Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country in the West Indies, washed almost exclusively by the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by 95 miles of superb coastline. The islands are embraced by reefs and feature a large lagoon and a bird sanctuary. This enclave is best known for their friendly and welcoming people, pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, excellent hiking trails, and chic resorts.
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Robert Pittman, (CC BY-ND 2.0)
by Adrian Scottow, (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is from December to April. It is the coolest and driest time of year. Antigua has a hot, tropical climate with refreshing breezes from the trade winds. Temperatures do not vary too much throughout the year, however, it is worth considering the humidity before you go. The wet season runs from mid-June to mid-November and can have short spells of heavy rainfall and night-time thunderstorms. There is still a lot of sunshine during this time but it can get quite humid and muggy. Humidity is highest in August and September, and the risk of hurricanes is greatest from mid-August to mid-October.
Snorkelling and Diving: the sea is always warm, with temperatures never dropping below 26°C. From August to October water temperature rises to over 28°C. The best moment is from January to April which boasts the best visibility.
Carnival: if you are in Antigua from the end of July to early August you can experience Carnival, a colourful and lively celebration of the end of slavery on the island.
Watch turtles: three species of turtles lay their eggs on the island: green turtles, Hawksbill turtles and Leatherback turtles. When visiting Antigua and Barbuda, you will likely see sea turtles swimming in the warm water while snorkelling, unless you visit during the summer months, since that is when the turtles waddle onto the beach to nest in the beautiful white sand. Nesting season for most turtle species goes from June to October, so if you visit Antigua during those months, you might be lucky enough to witness hatching baby turtles.
Sailing Week and International Kite Festival: Antigua Sailing Week, one of the premier sailing regattas in the world with the best on the water action and phenomenal land parties is set between last of April to early May.
Whales and dolphins: humpback whales are frequently sighted in the seas around the islands from January through April, and there have also been some orcas (or killer whales) showing up. Dolphins play through the waters around Antigua during most of the year, and especially in February, March, and April. At these times, they often can be spotted swimming alongside the tour boats in small or large pods. Among the species seen most often are bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency. Typically, 3 to 3,30 Caribbean dollars per Euro and 2,70 Caribbean dollar per US Dollar.
English is the official language. In fact, linguists consider the dialect spoken on these islands to be a type of Creole English. Spanish is spoken by around 10,000 inhabitants.
Visa on arrival is granted to passengers requiring a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda subject to the following conditions, to persons who are holders of a valid: United States Visa or permanent Resident Card; or a Canadian Visa or permanent Resident Card, or a United Kingdom Visa or Resident Card, or a Schengen Visa or Resident Card. A single-entry Tourist Visa-on-Arrival is granted for a stay up to 30 days. Also, there is e-Visa system, an electronic acknowledgement permitting entry into and travel to Antigua and Barbuda. Applicants can obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card (MasterCard or Visa). For more information about which countries are exempt from Visa and countries requiring visa, check here. This website will allow foreigners to apply and pay for an Electronic Entry Visa (EEV) that is valid for travel to and entry into the country. Furthermore, for information regarding different visa types and fees.
ATM´s are widely available on the island, with more found in the major resorts and towns such as St John´s. Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops, including American Express, MasterCard and Visa.
Normal shopping hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Although many stores still close at noon on Thursdays. Banks: 8am – 2pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am – 4pm on Friday. Bank of Antigua is also open Saturday 8am – 12noon. Supermarkets: 8am – 7pm Monday – Saturday and all-day Sunday too. Restaurants or bars are open from 8am until 11pm, some places until 2pm.
Time: GMT – 4hours.
V. C. Bird International Airport (is an international airport located on the island of Antigua, 8 km northeast of St. John’s, the capital. By car, takes 10 minutes).
Barbuda Codrington Airport (is a public airport serving the village of Codrington, on the island of Barbuda, the distance from the airport to the centre of Barbuda 570 meters, walking it takes 10 minutes).
