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By Connie Motz, Marinefuel.com Destination Expert
August 2009
Antigua and Barbuda are two small Caribbean islands located to the east of Puerto Rico. Their capitol is Saint John’s, in Antigua. Both islands have numerous beaches, and those on Barbuda are particularly desirable. English is the country’s official language.
Fast Facts about Antigua & Barbuda
Population: 68,000 & 1,500 on Barbuda
Physical Size: 108 & 68 square miles, respectively
Weather: average year round temperature of 75°F
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Currency: Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar
Entry Documents: Passport
Quick Tips: In the Know
Stores are open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break at noon
If not identified, be sure to ask if the price is EC or USD
Camouflage clothing is prohibited and will be confiscated
Most hotels have 110 and 220 volt electricity available
Marinas
Both Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club (on southern Antigua) provide dockage for boats drawing up to 18’ with banks, restaurants, and shops nearby. The Jolly Harbour Marina on the west coast is a full-service facility that can accommodate vessels up to 260’ complete with on-site repair and maintenance.
Getting Around
With rates of about $50 USD per day, it’s easy to rent a car from any major U.S. rental car company located on the island. For a more informative trip, hire a taxi to take you where you want to go or better yet, hire them for a sightseeing day trip. If you just want to day hop, renting a scooter is another great option.
Where to Stay
Antigua and Barbuda offer a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget. Perfect for couples, Siboney Beach Club is nestled amongst the palms while the Reef View Apartments offer outstanding views with full amenities. Favorite hotels amongst visitors include Curtain Bluff Resort and the wonderfully secluded North Beach Cottages on Barbuda. Popular all-inclusive options include the private resorts of Jumby Bay and Hawksbill.
Where to Dine
The Beach House at Long Bay Hotel in Antigua offers up wonderful lunches, dinners, and a beach BBQ buffet every Thursday with a live steel band. Or for a little romance, enjoy authentic French food at Le Bistro. Try the red snapper and amazing views at OJ’s Bar & Restaurant or the authentic Barbudan food at the Palm Tree Restaurant in Barbuda, both local favorites.
Must Do and See!
Vendors Mall in Saint John’s is the place to haggle for local handicrafts and souvenirs while Heritage Quay Shopping Center is a duty free haven. Original artwork can be purchased at numerous galleries including the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery in Antigua’s tropical rainforest. Best buys on the island include perfume, jewelry, alcohol, and cigars. Must buys include the kicky Susie’s Hot Sauce and the smooth English Harbour rum.
Where to Play in the Day
With 365 beaches to choose from on Antigua, you can enjoy the gorgeous white sand beaches wherever you’d like. Popular playgrounds include Dickenson Bay, Runaway Bay, Fort James, Galley Bay (for surfing), and the nude beach at Hawksbill. On Barbuda, striking pink sand beaches stretching for miles are perfect for beachcombing. Not to be missed attractions include Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, the view from Shirley Heights, Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation, and Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. If you’re driving, take scenic Fig Tree Drive to view coconut groves and sugar mill ruins plus be sure to visit Bethesda Tamarind Tree and Devil’s Bridge. Barbuda offers a number of caves for exploration, spectacular wreck diving, and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Where to Play at Night
Get into the party spirit at the Mad Mongoose or let loose at the Coast Nightclub, hailed as ‘the #1 party location in Antigua.’ On Sunday, the place to party is Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar where the green flash of the sunset is frequently seen. Bumpkins is a favorite local hangout as is the Admiral’s Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard while slots and table games are ever popular at Kings Casino in downtown Saint John’s.
Sources:
2. High Commission for Antigua & Barbuda