Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the Caribbean Sea, located on two inhabited islands, after which it is named. The country is independent, but is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and retains many of the British traditions. The basis of the economy is tourism.
Why go?
Antigua and Barbuda is a country of beaches and diving. There are few attractions on the islands, and entertainment is also scarce. But if your vacation plans consist of moving between hotels and the beach in a civilized environment and periodic trips to see the sights, then this country will suit you. After all, if you get bored, you can go for a day or two to other Caribbean islands with a visa-free regime.
The main thing about the country
Accommodation, food and travel to Antigua and Barbuda will cost an average of $400-450 per person per day. But the amount varies significantly: prices for three-star hotels in rubles differ by an order of magnitude.
The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English. There are Spanish speakers among the locals. In everyday life, most people use Antiguan Creole – a mixture of English, Spanish, Portuguese and local Indian languages.
Time zone UTC -4 (7 hours earlier than Moscow).
The main religion is Christianity, which is practiced by more than 90% of the population.
Barbuda is a coral island, flat in relief, but surrounded by many reefs. Antigua is an extinct volcano located in the southwest, surrounded by a ring of limestone coral deposits that form a plain.
The average air temperature is +27 degrees, and it changes slightly throughout the year.
The locals are friendly to tourists. Unlike most other Caribbean countries, Antiguans are more reserved: long years of British rule have influenced their mentality.
Customs
There are no special features
When to go
From August to December, the Caribbean has a rainy season. At this time, there are very hot periods, up to +40. In conditions of high humidity, such weather is hard to bear. But there is a plus: few tourists.
The likelihood of hurricanes is high from June to November, with a peak in September. In other months, storms are possible (Hurricane Katrina occurred in March), but the likelihood is much lower.
The high season on the islands is from December to April. When planning a trip for these months, you need to book a hotel in advance, as there will be high demand for them. Those who want to relax in comfortable conditions, but without crowds, should think about housing not on the popular western coast, but on the eastern coast of Antigua. The second option is to live on Barbuda, but then for almost all activities, except for the beaches, you will have to sail by ferry to the neighboring island.
Currency
The official currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). Its rate is strictly tied to the US dollar and has not changed since 1976: 1 USD buys 2.7 XCD. Travellers’ checks (preferably dollar ones, this will allow you to avoid additional commission) and international payment system cards are accepted for payment.
Currency exchange and any operations related to cashing out are best done in the capital, St. John’s: the rate is much less favorable in tourist areas. The main thing is to ask for more small change, otherwise there will be problems with change.
Almost everywhere in Antigua and Barbuda you can pay with US dollars, so it is better to come here with this currency.
Prices
A room in a three-star hotel costs from $100 to $300, depending on the hotel conditions (all inclusive, breakfast only, no breakfast) and location relative to the coastline. Lunch in an average cafe is about $10. A bus ticket is a little less than a dollar, and a liter of gasoline is a little more.
How to get there
Direct flights fly from Frankfurt, Heathrow (London) and many US airports. At the destination, the airport is located in the northwest part of the island of Antigua.
Beaches
Beaches are located around the perimeter of both islands. Antigua has white sand, while Barbuda has pink sand, formed from mollusk shells. The shallows and shelves are ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Barbuda’s eight-kilometre-long Long Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Surfers love Half Moon Bay in Antigua.
Resorts
The health sector is not developed on the islands.
Attractions
The easiest place to see old Caribbean architecture is in St. John’s, you don’t have to look for it here. First of all, this is the neo-baroque St. John’s Cathedral and the Court House built in 1747. Now the Court House is a historical museum. Its exhibits tell about the early history and colonial period of the island.
Colonial-era forts James and Barrington guarded St. John’s Harbor on both sides of the bay. James is now a museum, and Barrington is home to a tourist company.
On Redcliffe Quay, the old warehouses have been converted into modern shops and restaurants.
In English Harbour Bay on the southern coast, is the main attraction of Antigua and Barbuda – Nelson Dockyard. This is the only naval base in the world that has survived from the 17th century to the present day without reconstruction. But the Nelson Museum is a complete disappointment, both in the condition of the house itself and in the number of exhibits.
The harbour was protected by the forts of Berkeley and Great Fort George. Nearby is the oldest church in the country – St Paul’s. It was built in 1676, and the summer residence of the Governor General Clarence House of the 18th century.
Other things to see in Antigua include:
- the island’s first plantation, Bettis Hope, built in 1650;
- Devil’s Bridge – a rock of unusual shape with a curious effect from the surf;
- Indian Town National Park;
- Donkey shelter: you can interact with the animals and even take care of them.
There is almost nothing to see on the island of Barbuda. It was badly damaged by hurricanes in 1995 and 2017. There is only one city here – Cordington. In its center stands Government House, built in the late 17th century.
The island’s main attraction was once the estate of its former owners, Cordington House, or Mountain House. But now only ruins remain. But the Martello Tower, which operated from 1745 to 1850, still stands and is in good condition. Such towers were a common part of the fortifications of islands owned by the British.
