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Top Five Caribbean Islands to Visit this Fall

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Active Caribbean Travel

Looking to head south this fall? Here’s where we would go…

If you’re like me, you might not be able to wait until spring to feel the sand beneath your feet and snorkel in the clear, warm Caribbean sea. If you’re thinking of heading south for a warm weather vacation, here’s our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations this October, November or December.

For this article, we first looked at the Caribbean islands that appear to be minimizing the spread of Covid-19 the best, then we evaluated each island’s current Covid related entry requirements for a good balance of safety and convenience. Finally, we took into consideration the historical weather patterns this time of year, prioritizing on the Caribbean islands with the least amount of rain.  It’s kind of difficult to rank order our top choices, so we provide rational for our top 4 Caribbean destinations, and let you decide what destination is best for you. We also listed a few other islands that just missed the cut, in case you need more options. Take a look at our findings below – We hope you enjoy our review!

Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos beaches from Active Caribbean Travel

There are a relatively low number of active Covid cases in Turks & Caicos – around 12 per 10K people.  It’s also encouraging to know that the local vaccination rate is approaching 3 out of 4 locals (having received 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine).  It’s also reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the islands and that restaurants and bars are restricted to 50% normal capacity.

From a historical weather perspective, there’s a very low probability of rain (around 20%) on any given day this time of year.  Even if it does rain, it typically doesn’t rain more than around 3.4mm per month, so it’s not worth worrying about.

Turks and Caicos is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. TCI Assured Travel Authorization is required before travelling. Approval to visit can be acquired on-line by completing a health screening questionnaire, and providing proof of a negative certified COVID-19 test, taken no more than 3 days before arrival, along with verifying travel insurance which covers COVID-19 related medical costs and expenses.

Once you’re on the islands, you are required to wear a mask in public places. Turks and Caicos establishments can be open no later than midnight, and there is a curfew in effect between the hours of 1am and 5am.

For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Turks & Caicos Entry Requirements page.

Turks & Caicos Watersports at Active Caribbean Travel

As for what to do once you’re there, here’s just a taste of what you can enjoy in Turks & Caicos.  The islands are surrounded by white, peach and sand beaches, with plenty of water-sports options like kayaking, SUP (paddleboarding), windsurfing, kiteboarding and even parasailing. Boat operators can also get you to some great fishing and snorkeling spots and of course the islands are an amazing place for scuba diving reefs and deep walls. Grand Turk has a number of historical sites of interest, while there are several amazing national parks and nature reserves on many of the other islands. Turks & Caicos also offer good golfing along with hiking and cycling trails. There’s caves to explore as well.  Enjoy!

For more information about fun and adventurous Caribbean destinations, check out our website, ActiveCaribbeanTravel

Aruba

Aruba Divi Divi tree from Active Caribbean Travel

There are a relatively low number of active Covid cases in Aruba – around 10 per 10K people.  It’s also encouraging to know that the number of cases on the island is on the decline and that the local vaccination rate is relatively high, with close to 3 out of 4 locals having received 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. For those of you from select European Union countries, you’ll be happy to know that Aruba’s entry requirements are less demanding for you, as long as you’re fully vaccinated.  Hopefully, Canada will also be added to that list before long.

From a historical weather perspective, there’s a somewhat low 50%-50% probability of rain on any given day this time of year, however even if it does rain, it typically doesn’t rain much more than 3mm per month, so it’s pretty low risk.

Aruba is currently open to travellers from the US, Canada, Europe and many other places. All visitors are required to follow the Aruba Embarkation/Disembarkation Card process.  This includes completing a Covid related on-line questionnaire, verifying you have Covid related Travel Insurance, along with providing proof of a negative result from a certified molecular Covid-19 test within 3 days of travelling to the island.  If you manage to show up on Aruba’s shores without a negative test result, you will be required to take a Covid test at the airport, followed by a short quarantine period while you wait for the test results.

Fully vaccinated travellers from a few European countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Finland, are not required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test.  For a full list of countries qualifying for this benefit, please check out the links below.

While in Aruba, all visitors (and locals) must wear a mask in any indoor public space such as retail shops, supermarkets, museums, casinos, etc. Masks are also recommended is public places where social distancing is not possible and where there are no physical barriers, such as plexiglass shields, to compensate for social distancing.

Aruba establishments can be open until midnight (1am for casinos), however dancing in restaurants and bars is currently prohibited.  Seating at restaurants is at a maximum of eight per table (excluding children under the age of 12). Public beaches and parking lots are “off limits” to visitors between 7 pm and 5 am.

