Antigua & Barbuda: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in 2024

Stay connected while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Antigua & Barbuda with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans, ensuring seamless communication as you visit the 10 Amazing Places to Discover in Antigua & Barbuda in 2024

Antigua and Barbuda float like twin jewels in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Here, turquoise waves lap at 365 pristine beaches – one for each day of the year. Steeped in British colonial history and West African influences, these sister isles serve up a captivating blend of historic sites, natural wonders, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. In 2024, as travellers seek off-the-beaten-track adventures, Antigua & Barbuda beckon with their promise of crowd-free coves, pastel villages, and some of the best places to visit in the Caribbean.

 

1. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park tops the list of places to visit in Antigua & Barbuda. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the stomping ground of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Today, visitors can:

 

• Explore Georgian-era buildings like the Admiral’s Inn and Copper and Lumber Store

• Visit the Dockyard Museum to learn about Antigua’s maritime past

• Watch sleek yachts glide into the marina during Antigua Sailing Week

 

Admission: EC$25 (Rs. 695) for adults, EC$12 (Rs. 334) for children.
Hours: 8 am-6 pm daily

 

2. Shirley Heights Lookout

For panoramic views and rum-fueled revelry, head to Shirley Heights Lookout. Perched above English Harbour, this former military lookout offers:

 

• Breathtaking vistas of the island’s southern coast

• Lively Sunday BBQ parties with steel bands and soca music

• Ruins of 18th-century Fort Shirley to explore

 

Admission: EC$10 (Rs. 278)
BBQ Party: Every Sunday, 4 pm-10 pm

 

3. Half Moon Bay

Escape the crowds at Half Moon Bay, a secluded crescent of soft, pink sand. This beautiful place in Antigua & Barbuda is perfect for:

 

• Snorkeling the offshore reef teeming with tropical fish

• Body surfing the gentle waves rolling in from the Atlantic

• Unwinding under the shade of a coconut palm

 

Getting There: 1-hour drive from St. John’s, 4WD recommended.

 

4. Stingray City

Swim with gentle Southern Rays at Stingray City, a shallow pool off the eastern coast. This famous Antigua attraction includes:

 

• A speedboat ride to the calm, crystal-clear waters

• An informative briefing by experienced guides

• Opportunities to feed, touch, and snorkel with dozens of friendly rays

 

Tours: 3 hours, from US$65 (Rs. 5,300) per adult.
Departs: Seaton’s Village Dock, 10 am & 1 pm daily.

 

5. Devil’s Bridge National Park

Marvel at the raw power of the Atlantic at Devil’s Bridge National Park. This natural limestone arch has been carved over centuries by crashing waves. Visitors can:

 

• Take a short hike to the bridge for dramatic photos

• Explore the nearby blowholes and rock pools

• Learn the haunting legend behind the bridge’s name

 

Admission: Free
Getting There: 40-minute drive from St. John’s.

 

6. Dickenson Bay

For classic Caribbean beach vibes, head to Dickenson Bay. This mile-long sweep of white sand is one of the top tourist places in Antigua, offering:

 

• Calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming

• A variety of watersports like jet-skiing and glass-bottom boat rides

• Beachfront bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood

 

Getting There: 10-minute drive from St. John’s.

 

7. Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation

Step back in time at Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation, Antigua’s first sugar estate. This historic attraction features:

 

• Two restored stone sugar mills from the 18th century

• A small museum chronicling the island’s plantation era

• Ruins of the Great House and Distillery to explore

 

Admission: US$5 (Rs. 408)
Hours: 10 am-4 pm Mon-Fri

 

8. Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour

Get a monkey’s-eye view of the jungle on the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. This thrilling eco-adventure includes:

 

• A series of zip-lines through the verdant rainforest canopy

• Aerial walkways and suspension bridges up to 350 feet long

• Knowledgeable guides who share insights on the island’s flora and fauna

 

Tours: 2.5 hours, from US$89 (Rs. 7,300) per adult.
Departs: Wallings Reservoir, 8:30am & 10:30am Mon-Sat.

 

9. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

Dive into 10,000 years of island history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in St. John’s. Highlights include:

 

• Arawak and colonial-era artefacts

• Exhibits on Antigua’s independence and carnival traditions

• A fascinating collection of marine creatures like bones from the massive sperm whale

 

Admission: EC$12 (Rs. 334)
Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 8:30 am-3 pm Fri

 

10. Frigate Bird Sanctuary

Take a boat trip to Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to over 5,000 magnificent frigatebirds. This must-visit attraction offers the chance to:

 

• Observe one of the world’s largest nesting colonies

• Watch the males inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract mates

• Spot other seabirds like tropicbirds and pelicans

 

Tours: 1.5 hours, from US$50 (Rs. 4,000) per person.
Getting There: 90-minute ferry from St. John’s to Barbuda.

 

When to Visit Antigua & Barbuda

The best time to visit is December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. May to June offer good deals with fewer crowds. The low season from July to November sees the occasional hurricane.

 

Season	Months	Pros	Cons
High	Dec-Apr	Calm seas, cool temps	Peak prices, crowds
Shoulder	May-Jun	Sunny days, lower rates	Brief showers
Low	Jul-Nov	Budget deals, fewer tourists	Hurricane risk, hotter temps

 

Top Antigua & Barbuda Travel Tips

• Rent a 4WD to explore lesser-known beaches and historic sites.

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for snorkelling.

• Taste local specialities like fungee (cornmeal and okra), pepperpot, and Susie’s Hot Sauce.

• Visit during Antigua Carnival in July/August for music, costumes, and festivities.

• Book accommodations and tours well in advance for busy winter months.

 

Getting Around Antigua & Barbuda

Taxis are readily available and offer fixed rates between major destinations. Renting a car allows more flexibility to discover the island at your own pace. Barbuda is accessible via a 90-minute ferry from St. John’s.

 

Stay Connected with Airtel’s International Roaming Plan while you travel Antigua & Barbuda

 

From Nelson’s Dockyard to the pink sands of Half Moon Bay, Antigua & Barbuda overflow with beautiful places to visit. As you explore these famous attractions, stay connected with Airtel’s affordable Prepaid international roaming plans. With data and voice coverage, you can share photos, navigate with maps, and make reservations on the go. Airtel’s convenient roaming packs ensure you never miss a moment of your Antigua & Barbuda adventure.