Antigua and Barbuda

Day Trips

Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport and breeze through customs before meeting your transfer to a beachfront resort. Unpack your bags and take a moment to absorb the turquoise water and powdery sand right outside your door. Feel the island rhythm as you sip a fresh fruit juice under a palm tree.

Explore the nearby shoreline with a leisurely stroll, discovering hidden sandbars and colorful shells along the water’s edge. Stop at a local beach bar for grilled fish and a cold drink while watching kiteboarders dance across the waves. Take a quick dip to cool off before heading back to your resort for some downtime.

Dine al fresco at a seaside restaurant and sample Antiguan specialties like pepperpot stew or grilled lobster. Watch the sunset ignite the horizon in brilliant hues as steel drum music fills the air. Wind down with a nightcap on your balcony, letting the sound of gentle waves lull you to sleep.

Start your day with a guided walking tour of St. John’s, the vibrant capital full of colonial architecture and bustling street markets. Visit the historic Redcliffe Quay, where pastel warehouses house artisanal shops and local crafts. Chat with vendors selling sugar cane juice and tropical fruits while taking in panoramic views of the harbor.

Head to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda for an engaging look at the island’s rich history, from indigenous peoples to colonial times. Wander through the archaeological exhibits and learn about the impact of sugar plantations on Caribbean culture. Afterwards, stop for lunch at a sidewalk café serving creole-spiced jerk chicken and rice.

Return to your hotel to freshen up before enjoying dinner in St. John’s waterfront district. Choose from lively eateries offering fresh seafood and island-inspired cocktails. Afterward, explore local nightlife with live calypso music at a neighborhood bar.

Drive north to Shell Beach on the unique pink-tinged sand made entirely from pulverized shells. Spend time snorkeling in the clear lagoon waters to spot tropical fish and sea turtles gliding beneath the surface. Relax under a shady umbrella with a good book as gentle waves lap at your feet.

Visit the nearby St. Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, with its striking stained-glass windows and peaceful garden courtyard. Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s architecture and significance in Antiguan culture. Enjoy lunch at a nearby tavern offering homemade coconut dumplings and spicy pepper sauce.

Return to Shell Beach for one final swim before sunset, watching the sky blush pink over the shore. Settle in for dinner at a beachfront grill, savoring freshly caught mahi-mahi and island vegetables. Cap off the night with a moonlit beach walk, listening to the soothing cadence of the Caribbean Sea.

Drive up to Shirley Heights Lookout and enjoy panoramic views of English Harbour and the surrounding hills. Hike one of the short trails through tropical forest, keeping an eye out for hummingbirds and exotic flora. Pause at the summit to admire historic military batteries and capture photos of sailboats dotted across the bay.

Descend to English Harbour and explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s oldest continuously occupied naval dockyard. Tour restored stone buildings, the Admiral’s House museum, and maritime exhibits describing life at sea in the 18th century. Grab a light lunch at a dockside café where rum punch flows freely.

Return to Shirley Heights for the famous Sunday barbecue party, complete with jerk chicken, ribs, and local side dishes. Dance to live steel pan and reggae bands as the sun sinks below the horizon. Join islanders in a festive conga line under the stars, celebrating Antigua’s infectious spirit.

Head back to Nelson’s Dockyard for a sailing clinic aboard a traditional wooden yacht. Learn the basics of trimming sails and navigating the harbor under expert guidance. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide past historic fortifications and colorful fishing boats.

Dock at a secluded cove for a beachside picnic of fresh fruit, cheese, and local breads. Snorkel from the shore to discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with angelfish and parrotfish. Return to the dockyard to wander through local art galleries showcasing Caribbean painters and sculptors.

Dine at one of Dockyard’s elegant restaurants, sampling gourmet dishes infused with Antiguan spices. Wander the historic grounds by lantern light, imagining naval officers planning expeditions centuries ago. Enjoy a nightcap at a candlelit bar overlooking the calm marina waters.

Travel to Carlisle Bay for an adrenaline-filled morning of watersports. Try jet skiing across the bay’s crystal-clear surface or parasailing for aerial views of rolling hills and pristine beaches. For a gentler pace, opt for paddleboarding along the calm shoreline.

Cool off with a guided sea kayak tour through mangrove channels, spotting herons and fish darting beneath the surface. Stop at a secluded beach for a casual lunch of fresh ceviche and coconut water. Relax under a palapa before embarking on a windsurfing lesson in the bay’s steady breezes.

Return to your resort to freshen up and head to a themed beach party at Carlisle Bay’s beachfront club. Dance to Caribbean DJs spinning soca and dancehall tunes while enjoying tropical cocktails. Finish the night with a bonfire on the beach and marshmallows roasted over the embers.

Catch the early ferry or flight to Barbuda, Antigua’s sister island famed for its pink sand beaches and untouched wilderness. Arrive on the main settlement and choose a private 4x4 tour to explore the island’s remote corners. Drive through low-lying scrubland en route to stunning coastal vistas.

Visit the famous Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Codrington Lagoon, home to thousands of rare frigate birds. Glide through mangrove waterways in a small boat and watch mating displays of scarlet-throated males. Afterward, relax for lunch on One Sandy Beach, savoring a seafood platter under the shade of casuarina trees.

Return to Antigua by evening ferry or flight, enjoying a spectacular sunset over the water. Unpack in your hotel room and indulge in a soothing spa treatment to unwind from the day’s adventure. End with a quiet dinner at a romantic waterfront spot, reminiscing over the day’s wildlife encounters.

Set off along Fig Tree Drive, a scenic rainforest road lined with towering figs and majestic palms. Stop at local roadside stands to sample freshly harvested guava and avocado. Arrive at a trailhead for a guided hike through lush jungle foliage and hidden waterfalls.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a cascading stream, listening to the symphony of tropical birds overhead. Continue your hike to a secret swimming hole, where you can dive into cool, rejuvenating waters beneath a canopy of emerald leaves. Learn about native plants and medicinal herbs from your knowledgeable guide.

Return to the coast and freshen up at your accommodation before heading out for dinner. Choose a farm-to-table restaurant featuring island-grown produce and freshly caught fish. Cap off the evening with a quiet stroll along a moonlit beach, reflecting on the beauty of Antigua’s interior.

Board a comfortable catamaran for a day of island-hopping and snorkel stops. Glide past dramatic limestone cliffs and secluded coves as you cruise along Antigua’s coastline. Drop anchor in a shallow bay and snorkel over vibrant coral reefs alive with marine life.

Enjoy a catered lunch aboard the boat featuring grilled Caribbean dishes, tropical salads, and chilled beverages. Continue sailing to a hidden beach accessible only by sea, where you can relax with a rum punch in hand. Explore tidal pools and tide-carved rock formations before setting sail again.

Conclude your voyage with a spectacular sunset cruise, watching the sky transform into shades of orange and purple. Toast the end of your trip with champagne as dolphins play in the boat’s wake. Return to shore with unforgettable memories of Antigua by sea.

Spend your final morning luxuriating by the pool or on your favorite stretch of beach. Order a leisurely breakfast of island pancakes and papaya smoothies served poolside. Reflect on your journey while soaking up the Caribbean sun one last time.

Pack your bags and check out of your hotel, but not before fitting in a spa treatment or last-minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling coconut curry or a fresh garden salad. Transfer to the airport with plenty of time to savor your final moments in paradise.

Board your flight home with a heart full of memories and a camera roll packed with vibrant snapshots. As the plane ascends, watch Antigua and Barbuda fade into the horizon, promising a swift return. Plan your next visit as you dream of sea breezes and balmy evenings under palm trees.