For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Aruba Entry Requirements page and Aruba’s List of Countries Except from Covid-19 Testing page

Aruba's famous pink flamingo tree from Active Caribbean Travel

Once you’re in Aruba there’s plenty of things to do – here’s just a taste of what you can enjoy.  There’s over a dozen beaches, with soft white sand, all around the island, many with snorkeling and a variety of watersports facilities right on the beach.  Once you’ve had your fill of kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing, you can venture inland to explore unique tropical deserts and caves.  Get in a round of golf, or for the more adventurous scuba divers, you can experience a wild underwater world.  Of course, you can always enjoy time walking and shopping along the colourful streets of Oranjestad!


For information about hiking, snorkeling and other active vacations in the Caribbean, check out our ActiveCaribbeanTravel Adventure page.

Curaçao

Curacao's European vibe from Active Caribbean Travel

There are a relatively low number of active Covid cases in Curaçao – around 16 per 10K of the population.  It’s also encouraging to know that the number of cases is on the decline and that over half of the local population have received 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine.  A minor inconvenience, but as a good precaution, most visitors will need to take a Covid Antigen test on your third day on the island.

From a historical weather perspective, there’s a very low probability of rain (around 30%) on any given day this time of year, and even if it does rain, it typically doesn’t rain more than about 3.6mm per month, so the odds of rain dampening your day is very low.

Curaçao is currently open to travellers from all over the world. While there are exceptions for a few countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, Hungary, and Poland, general requirements for most visitors are to complete the Curaçao Digital Immigration Card and Passenger Locator Card (PLC) online prior to arriving on the island. The process includes verifying a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR-test taken within 48 hours of your flight (or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 24 hours before your flight); along with providing proof of Covid-related medical insurance. Also note that a rapid-result Covid-19 Antigen test will be required on your 3rd day on the island, with the test being scheduled as part of the PLC process. For a full list of countries not requiring proof of a negative Covid test prior to arrival or an Antigen test once on the island, please check out the link below.

While on the island, visitors are asked to socially distance, practice frequent hand hygiene and wear a mask when 2 meters (6 feet) distance cannot be maintained between people.

For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Curaçao Entry Requirements page.

Hiking Curacao with Active Caribbean Travel

As for what to do at this Caribbean destination, here’s a short sampling… There are over two dozen beaches to relax on, several providing opportunities to enjoy Kayaking, SUP (paddleboarding) and windsurfing. Curaçao’s two National Parks showcase the island’s unique Caribbean desert landscape and picturesque coastal inlets, while a visit to one of the numerous plantations/landhouses offer a glimpse of the island’s past. Curaçao is also home to some of the southern Caribbean’s best snorkeling and diving. There are hiking and cycling trails, as well as caves to explore in Curacao. Let’s not forget there’s a couple of golf courses to enjoy as well. Of course, walking and shopping in Curaçao’s historic waterfront district provides you with a little European vibe.


For more fun and adventurous Caribbean vacation destination ideas, check out our ActiveCaribbeanTravel Islands page.

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands with Active Caribbean Travel

There are a relatively low number of active Covid cases in the British Virgin Islands – around 14 per 10K people.  It’s encouraging to know that just over half of the local population has received 2 vaccination doses. It’s also convenient that entry requirements are somewhat less demanding for fully vaccinated travellers.

From a historical weather perspective, there’s a somewhat low 50%-50% probability of rain on any given day this time of year, however even if it does rain, it typically doesn’t rain more than around 4mm – 5mm per month, so not a big concern.

Fully vaccinated travellers must be prepared to show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result (taken within 5 days of travel), along with proof of Covid related Travel Insurance upon arriving in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Prior to travelling, fully vaccinated travellers must register for a rapid antigen test, which will be taken at the airport upon your arrival.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors need to obtain travel authorization via the on-line BVI Gateway Portal prior to travelling to the BVI. In order to be approved, visitors must provide proof of a certified RT-PCR negative test result (taken 3-5 days prior to arrival), along with evidence of Covid related Travel Insurance.  All partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will receive an RT-PCR test on arrival. I assume that there is a short quarantine period while waiting for your test results.

Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Active Caribbean Travel

All travellers are to adhere to COVID-19 protocols while travelling around the British Virgin Islands.  These include relevant physical distancing, wearing masks and sanitization measures.

For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, such as which port of entry you are allowed to use (dependent on vaccination status), please visit the official British Virgin Islands Tourism page, as well as the British Virgin Islands Entry Requirements page.

