The Segmental Info System

Welcome to Antigua

The Antigua Guide is your comprehensive travel guide to the tropical nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Friendly people, gorgeous weather, 365 beautiful beaches, and a wide selection of accommodations draw visitors to these sister islands. Whether they prefer the more varied vacation options offered on Antigua, or the quiet beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Barbuda, travelers can find the perfect mix of activities and relaxation.

 

Antigua boasts some of the best weather you'll find anywhere, making any time of year the perfect time to visit.  We offer detailed month-by-month data, so you can know exactly what to expect and what to pack. Because average temperatures are always pleasantly warm, this tropical paradise is a haven from colder climates in winter, and a lovely beach destination in summer. The island also experiences low rainfall and few hurricanes, so if you want balmy breezes and sunny skies, Antigua is the perfect place to take your vacation. More...

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Whether you are the type who prefers to spend your days sailing or on the town seeking the best shopping deals, Antigua has what you're looking for.  Popular activities include golf, fishing, and tennis.

Diving and Snorkeling

A diving or snorkeling trip in Antigua allows you to explore all the lies beneath – including haunting shipwrecks, colorful reefs, and varied sea life.

Nightlife

There is more to Antigua’s nightlife than bars and clubs.  Head to Shirley Heights Lookout for a night of beachside barbecue and socializing, or stop in to one of the island’s many cafes for hot coffee, art displays, and open-mic nights.

Events and Festivals

The Caribbean’s most popular festival, Carnival, brings fun and excitement to Antigua in July or August of each year.  Events incorporated into the festival are parades, beauty pageants, and street parties throughout the island.  Others you won't want to miss include the annual Round the Island Race and the International Kite Festival.

 

Before you go, put some time into the best homework assignment of your life: learning more about this gorgeous island.  Anticipating costs and expenses can help make your vacation stress-free, and ensure that you bring along enough cash for souvenirs and incidentals...

When to Go

Any time is a great time to be in Antigua, but if you're searching for a great deal - or a lively party - there are certain seasons meant for you...

Clothing and Attire

While swimsuits and flip flops work for the Antiguan beaches, more formal clothing is appropriate elsewhere.  Bring along a nice dress or a sports coat for a dinner out...

 

Currency and Credit Cards

While the official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, major credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted...

Customs

Make sure you register your personal big-ticket items such as laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, and watches with customs before you arrive in Antigua.  This will prevent you from having to pay duty taxes on them upon your return to your home country...

 

More topics:

 

Driving Passports
Electricity Postal Services
Embassies Telephones
Health and Medical Time Zones
Hours of Operation Tipping

 

Travelers eager to see every inch of Antigua will find many ways to get around.  Rental cars allow the most independent travel, since you will be able to drive yourself wherever the wind takes you, but with so many new sites to look at, the appeal of taxis is also undeniable. Local buses are a good way to meet people and save money at the same time, while both bikes and ferries offer visitors a great way to see the island from a new perspective.

Ferries and Boats

Only one ferry service runs out of Antigua and Barbuda, the Barbuda Express, which runs between St. John's and Barbuda five days a week.

Buses

Most buses in Antigua are actually privately owned mini-vans.  You can find their scheduled routes by checking out the listing on each vans front window. 

Taxis

Taxis in Antigua are not metered, but have set fees regulated by the taxi cab association.  Despite these regulations, it is always a good idea to discuss fare with your cab driver before taking off.

 

Flying or taking a cruise are the main options, but you might also consider sailing -- there's a reason why the island's annual reggata is word famous.  Each option has its own unique advantages, of course, so read up to find the transportation method that best fits your vacation style...

 

 

Your individual style goes a long way in helping you to determine where you'll stay once you arrive on the island. Regardless of whether you prefer the convenience of a large hotel or an all inclusive resort, or the extra space and convenience afforded by a rental condominium or villa, one thing is certain: you won't  run out of choices...

 

Find the perfect hotel using our powerful advanced search tool.


 

The culture and population of Antigua owes much to the African slaves who worked on the island's once-prosperous sugar plantations. Most islanders are descended from slaves, and their music, artistic traditions, and Carnival celebrations bear many African influences. The British also left their stamp on the country, especially in sports and religion. Since the demise of the sugar industry, tourism and agriculture have formed the backbone of Antigua's modern economy...

History

Despite being discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Europeans did not inhabit Antigua until more than a century later.  Still, the islanders fought for their independence ferociously for years...

Economy

Although Antigua once relied on agriculture as it's main source of industry, government jobs and tourism are the tops at present...

Crime

Crime against tourists in Antigua are rare, but you can take precautions to ensure you remain safe during your trip.  Don't walk the streets alone at night, utilize your hotel's safe, and don't flaunt large sums of money...

 

Culinary Styles

Vacationers will find plenty of European and American food available on Antigua, often given a West Indian flair, using local ingredients.   Of course, sampling traditional local favorites will give you a better taste of the island. Seafood dishes like blackened fish and salted codfish with tomato sauce are beloved by islanders, as well as barbecue chicken and roast suckling pig.  Roti, callaloo, and pepperpot stew are other Antiguan specialties. And don't miss out on all the delicious tropical fruits...

Restaurants

Restaurants on the island serve a wide variety of cuisines. Whether you want to sample West Indian delights, international fare, or favorite American foods, you'll have no trouble finding the right place to dine. To try one of the island's many top-notch restaurants, study our detailed restaurant guide, or just head to St. John's. On Sundays, hotel restaurants may be your best bet, since many local places are closed...

 

Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda are typified by the laid back lifestyle on the islands.  Meander through the botanical gardens, tour the historical sites, or spend each day of the week at a different beach, including well-known ones like Dickenson Bay or Half Moon Bay. There are plenty of other attractions as well...

Casinos

Take your chances at a casino in Antigua.  Casinos on the island run the gamut, from large, glitzy facilities to modest clubs with slot machines. 

Beaches

Antigua's vacationers can stay for a year and never visit the same beach twice.  With 365 beaches, the island of Antigua is the one place where every type of traveler can find the perfect beach for them.