Top 10 things to do in Antigua
It is famously said that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year. So, the sun worshippers amongst us will have no shortage of beautiful spots to while away the days topping up that tan. With that being said, however, there is much more to this Caribbean island than just sun, sea, and sand. Visitors to the idyllic paradise will find that Antigua boasts an incredibly diverse holiday experience, providing you can drag yourself away from those 365 beaches!
From historic tours to nature-orientated excursions, fine-dining experiences, and adrenaline-fueled activities, Antigua might be a small island but it punches above its weight in terms of things to do. In fact, with so many appealing options on offer, the choice can be somewhat overwhelming. So, to make life easier, we’ve come up with a list of the top 10 things to do in Antigua.
Travel Back In Time On A Historic Sightseeing Tour
There is no better way to get to know the island and her people than by taking a look back at Antigua’s history. A sightseeing tour is a great way to visit historical monuments and get an insight into the island’s complex past. From Nelson’s Dockyard National park to the Shirley Heights lookout and the Blockhouse Ruins, taking a step back in time allows visitors to get a more in-depth understanding about Antigua’s history and culture. If The Inn At English Harbour is your home away from home during your holiday, a boat trip to Nelson's Dockyard is steps away from your bed.
Take To The High Seas On A Boat Tour
One of the best ways to find your bearings is to take a boat tour around the island. Admire English Harbor and see Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. A stroll around Admiral’s Inn and the Sailmaker’s Loft provides a nice break, while a visit to the Blockhouse Ruins the overlook the mighty Atlantic is a great opportunity to take in some stunning views.
Be Tarzan For The Day With A Zip-line Tour
Have you ever wished you could swing from one tree to the next like Tarzan. Well, now you can. There is no better way of exploring Antigua’s lush rainforest than via a zip-line tour. While a full canopy tour experience lasts 2 and half hours, you can also opt for a shorter 45 minute tour if you’re not sure your nerves will handle the full course.
Get Up Close And Personal With The Stingrays
A highlight of any trip to Antigua has to involve a visit to Stingray City. Take a speedboat out to see southern rays in their natural habitat. Crystal clear waters allow you to see straight to the bottom of the reef where the rays bury themselves in sand. You’ll even get a chance to feed these massive creatures and if you’re lucky you might even get a glimpse of a hawksbill turtle.
Hike Shirley Heights For A View Worth The Climb
For a spectacular view overlooking the English Harbor, lace up those hiking boots and take a walk up to Shirley Heights. What was once a military complex is now the most wonderful spot to watch the sunset. From around 4pm every Sunday, visitors can enjoy a musical interlude from some local bands as they watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand.
Explore The Pillars of Hercules
The spectacular rocks pillars have been formed over thousands of years by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The stunning beaches that surround the pillars are a great place for both snorkelers and divers. To see the Pillars of Hercules from another angle take the hiking trail which begins at Galleon Beach. While it does involve scrambling over some rocks, the views will certainly be rewarding.
See Awe-Inspiring Bird Colonies At The Frigate Sanctuary
Head to Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda to visit one the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds. With more than 2500 of the black-feathered friends roosting amid the mangroves, it truly is a vision to behold. Visitors will need to take a licensed sea taxi from Codrington jetty to reach the lagoon.
Discover The Island On The Back of A Buggy
For a fun way to get off the beaten track and discover relatively unknown parts of the island, take a buggy explorer tour. These off-road vehicles will allow you to access the rainforest and navigate tough terrain to reach the Body Ponds and some of the more secluded beaches of Antigua.
Take To The Skies On A Helicopter Ride
For a truly unique way to see the island take to the skies with scenic helicopter tours. Soaring above the clouds, you’ll get a panoramic view of Antigua from the air and see the island’s volcanoes from a spectacular vantage point. A helicopter tour will be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish in years to come.
Splash That Cash On Duty-Free Shopping
Finally, before it's time to say goodbye to island life, be sure to find yourself a few souvenirs to remind you of your travels. Redcliffe Quay is a great place for art fans as you can peruse the galleries, boutiques and souvenir stalls to your heart’s content. If you’re after a more local experience be sure to check out St John’s Market on Saturday morning. It’s another great spot to pick up handcrafted items and taste local delicacies.
Clearly, there is no shortage of things to do in Antigua. Whether you want to enjoy time getting to grips with the island’s past or do something a little more active like taking to the hiking trails or exploring the jungle on a 4x4 buggy, Antigua attractions will rarely disappoint. What’s more there are also seasonal highlights to take note of such as the Mango Festival in June and the Carnival which takes place at the end of July. So whatever your preference be sure to prioritize and make sure you include some of the items on this list within your holiday itinerary.
Haven't decided yet on where to stay during your Antigua holiday? Read this article to discover the best Antigua resorts!