As for what to do on the islands, here’s just a taste of what you can enjoy once you get there. There’s plenty of white sandy beaches offering a number of swimming and watersports options. Perhaps the best kayaking and SUP (paddleboarding) in the BVIs can be found at Tortola, while kiteboarding and windsurfing might be best experienced on Virgin Gorda. Boat operators can get you fishing around the islands, and spectacular views can be found while hiking the BVI’s National Parks. For a journey back in time, there are museums and ruins of forts and sugar mills. Of course, there’s always plenty of sailing and rum to enjoy in the BVIs!

For more ideas for fun and adventurous activities in the Caribbean, check out our ActiveCaribbeanTravel Excursions page.

FYI – Montserrat, Anguilla and the Cayman Islands almost made our list, however a few conditions need to be improved before they’re included. I’m sure Anguilla will get their peaking Covid cases under control any day now. Once Montserrat increases their local Covid vaccination rate and removes the need for visitors to quarantine, it will be a lush green (although perhaps rainy) alternative. While the Cayman Islands have a relatively high Covid-19 vaccination rate, unfortunately they’re currently struggling with peaking numbers of Covid cases. They also have a quarantine period that makes visiting a bit inconvenient at the moment. All that said, I’m sure these islands will all be near the top of our Top 5-10 list for spring travel – So Stay Tuned!

Now, a couple of disclaimers… Please note that this article was written on October 10th, 2021. Covid-19 information can change pretty quickly, so we recommend you check Covid case counts on your island of choice, right before booking your trip. Also, please be aware that many local tourism-related businesses have been temporarily or permanently shut-down because of Covid, so again we advise that you connect with local tour operators prior to arriving on the island. This can help set expectations appropriately.

FYI – Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps; covidvax.live; weatherspark.Com; and weatherbase.com

Active Caribbean Travel

We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to take a trip to the Caribbean!

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ACT Staff

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Nobody does it better than Barbados, Martinique, Jamaica & St. Lucia

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Caribbean Rum - The many great rhums of Martinique

The Best Islands for Caribbean Rum (in the South)

First created by plantation slaves in the mid 17th century, RUM has come a long way from its humble beginnings…  Originally called “kill-devil” or “rumbullion”, the harsh liquor became a staple drink of pirates, who made “bumbo” by adding water, sugar, nutmeg and/or cinnamon (The first and original ‘spiced rums’).  Infamously, the British Navy gave a daily rum ration or ‘tot’ to its sailors – Eventually watering down the rum and sometimes added lime…  making “grog”.  Fast-forward a few hundred years and now rum is appropriately considered a top-shelf spirit, with premium versions often being compared to much more expensive Scotch whiskies and French cognacs.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhum of the southern Caribbean


While most Caribbean ‘rum’ is still made from fermented molasses (and sugar cane juice froth), a number of French islands produce ‘rhum agricole’ directly from sugarcane juice. Rum is typically distilled in clay, column and/or copper pot stills then aged in oak barrels, usually producing an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof). The type of molasses (light, dark or black-strap), and barrel (whisky and/or spirit) used, as well as any additives (spices / flavourings), will significantly influence the end product’s colour and flavour.



In no particular order (don’t want to start a fight), here’s our view of the best Caribbean rum found in the southern Caribbean, also known as the Lesser Antilles – Windward Islands.

The Rums of Barbados

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum

Bajan Rum has been produced for over 350 years and is generally considered the birthplace of the Caribbean’s liquid gold. Historical records show that rum production on the island was well underway by the mid 1600s, when sugar cane became a major crop of the plantations. Barbados is known for some of the best, and some may say sweeter, tasting rum in the Caribbean – Perhaps it has something to do with the islands’s unique coral make-up, as compared to the volcanic composition of other Caribbean islands.

The big players in Barbados rum include:

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes Mount Gay Extra Old

Mount Gay Rum Distilleries – Founded in 1703, Mount Gay is generally considered the oldest continually operated rum distillery in the world – Some say that Mount Gay is “the rum that invented rum”. Well known around the world, smooth tasting Mount Gay Rums include the nicely aged Eclipse, Black Barrel (produced in small batches), XO (Extra Old aged for 8 to 15 years) and 1703 (Blend of rums ranging from 10 to 30 years old).


The ‘Mount Gay Visitor Experience’ offers a number of different rum tours as well as a tasting room and gift shop – Enjoy the history and heritage of Bajan rum. The main tour provides some rum-making info and viewing of a number of artifacts, photos and short films. There are then several rum tasting options to choose from, including a ‘lunch tour’ and a ‘cocktail tour’.

