Things to do in Antigua besides working on your tan
For a small Caribbean island, the list of things to do in Antigua is a diverse and impressive one. Part of the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, it's everything you'd expect from the Caribbean with a few surprises along the way, and we've got the ultimate inspiration to get you up and off your beach towel.
Take a tour of the island
In Antigua it's easy to hire a taxi driver to be your tour guide for the day. It's a great way to get a feel for the island and its sites, while deciding if there is somewhere you might like to go back to. Taxis can be hired for a half-day or a full-day, simply approach a driver at a taxi stand or ask someone you trust for a recommendation.
Expect to pay around US $100 for a half-day tour and up to US $150 for a full-day tour including a stop for lunch, per car. If the taxi driver you're speaking to seems too pushy, walk away and find someone more willing to discuss exactly what you want to do for the day. Agree on a price before getting into the car.
Visit Stingray City
If you want to do something adventurous and death-defying, take a day to meet stingrays in Antigua's coral reefs at Stingray City. A speedboat will take you out to the crystal clear water where you can see straight through to the sand where the Southern rays are swimming, feeding and relaxing.
Southern rays are a gentle and attention-loving species without the poisonous barbs so handlers will help you feed them and show you how to get a hug from one of these amazing, flattened sea creatures.
Set sail on an eco-adventure
No visit to Antigua is complete without a boat trip around the island. Taking a yacht or a catamaran is an option, but to really see the natural beauty of the island try an eco-tour with Adventure Antigua.
They can pick you up from your accommodation (if it's on the beach) in a boat that will take you on a tour of the coastline. From there you'll get to see the different types of ecosystems around the island, including the mangroves and barrier islands nearby.
The tour will also take you up to Hell's Gate, a natural stone archway that separates the rough Atlantic Ocean from the tranquil Caribbean Sea.
You'll also get a chance to visit one of Antigua's National Parks, Bird Island, and go on a hike with a guide who can point out different animal species. After lunch, take a dip snorkelling around part of Antigua's coral reef where there is endless marine life to see.
Explore Nelson's Dockyard & Fort Berkeley
Nelson's Dockyard is another of Antigua's National Parks, and was once home to the British Navy. Dating back to the 18th century, the place gets its name from Horatio Nelson, the renowned Royal Navy officer who was the commander of this post. You can visit the museum and historical sites that have been restored while surrounded by hills and water.
Fort Berkeley was an integral part of Antigua's defense and makes for a complete military history visit of the island. The trail up to the fort starts behind the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson's Dockyard at the Superyacht Dock.
If in doubt, just follow the goats! Walking along the trail you'll find stunning views of English Harbour and the quarry that provided the stone used to build the fort.
Party Sunday nights away at Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights was once a military complex but now site of the infamous Sunday evening party. Head up to Shirley Heights with some cold drinks and watch the sun set over the English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard.
As the sun goes down the party picks up: steel band music starts playing, barbecues get going, and people start dancing. As the night wears on, reggae groups take over and the rum punch brings people out of their shells until the wee hours.
Surfing, snorkelling & diving
Half Moon Bay Beach in the east of Antigua offers the best opportunity for surfers who want to catch some waves. This break is made up of a wind swell that doesn't get much higher than one and a half metres, so it's great for beginners and improvers.
Divers and snorkelling fans have plenty of things to see beneath the waves in Antigua. Cades Reef is an underwater park that's perfect for scuba divers, while a short hike from Galleon Beach, you'll find the Pillars of Hercules, which is an ideal spot for shallow dives and snorkelling, as well as secluded beaches and rare fish.
Fancy ticking off this list of things to do in Antigua for yourself? Check out the latest great deals to the Caribbean from big names such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
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