Uncover the Tropical Beauty of Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua and Barbuda

The beautiful island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean is endowed with beautiful sandy beaches, a history and culture that is very colorful. This beautiful island country is rated among the top holiday destinations for tourists because of the beauty that is associated with it. Learn everything about Antigua and Barbuda in this ultimate travel guide to this beautiful destination: Geography, history and art, culture, travel, must-see stops, and best time to visit.

Geography of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are an independent nation situated in the Eastern Caribbean Sea with two major islands Antigua and Barbuda, and some smaller ones. The island of Antigua is twice as large as Barbuda and it is famous for the 365 beaches, the green hills, and beautiful harbours. It has a surface of 281 square kilometres and has a rugged mountainous topography that is largely of volcanic origin.

Barbuda on the other hand is much smaller in size with an area of 161km2 or 62m2. It has no hills; corals, pink sand beaches, and shielded wildlife island. Collectively these islands provide a paradise for both lovers of nature and those in search of adventure sport all this is set in crystal clear turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling, diving and water skiing.

A Bird’s Eye View of the History of Antigua and Barbuda

The early history of Antigua and Barbuda started back in the 4th century where the first inhabitants of the islands where the Siboney people. After that Arawaks and the Caribs settled there until Christopher Columbus sighted the islands in the Caribbean in 1493 during his second voyage. It took Britain as long as 1632 to colonize Antigua though in the reverse Barbuda only got colonized by Britain in 1666. Antigua and Barbuda rapidly became components of the British Empire’s sugar culture complete with plantations operated on the forced labor of Africans.

After the slaves were freed in 1834, the islands’ economic growth progressed and the territory gained complete independence as the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981. Nowadays Antigua and Barbuda are the member of the Commonwealth of Nations and colonial period specifically British can be seen in both the architectural and cultural aspects of the country.

Art and Culture of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has a diverse history, culture that has origin from Africa, Britain and the Caribbean. These dance music traditions are mainly calypso, soca, steelpan and reggae music which are performed on various event, with special emphasis on carnivals, especially the famous Antigua Carnival. The biggest cultural festival of the island called Carnival is held towards the end of July and early August; it is a very bright and cheerful event characterized by the parades, the delicious local cuisine, dances, and live music.

The artistic and cultural developments in the islands are also remarkable and there are several local artists making marvelous works such as pottery, jewelries and paintings. The public can attend galleries of art that includes local art like the Zemi Art Gallery or even come across artisans in markets.

If food is the key to anyone’s heart then food is surely the heart of Antiguan culture. It boasts of Continent, British, and caribbean origin dishes and meals like; salt fish and fungie, pepper pot, Conch and seafood meals prepared using freshly caught fish.

When is Best Time to Visit Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are best visited during the dry season which ranges from mid December to mid April. It’s a sunshine and blue sky kind of a time starting in mid march up to early aprile, hence is a good time for most those who love beaches and any activities that need sunlight. The climate during this time is warm with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F) and humidity being a little on the low side. This is a great time to go to the islands despite it being a high season mainly because the attractions justify that visit; cultural festivities, yacht racing, and beach carnivals.

The weather is warm during May to November but this is the wet and the hurricane season in Caribbean. However, the weather is not bad during this time; for instance, it may rain only once or twice in a week, and there can be storm, but everything is cheaper, less crowded and beautiful in this time.

Holiday Makers Guide to Antigua and Barbuda

The accessibility of Antigua and Barbuda is fairly simple as Antigua specifically has V. C. Bird International Airport which is a very busy airport for international flights from North America, Europe as well as other Caribbean territories. In this category, there are many airlines which are in operation and offer direct flights to Antigua; these include British Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic among others. Other transport options available to travelers are ferries for those who come from other Caribbean islands.

The available means of transport include hiring of cars, use of taxis or the local transport like the buses to move around the islands as one wishes. Special note for car lovers and independent travellers: Antigua is very easy to navigate, and given the size of the island, you can easily fit a lot into one day and can visit many beaches, historical sites or nature reserves in one day.