Foursquare Rum Distillery had it’s start in the early 1900s as R.L. Seale & Company. RL Seale acquired a number of other rum producers in the latter half of the 20th century, consolidating their portfolio at the Foursquare Distillery, a centuries-old sugar and rum facility.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes Foursquare


Foursquare now produces a large number of Caribbean rums including the Doorly’s, Foursquare, RL Seale, SixtySix, ESA Field, Alleyne Arthur, Old Brigand, The Real McCoy and Tommy Bahama brands.


Visitors are welcome to wander the former sugar plantation grounds, now known as the ‘Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park’. Self-guided tours of the factory and museums are available, as is the warm and inviting tasting room, where you can of course, purchase your favourite(s).

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the southern Caribbean - Barbados Rum includes St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is home to one of only three Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. On the grounds of a centuries-old sugar plantation, this ‘micro-distillery’ was (re)born in the 1980s with the purchase of an old steam mill and the full restoration of it’s facilities in 2006.

St. Nicholas Abbey makes a number of fine well aged rums

When you visit the Abbey, take your time and explore the surrounding Gardens and orchids before enjoying the complimentary guided tour of the great house, steam mill and rum distillery. You can then take-part in rum and cane syrup tasting before visiting the gift shop.

The West Indies Rum Distillery has roots back to the late 1800s. With the exception of Mount Gay, the West Indies Rum Distillery has provided base Caribbean rum for all Bajan rum producers over the years. While once famous for their Cockspur and Malibu brands, the distillery now produces the Cockspur, Blue Chair Bay (Kenny Chesney’s line), Kaniche (finished in France in Cognac casks) and Shellback brands among others…

Of course, numerous rum companies around the world use Bajan rums in their “collections”, such as Berry’s, Cayman Reef and the famous Plantation series, while countless others use Barbados rum in their own blends – Most notably, Lamb’s.

For more information on the rums of Barbados, including tours and rum tasting rooms, click on our Barbados Rum page

Jamaica Rum

OK – OK, So Jamaica is a Greater Antilles island, so technically not a “southern” Caribbean island, however we just couldn’t issue our first write-up about rum without showing ‘respect’ to one of the original rum making islands…

Jamaica is home to a large variety of rums – The land of wood & water makes over a 100 different rums… There are dark navy style rums reminiscent of old Port Royal’s privateer and pirate days, there are the currently in vogue over-proof white rums, and of course there are well aged and refined rums with a dry/oaky characteristic. Jamaican rums are known for their unique “funky” flavour – I don’t know about that, they just taste real good to me! From over 10 distillers on the island, here’s a few of our favourites:

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum of the Caribbean with Jamaica Rum

Appleton Estates is the oldest Jamaican sugar estate / distillery and has been in continuous production for over 265 years!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. Jamaica Rum includes Appleton's Rum

Appleton’s produce more than a dozen rums, including some nicely aged varieties such as V/X, a superb 12yr old and a 21yr old. They also make a number of blends (Reserve, Signature and Master) as well as special/limited edition rums.


The ‘Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience‘ offers a visitor center, a small museum, sugar cane fields, and a tour which includes a short film, a guided tour of the facilities, as well as product sampling in their lounge.

Hampden Estate is one of the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica and they believe that “environmental stewardship is the life blood of the distillery” – Here-Here for that! From it’s use of re-cycled steel and water within the facility, to it’s low energy consumption, Hampden is working to become the first distillery on the island with a zero carbon footprint.

Hamden’s signature ‘Smith and Cross’ Navy Strength Rum is a 2 year old blend with a typical Jamaican funk. Other products include Rum Fire (over-proof) and Hampden Gold.

The ‘Hampden Rum Tour’ offers guided outings into the distillery (circa 1753) as well as access to the estate grounds

Worthy Park Estates produces the Rum-Bar brand which includes an Over-proof rum, a Gold (4 yrs) rum along with a Rum Cream

The Money Musk Plantation is one of the island’s oldest sugar estates on the island, currently providing molasses to the National Rums of Jamaica Limited (used by a number of rum producers). The plantation and distillery produce a variety of rums under the Monymusk and Royal Jamaican brand names.

