Antigua and Barbuda are two stunning Caribbean islands located just north of Venezuela, south of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and east of Jamaica. There are several different things to see in Antigua and Barbuda, from beaches, such as snorkelling and kayaking-perfect Darkwood Beach, to historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and dreamy locations for couples looking for something romantic like candlelight dinners or picnics at sunset! There is even pink sand on one beach and myriads of places and experiences that can keep anyone entertained for hours on end. Below, you have the opportunity to sample some of the available options!
Darkwood Beach
Darkwood Beach is one of the best places to snorkel on Antigua. The coral reef is shallow and close to shore, making it easy for beginners to snorkel without getting too tired. There's also a lot of coral and fish here, so you won't be disappointed.
Tip: The best snorkelling on Antigua can be found at Shirley Heights and Devil’s Bridge – also worth seeing from up close even just for their idyllic setting!
Nelson's Dockyard
Nelson's Dockyard is every history buff’s dreamland that enables them to learn about Antigua's history and heritage. This old royal navy dockyard was once used as a base for Britain's Royal Navy, and has since been converted into a tourist attraction that showcases the island's maritime past. There's also an on-site museum, restaurant and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs of your trip.
Nelson's Dockyard is located on the east coast of Antigua—about five kilometres east of St John’s city centre. As its name suggests, it was originally built by Horatio Nelson during his time as commander-in-chief of British naval operations in North America (1784–1801). The dockyard served as both a shipbuilding facility and repair yard for naval vessels during its service with England; today it remains one of only two surviving Georgian era dockyards in operation worldwide!
Devil's Bridge
One of the most visited local landmarks is Devils Bridge, associated with a morbid past, and the Signal Hill Hike. However, Antigua and Barbuda are considered a nature lover’s paradise because they combine lush mountainous areas, rainforests, and beautiful, rugged shores.
Devil’s Bridge is a natural stone arch on Antigua and one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island (also a great place for hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming). The ocean around Devil's Bridge is very rough and rocky—but that doesn't stop surfers from coming here! Another reason Devil’s Bridge draws so many visitors annually is the views from the top of this natural arch which are absolutely stunning – there are often times when you can even see far out into the ocean.
Betty's Hope
Betty's Hope is a restored plantation house built in the 17th century that gives you a glimpse into life at this time period without having to worry about wearing uncomfortable clothes or shoes! The property includes a sugar mill, windmill, plantation house, and slave quarters, while you can also see the grounds where slaves worked.
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral is the oldest building in Antigua, and it's still used today. Built in 1680 by slaves and local materials (coral stone), this gorgeous cathedral stands as a symbol of Christian faith on both islands. In fact, it was built right after St. Lucy's Church—another important religious landmark that you should also visit if you have time!
Inside the cathedral, you'll be able to see examples of historic architecture while admiring beautiful stained glass windows and stone carvings that decorate the church interior. The steeple itself reaches over 100 feet high, so be sure not to miss out on seeing one of its tallest points when touring around inside or outside during your visit!
Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary
The largest seabird in the world, the frigate bird (Fregata minor), which has been known to reach speeds of up to 88 km/h during flight and even fly backwards (and up to 1,000 miles without landing), is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a welcoming home to these wonderful creatures. In fact, it is the largest of its kind in the entire western hemisphere! You can only access it by boat trip (only with the presence of a professional guide) and you will find it in Codrington, the Barbuda capital, in the Codrington Lagoon. Except for the over 5,000 Frigate birds that live in Barbuda, the sanctuary is also home to more than 170 bird species!
Fig Tree Drive and Lookout
The Fig Tree Drive and Lookout is a prime destination for scuba divers, who flock to the area because of its clear waters and sea turtles. If you're not a diver, you can still enjoy the natural beauty of this famous road on foot or by car. You'll find plenty of opportunities to see dolphins and other marine life as you travel along this scenic route. The road is about two miles long, and it's open for cars year-round. It's also a much-preferred spot for cyclists and motorcyclists who want to enjoy the ocean views without fighting traffic. The best time to visit Lookout Road is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry.
Harmony Hall Art Gallery
Harmony Hall Art Gallery is a beautiful building in the capital that houses a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs. Plus, an extensive collection of furniture, pottery and textiles by local artists housed in a beautifully landscaped courtyard, as well as a permanent exhibition that includes an impressive display of British watercolours, Indian miniatures and oil paintings by colonial artists such as George Chinnery. The gallery is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm every day of the week.
There is a Pink Sand Beach in Barbuda
There is a pink sand beach in Barbuda, called Little Bay Beach, on the west coast of Barbuda. The reason for its colour is the sand that is actually made up of crushed coral, giving it a romantic and unique pink hue! Little Bay is not very wide, so it can get crowded during the day. However, if you go early in the morning or late in the evening, you'll likely have the place to yourself and all the space you need to stretch out as well as enjoy some peace and quiet. And, if you love snorkelling and scuba diving, this is a fantastic spot for both thanks to its calm, clean, and clear waters.
Other Incredible Things to see in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Hawksbill turtles that nest on the beach at night. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered, but they're protected in Antigua and Barbuda. You can watch them build their nest between May and August each year. The best time to see them is around sunset or sunrise when they get ready to lay their eggs in the sand.
- Fort Barrington (at Nelson’s Dockyard), which has been restored to look much like it did back then. You will also find plenty of cannons and other artefacts lying around, waiting to tell their story of what life was like under British rule.
- Hidden Beach, which is only accessible by boat or via a hiking trail through lush forests followed by rocky beaches leading down into turquoise waters where there's not another soul in sight!
- Shekerley Mountains, the highest peak in Antigua and Barbuda at a whopping 402 metres (around 1,319 feet). In 2009, the mountain was renamed Mount Obama.
