Read the Antigua travel guide to help make the most of your ultimate Caribbean adventure. Here’s an insider view of:
With an emphasis on making your island vacation as authentic as possible, this guide ensures an amazing travel experience.
Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda is easy. Before packing your bags and hopping on a plane, we’ve curated this Antigua travel guide info. So, read on and have the best time of your life.
Based on history, Christopher Columbus made his second Caribbean voyage to the island in 1943. He named it after Santa Maria de la Antigua, now the Antigua Island.
The island of Antigua (pronounced as An-TEE-Ga) is in the middle of the Leeward Islands. About 300 miles southeast of Puerto Rico and 1,300 miles southeast of Miami. Also, the largest of the Leewards, covering 108 square miles.
Antigua is a limestone and coral island with rolling hills. The highest point is Boggy Peak. The capital city is St John’s, home to most tourist spots for shopping and cruising ports. For the yachters, there’s Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour.
On the other hand, Barbuda is 27 miles northeast of Antigua and covers 62 square miles. Likewise, best known for its 365 beaches. Redonda, a vacant island is the third piece of this nation. It lies 20 miles to the west.
The sun-kissed islands of the West Indies, like Antigua and Barbuda, keep the tourism game alive. Additionally, they share natural beauty and culture, and inter-island travel.
People from Antigua generally speak English. However, the dialect of English locals speak “Antigua Creole English.” This unique accent graces the islands, setting it apart from other English-speaking regions.
In addition, the Caribbean English adds cultural richness. Antigua’s got a local lingo with African roots, making every conversation unique.
As a result, speaking in Antigua is enjoyable!
In our Antigua Travel Guide, you’ll find the easiest way to get to Antigua is by air. Airlines from the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK can take you to Antigua.
Once you arrive, the best way to enjoy Antigua and Barbuda and the nearby islands is on a crewed yacht charter.
Read on to know how you can navigate easily around the Islands.
Yes, there are a variety of flights to and from Antigua. So you can quickly get there from all over the world. Whether traveling from Europe, Asia, or North America, there are options to getting to this beautiful Caribbean island.
If traveling from the USA, New York to Antigua, flights are available through American Airlines, United, and JetBlue Airways. Check the airport codes Antigua, New York-JFK, and Antigua-ANU.
Flights from the US to Antigua are incredibly convenient. Here are direct flights available from the following US airlines and airports:
| Airport | Airline | Frequency of Flight |
| JFK International Airport (JFK ) Miami International Airport (MIA) | American Airlines | daily |
| Newark (EWR) | United Airlines | Saturday and Sunday |
| Atlanta (ATL) and JFK | Delta Airlines | every Saturday |
| JFK | JetBlue | Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday |
| Charlotte (CLT) | American Airlines | every Saturday |
Flying to Antigua has never been more accessible with many air carriers. These airlines offer various flight schedules. Therefore, Antigua is an ideal destination for those exploring the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, there are also flights from Canada to Antigua.
| Airport | Airline | Frequency of Flight |
| Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada | every Saturday and Sunday |
| Toronto (YYZ) | West Jet | Wednesday and Sunday (during winter months) |
Lastly, for guests coming from the UK and Europe, here are your flight options:
| Airport | Airline | Frequency of Flight |
| most major airports in Germany (Manchester and Vienna) | Condor Airlines Lufthansa | no info available |
| London Gatwick | Virgin Atlantic | Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday Thursday (only during winter months) |
| London Gatwick | British Airways | daily flights |
| Manchester | Thomas Cook | Tuesday |
Antigua and Barbuda is a stunning Caribbean destination, offering some of the region’s best sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Whatever you’re goal is for an island destination, you can never go wrong going to Antigua.
Here are some essential things to know before traveling to Antigua and Barbuda.
Generally, there is no visa required to enter Antigua and Barbuda.
US, UK, and Canadian residents need not secure a visa when going to the island. However, they should have the following:
Furthermore, no COVID-19 restrictions for guests entering via air and yacht or ferry services.
To learn more about which countries have visa exemptions, check out the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration website.
Antigua and Barbuda offers a wide selection of ports perfect for crewed yacht charters. Additionally, these ports provide access to the Caribbean’s most spectacular sites and islands.
Antigua and Barbuda has the following major marinas:
Furthermore, a wide selection of motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans are available for charter. All yacht charters have a crew, including a captain, chef, and deckhand. So, leave the navigation and safety to the crew – they’ll handle everything with the utmost care.
No matter which port you use for your crewed yacht charter, you will have an exciting experience.
After arranging your flight to Antigua airport, the next best thing to do is talk to a yacht charter broker. Aside from being professional, they’re also experts in planning and arranging a crewed yacht charter tour. So, booking through a reliable yacht charter broker is the best way.
With a yacht charter broker, you can:
From planning what sites to visit, the type of boat, the best beaches, and onboard meals. Besides, the best snorkeling or diving spots, and various activities onboard are close at hand.
Overall, yacht charter brokers are the ultimate Antigua Travel Guide you can ever have.
So, start your Antigua and Barbuda yacht charter with the BVI SAIL team.
Antigua is in the Atlantic Time Zone, four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). In addition, no Daylight Savings Time in Antigua and Barbuda.
Furthermore, here are some cities and countries with the same time zone as Antigua:
When traveling to Antigua, it’s essential to check the time zone. It helps ensure that you don’t miss any appointments or plans.
Whatever time of year it is, Antigua has pretty good weather. Summer is the hottest time when the lack of winds makes the temperature seem even hotter. This results in a seasonal price variation throughout Antigua and Barbuda, as in the rest of the Caribbean.
However, the high season lasts for seven months through April. This also coincides with the hugely popular Sailing Week. From early May until mid-December, resort prices tend to decrease.
So, Antigua welcomes you year-round. You will be able to enjoy its pristine beaches, fantastic cuisine, and perfect climate.
| Months / Season | Average Temperature |
June to August / Summer | 87℉ (31℃) |
| September to November / Fall | 87℉ (31℃) |
| December to February Winter | 83℉ (28℃) |
| March to May / Spring | 84℉ (29℃) |
Furthermore, the heaviest rainfall in Antigua is in October (101mm), while the lowest is in January (21mm). Even though Antigua has fairly good weather for sailing and swimming, the best time to go is from December to April.
Antigua and Barbuda is popular for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm weather year-round. If you’re planning a trip to this tropical paradise, you’ll have a lot of choices regarding things to do.
This island is ideal for a beach lover, a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie. You can also spend time in local bars and taste their perfect rum punch.
From snorkeling to exploring historic landmarks and indulging in delicious Caribbean cuisine, our Antigua travel tips unlock adventure.
Antigua has various scuba sites: shallow reefs, deep coral canyons, caves, and wrecks. They guarantee good visibility from 50 to 100 feet. You’ll encounter little or no current at most sites, with an average water temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the island offers good diving conditions.
Here are some of the top scuba sites based on the guests’ diving experience:
| Scuba Sites | Diving Experience Level |
| The Chimney Sunken Rock | Master |
| Rambo’s Reef Snapper’s Ledge | Advanced |
| Pillar’s Reef Mary Kay Reef Thunderhead Monk’s head Roads Cades Reef Kay Point Reef | Novice |
Constant northeast trade winds make Antigua a good windsurfing destination. Beginners learn on the West Coast, with its more protected waters. Meanwhile, the East Coast challenges surfers of any level. The center of the windsurfing action is Dickenson Bay. This is also the venue for the annual Windsurfing Antigua event.
In addition, several hotels in the area also offer windsurfing lessons, such as:
| Windsurfing School | Hotel |
| Antigua Windsurfing Sailing School | Club Antigua |
| Wadadli Windsurfing Classes | Lord Nelson Beach Hotel |
One of the most popular snorkeling sites in the Caribbean is Antigua.
Some of the tourists’ favorite snorkeling sites are:
Every year, there are two fishing tournaments held in Antigua:
About 70 boats usually participate in these events. They can catch various fish such as grouper, snapper, and other game fish usually found on deep-sea charters. By joining these tournaments, they also help local charities on the island.
Sailing is a serious business on the island. Thus, Antigua is popular for being the “sailing capital of the Caribbean.” April’s annual Sailing Week attracts boaters from around the globe to English Harbour Town. As a result, it stands out among top regattas.
Sailing events are the largest in the Caribbean. Thus, some of the globe’s fastest yachts and top crews go there to compete. During Antigua Sailing Week, you’ll enjoy parties, barbecues, and road races. It also ends with a grand finale, Lord Nelson’s Ball.
Sailing on a crewed yacht charter in Antigua is a remarkable experience. With many exclusive beaches to explore, Antigua offers endless swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
A crewed yacht charter provides the ultimate luxury, with a captain and chef onboard to cater to your every need. You can relax on deck, enjoying the stunning views and sipping cocktails while your crew navigates the Caribbean Sea.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore some lesser-known spots, including secluded coves and hidden beaches in Antigua. With a range of yachts available, you’re sure to find the perfect vessel to suit your needs.
So, sail on a crewed yacht charter, whether a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends.
The capital of Antigua is St John. It is home to about 35,000 residents. This city offers the perfect blend of both business and tourist activity.
Here are some of the most popular tourist spots on the island:
Be sure to include, if not all, some of these places when you visit Antigua. In addition, you can rent a car to explore other parts of the island.
Even though visiting Antigua is better explored through a crewed yacht charter, many hotels and resorts exist. In our Antigua Travel Guide, you’ll find some of the best places to stay on the island.
Our Antigua Travel Guide shows that this place is truly a Caribbean gem.
All these make Antigua a dream island destination.
Visiting Antigua is a perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether it’s a vacation with family or friends, the Antigua Travel Guide is an excellent resource to help plan your trip.
So pack your bags, grab the sunscreen, and get ready to explore the beauty of Antigua – the island paradise!
Karin Patrick has been a travel industry professional since 1978. A native of Germany, She has lived in many places worldwide, including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. In 1983, she moved to the United States, living in Connecticut, then California, and now in Florida. Karin attends the Greek Yacht Charter Shows.
Contact us at 1-321-777-1707 or complete this form to discuss your vacation plans.