Antigua and Barbuda’s small size makes it great for exploration. There is no rail service in Antigua and Barbuda, but Antigua has a small bus network. The two main stations in St John’s are on Market Street and Independence Avenue. Buses are much cheaper than taxis, but they are also much more unpredictable. Schedules and routes can be obtained through the hotels or you can check these two companies: Lawrence of Antigua, Scenic Tours Antigua.
Taxis are also available throughout Antigua. Fares between the airport, English Harbour, and many hotels and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival.
Renting a car is an ideal way to discover more of Antigua while on your vacation. The cost is about US$40-50 per day. In addition to a valid driver’s license from your country of residence, or an international driver’s license, a permit to drive in Antigua is required.
By Sea, cruise ship ports are located at St. John’s Harbour and Heritage Quay, in the heart of the country’s capital. Private boaters can enter at St. John’s Harbour on the west coast, English Harbour, or the St. James’ Club in the south, or Crabbs Marina in the northeast. The Barbuda Express is an innovative wave-piercing design with high speed and a journey time of 90 minutes. It runs 5 days a week between St Johns and Barbuda. Freight can be regularly and reliably moved between the islands.
Antigua is a Christian country, this makes for a conservative attitude towards dress when you visit the different churches
It is considered very rude by Antiguans to rush into your request without first taking the time to greet your fellow people
Topless sunbathing is not acceptable
To wear camouflage clothing in Antigua (including children) and to carry items made of camouflage material
When taking a taxi, agree on the total fare. Some taxi drivers scam tourists by overcharging them
Touching a Manchineel tree. This tree is poisonous, and touching it can lead to burns and blisters.
The local dishes of the country are influenced by the cuisines of several other regions including West Africa, China, India, Syria, Lebanon, Jamaica, Spain, and Great Britain. Fresh seafood is an important part of the local diet, with the catch of the day typically consisting of lobster, snapper or mahi mahi. Fresh fruit is plentiful, and the Antiguan black pineapple is famous throughout the Caribbean for its exceptionally sweet flavour. As in the rest of the region, beer and rum are the most popular alcoholic drinks.
The traditional dishes are: “Fungee” (boiled yellow cornmeal and okra, that accompanies a few soups, stews, and meats. It is commonly served with stewed saltfish, stewed red herring or shad coated in cornmeal and fried), “Pepperpot” (a stew of meat and vegetables, contains spinach, okra, eggplant, squash, peas, dumplings, and meats such as salted pork, beef, and chicken), “Ducana” (a sweet dumpling, made from grated sweet potatoes, grated coconut, sugar, flour, and spices. The batter is cooked traditionally in banana leaf packages in boiling water. This is commonly eaten with stewed saltfish and chop-up.), “Saltfish and Chop-Up” (salted cod is boiled and then cleaned and picked free of bones. This is then sauteed with onions, peppers, garlic, and tomato sauce, is a mixture of mashed, boiled eggplant, spinach, and okra), “Grilled Barbudan Lobster” (fresh Barbudan spiny lobster is seasoned and grilled; usually accompanied by lemon-garlic butter and goes well with rice and peas), “Coconut Tart” (sweetened, spiced shredded coconut encased in a spiced crust, crunchy at the edges and soft in the middle).
For Antigua and Barbuda there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Antigua operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Antigua and Barbuda serve as a renowned medical services provider in the Caribbean region. The Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, in the capital city of St. John’s, is the most modern of all hospitals among the Caribbean islands. The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may mean emergency evacuation. Medical treatment in Antigua and Barbuda can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. Health authorities have classified Antigua and Barbuda as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Antigua and Barbuda: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and tetanus. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Rabies is prevalent in bats in Antigua and Barbuda. If you are going to be do any hiking or other outdoor excursion it is recommended you receive this vaccine.
Tipping is generally accepted at 10-15% depending on the service, and of course you can reward with more if you can afford it and feel your service has been outstanding. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. Make sure you check your bill for this as every restaurant is different, and you can fall into the trap of paying service twice.
British traditions (such as driving on the left)
US dollars are widely accepted on the island, though you will usually be given change in EC dollars, and at a less favourable exchange rate.
If you are traveling during the hurricane season, memorize or carry important contact numbers. For example, learn how to call your hotel, tour operator, local police, embassy, or airline.