Antigua and Barbuda are two stunning Caribbean islands located just north of Venezuela, south of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and east of Jamaica. There are several different things to see in Antigua and Barbuda, from beaches, such as snorkelling and kayaking-perfect Darkwood Beach, to historical sites like Nelson's Dockyard and dreamy locations for couples looking for something romantic like candlelight dinners or picnics at sunset! There is even pink sand on one beach and myriads of places and experiences that can keep anyone entertained for hours on end. Below, you have the opportunity to sample some of the available options!
Darkwood Beach
Darkwood Beach is one of the best places to snorkel on Antigua. The coral reef is shallow and close to shore, making it easy for beginners to snorkel without getting too tired. There's also a lot of coral and fish here, so you won't be disappointed.
Tip: The best snorkelling on Antigua can be found at Shirley Heights and Devil’s Bridge – also worth seeing from up close even just for their idyllic setting!
Nelson's Dockyard
Nelson's Dockyard is every history buff’s dreamland that enables them to learn about Antigua's history and heritage. This old royal navy dockyard was once used as a base for Britain's Royal Navy, and has since been converted into a tourist attraction that showcases the island's maritime past. There's also an on-site museum, restaurant and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs of your trip.
Nelson's Dockyard is located on the east coast of Antigua—about five kilometres east of St John’s city centre. As its name suggests, it was originally built by Horatio Nelson during his time as commander-in-chief of British naval operations in North America (1784–1801). The dockyard served as both a shipbuilding facility and repair yard for naval vessels during its service with England; today it remains one of only two surviving Georgian era dockyards in operation worldwide!
Devil's Bridge
One of the most visited local landmarks is Devils Bridge, associated with a morbid past, and the Signal Hill Hike. However, Antigua and Barbuda are considered a nature lover’s paradise because they combine lush mountainous areas, rainforests, and beautiful, rugged shores.
Devil’s Bridge is a natural stone arch on Antigua and one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island (also a great place for hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming). The ocean around Devil's Bridge is very rough and rocky—but that doesn't stop surfers from coming here! Another reason Devil’s Bridge draws so many visitors annually is the views from the top of this natural arch which are absolutely stunning – there are often times when you can even see far out into the ocean.
Betty's Hope
Betty's Hope is a restored plantation house built in the 17th century that gives you a glimpse into life at this time period without having to worry about wearing uncomfortable clothes or shoes! The property includes a sugar mill, windmill, plantation house, and slave quarters, while you can also see the grounds where slaves worked.
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral is the oldest building in Antigua, and it's still used today. Built in 1680 by slaves and local materials (coral stone), this gorgeous cathedral stands as a symbol of Christian faith on both islands. In fact, it was built right after St. Lucy's Church—another important religious landmark that you should also visit if you have time!
Inside the cathedral, you'll be able to see examples of historic architecture while admiring beautiful stained glass windows and stone carvings that decorate the church interior. The steeple itself reaches over 100 feet high, so be sure not to miss out on seeing one of its tallest points when touring around inside or outside during your visit!
Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary
The largest seabird in the world, the frigate bird (Fregata minor), which has been known to reach speeds of up to 88 km/h during flight and even fly backwards (and up to 1,000 miles without landing), is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a welcoming home to these wonderful creatures. In fact, it is the largest of its kind in the entire western hemisphere! You can only access it by boat trip (only with the presence of a professional guide) and you will find it in Codrington, the Barbuda capital, in the Codrington Lagoon. Except for the over 5,000 Frigate birds that live in Barbuda, the sanctuary is also home to more than 170 bird species!
Fig Tree Drive and Lookout
The Fig Tree Drive and Lookout is a prime destination for scuba divers, who flock to the area because of its clear waters and sea turtles. If you're not a diver, you can still enjoy the natural beauty of this famous road on foot or by car. You'll find plenty of opportunities to see dolphins and other marine life as you travel along this scenic route. The road is about two miles long, and it's open for cars year-round. It's also a much-preferred spot for cyclists and motorcyclists who want to enjoy the ocean views without fighting traffic. The best time to visit Lookout Road is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry.
Harmony Hall Art Gallery
Harmony Hall Art Gallery is a beautiful building in the capital that houses a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs. Plus, an extensive collection of furniture, pottery and textiles by local artists housed in a beautifully landscaped courtyard, as well as a permanent exhibition that includes an impressive display of British watercolours, Indian miniatures and oil paintings by colonial artists such as George Chinnery. The gallery is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm every day of the week.
There is a Pink Sand Beach in Barbuda
There is a pink sand beach in Barbuda, called Little Bay Beach, on the west coast of Barbuda. The reason for its colour is the sand that is actually made up of crushed coral, giving it a romantic and unique pink hue! Little Bay is not very wide, so it can get crowded during the day. However, if you go early in the morning or late in the evening, you'll likely have the place to yourself and all the space you need to stretch out as well as enjoy some peace and quiet. And, if you love snorkelling and scuba diving, this is a fantastic spot for both thanks to its calm, clean, and clear waters.
Other Incredible Things to see in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Hawksbill turtles that nest on the beach at night. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered, but they're protected in Antigua and Barbuda. You can watch them build their nest between May and August each year. The best time to see them is around sunset or sunrise when they get ready to lay their eggs in the sand.
- Fort Barrington (at Nelson’s Dockyard), which has been restored to look much like it did back then. You will also find plenty of cannons and other artefacts lying around, waiting to tell their story of what life was like under British rule.
- Hidden Beach, which is only accessible by boat or via a hiking trail through lush forests followed by rocky beaches leading down into turquoise waters where there's not another soul in sight!
- Shekerley Mountains, the highest peak in Antigua and Barbuda at a whopping 402 metres (around 1,319 feet). In 2009, the mountain was renamed Mount Obama.