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Popular Hikes in Antigua

As you may know Antigua is the ultimate beach paradise, but outdoor adventures don’t end there. There is plenty more to do and see in Antigua. If you are into hiking you will discover there are a good number of coastal hikes, as well as hikes in the southern hills. Most of the trails are easy to moderate, but experienced hikers can test their skills with some challenging hikes too.

Desmond’s and Carpenter’s Trail Loop

This easy 1.5-hour loop will take you up to Shirley Height in the English Harbour area. The walk begins at Galleon Beach, and the Desmond’s Trail starts at the main road approximately 100 meters before the resort gates at Calabash Beach. It takes about half an hour to climb up along one of the ridges from where the views of English Harbour are simply stunning. There you will find a small trail down to the sea featuring scenic views of the cliffs between Shirley Heights and Indian Creek. As you reach the bottom of the slope the trail turns back to Galleon Beach. As you keep walking you will see beautiful rock pools and magnificent coastal scenery. Bring your camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities on this trail!

Middle Ground Trail

This relatively easy hike is one of the favorite trails of adventurous hikers. The trail leads along the ridge of the Windward Bay Peninsula. The walk is easy, but there is some steep climbing at the beginning. You will also walk through bushes along the ridge from where you will have picture-perfect views to Falmouth Harbour, Windward Bay and Nelson Dockyard. This trail is popular among residents and visitors alike and is frequently used as a popular morning or evening jog or walk destination.

Jones’ Valley Trails

 Jones’ Valley Trails are two popular and easy trail paths that takes less than two hours to complete roundtrip. Both start at the Galleon Beach and they split at about a quarter of the way on and rejoin at about the ¾ mark. One of the trails continues north, while the other continues south. Even though you will not get the typical awe-inspiring views here, both paths are very popular among tourists because they let you walk off the beaten path and enjoy the nature outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shirley Main Road

This is a moderate trail to walk or bike on a good asphalted road. Morning and evening are popular times here, so you may see other folks enjoying this trail too. The last part of the portion is steep and fun to cycle, but when you go back you will have to bike the steep portion back up.

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Antigua Travel Tips

The Caribbean island of Antigua has over 360 beaches and is the perfect beach destination for anyone who is into beach activities. From swimming and walking on a white sand beach, to snorkeling, diving and exploring the coral reef, here in Antigua you will find a beach for every taste. So if you are thinking of a beach vacation in Antigua you will find some tips and information below that will help you plan your trip.

Getting to Antigua

All flights arrive and depart from the VC Bird International Airport (ANU). The airport is about five miles outside of the Antiguan capital of St. John’s. Some airlines offer connections to Antigua, for example: American Airlines from Charlotte, Delta from Atlanta, and United Airlines from Newark, so if you are planning to fly to Antigua there are some seasonal and year-round options. Alternatively another way to get to Antigua is via cruise ship. The island is a popular port for Caribbean cruise liners, and numerous cruise ships dock here. If you are coming from the United States you will get a six-month tourist stamp, so a visa to visit Antigua is not required.

Getting Around

There is an affordable island transportation service, which we don’t recommend because it is largely unreliable. Best is to rent a car because that way you will have more flexibility to explore the island’s wonders. If you decide to rent a car you will need an Antiguan driver’s license, which is easy to obtain and can be issued by most car rental agencies. It requires a valid driver’s license from home. Some of the roads are a bit bumpy and narrow, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving, you may consider getting around by taxi. Even though it could be a bit more costly, the taxi drivers are usually very friendly and can give you travel tips or additional information for your destination.

Best Time to Travel

Overall Antigua has a pleasant climate year round, but what’s considered peak season is from mid-December to early April when visitors from Europe and North America come to the island to escape the cold winter at home. From mid-April to the end of November the climate is a bit more humid and there might be more tropical storms. There is also a hurricane season that is between June and September.

Money

If you are coming from the United States, the U.S. Dollar will be accepted across the island. Many prestigious stores and restaurants also accept all standard credit cards. If you plan to use local currency you will need the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. It is best to exchange currency in banks where rates are better.

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Getting Married in Antigua

Imagine it’s your wedding day – you and your loved one holding hands surrounded by classic Caribbean scenery – palm trees, white sands, azure blue water and a tropical warm breeze creasing your hair. If this is how you have always dreamed of saying “I do”, come visit the island of Antigua. Getting married here is easy, inexpensive and there is no waiting time. There are three easy steps: visit the Ministry of Justice which is located on lower Nevis Street in downtown St. John’s, bring your valid passports, complete the application and pay the application fees (a registration fee of US $40, marriage license fee of US $150 and Marriage Officer’s fee of US $50).

All you need is your valid passport in order to proof your citizenship. If you have had previous marriages, bring a proof of your divorce papers. If you are a widow or widower you will also need to bring your late spouse’s marriage and death certificate. Please bring all original documents. Necessary copies will be made in the Marriage Office. The legal marriage age in Antigua is 18, but if you are lucky to find your loved one earlier and you are 15+ you will also need to present authorization from your parents or guardians.