Other great Jamaican rum makers include Wray and Nephew, KRB Lea Jamaica Rums and Myers, among others. Of course, numerous rum companies around the world use Jamaican rums in their “collections”, such as the Berry’s and Plantation series, while countless others use Jamaican rum in their own blends – Most notably, Captain Morgan.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. Jamaica Rum includes Appleton's Rum

For more information on Jamaica rums, including tours and rum tasting rooms, check out our Jamaica Rum page

For more information on the Caribbean island of Jamaica and exciting things to do there, click on our Jamaica Vacations page

St. Lucia Rum

Located in the west coast town of Roseau, 20 minutes south of Castries, is the island’s major rum producer. The St. Lucia Distillers Company has a store front and factory here. Perhaps not that well-known, St. Lucia Distillers produce some of the best Caribbean rum available, winning dozens of awards from various spirits competitions around the world.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum. This includes St Lucia Rum from the Saint Lucia Distillers

The St. Lucia Distillers produce over ten different rums, including varieties of white, flavoured, spiced and aged spirits, as well as rum based liqueurs/cremes. They offer some excellent aged and spiced rums, along with some great premium sipping rums including their 12 yr old ‘Admiral Rodney’ and special edition ‘1931’ rums. Their ‘Chairman’s Reserve’ amber rum is getting the global recognition it deserves – A great rum at a decent price. They also have a couple of unique tasting Spiced rums made with a local aphrodisiac (Bois Bande) as well as (rum purists – hold your nose) their rum creams that are to die for…

The ‘St. Lucia Distillers facility’ includes a retail store, a sampling room and they also offer factory tours.

For more information on Saint Lucia rums, including tours and rum tasting rooms, check out our St. Lucia Rum page

For more information on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and exciting things to do there, click on our Saint Lucia Vacations page

Martinique Rhums

To many fans, Martinique is the rum capital of the Caribbean. With over 10 distilleries and close to a hundred different / wide ranging rhums it’s hard to argue. Martinique produces the French “Rhum Agricole” (translated to ‘agricultural rum’ in English) made directly from sugar cane juice, not molasses, and is commonly produced in different (above 40%) strengths. Similar to wine and brandy making, Martinique distillers commonly refer to their rhums in terms of ‘vintages’ or classifications such as VO (>4yrs old) and VSOP (>10yrs old). It’s important to recognize that, unlike a number of islands today, Martinique rhum is made from locally grown sugar cane – In fact, each region’s “terroir” is a big deal, reflecting the place on the island where the cane was grown. Another great thing about Martinique’s distilleries is that most of them are open to the public, offering plantation/distillery tours, along with rhum tasting and storefronts to purchase the rhum(s) of your choice.

From over 10 distillers on the island, here’s a few of our favourites:

Rhum Saint James has been producing rhum since 1765 and is a long time supplier of rhum agricole to North America. Saint James rhums are pesticide free and their ‘carbon neutral’ distillery operations utilizes internal compost as well as recycled liquids/water – Nice!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes Saint James



The Rhum Saint James distillery produces a large number of white rhums (varying in strength), as well as aged rhums (ranging from a 3yr old to a 15yr old), along with single cask vintage rhums.

The ‘Museum of Rhum Saint James’, located in Sainte-Marie, is open to the public and features a museum, distillery tour, plantation, as well as a large storefront with tasting room.





Clément Estate has been around since the 18th century and is commonly known as the birthplace of rhum agricole. The facilities are now famous for the Clément Foundation, focusing on the arts and the cultural heritage of Martinique. Clement produces a variety of white rhums (varying in strength and sugar cane) as well as some aged rhums (ranging from 1yr old to 30yr old) along with VSOP, Single Cask and Cuvée Homère rhums. They also have vintage rhums from the 1950s and 1970s – Yes you’re reading that correctly, 60 year old rhum!

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes Clement

Eclectic self guided tours (with the aid of audio-guides) are available of Clement’s art exhibits, great house, old distillery museum along with the estate’s large Gardens, which is actually more of a Park. There is of course, also a storefront with rhum tasting. Clement’s facilities are less than a 30 minute drive east of Fort-De-France.

Depaz Blue Cane was originally established in 1651, however the Depaz château and distillery were rebuilt after the Mount Pelee volcano eruption in 1902. Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole is made from the unique “blue cane” sugar grown at the foot of the volcano.

Depaz produces a white rhum along with a VSOP, Extra Old, Prestige XO, a Porto Finish rhum as well as 2002 and 2003 vintage rhums.

Located in Saint-Pierre, ‘Depaz tours’ are available of the château, a museum (with a short film) and include a storefront with tasting. A restaurant is also available on the grounds.

Rhum HSE and the Habitation Saint Etienne’s origins date back to the mid 1800s to a 400 hectare sugar plantation, refinery and distillery. The Foudres HSE is the centre-piece of the estate, with it’s architectural structure representative of traditional Martinique buildings from the period.

