Highlights
Shirley Heights
A restored military lookout and gun battery, Shirley Heights Lookout boasts a spectacular panoramic view across English and Falmouth Harbours, considered one of the best views in Antigua. This idyllic spot becomes even more incredible at sunset — simply admire the twinkling lights of the harbour in your own serene spot or on Sundays, join the party and enjoy a barbecue, as well as local bands playing a mixture of Caribbean and international hits, whilst overlooking one of the world’s most awe-inspiring views.
Stingray City
Make a splash at Stingray City — swim amongst magnificent coral reefs and colourful tropical fish as you encounter a host of incredibly friendly and gentle Southern Stingray in their natural habitat. This excursion offers the unique opportunity to touch and feed stingrays, as well as learn about these amazing and captivating animals from your friendly and knowledgeable guides. At the end of the day, return to base for refreshing rum or fruit punch whilst reminiscing on your day of unforgettable adventure.
Sailing and Watersports
Sunny Antigua has become almost synonymous with sailing, boasting a coastline characterised by deeply indented bays and coves that catch the sea breeze. If you’re visiting during the world-renowned Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April, prepare to be awed as impressive gleaming ocean-going yachts gather at English Harbour for a series of challenging races, while back at the dock, a fabulous array of parties, events and ceremonies create an infectious carnival atmosphere. Sailing doesn’t come to a halt when the festivities end though - private yacht charters can be arranged from most of the top hotels on the island, offering exclusive luxury cruises out on the crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Sport
Whilst the glorious Caribbean Sea means that a lot of Antigua’s main attractions are water-based, there is still plenty to do back on land. Golfers are very well catered for, with a number of world-class and stunningly scenic courses to choose from. While sailing is on the mind of many who visit Antigua, the country’s national sport is actually cricket, and there is an intense devotion to the game across the island. An echo of British heritage, some of the world’s greatest cricket players hail from Antigua. Big, international matches take place here from January through to July, though you can find local games held throughout the year.
English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard
First inhabited by Amerindians, it is the following period of colonial British rule that has left the biggest stamp on the culture of Antigua. While today it is a delightful mix of African Caribbean and European influences that make up the eclectic personality of the island, the remains of the 18th Century occupation, led by Horatio Nelson, stand as some of the best-preserved example of colonial architecture in the Caribbean. A must-see for any history enthusiast, English Harbour is where you will find Nelson’s Dockyard, once the home base of Britain’s Leeward Islands naval fleet, and now the world’s only Georgian era dockyard still in use.
Beaches
The saying “life is a beach” is truly the local’s favourite line in Antigua. With a boundless 365 powder-soft white-sand beaches (one for every day of the year, if you please!), you can expect to find the perfect beach for every activity. Admire the peacefully nesting Sea Turtles at Galley Bay, gaze at the distant sight of Monserrat from Fryers Beach or simply kick back and relax on the mile-long sands of Jolly Beach. Delightful and diverse, Antigua’s beach life will never leave you feeling disappointed.