Antigua & Barbuda Travel Information – Adventures & Things to Do
Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean nation of the Lesser Antilles’ Leeward Islands. Located just north of Guadeloupe and east of St. Kitts/Nevis and Montserrat, the nation also includes dozens of small uninhabited islands. Known as the sailing capital of the English Caribbean and famous for it’s countless number of amazing beaches and excellent cuisine, an Antigua and Barbuda vacation also offers wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, as well as boating and a variety of water sports.
Antigua is fairly round shaped, roughly 14 miles (23km) wide by 11 miles (18km) tall, with over 50 miles (90km) of jagged coastline comprised of beach laden inlets and points. Barbuda is a more oblong, approximately 7 miles (12km) wide and 14 miles (23 km) long. These two main islands are separated by a 25 mile (40km) ferry ride.
Surrounded by coral reefs, the islands are mostly limestone, although Antigua’s hilly south-west has volcanic features. Antigua’s English Harbour is home to historic Nelson’s Dockyard a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a favourable dry climate relative to most of it’s Caribbean neighbours, Antigua & Barbuda travel has plenty to offer those seeking an active vacation.
Check out the activities below – follow their links for more specifics, including Tour Operators who can help you get the most out of your day:
Active and adventurous ‘things to do’ in Antigua & Barbuda:
(click on the highlighted links below for more information on each activity)
- You’ll enjoy Antigua Snorkeling and Antigua Diving around the islands
- Practically surrounded by coral reefs and shipwrecks, it’s just a short boat ride to some of the best places in the Caribbean for underwater adventures. Of course there’s Stingray City – A once in a lifetime experience…
- There’s plenty of Antigua Water Sports to enjoy
- Kayak tranquil mangroves or catch some air windsurfing or kite-surfing. Surfing and Jet Skiing is also available.
- Enjoy Antigua Sailing and Antigua Boating along the coastlines of the islands
- One of the sailing capitals of the Caribbean, Antigua offers great tours as well as opportunities for racing and island hopping experiences
- Antigua Hiking is a great way to appreciate the island’s climate and geography
- Easy and Intermediate level hikes are available – Providing picturesque views of the island & Caribbean Sea from hill-top fortifications and coastal trails.
- Antigua Golf
- There are two gorgeous 18 hole golf courses on the island
- Antigua Cycling & Mountain Biking is a great way to explore the islands
- Cruise scenic coastal roads or more challenging cross-country and hilly routes
- Journey underground and visit Antigua & Barbuda Caves
- Barbuda has some amazing caves worth exploring!
- Experience Antigua Fishing excursions
- Deep Sea fish off Antigua or Bone fish in the shallows of Barbuda
For our “Best of” overview of adventurous things to do in Antigua & Barbuda, click on 8 Fun Antigua Adventures
Other activities and ‘things to do’ in Antigua & Barbuda
There are a variety of attractions, including a number of historical sites to visit on Antigua as well as horseback riding, zip-lining and off-roading for the more adventurous… There’s plenty of sea-faring options as well! Check out “Other things to do in Antigua & Barbuda” for more info, including local tour operators who can help you make the most of your day.
In the mood for a party?
The islands host a number of Festivals throughout the year… Check out the Antigua & Barbuda Festivals and Events calendar for dates, locations and more information.
Make your stay more enjoyable
Check out our local Antigua & Barbuda Travel Info (language, power, currency, weather etc…) that will help you plan your trip.
Looking for good rum in Antigua?
No visit to a Caribbean island would be complete without sampling their local rums. Antigua produce their own brand of rum, steeped in history. Click here to find more information on the Rums of Antigua.
Antigua & Barbuda cares about the environment
Like you, we’re interested in supporting sustainable eco-tourism, and it’s good to know that the twin islands has initiated a number of clean energy initiatives on the island, and offer a number of “green” hotels and tour operators. Check out our Antigua & Barbuda Sustainability page for more info.
With direct flights from the USA, Canada, the UK and Germany, Antigua & Barbuda is easily within reach, so pack your water shoes and snorkel mask and be active in the Caribbean!
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