Let's explore the best Caribbean rum and rhums of the southern Caribbean. Martinique Rhum includes HSE



HSE produces over 15 varieties of rhum, including some whites and aged (from a 12 month blend to much older vintages) rhums as well as well aged rhums finished in a variety of special whiskey, sherry, wine and Port casks. HSE also makes Special Edition rhums and well aged small batch rhums, including a 2003 vintage and a special 1960 vintage. Wow…

Now host to a multitude of public events, ‘The HSE Foudres’ features a permanent art exhibition and rhum tasting room. HSE has also partnered with a local chocolaterie to create chocolate and rhum pairings – taking rhum tasting to a whole new level.



Other great Martinique rhum distillers include La Mauny, Trois Rivières, Rhum Dillon, La Favorite, A-1710, Rhum JM and Neisson.

For more information on the rhums of Martinique, including tours and rhum tasting rooms, click on our Rhum Martinique page

For more information on the Caribbean island of Martinique and exciting things to do there, click on our Martinique Vacations page


Some might say that the best Caribbean rum one can buy comes from these islands, however we would be remiss not to at least mention that fine rums also come from others in the southern Caribbean – Islands such as Grenada (Clarkes Court Old Grog comes to mind), Trinidad, as well as Guadaloupe and Marie-Galante.

…and don’t worry, the more northerly Caribbean islands will have their day as well – Yes, I’m talking about Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Virgin Islands (both USVI and the BVI). Stay tuned for a separate write-up that these excellent Caribbean rum making islands deserve…


For more enjoyable Caribbean reading… check out our The Islands of the Caribbean page – A great starting point for exploring what the Caribbean Islands have to offer!

ACT Staff

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Antigua & Barbuda’s Top Attractions & Things to Do

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Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!

Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Stingray City & So Much More!

Antigua & Barbuda are a beautiful Caribbean nation in the Leeward Islands just north of Guadeloupe and east of St. Kitts & Nevis. Antigua is famous for it’s 365 white sand beaches, excellent cuisine and rich sailing history. When visiting the Caribbean, it’s always fun to get off the resort and explore what the island really has to offer. In Antigua, that means taking-in great tropical views from historic sites and enjoying nature from both land and sea. Of course, there’s also time to fit in a round of golf as well as a visit to Stingray City. For your next vacation to Antigua and Barbuda, may we suggest you…

Visit Antigua’s Best Attractions (on land)

Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!

Nelson’s Dockyard is probably Antigua’s most popular historical site and a must-see for the history buff. Reminiscent of its 18th-century origins, the humble English Harbour outpost includes a marina, hotel, shops and restaurants. Being around all the ships and history of the area should give you a nice relaxing vibe.

Shirley Heights provides spectacular views of English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and the Caribbean Sea! Once the site of a military lookout and gun battery, this location is now home to the where you can take the most iconic pictures of Antigua.

Devil’s Bridge is an interesting limestone rock formation on the coast of Antigua. Relentless sea waves crashing against small rocky cliffs has over time created a natural bridge, where sections of the under-pinning rock have eroded away. See the blowholes in action at high tide.

Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!

Betty’s Hope is a historical site on the grounds of a 17th-century sugar plantation.  The main feature is the remains of a couple of wind-powered stone mills.  One can imagine life back in the day…

St. John’s Cathedral is an impressive church, both inside and out. The large stone & brick structure seen today has replaced the wood building originally constructed in the 17th century.  Just down the street in the town’s oldest building is the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, with exhibits that outline the history of the islands.

Guarding the mouth of the large bay at St. John’s stands the remains of a pair of military outposts.  Fort James on the northern side of the bay is located next to a long beach and still has stone walls and some cannons. Fort Barrington on the southern coastline is located on a small hilltop with great views of St. John’s and the surrounding bays and beaches. Simply gorgeous!

A couple of other Antigua attractions to consider stopping at includes: Cades Bay Agricultural Station, the home of Antigua’s famous ‘Black Pineapple’; and the Humane Society’s Donkey Sanctuary, always fun for kids of all ages.

For more information on Antigua’s attractions along with a list of tour operators who will show you around, click on our Antigua & Barbuda Land Excursions page

Swim with the Stingrays

Active Caribbean Travel visits Antigua's Stingray City - Come swim with the Stingrays!

Meanwhile, in the water, Stingray City is a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience where you can swim and snorkel with southern stingrays in their natural environment. It’s an exhilarating feeling standing in waist-deep water with the large otherworldly fish swimming around your legs. Of course, you won’t forget what it’s like to hold one of the gentle creatures – Their soft, fur-like wings in your hands!