For those who wants to do some island hopping, Barbuda is about 90-minute ferry ride or a short flight away. However, one should also note that Barbuda is relatively less developed than Antigua thus making it to be a relatively more natural and calm island.

Tourism Planning for Antigua and Barbuda

1. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (Antigua): Nelson’s Dockyard is another popular attraction which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an ex-naval facility from the age of sail. It is known by the name of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served at the place in 1790’s. Tourists can wish to tour round, the historic buildings, visit the Dockyard Museum and even enjoy the beauty of the harbor along this place, it is therefore ideal for historians, sailors and tourists in general.
2. Shirley Heights (Antigua): This is a former military lookout which has breathtaking views of the rest of the island and is a famous rated sun-set venue famous for its Sunday evening parties. Recreational facilities available for visitors include hiking or driving up to the summit for the spectacular views, watch the sun setting, meet and greets reggae/ steelpan music and local cuisine.
3. Half Moon Bay (Antigua):
   Half Moon Bay is one of the best sandy stretches in Antigua; the sand has a pinkish tinge while water is crystal clear. What surrounds the place is actually a national park, and it is well suited for laying on a picnic, swimming and snorkeling.
4. Devil’s Bridge (Antigua):
   This natural arch of rock formed on the cliff at the eastern coast of Antigua with breathtaking sea ang climbing, diving and trekking terrains. This is under Devil’s Bridge National Park where tourists can find out the historical past of African enslaved people who committed suicide there.
5. Barbuda’s Pink Sand Beach:
   The low profile island of Barbuda is known for the Pink Sand Beach which is formed as result of mixing of crushed coral and white sand. This beach is very extensive and is the most appropriate for sunbathing, beachcombing and even experiencing the tranquility of Barbuda.
6. Frigate Bird Sanctuary (Barbuda):
   Tourists with interest in natural occurrence will benefit from visiting Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary which is the second largest world bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is situated in the Codrington Lagoon which can only be accessed by boats and it has been identified that there are over 170 types of birds and thousands of frigates that have bright red throat pouches.
7. Dickenson Bay (Antigua):
   Dickenson bay is for many amongst the most beautiful and tourist friendly beaches of Antigua due to its smooth water and many coastal resorts. It facilitates water sports and restaurants and beach bar making it an array of one with lively leisure, and business.
8. Betty’s Hope (Antigua):
   If you wish to have a feel of Antigua’s colonial roots, then do visit Betty’s Hope a sugar plantation site. The windmill and the processing buildings gave an idea about the cultivation of sugar in the island and visitors can also know about the black slaves who were forced to work here.

Tourist attractions which involve physical activity in Antigua and Barbuda

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda boasts white sandy shorelines and some of the most beautiful clear water which is ideal for coral reef ecosystem support for marine life. Shore diving can be done in areas such as Cades Reef and Sunken Rock while snorkeling can be done on most of the deserted beaches.

Yachting and Sailing: Antigua is today a paradise for yachting and this is evident during festival occasions such as the Antigua Sailing Week that is held every April. There are yachts which can be chartered or there are day cruises or one can just view yachts in English Harbour.

Hiking: Tourists on the other hand can find a lot of trails for hiking both on the islands since they feature beautiful scenery. The best one is the trail to shirley heights to watch the sun rise of set over the English Harbour.

Cultural Festivals: Well, if you are going to be in Antigua in July-end or early August, don’t miss Antigua’s Carnival. There are others like the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show which give cultural events.

Final Thoughts

Antigua and Barbuda are two lovely islands that provide a memorable journey for different tourists as there are products that reflect adventure, relaxation and culture. Whether sightseeing at Nelson’s Dockyard, sun tanning on a pink sand beach of Barbuda or yachting on Caribbean Sea, the Island will always stay in your memory. The best time to visit is between December and April in terms of weather conditions But the most important thing, which people often forget is to feel and absorb the cultural environment.