20 Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda: A Visitor’s Perspective

antigua and barbuda two or more applicants
Contents

Antigua and Barbuda is famous for its pristine beaches, tropical greenery, azure, blue waters, and celebrity resorts, drawing many foreign visitors to explore the best things to do there. We spent three weeks exploring the island nation this summer and saw it all. So, keep reading as we share our thoughts on 20 of the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda. 

20 Top Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

Discover historical landmarks to visit Antigua and Barbuda

1. Nelson’s Dockyard

Nelson’s Dockyard is part of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and the Antigua Naval Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the Dockyard contains buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, all have been fully restored. It has the Dockyard Museum, shops, hotels, and other businesses.

antigua nelson's dockyard

The working Georgian dockyard offers views of the surrounding area, a beautiful harbor, and historic symbols of the former British colony, like Fort Berkeley and the Middle Ground Trail. Named after Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, it also holds the Admiral’s House Museum and Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, which provide more history about Antigua and Barbuda.

“We visited the dockyard on Friday and booked the Rum in the Ruins tour at Dow’s Hill Fortification and Clarence House tour for $25 (it’s also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $20). The talks on the island’s history, archaeology, and conservation were insightful.”

2. Fort James

Only 9.4 km from the airport, Fort James is located in Fort Bay on the northwest coast of Antigua. The fort is one of 40 the British built in Antigua between the 17th and 18th centuries to protect the island from invaders.

As one of the most popular attractions in Antigua and Barbuda, you can still see the famous Fort James cannons, each weighing 2.5 tons. Don’t miss the foundation stone, laid with full Masonic honors in 1739.

“We walked up the small hill to the fort from the end of Runaway Bay and learned more about the Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural traditions during the colonial age.”

3. Martello Tower, Barbuda

One of the tallest buildings in Barbuda, the 17-meter-high Martello Tower is also one of the best places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda. It is a key landmark that offers a further peak into the island’s history.

martello tower antigua

The British built these towers across the Caribbean in the 19th century to protect their territory from invaders. Even after Hurricane Irma landed on the island in 2017, Martello Tower remained unscathed.

“Visiting the tower is easy if you don’t have your own car. We took a ferry to River Wharf in Codrington, Barbuda, and numerous taxi drivers offered to drive us to the site and back in time to catch the late afternoon ferry back to Antigua.

4. Falmouth Harbour

Located on the south coast of Antigua, Falmouth Harbour is a natural harbor shaped like a horseshoe. If you want to explore Antigua by water, Catch the Cat Antigua offers a yacht charter service to the harbor. Like many places in Antigua, Falmouth Harbour has restaurants and fantastic island views.

falmouth antigua barbuda

The harbor’s features and approved developments like The Beaches Houses have encouraged many foreign nationals obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment through buying real estate.

“We booked a skippered yacht excursion with Dream Yacht Worldwide from their base in Jolly Harbour Marina and sailed along Antigua’s coastline, which included Falmouth Harbour and Fort Charles in the middle of the bay.”

Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide

dominica citizenship by investment programme

Visit one of the island’s 365 beaches

5. Dickenson Bay

Only 11.2 km from the airport and located near Cedar Grove in Antigua, Dickenson Bay is the heart of the namesake island and a must-visit for an Antigua itinerary. Famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this is an excellent spot for snorkeling. Packed with beach bars and beachside restaurants like Putters Bar and Grill and Salt Plage, it has a lively night scene for visitors.

dickenson bay antigua and barbuda

Dickenson Bay is also home to the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, voted “World’s Most Romantic Resort.” You can try water sports or take a boat tour with local Antigua tour companies like CocoVibes Tours.

“We spent an afternoon at Kon Tiki Bar and Grill, one of the most popular beachfront bars on the island, and tried their famous in-house rum punch and coconut shrimp dish.”

6. Galleon Beach

One of the most picturesque Antigua beaches, Galleon Beach, is located in Freemans Bay, English Harbour. Although this stunning beach is off the beaten path (access is only by car from English Harbour), it still attracts many visitors.

 

galleon beach antigua barbuda

From tropical flowers and trees to soft white sand beaches and the picturesque Jones Valley Trail, Galleon Beach is surrounded by natural beauty. If you love sea turtles, don’t miss the Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery nearby.

Beach lovers should check out beach bars like Loose Cannon Beach Bar and Academy of Rum and soak up the sun in waterfront resorts like Moondance Antigua and The Inn at English Harbour.

“I tried snorkeling with Bernie’s Snorkeling Antigua W.I, a local tour company, and it was a relaxing experience without a crowd. They also offer other water activities like body surfing and diving.”

7. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, shaped like a crescent moon, is surrounded by coral reefs, greenery, and turquoise waters. It has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

half moon beach antigua and barbuda

The southeastern tip of Antigua is the best place to try snorkeling. Half Moon Bay is popular for Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment as the bay draws many windsurfers seeking big waves and sunseekers who enjoy the calm waters of its shores.

“While we didn’t take up any activities during our visit, it was the perfect beach to relax for an afternoon before tackling more intense activities.”

8. 17 Mile Beach, Barbuda

One of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in Antigua and Barbuda, 17 Mile Beach in Low Bay on Barbuda, appeals to visitors looking to add something unique to their Antigua and Barbuda itinerary.

17 mile beach antigua and barbuda

To visit the beach, you can take a boat tour with companies in Antigua, like Adventure Antigua Tours. CalvinAir Helicopters also offers an Antigua and Barbuda helicopter ride to view the beach from above.

“We took the 26-minute helicopter ride with CalvinFort Air Helicopters, and the views were amazing. We saw all of Antigua’s beaches, including Fort James Beach, Cades Reef, Devil’s Brish, and the Pillars of Hercules.”

Get active with island adventures in Antigua and Barbuda

9. Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours

With ten zip lines, two suspension bridges, and nine rope challenges, you can explore Antigua’s lush green rainforests through Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours. The canopy tour comprises cross-suspension bridges, tree houses, and a vertical descent.

woman zipline

The ziplines are safe for everyone, from kids to senior citizens. As you zip line across the rainforest canopy, you’ll see all sorts of vegetation, including rubber trees, mahogany, giant bamboo, climbing vines, and orchids.

“While I’m not an adrenaline junky, it was worth whizzing through the rainforest on the Canopy Tour’s six zip line package. Each zip line offers a unique birds-eye view of the rainforest. I would advise visiting when there are no cruise ship passengers as it can get relatively crowded.”

10. Antigua Paddles Eco Kayak Tour

Launched by Conrad and Jennie La Barrie, the Antigua Paddles Eco Kayak Tour includes a ride on a motorboating to Codrington Lagoon, where you’ll jump on a kayak wading through small islets to explore the Flashes Mangroves Forest. The tour includes a guided nature walk trail across the North Sound Marine Park.

two mem kayaking

“Antigua Paddles Eco Kayak tour appeared physically demanding at first, but it was one of our easiest tours. The calm waters took little energy to paddle through, and the guide didn’t rush us along the tour route.”

11. Antigua and Barbuda helicopter tours

If you want to see everything from above, ride with Antigua and Barbuda helicopter companies like CalvinAir Helicopters and Blue Harbour Helicopters Ltd.

Adventurers can opt for the Heaven and Earth Experience, which includes both land and air tours or the Montserrat Volcano Tour, which gives you an aerial view of the island’s volcano.

“The CalvinAir Helicopters tour was one of the best things we did in Antigua and Barbuda as the accessibility and ease of viewing Antigua’s stunning coastline isn’t something you can experience in any other way.”

12. DiveCarib

If you love to dive or want to see the underwater world, DiveCarib offers multiple scuba diving activities. They have diving tours all over Antigua, including beginner-level programs and PADI courses for more advanced divers. DiveCarib’s expert guides visit popular spots like Red Rocks, Black’s Point, and Rendezvous Bay.

man diving

“I’ve scuba-dived in several Caribbean islands, and DiveCarib offered the best experience. We did the four-hour morning dive tour from English Harbour, and one of the company’s PADI professionals took the time to point out the island’s underwater wildlife and coral reefs to us.”

Explore Antigua and Barbuda’s natural wonders

13. Stingray City, Antigua

Stingray City on Antigua’s east coast is an adventure of a lifetime. If you are brave enough, take the speedboat ride to Stingray City, a shallow pool in a bed of tropical reefs with over 100 stingrays.

You can feed, swim, or snorkel with the friendly stingrays, a unique Caribbean experience.

stingray

“We opted for a boat taxi rather than a speedboat tour for more time flexibility. We paid a $50 entry fee to enter the site, and everything was relatively straightforward, including swimming with the stingrays and learning more about their biology and habitat from local guides in the water.”

14. Barbuda Caves

Since limestone is prevalent on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, you’ll find many limestone caves. Darby’s cave is one of the most impressive of the island’s caves, at 70 feet deep and 300 feet wide.

barbuda caves in antigua and barbuda

The cave is a sinkhole and one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Barbuda. In addition to Darby’s Cave, you can also visit the Indian Cave, Dark Cave, and Two Foot Bay.