There are several caves on the island. The most interesting of them is the Indian Cave. It contains petroglyphs created by the Arawaks.
From any of the islands you can get to the Redonda National Park. It is located on an uninhabited island of volcanic origin, and the nature here has been preserved to this day in an untouched form.
Entertainment
Antigua and Barbuda offers opportunities for literally all beach activities. Only spearfishing with a harpoon gun is prohibited.
Second in popularity after water recreation are festivals and street parties.
On Christmas Day, December 25, a live calypso concert is held at Nelson’s Dockyard in the Antiguan capital, and charity events are held in major cities.
From February to April, there are high chances to get to family events. These are the Vadaldi craft fair (February 27), the kite festival (March or April, depending on the dates of Holy Week), the April seafood festival. All these festivities are accompanied by concerts, amateur competitions and contests.
In April, two regattas are held – a yacht regatta and a competition of classic wooden yachts and ships.
A ten-day carnival dedicated to the anniversary of the abolition of slavery is held in late July-August.
In August, there is a mango and pineapple festival, during which you can try unusual fruit dishes and cocktails.
Independence Day is celebrated on November 1st with fairs, parades, theatrical performances, competitions and a carnival, and at the end of the month there is a Best in the West fishing competition, in which even children can take part.
Kitchen
Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary traditions are almost the same as those of its neighboring countries. Spicy meat or fish with vegetables is called pepperpot, a mixture of okra and cornmeal – “ku-ku” – is a common side dish. But there are nuances. Firstly, a huge selection of fish and seafood. Among the shellfish, in addition to the usual scallops, they offer lambi and sudons, and among the fish part of the menu there are berix, sunfish, and kingfish.
The country’s culinary landmark is the “black” pineapple. This is a local variety. Its pulp is a completely normal color, the fruit itself is smaller than usual and much sweeter.
Souvenirs
There are no super exotic souvenirs in Antigua, but craft jewelry made of wood, fabric, bone and ornamental stone, hand-painted T-shirts, original hats, wooden figurines and other products of local artisans are in great demand here. Souvenirs should be sought at craft festivals or in small specialized shops. Branded goods are sold in brand stores at low prices: the islands are a duty-free zone.
Transport
Antigua has buses that connect St John’s with Falmouth and English Harbour, and trips there cost less than a dollar each way.
To rent a car you need a local or international driver’s license. Obtaining a temporary license will cost $20.
Local traffic has its own specific features: it is left-hand and not all drivers follow the rules. Therefore, if you do not want to ruin your vacation with nerves behind the wheel, it is worth hiring a taxi. Its driver can also act as a guide.
The international airport is located in Antigua. The island also has a local airport, from where planes fly to other Caribbean countries. You can fly from Antigua to Barbuda, but experienced travelers recommend a catamaran for this purpose: planes are too often cancelled or rescheduled.
Safety
The main danger for tourists in Antigua and Barbuda is pickpockets. The share of other crimes is extremely small, especially against visitors to the country.
Medicine
The country’s healthcare system is built by the UK and maintains a high standard. But it also costs accordingly. Therefore, pre-purchased health insurance, although not required upon entry, can save a lot of money.
The main health problems that tourists face are injuries, sunburn, conjunctivitis, and digestive disorders.
To minimize the chance of getting seriously ill, vaccinations against typhoid, diphtheria, tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B, and polio are required. They are not required upon entry, but are relevant.
Traditions
Wearing camouflage clothing is not encouraged in Antigua and Barbuda. There is no ban on alcohol, but it is better not to get too drunk in public places.
On the beaches, swimsuits and trunks are required: sunbathing topless and especially nude is prohibited.
Before taking photographs of local residents, you must ask their permission.
Homosexual couples should not display affection in public: such relationships are punishable by law on the islands.
Locals are not used to rushing. This is also reflected in the service sector: you will have to wait longer than usual to order at a restaurant or fulfill a request at a hotel.
Internet
Local provider Apua provides 4G coverage throughout the country.
Useful facts
- The area of Antigua is only 281 sq. km (slightly larger than Irkutsk), and Barbuda is 161 sq. km (comparable to Vyborg or Belgorod).
- Most buildings have American standard sockets, 110 V, 60 Hz. But you can find hotels with European standard (260 V, 50 Hz, European sockets).
- When paying in hotels and restaurants, difficulties may arise. Tips in the amount of 10% (maids and porters – $ 1) and a government tax of 7-8.5% can be included in the cost of meals, included separately in the bill, or the tax will have to be paid separately, and the tip left separately on top of the bill. Therefore, it is imperative to clarify what is included in the amount indicated in the price list or menu.
- Sun protection is required: creams, glasses, closed light clothing. Insect protection is required.
- Outside large cities, you should only drink bottled water.
Local laws
Wearing camouflage clothing is considered an offense.