Travel Guide to Antigua

Location

Antigua is one of the better know of the Leeward Islands. It is found north of equally well known Barbados and St. Lucia, and south of the Virgin Islands. Its easterly location in the island group makes for an interesting perspective with views to the Atlantic as well as the Caribbean Sea.

Shopping

The capital St. John’s offers the best shopping on the island. As well as many boutique, craft and gift shops, there is also a market. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and low key compared with other islands, although it becomes much busier when large cruise ships birth in the harbour.

Geography

The many inlets and bays makes for a very interesting coastal landscape sculpting some of the most beautiful powder soft beaches in the world. The climate is generally dry lacking the humidity of some other Caribbean islands. However when it does rain the centre of the island and the hills stretching to the south west turn a tropical lush green.

History

The island was named by Columbus after the church of Santa Maria la Antigua in Seville. The island was left alone by the Europeans until it was colonized by English in 1632. It was briefly under French rule in 1666, but otherwise remained under British rule until its full Independence in 1981.

English Harbour became the main British naval base in the Caribbean in the 18 th and 19 th centurys with the dockyard being named after one of its famous users, Nelson.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	82	82	82	84	86	86	87	87	87	87	84	84
Av Temp (C)	28	28	28	29	30	30	31	31	31	31	29	29
Sunshine Hours	8	8	9	9	9	9	9	9	8	8	8	8
Rain (inches)	3	2	2	3	4	4	5	5	6	6	6	4

The Caribbean is subject to a hurricane season which is officially from 1 June to 30 November. However 80% of the stormy weather activity occurs within the August-October period with its peak usually being early-mid September. The centre of most storms miss the region moving off to the north, with others causing only minor disruption to weather conditions. However, there are usually a few each year that will pass through the region in hurricane force wind conditions.

Basic Information

Language
English is the official language.

Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity
American style 2-pin plugs with 220/110 volts AC 60 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Thur 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-1pm and 3pm-5pm.

Driving
Driving is on the left. Out of town speed limit is 55mph.

Time difference
GMT -4 hours.

Tipping and local customs
10% is expected in restaurants and taxi drivers and is automatically added in some hotels and restaurants.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.antigua-barbuda.org

Visas
No Visa is currently required for British or Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so Special?
Powder soft beaches and Caribbean charm have to be at the top of the list. Antiguas cuisine is also very special with English, French and Indian flavours as well as great fresh served Caribbean seafood.

Sailing is also a real draw, especially the sailing week which takes place every year in April or May.

Where to visit?
St John’s for shopping and its cathedral and museum.

English Harbour for Nelsons dockyard and historic buildings as well as being a good place for a meal out.

Shirley Heights, above English Harbour for its spectacular views plus on Sunday nights it comes alive with live Reggae, a BBQ and bar.

Boggy Peak is the highest point on the island and offers great views on a clear day.

Most Popular Tours
Island Tour
Catamaran cruise
Trip to Barbuda