Watch out for iguanas, tropical birds, crabs, and bats when exploring Two Foot Bay. If you visit the Dark Cave two miles south of Darby Cave, you might see unique species of amphipod, blind-eye shrimp, and various species of bats.

“It took us 40 minutes to hike to Darby’s Cave with a local guide called Calvin. We found the sinkhole and rock formations super interesting as they completely contrasted Antigua’s topography.”

15. Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge National Park is a natural limestone formation in Indian Town National Park, a must-see in Antigua.

The park around Devil’s Bridge has various hiking trails and birdwatching viewpoints. Over 36 species of birds can be seen sunbathing in the park.

devils' bridge in antigua and barbuda

“We drove 45 minutes from Dickenson Bay to the bridge, and the road along the route offered incredible views with plenty of spots to stop and take in Antigua’s pristine coastline.”

16. Mount Obama

Previously known as Bogey Peak, Mount Obama was named after former US President Barack Obama in August 2009 to honor his election as the first African American president of the United States. At over 1,300 feet, it is the highest point in Antigua and Barbuda and one of the most popular spots on the island.

mount obama in antigua and barbuda

You can climb Mount Obama from the south or north side. Hiking is safe year-round, weather permitting. The climb takes one to three hours, depending on your expertise and fitness level.

“We climbed Mount Obama from the Christian Valley side. The hike was relatively easy but intense, with two steep sections. We enjoyed the views of the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, you might spot the neighboring islands of Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and St Kitts.”

Discover the value of a Antigua and Barbuda Passport

caribbean passport

Get to know Antigua and Barbuda culture

17. Drink rum at the Antigua Distillery

Like much of the Caribbean, Antigua is famous for its rum and rum punch. Antigua Distillery has been producing high-quality rums for almost 100 years. Their most popular product today is English Harbour Rum, a fruity, spicy drink with a hint of oak.

 

a glass of rum

You can tour the distillery, sample its products in the tasting room, or take a cooking class to learn how to make popular Antigua cocktails.

“I’m more of a brandy man myself, but the Antigua Distillery rum tour was more than worth it. The rum had a unique and refreshing flavor, and I found it interesting to see the old-school rum-making process.”

18. Taste the local food

Antigua and Barbuda’s food is diverse and delicious, reflecting the country’s history and cultural influences from Amerindians (Carib and Arawak), France, West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Great Britain.

You will find bars and fine dining restaurants all over the island, like Pillars Restaurant and Hemingway’s Caribbean Cafe & Restaurant, where you can try local dishes like chop-up (vegetable mash), goat water, red bean pigtail soup, fried plantain, and fungee and pepperpot, the country’s national dish.

Don’t miss Susie’s Hot Sauce, a local bottled sauce that goes with everything. You can also book food tours with Eat ‘N Lime Food Tours.

“We tried pepperpot and grilled fish at Sheer Rocks in Cocobay Resort in our first week. Prices were relatively high, but the portions were big, and the view from the edge of the rocks was incredible.”

19. Shop at outdoor markets

Foodies will love the outdoor market in St John’s, the capital city. The market is open all week, but Saturday morning is the best time to visit as it’s the day with the most stalls and fresh produce.

The market is popular with Antiguans and expats living in Antigua and Barbuda. Here, you will find local crafts and fresh produce like breadfruit, dasheen, tamarind, sorrel, soursop, hot sauces, and the famous Antigua black pineapple–said to be the sweetest in the world.

“It was pleasant to see the lively side of Antigua at the outdoor market. We picked up a few souvenirs from a gift shop, but I’d recommend haggling a cheaper price, as vendors often mark up prices for tourists.”

20. Shirley Heights Lookout

Located on the southernmost tip of Antigua, Shirley Heights Lookout is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. A locally owned and managed restaurant at the Lookout offers a taste of Antigua and Barbuda with fresh seafood and gourmet dishes.

shirley heights antigua barbuda

From live music, local food like grilled lobster and curry goat, and the stunning view of Shirley Heights Lookout, it is a must-visit during a trip to Antigua and Barbuda.

“We took a sunset trip to Shirley Heights Lookout, and it did not disappoint. For a $10 entry fee per person, we enjoyed live steel band music, feasted on delicious Antigua barbecue, and watched a stunning sunset.”

When to visit Antigua?

Choosing the right time of year to visit is key to making the most of your Antigua trip. The best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is between November and April when it’s mostly hot and sunny. The rainy season is from May to October, with the hurricane season running from mid-August to mid-October.

Things to Do in Antigua at Night

Antigua and Barbuda nightlife is exciting, with options like Kon Tiki Bar and Grill and Ana’s on the Beach in Dickenson Bay, St John’s, South Point Restaurant & Lounge in English Harbour, and Catherine’s Cafe on Pigeon Point Beach. Most offer lively music alongside delicious Antiguan cuisine and cocktails. Another option is the Mystic Sunset Cruise with Sun Tours.

