Antigua

[NeedthatFridayfeeling]

Hi, I’m booked to go to Antigua next Easter with husband and daughter who will be 9, any recommendations on the must do/must see’s? Anyone booked an excursion to Barbuda? Ferry looks to a very early departure!

Where are you staying? Nelson's boat yard is really interesting. Then nearby you have Shirley Heights which is the famous view. There's also the museum and Cathedral. There are also so many beaches. St John's is a very interesting town and you can visit the harbour and see the huge cruise liners.

For more exciting days you can get a jungle tour, or a zip wire , boat trips around the island are also available but they give out free drinks. We went on two and nobody got rowdy.

Oooh... following with interest. I'm writing a novel and part of it is set in Antigua - I need some good background info.

I found this useful I am off there in November

https://www.suewherewhywhat.com/20-best-things-to-do-in-antigua-a-local-perspective/

There really isn't much to do on Barbuda but it's a good way of getting out on the sea if you like that . Just checked the prices though and for 300 bucks you would be better spending it on a round the island boat tour or similar. Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights on a Sunday, Ffryes beach for roti and beach, get a car don't use tours for these things, Betty's Hope old sugar mill, if you like stingrays or pigs there are touristy things set up for that. Roti King in town combine with a visit to the Museum and the old Cathedral. Dickenson Beach is a lively tourist beach. There is so much to absorb of the ordinary life of the island just by driving around. It's safe and people will be friendly. If you hire a car though photograph it thoroughly on pick up and be careful with the bad roads. Which part of the island are you staying on ?

We booked the Barbuda trip and waited on the beach for the boat which never came. Another excursion boat arrived and said a cruise ship had come in so the Barbuda crew had gone to take advantage of that. The second boat kindly invited us on to thei trip, refunded us the difference and we had a glorious day, albeit it not on Barbuda.

Antigua is gorgeous. Do go to Shirley Heights for the BBQ (Sun and Thurs IIRC).

Sorry should have said, staying at St James Club. Happy doing multiple excursions to really see the island.

Thank you! Will take note re Barbuda, any recommendations for a boat tour company for a round island trip? Or are they all good?

That was my point - to really see the island do it under your own steam . I lived there for years.

https://www.wadadlicats.com/

We hired a car and I really enjoyed Sunday mornings - church singing! Little villages with locals far away from tourists. Brightly coloured houses and little cafes with cold drinks. Discovering beaches away from the popular ones. I would definitely do my own thing.

What is the optimum period to go? The flights are long so I am assuming two weeks would make the flights worth it.

@Sundayafternooning Flights are direct so they aren’t that long. Most people would do 2 weeks if they want to explore.

I just got back from a week there, it’s so chilled it felt like 3. Hired a car and drove round, Shirley heights, English harbour etc Mainly I just enjoyed the amazing people and beaches. We stayed at Galley bay. Truly wonderful.

Did you use an agent?

@Sundayafternooning no we actually booked through virgin holidays as we had airmiles to use up.

Stingray city is fun (book direct) and also the zip wires - very safe and fun.

I love Antigua!

365 beaches !! Its a fantastic place... just do it all !!

Following! 💛