For a more colourful review of visiting the island’s stingrays, check out our personal Stingray City Antigua Experience blog

 

Check out Antigua from Sea

Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!

The multi-hued blue waters around Antigua is absolutely breathtaking and being on the sea provides a unique perspective of the island.  Appreciate the mainland’s jagged shoreline with its inlets, points and white beaches as well as mangrove forests and multiple off-shore islands.  It’s also the best way to see Antigua’s famous coral and limestone rock formations known as the Pillars of Hercules as well as the coral archway known as Hell’s Gate, up close and personal.  While most of the island is flat limestone, Antigua’s hilly south-west with its volcanic features will really stand out when viewing from the sea.

For a relaxing and enjoyable cruise around Antigua and Barbuda, there are plenty of sailboats available to show you around. To really engage and feel the energy of the sailing scene, time your visit to coincide with the annual ‘Antigua Sailing Week’ which attracts dozens of yachts and hundreds of visitors from around the world to Nelson’s Dockyard for the Caribbean’s top Regatta.

If motoring around the islands in a fast boat is more your thing, there are several motorboat / tour operators that can fill your need for speed. Don’t worry, they’ll slow down for you to enjoy all the attractions…

When sight-seeing from either a sailboat or motorboat, there’ll be opportunities for snorkeling or swimming over a reef / perhaps even a stop at an uninhabited offshore island for a stroll. Of course, watching the sun set from the sea with that someone special is also a unique and wonderful experience.

Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!

For more information on Antigua’s ocean excursions along with a list of boat / tour operators who will get you on the water, click on our Antigua Sailing and Antigua Boating pages

Golf in a Tropical Setting

There are a couple of gorgeous Antigua golf courses to choose from. The Cedar Valley Golf Club is conveniently located near the capital, St. John’s. This 18-hole / par 70 golf course that plays to 6,157 yards is set within tropical trees and has great views of the ocean.  Set on the quieter west side of Antigua in a slightly hilly parkland is the Jolly Harbour Golf Club, an 18-hole / par 71 championship golf course plays to 5,587 yards.

For more information on Antigua’s golf courses, click on our Antigua Golf page

Enjoy Nature in Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua is home to four National Parks that were established to preserve the island’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Things to do in Antigua & Barbuda include historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Forts as well as Stingray City. Also enjoy Golf, Sailing, Boating & Nature!
  • Green Castle Hill National Park and it’s ‘megalith’ rock formations are only accessible on foot
  • Devil’s Bridge (Formerly Indian Town Point) National Park is a limestone rock formation featuring blowholes at high tide
  • Fort Barrington National Park features the remains of a 17th-century hilltop garrison
  • Nelson’s Dockyard National Park encompasses the Dockyard area as well as Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley, Fort George and a number of hiking trails.

Outside of the parks, there are a few locations known to be great for bird watching.  They include Antigua’s off-shore islands, specifically Great Bird Island and Long Island as well as Barbuda’s bird sanctuary, which is home to the largest Frigate Bird colony in the Caribbean.

For more information on Antigua’s natural attractions along with a list of tour operators who will show you around, click on our Antigua & Barbuda Land Excursions and Antigua Hiking pages

Join the Festivities

Antigua’s annual Carnival, billed as “the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival”, includes costumed parades and music including steel-bands and calypso.  Of course there’s always plenty of food fairs and partying throughout the festival…

The annual Antigua & Barbuda International Kite Festival is held at Devil’s Bridge National Park. Watch hundreds of kites flying and dancing in the wind along Antigua’s rocky east coast.

For a full listing of Antigua’s Carnival, Festivals and Events, check out our Antigua & Barbuda Events Calendar page


Want to see more? Check out our Memories of Antigua video on YouTube!

For a more complete review of Antigua & Barbuda Attractions and things-to-do, along with a list of local Tour Operators who can help you get the most out of your day, check out our Things To Do in Antigua page.


If you’re looking for something more active that will raise your pulse rate a bit higher, check out our recommended Antigua & Barbuda Adventures blog

For an overview of the beautiful and diverse islands, click on our Antigua & Barbuda Vacations page

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Why Grenada is our #1 Caribbean vacation destination right now

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Visit Grenada to escape a long COVID winter

If you’re thinking about escaping the cold and grey winter for a warm and sunny Caribbean vacation the next month or so, I’m sure you’re not alone.  But let’s be honest, we’re probably all just a bit hesitant to travel anywhere right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both from a personal health concern, as well as having to deal with the associated restrictions imposed on the travel industry right now.