Things to Do in Antigua with Kids

The following things are ideal to do with your kids in Antigua and Barbuda:

  • Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary to learn about the country’s wildlife.
  • Antigua Rainforest Zipline tour has several ziplines through the island’s rainforests.
  • Snorkeling at Stingray City, where you can swim and snorkel with over 100 stingrays.
  • Visit Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre to learn more about Antigua’s culture and history through interactive exhibits and presentations.

Free Things to Do in Antigua

Things you can do for free in Antigua include:

  • Visiting Antigua beaches: Beaches such as Ffyes Beach and Fort James Beach. All Antigua beaches are free for public access.
  • Hike up Signal Hill: Hiking is one of the best free activities to do, and Signal Hill in Saint Mary is the ideal place for hiking and exploring Antigua’s natural environment.
  • Attend Antigua Carnival: While some events during Antigua’s Carnival season charge admission, numerous street parties, performances, and cultural exhibitions are free to attend.

Luxury Things to Do in Antigua

Antigua is a luxury Caribbean destination with many high-end resorts and hotels. Luxury things to do on the island include:

  • Staying at celebrity resorts like Hermitage Bay and Jumby Bay Island
  • Touring the island on a helicopter
  • A private yacht tour along the coast

Things to Know Before You Go to Antigua and Barbuda

  • Transport: Antigua and Barbuda has a public and private transportation system. Public buses run from the early morning until the late evening. Companies like Hertz Car Rental and Empire Car Rentals offer car rental services in St John’s.
  • Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) is Antigua’s official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, along with major credit and debit cards. Withdrawing local currency from banks in Antigua may incur a foreign transaction fee, depending on your card.
  • Safety: Antigua and Barbuda is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, with a low crime rate. It’s also safe for the LGBTQ community, with no laws against same-sex couples. However, societal attitudes may vary, and LGBTQ travelers should remain mindful of cultural norms.
  • Weather: Antigua and Barbuda’s geographical location poses a small risk of hurricanes, with hurricane season and the most adverse weather occurring between July and November.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to See and Do in Antigua and Barbuda

According to reports from most solo travelers, Antigua and Barbuda is a safe Caribbean country. With a safety level of “exercise normal precautions,” there are no serious concerns about safety in Antigua besides general precautions.

Antigua and Barbuda’s best outdoor activities and adventures include:

  • Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters off Antigua’s south coast
  • Sailing along Barbuda’s east coast to discover caves like Two-Foot Bay Cave
  • Ziplining in John Hughes and Cades Peak

You can get around Antigua without renting a car by using local taxis and booking tours including transfers to the island’s hotspots. Antigua is a small island, so you can also walk to many points of interest.

Being a Caribbean destination popular among high-end travelers, Antigua and Barbuda has developed a reputation as a luxury island, meaning many of its resorts and things to do, as well as the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda, are expensive for tourists and expats.

Most popular places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda include:

  • Fyes Beach
  • Halfmoon Bay
  • Dickenson Bay
  • Darkwood Beach
  • Nelson’s Dockyard
  • Galley Bay Beach
  • Fort Barrington
  • Prickly Pear Island
  • Long Bay Beach
  • Shirley Heights
  • Betty’s Hope
  • St John’s Outdoor Market
  • Deep Bay Beach
  • Nonsuch Bay
  • Jolly Harbour
  • Heritage Quay

Antigua is famous for the 18th-century Nelson’s Dockyard located in the Antigua Naval Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is regularly publicized by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

Tourists visit Antigua for many reasons. The country is English-speaking, making it easy for North American and European tourists to navigate. Antigua and Barbuda tourist attractions are plentiful, including sites like the Antigua Naval Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pink-sand beaches of Codrington Lagoon National Park, and limestone caves like Darby’s Cave and Two Foot Bay.

The worst time to visit Antigua is September to October, which is in the middle of the hurricane season. Although the risk of hurricanes is low during this period, it has the highest humidity and regular showers.

Of all the Caribbean islands and countries in the West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda has over 20 things to do. Activities include swimming with stingrays, sunset kayaking, jet-skiing, and helicopter tours. 

Some of Antigua’s cheap things are hiking through trails like Jones Valley Trail and Ridge Trail, climbing Mount Obama, and visiting Shirley Heights Lookout Trail. Some free things to do in Antigua and Barbuda include visiting beaches across the island, all with free public access. 

Two weeks is typically enough time to see what this beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda has to offer.

Scroll to Top

Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist​