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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.

What should you know before traveling to Antigua and Barbuda?

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.

Where is Antigua and Barbuda? | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

What language do the people of Antigua and Barbuda speak?

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!

Antigua flag
Antigua and Barbuda flag

How to get to Antigua | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

Are there available flights to Antigua?

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.

What are the airlines that fly to Antigua?

Flights from the US to Antigua are incredibly convenient. Here are direct flights available from the following US airlines and airports:

AirportAirlineFrequency of Flight
JFK International Airport (JFK )
Miami International Airport (MIA)
American Airlinesdaily
Newark (EWR)United AirlinesSaturday and Sunday
Atlanta (ATL) and JFKDelta Airlinesevery Saturday
JFKJetBlueTuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
Charlotte (CLT)American Airlinesevery Saturday
List of Airports, Airlines, and Frequency of Flights from the US to Antigua

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 Canadaevery Saturday and Sunday
Toronto (YYZ)West JetWednesday and Sunday (during winter months)
List of Airports, Airlines, and Frequency of Flights from Canada to Antigua

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 GatwickVirgin AtlanticTuesday, Friday, and Saturday
Thursday (only during winter months)
London GatwickBritish Airwaysdaily flights
ManchesterThomas CookTuesday
List of Airports, Airlines, and Frequency of Flights from the UK/Europe to Antigua

Read the news about Barbuda’s new international flights.

Travelling to Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

What are the entry requirements 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:

  • A valid passport as proof of identity
  • An onward return ticket
  • Confirmed hotel booking
  • Sufficient funds to support their travel

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.

What are the ports in Antigua and Barbuda for crewed yacht charters?

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:

  • Nelson’s Dockyard Marina
  • Falmouth Harbour
  • North Sound Marina
  • Shell Beach Marina
  • Antigua Yacht Club

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.

Where to book Antigua and Barbuda crewed yacht charters?

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:

  • Ensure your trip will be the best time of your life.
  • Customize the perfect plan to sail around the Caribbean.

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.

What is the time zone for Antigua? | Antigua Travel Guide

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:

  • Marigot, Saint Martin
  • Montserrat
  • Grenada
  • Puerto Rico
  • Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
  • Barbados
  • Dominican Republic

When traveling to Antigua, it’s essential to check the time zone. It helps ensure that you don’t miss any appointments or plans.

What is the best time to visit Antigua?

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.

Weather in Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua Travel Guide

Months / SeasonAverage Temperature

June to August / Summer
87℉ (31℃)
September to November / Fall87℉ (31℃)
December to February Winter83℉ (28℃)
March to May / Spring84℉ (29℃)
Average Temperature in Antigua and Barbuda Per Season

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.

Scuba Diving in the Antigua
Scuba Diving in Antigua

Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

Scuba Diving | Antigua Travel Guide

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
List of Popular Scuba Diving Sites and Dive Level

Windsurfing

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 SchoolHotel
Antigua Windsurfing Sailing SchoolClub Antigua
Wadadli Windsurfing ClassesLord Nelson Beach Hotel
List of Windsurfing Schools and Venues

Snorkeling

One of the most popular snorkeling sites in the Caribbean is Antigua.

Some of the tourists’ favorite snorkeling sites are:

  • Hawksbill and Cades Reef
  • Wreck of Andes
  • Deep Bay

Deep-Sea Fishing

Every year, there are two fishing tournaments held in Antigua:

  • Sports Fishing Tournament
  • Winter Fishing Tournament

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 | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

Sail on an Antigua Crewed Yacht Charter

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.

Sightseeing

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:

  • St John’s Cathedral
  • Government House
  • Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
  • Heritage Quay
  • Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
  • Admiral’s House
  • Shirley Heights
  • Mount Obama

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.

Best Places to Stay in Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua Travel Guide

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.

Hotels & Resorts

Book a Crewed Yacht Charter to Visit Antigua and Barbuda

Our Antigua Travel Guide shows that this place is truly a Caribbean gem.

  • Stunning beaches
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Delicious cuisine
  • Adventurous activities
  • Snorkeling
  • Hiking
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving

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

Yacht Charter Broker

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.