Depending on the type of wedding ceremony you desire you will also find a large list of island wedding providers that will serve your needs. Most of the island’s resorts have their own wedding packages that come with a discount rate if you stay with them. All ceremonies are both legal and binding. If you choose, you can get marred in a church. You will need permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. If you have your own pastor you can ask them to establish contact with the church where you wish to perform your wedding ceremony. Keep in mind some churches will require the couple to attend a pre-nuptial consultation. So if you are planning to get married in a church, keep this in mind and plan ahead.

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5 Things to See and Do on Antigua

Situated in the eastern Caribbean, the island of Antigua is a popular year-round travel destination. Many visitors arrive at the cruise ship port in the picturesque capital of St. John’s, where shops, restaurants, museums and historic buildings are the prime draws. Popular activities include a variety of water sports, such as swimming, surfing, diving, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. Below are five popular things to see and do on Antigua.

Stingray City

Looking for a fun and unique adventure? Located just a five-minute speedboat ride off Antigua’s eastern shore is Stingray City, a shallow pool with a sandy ocean bottom amid a tropical coral reef that’s home to hundreds of friendly stingrays. Watch these magnificent creatures glide through the crystal clear waters. If you want, you can stand, swim or snorkel with them. Feeling the stingrays’ smooth bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this adventure.

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is one of Antigua’s most popular tourist attractions. It is home to the island’s 18th century British Naval Dockyard, as well as restored historic buildings and scenic nature trails. The restored marina features beautiful old stone warehouses, and visitors also find shops, restaurants, galleries and museums to explore. After a tour of the dockyard, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the ruins of Fort Shirley, located on the hilltop at Shirley Heights.

St. John’s

St. John’s is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The city features an array of colonial cottages and market stalls to explore. One of the city’s most distinctive buildinds is St. John’s Cathedral, known for its beautiful white neo-Baroque towers. St. John’s also offers visitors plenty of great shopping opportunities. There are many duty free shops at Heritage Quay, or head to Redcliffe Quay to browse a variety of souvenir stalls.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
To learn about the island’s history, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda located in the former 18th century courthouse in St. John’s. The museum traces the history of these islands from their geological origins all the way to their political independence in 1981. You’ll find many interesting exhibits, including a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, exhibits of the islands’ different ecosystems, as well as pottery and weaving tools.

Fig Tree Drive

This scenic drive along Antigua’s south shore offers visitors a glimpse of local island life. Fig Tree Drive winds through a beautiful rainforest, farmlands and small fishing villages. Banana trees (called “figs” by local residents), coconut palms and mango trees dot the landscape. You’ll also get to see the ruins of sugar mills. Keep an eye out for roadside stands selling fresh fruit.

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Top Antigua Beaches

Ringed with coral reefs, the island of Antigua is known for its many beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches of the island lies directly north of St. John’s. Dickenson Bay features a mile of white, powdery soft sand and azure calm waters, making it especially attractive for families with small children. It is the archetypal Caribbean beach, the perfect destination for swimming and other water sports. A few hotels, restaurants and beach bars line the beach. Dickenson Bay also features spectacular views, from the lush green hills to the gorgeous sunsets.

Also located just a ten-minute drive from St. John’s is Deep Bay, a great destination for snorkeling as a wreck lies right in the middle of the bay. Almost 100 years ago, the Andes, a ship from Trinidad, sank here and its mast reaches out of the water until today.

Often hailed as the most beautiful beach of Antigua, Half Moon Bay is a beautiful, 1.5 km long curve of light pink and white sand, located on the island’s east shore. The nearshore waters are protected by a reef, but windsurfers find good conditions beyond the reef.

The main public beach on Antigua’s south shore is Pigeon Point Beach. Situated at the mouth of Falmouth Harbour, it has calm and shallow water, making it popular among families with children. Located on Antigua’s southwest corner are three beautiful stretches of sand – Darkwood Beach, Ffrye’s Bay and Crab Hill Bay, which are relatively undeveloped and remote by Antiguan standards. Only a couple of small hotels and beach bars are located here, but the beaches are worth a visit because the sand is stunningly white and the sunset views are superb.

Hawksbill is a collection of four beautiful beaches, one of which is easily accessible to the public. The other three can be reached by going through Hawksbill Resort. The beach was named after the craggy red rocks that protrude from the water just offshore. The public beach is the most popular of the four since you don’t have to be a hotel guest to access it. The beach features soft sand and calm waters. The second and third beaches that are reserved for hotel guests are a bit quieter in nature, and the fourth beach is the only clothing optional beach on Antigua and is located directly in front of Hawksbill Rock. It is a beautiful beach with fine white sand and palm trees that provide shade.

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