Visit Grenada to escape a long COVID winter

For me, it’s a mental tug-of-war…  Should I travel or not?  I really want to spend time outdoors feeling the warmth of the Caribbean sun, but I don’t want to get sick and be a risk to others. Well, one thing is for sure – If I’m going to get on an airplane during this pandemic, the destination better be worth it 😉!

Things to do in Grenada

Thinking about the Caribbean, one island stands out to me right now – Grenada! The Spice Island has always attracted me with its uncrowded natural beauty and a long list of fun and exciting things to do.  Yes, Grenada has dozens of wonderful sandy beaches, however I’m looking to experience another tropical hike to one of the island’s many waterfalls, and snorkel the warm Caribbean sea where I can see a unique underwater sculpture park. I would also like to visit Grenada’s historical sites, chocolate factories and a rum distillery or two!

I’ve done my research of the Caribbean, and from a Covid-19 perspective, there are a number of things about Grenada which makes it very attractive right now.  First of all, the island has one of the lowest numbers of Covid-19 cases (*1) in the Caribbean and secondly, Grenada is doing a great job in outlining their travel guidelines in a clear and easy to understand way. They even have a cool Grenadian name for it – Pure Safe Travel.  I’m impressed with how professional everything appears to be managed. It’s also nice that there are direct flights to Grenada from Toronto (my home airport) right now. [UPDATE Feb. 5 2021 – Canada has essentially banned travel to the Caribbean for a while, however Grenada will be my first choice once we can travel again].

One of my favourite aspects about an early 2021 Grenada vacation is that tourists are allowed to enjoy what the island has to offer, once we successfully pass an on-island PCR test after an initial 4-day hotel quarantine.  I love to explore Caribbean islands, enjoying tourist attractions and experiencing local adventures – The last thing I want is to be stuck at the hotel for the whole vacation.  Staying safe in Grenada is made easy with the Ministry of Health’s approved “Pure Safe Accommodations” list – We’re talking over 50 places to stay on the island, including hotels, villas, cottages, resorts, lodges, and even apartments.

The Grenada Authorities has also provided a list of “Pure Safe Attractions” and another list of “Pure Safe Tourism Services”.  Visitors can experience everything from a chocolate factory/store, rum distillery, spice/flower gardens and estates as well as nature/forest reserves.  There are also national parks with waterfalls along with historic Fort Frederick.  For the more adventurous (like me), there’s snorkeling & diving, kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding, water-skiing, wakeboarding/tubing, sailing, and boating as well as golfing to be enjoyed.

Things to do in Grenada

Of course, just like the rules you probably have at home, every visitor to Grenada is expected to comply with local COVID-19 related regulations when in public places – This includes wearing a facemask, practicing physical distancing along with plenty of hand washing/sanitizing.  Here are some of the things visitors to Grenada can expect with the current COVID-19 regulations.

  • Obtain a Pure Safe Travel Certificate in order to visit Grenada
  • Provide results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test 3 days before travel to the island
  • Show proof of a 7-day (or more) reservation at an approved Pure Safe Accommodation
  • Download Grenada’s contact tracing app and register prior to travel (Currently only available for Samsung users / iPhone users are currently exempt from this requirement)
  • Undergo a health screening on arrival (symptom review, temperature checks, and testing if deemed necessary)
  • Undergo an on-island PCR test on day 4 of your visit. This allows you to enjoy more of what the island has to offer (Day 1 starts the day after your arrival in Grenada)

For more detailed information about Grenada’s COVID-19 requirements, please carefully review the instructions found at the Grenada Ministry of Health’s official website:

https://www.gov.gd/

This website also includes the links you’ll need to fulfill all travel requirements to enter Grenada.


For a more detailed look at ‘Pure Grenada’, along with fun ideas for things to do on the islands, take a look at our Grenada Vacations page

For more of what the Caribbean has to offer, check out our Caribbean Excursions page…

If you’re looking for the best Caribbean island to experience your favourite outdoor activity, check out our Caribbean Adventures page.

ACT Staff

(*1) Reference:  Worldometers’ COVID-19 data. As of January 9th 2021, Grenada is one of the 2 or 3 major Caribbean islands with the fewest number of COVID-19 cases and is one of the safest countries globally as well.

  • #197 of 220 countries worldwide – For quantity of active cases
  • #161 of 220 countries worldwide – For quantity of active cases relative to population