Aerial view of the beautiful coast of Stocking Island, The Exumas, Bahamas, with sandy beaches and turquoise ocean

Antigua & Barbuda

365 beaches—one for every day of the year

Plan Your Antigua Trip

Discover Antigua & Barbuda

With a legendary claim of having 365 beaches—one for every day of the year—Antigua & Barbuda is a sailor's paradise and beach lover's dream. This twin-island nation offers pristine white and pink sand beaches, world-class sailing waters, rich colonial history, and a vibrant Caribbean culture that welcomes visitors with open arms.

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson's Dockyard to the untouched beauty of Barbuda's pink sand beaches, from world-renowned Antigua Sailing Week to luxury resorts and authentic island experiences, this destination offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or romance, Antigua & Barbuda delivers unforgettable Caribbean memories.

365

Stunning Beaches

97K

Population

1784

Nelson's Dockyard

EC$

Currency (USD OK)

beautiful drone shots of the Marigot Bay

Iconic Beaches

Couple walking hand in hand on pristine white sand beach surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waters in Maldives

Dickenson Bay

Popular white sand beach with calm waters, water sports, beachfront restaurants, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for families.

Beach and coconut trees on a calm island in the morning, aerial view

Half Moon Bay

Secluded Atlantic-side crescent beach with dramatic waves, perfect for bodysurfing. One of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches.

Aerial view a woman gazing out over the ocean along the shoreline of Shoal Bay Beach with crashing waves and palm trees on the island of Anguilla.

Pink Sand Beach

Barbuda's famous 17-mile pink sand beach, virtually untouched and uncrowded. A pristine paradise accessible by ferry or plane.

Must-Do Experiences

Nelson's Dockyard

Explore the world's only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with museums, restaurants, and sailing history.

Sailing & Catamaran Cruises

Join a sunset cruise, snorkeling excursion, or private charter. Antigua is the sailing capital of the Caribbean with year-round perfect conditions.

Shirley Heights Sunset Party

Sunday evening tradition with steel drum bands, BBQ, rum punch, and panoramic views of English Harbour and Montserrat in the distance.

Stingray City Adventure

Swim and interact with friendly southern stingrays in crystal-clear shallow waters. An unforgettable wildlife encounter for all ages.

Rainforest Zip-Lining

Soar through the treetops on zip lines with breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and coastline. Adventure meets natural beauty.

Historic Fort Tours

Visit colonial-era forts like Fort James and Fort Berkeley for history lessons and spectacular harbor views. Step back in time.

Where to Stay

Luxury Resorts

  • Jumby Bay Island (all-inclusive)
  • Carlisle Bay Resort
  • Curtain Bluff Resort
  • Hermitage Bay

Boutique Hotels

  • The Inn at English Harbour
  • Cocobay Resort
  • Sugar Ridge Hotel
  • Keyonna Beach Resort

Villas & Apartments

  • Nonsuch Bay villas
  • Jolly Harbour rentals
  • English Harbour homes
  • Dickenson Bay condos

Travel Essentials

Best Time to Visit

December to April offers perfect weather (75-85°F), ideal for Antigua Sailing Week in late April. July-November is hurricane season with lower rates.

Language

English is the official language, making communication easy for visitors. Local Antiguan dialect adds colorful expressions to conversations.

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but US dollars widely accepted. EC$2.70 = US$1. Credit cards accepted at most establishments.

Getting Around

Rental cars available (drive on left). Taxis plentiful but expensive. Public buses cheap but limited routes. Water taxis for coastal travel.

Entry Requirements

Valid passport required for all visitors. US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens don't need visas for stays up to 6 months.

Insider Tips

  • Book Barbuda Day Trip Early

    Flights and ferries to Barbuda fill up fast. The pink sand beach and frigate bird sanctuary are worth planning ahead for.

  • Time Shirley Heights Right

    Arrive by 4:30 PM on Sundays to get parking and prime viewing spots before the sunset party gets crowded. Bring cash for drinks and BBQ.

  • Try Local Cuisine

    Don't miss fungi and pepperpot, saltfish and ducana, and fresh grilled lobster. Visit local restaurants like Papa Zouk or Dennis Restaurant for authentic flavors.

  • Explore Beyond Resorts

    Rent a car to discover secluded beaches, historic sites, and charming villages. Many of the best spots aren't accessible by tour bus.

  • Experience Carnival

    Visit in late July/early August for Antigua Carnival—10 days of colorful parades, calypso, soca music, steel pan competitions, and vibrant culture.

  • Respect Beach Etiquette

    All beaches are public in Antigua. Be courteous to locals and other visitors. Don't remove shells or coral—it's illegal and harms the ecosystem.

Ready to Experience Antigua & Barbuda?

Let us craft your perfect Caribbean getaway with sailing adventures, beach hopping, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.

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