters, perfect for picnicking and snorkeling.
Top 20 Activities to do in Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua:
Sailing and Yachting - Enjoy the Caribbean waters by taking part in sailing excursions or even lessons at English Harbour.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life at sites like Cades Reef and Pillars of Hercules.
Beach Hopping - Spend a day hopping between the island's famous 365 beaches.
Hiking and Nature Walks - Explore trails in the rainforest, especially around Fig Tree Drive, to see the island's flora and fauna.
Kayaking - Paddle through mangrove forests or along the coastline for a different perspective on the island.
Deep-Sea Fishing - Try your hand at catching marlin, tuna, and other game fish.
Sunset Viewing at Shirley Heights - Enjoy the incredible view and vibrant social scene, especially on Sunday evenings.
Historical Tours - Visit Nelson's Dockyard and Fort James for a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.
Local Cuisine Tasting - Enjoy local delicacies like saltfish, ducana, and roti at various eateries.
Ziplining - Experience Antigua from above in a thrilling ziplining adventure through the forest canopy.
Barbuda:
Bird Watching at Codrington Lagoon - See the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the world's largest frigate bird colonies.
Exploring Pink Sand Beaches - Take a walk on the iconic pink-hued beaches.
Cave Exploration - Visit the limestone caves at Two Foot Bay, which feature historical petroglyphs.
Snorkeling and Diving - Enjoy the coral reefs and marine life at Spanish Point and Palmetto Point.
Island Tours - Take a guided tour to see the island’s natural beauty and learn about its history.
Fishing - Fish for snapper, grouper, and other local species in Barbuda’s clear waters.
Boat Tours - Explore secluded beaches and hidden coves around the island.
Relaxing and Sunbathing - The less crowded beaches in Barbuda are perfect for a relaxed day in the sun.
Kite Surfing - Take advantage of the island's wind conditions for an exciting kite surfing experience.
Stargazing - The island’s low light pollution makes it an excellent place for stargazing.
Top Beaches in Antigua & Barbuda
The beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are among the Caribbean's finest, known for their powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the best beaches you should consider visiting:
Antigua:
Jolly Beach - Known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, it's one of the most popular beaches and is great for swimming and water sports.
Dickenson Bay - A bustling beach area with numerous bars, restaurants, and water sports options.
Half Moon Bay - This crescent-shaped beach offers quieter surroundings and is perfect for snorkeling and windsurfing.
Darkwood Beach - Known for its calm waters and beautiful sunsets, it's a great spot for swimming and picnicking.
Pigeon Point Beach - A popular choice for families, offering calm waters and various amenities like restaurants and snorkeling opportunities.
Runaway Bay- A quieter beach, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It has lovely golden sands and clear, calm waters.
Galley Bay - Known for its surfing opportunities, Galley Bay also offers a tranquil setting perfect for relaxation.
Ffryes Beach - Offers crystal clear waters and soft white sand, perfect for a tranquil getaway.
Turners Beach - A good beach for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sun and sand with less crowd.
Fort James Beach - Located near a historic fort, this beach is ideal for those interested in combining beach time with a bit of history.
Barbuda:
Pink Sand Beach - This beach is famous for its pink-hued sand, which comes from crushed coral. It’s a must-see.
Coco Point - A long, narrow stretch of beach perfect for privacy and tranquility.
Princess Diana Beach - Named after the late Princess Diana, this beach is secluded and beautiful, offering ultimate privacy.
Spanish Point - Great for snorkeling and diving, this beach offers a more rugged landscape.
Palmetto Point - Known for its wild, untamed beauty, Palmetto Point offers a serene escape.
Castle Bay Beach - A quieter beach perfect for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.
Two Foot Bay - Not just a place for cave exploration, the beach here is also secluded and lovely.
