UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Antigua and Barbuda's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, historic sites, and experiences across the islands.
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour
Explore this restored Georgian naval dockyard, a key 18th-century British Caribbean base with museums and sailing heritage.
UNESCO-listed for its maritime history, ideal for history buffs and yacht enthusiasts.
St. John's Cathedral
Visit the twin-towered Anglican cathedral in the capital, rebuilt in 1845 with intricate interiors and colonial architecture.
A central landmark offering insights into Antigua's religious and architectural past.
Shirley Heights Fortifications
Discover 18th-century military ruins overlooking English Harbour, with panoramic views and sunset parties.
Part of the UNESCO site, perfect for hikes and learning about colonial defenses.
Betty's Hope
Explore Antigua's first sugar plantation site with restored windmills and exhibits on plantation life.
A poignant look at the island's sugar industry history and African heritage.
Devil's Bridge
Admire this natural limestone arch formed by Atlantic waves, near historic coastal trails.
Linked to early settler stories, offering dramatic seascapes and blowhole views.
Clarence House
Tour this 19th-century residence built for the Prince of Wales, now a museum with royal connections.
Overlooks the harbor and provides a glimpse into British colonial elite life.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Dickenson Bay
Relax on powdery white sands with calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Lined with resorts and beach bars, ideal for sunset cocktails and family fun.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Barbuda
Boat to Codrington Lagoon to observe thousands of magnificent frigate birds in their nesting grounds.
A birdwatcher's paradise with guided tours highlighting Caribbean wildlife.
Half Moon Bay
Discover this crescent-shaped beach with snorkeling reefs and gentle waves on Antigua's east coast.
Secluded spot for picnics and exploring underwater marine life.
Great Bird Island
Hike to this tiny offshore islet with pristine beaches and sea turtle nesting sites.
Accessible by boat, offering private snorkeling and nature immersion.
Antigua Rainforest
Trek through lush trails in Fig Tree Drive area with tropical flora and birdlife.
Adventure hikes leading to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Long Bay Beach
Spot sea turtles in clear waters and enjoy uncrowded sands on Antigua's northeast shore.
Prime for eco-tours, kayaking, and relaxing in a natural paradise.
Antigua and Barbuda by Region
🏖️ Antigua West Coast
- Best For: Luxury resorts, calm beaches, and water activities with vibrant nightlife in St. John's vicinity.
- Key Destinations: Dickenson Bay, Jolly Harbour, and St. John's for markets and historic sites.
- Activities: Snorkeling, catamaran cruises, beach volleyball, and exploring colorful capital streets.
- Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for sunny 25-30°C weather and calm seas.
- Getting There: Well-connected by ferry or taxi from V.C. Bird Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🌊 Antigua East Coast
- Best For: Rugged beauty, surfing spots, and natural wonders like Devil's Bridge.
- Key Destinations: Long Bay, Green Bay, and Half Moon Bay for secluded escapes.
- Activities: Surfing lessons, cliff hikes, beachcombing, and eco-tours to turtle habitats.
- Best Time: Year-round, but May-November for fewer crowds and trade winds for water sports.
- Getting There: V.C. Bird Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
⚓ English Harbour & South
- Best For: Maritime history, sailing events, and UNESCO sites in a scenic harbor setting.
- Key Destinations: Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, and Falmouth Harbour for yachting.
- Activities: Dockyard tours, sailing regattas, fort hikes, and rum tastings at historic inns.
- Best Time: April for Antigua Sailing Week and dry months (December-April), 25-30°C.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring southern roads and coastal paths.
🏝️ Barbuda Island
- Best For: Untouched nature, pink-sand beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries away from crowds.
- Key Destinations: Codrington, Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and Princess Diana Beach for serenity.
- Activities: Birdwatching boat trips, cave explorations, beach walks, and fresh seafood dining.
- Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for safe boating and warm 25-30°C temperatures.
- Getting There: Short ferry or flight from Antigua, with scenic 30-minute crossings.
Sample Antigua and Barbuda Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Island Highlights
Arrive in Antigua, explore St. John's markets and cathedral, then relax at Dickenson Bay with snorkeling and beach lounging.
Head to Nelson's Dockyard for tours and sailing, hike Shirley Heights for views, and enjoy harbor sunset dinners.
Visit Devil's Bridge and Long Bay for adventures, then ferry to Barbuda for frigate bird sanctuary and pink beaches.
Final shopping in the capital, spa time, and departure, savoring local Antiguan rum and seafood.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Capital tour including cathedral, museums, street food, and west coast beach hopping at Jolly Harbour.
Deep dive into Nelson's Dockyard history, sailing excursions, and fort ruins exploration.
Hike to Devil's Bridge, surf at Long Bay, and kayak around Half Moon Bay reefs.
Full island stay with bird sanctuary tours, cave visits, and relaxing on pristine pink sands.
Southern plantation tours at Betty's Hope, final beach time, and return to St. John's for departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Antigua and Barbuda
Extensive St. John's and Dickenson Bay exploration with markets, water sports, and cultural shows.
Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights hikes, sailing week vibes, and historic inn stays.
Devil's Bridge, Long Bay turtle spotting, rainforest treks, and eco-lodge experiences.
Multi-day Barbuda with sanctuary tours, beach camping, and local village interactions.
Betty's Hope and Clarence House visits, spa relaxation, and St. John's farewell with rum tastings.
Top Activities & Experiences
Sailing & Catamaran Tours
Cruise Antigua's waters on catamarans for snorkeling stops and island hopping around cays.
Day trips include lunch and open bars, with sunset options for romance.
Snorkeling & Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks teeming with tropical fish and rays.
Guided dives at sites like Pillars of Hercules, suitable for all levels.
Rum Distillery Tours
Visit Antigua's rum factories to taste award-winning spirits and learn distillation history.
Interactive sessions with mixology classes and pairings with local cuisine.
Island Cycling Tours
Bike through coastal roads and rainforests with guided routes from resorts.
Scenic paths to beaches and villages, with e-bikes for easier terrain.
Carnival & Cultural Festivals
Join Antigua Carnival with parades, calypso music, and steelpan performances in summer.
Year-round events showcasing Caribbean traditions and vibrant street parties.
Water Sports Adventures
Try kiteboarding at Dickenson Bay or kayaking along mangrove coasts.
Lessons and rentals available for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
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