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Airport
VC Bird International Airport, airport code ANU, t 462 0358, is located on the north-eastern side of Antigua and is approximately five miles from the capital St John’s. It is about 30 minutes drive from English Harbour and the hotels on the south coast.
Originally an American military air base dating back to World War II, the airport is now a major international hub serving the North-eastern Caribbean (particularly from the UK, from where there are several flights each day). It is also the main base of LIAT.
Facilities at the airport are due to be upgraded with new Arrival and Departure lounges and the addition of shops and restaurants landside. The Departures Hall has had a small extension (not the complete works), but there is no date for construction on the new buildings as yet. Current facilities in the Departure Hall include a number of small duty free shops, a bar with a limited snack service (this can get very busy – best be prepared and either eat beforehand or do as the locals do, and carry your own refreshments). Landside there is a 24-hour ATM, post office, bureau de change, car hire. You will find an air-conditioned restaurant and bar upstairs, but also close by is the Sticky Wicket restaurant and sports bar, which overlooks the Stanford Cricket Ground and is a nicer place to grab a drink after check in. There is a tourist information office in the Arrivals Hall.
Note that on arrival, depending on where your aircraft is parked, you may have a bit of a walk to the terminal. Future plans for the airport include two transit buses for remote aircraft parking. Once inside, the current terminal can be cramped when two large planes arrive at the same time. If you are travelling with small children, keep an eye out for one of the airport officials. They sometimes check the immigration queues and direct families to a quicker line. A porter service is available and tipping is expected. Please note that Departure Tax is payable only after check-in, at a collection booth outside Departures. Queues can occur, after which you will need to queue again at Immigration and security checks, where there is sometimes another bottleneck. Ensure that you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Barbuda
There is a small airstrip, with the delightfully appropriate airport code BBQ, just outside the main town of Codrington. The terminal building is a simple cinder-block shed which is only manned when there are flights. |
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Banks
International and local commercial banks operating in Antigua include:
Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank, Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia/Scotiabank, FirstCaribbean Bank, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada and Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. The island also offers offshore banking and insurance services.
Bank opening hours are generally 8am-2.30pm Mon-Thurs and 8am-3pm on Fridays. Banking hours at the Bank of Antigua differ: 8am-2pm Mon-Thu, 8am-3pm on Fridays and 8am-12 noon on Saturdays. They also open an hour later at their Nelson’s Dockyard branch.
ATMs are located in Nelson’s Dockyard, at the airport and in St John’s. They give out EC Dollars only.
The Bank of Antigua provides a mobile banking service in their red double decker bus, which travels to communities in outlying districts during weekdays. |
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Bars & Nightlife
The best bars are concentrated around the two main tourist centres of Dickenson Bay and English Harbour and there are quite a few great spots where you can enjoy a sundowner, and some with live music where you can dance into the night. Much of the nightlife in Antigua centres around restaurants with bars which either have a DJ or a live band. Some of the beach bars go on into the evenings too. There are just a few nightclubs.
As you might expect things are busiest at the weekends, and they are also generally livelier during the main winter season and during the regattas and festivals. This is particularly so around English Harbour during the summer, when some of the bars and restaurants close anyway.
The Beach, Dickenson Bay, t 480 6940
A trendy and stylish beach bar/bistro/lounge at the heart of the island’s busiest beach. DJ and live music several nights a week - Tuesday nights for Crab Racing and calypso duo Frankie & Charlie.
Putters Bar & Grill, Dickenson Bay, t 463 4653
A bar where you can have a meal while your children entertain themselves in the kiddies play area and on the floodlit mini golf course. There are pool tables and a sports TV for older kids. Attracts a regular crowd of ex-pats, especially on Sundays for the traditional English roast dinner specials. Opens daily from 4pm.
Miller’s by the Sea, Fort James, t 462 9414
A well established beach bar and restaurant with a popular happy hour from 5-7pm and entertainment most evenings in season including live calypso, reggae or jazz music. Miller’s is large, so it needs a crowd to give it atmosphere.
Russell’s Bar and Seafood Restaurant, Fort James, t 462 5497
An atmospheric setting within the walls of an early 18th Century British fort, complete with cannons. The proprietor Russell Hodge rebuilt the restaurant in 2005 and maintains the outer surrounds of the fort (although it is worth looking around the inner part of the fort, it is in an advanced state of disrepair). Views across St John’s Harbour and Fort Bay make it a great cocktail spot at sundown. Popular on Sunday evenings for its live jazz sessions.
St John’s
C&C Wine Bar, Redcliffe Quay, St John’s, t 460 7025
With its stone floors and brick walls this is a spot for lovers of South African Wines – these are the only ones they stock, because the owners prefer them. Some spirits on offer too. Light snacks such as cheese or pate plates available. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am, Friday evening barbeque.
The Coast Nightclub, Bar & Restaurant, Heritage Quay, St John’s, t 562 6278
Set on the dockside in St John’s, with a seafood restaurant and two bars. Live bands on the open-air deck for dancing on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The air-conditioned club inside also features local house DJs. Open Tuesday to Sunday, admission free.
King’s Casino, Heritage Quay, St John’s
Fully air-conditioned casino with live music most nights, has a sports lounge with 10ft screen. Open until the small hours.
Pizzas in Paradise, Redcliffe Quay, St John’s, t 480 6985
A popular meeting spot in an 18th century rum warehouse with stone walls and tall doors. Features a music library of over 1000 CDs and hosts a band every Thursday from 9pm.
Sticky Wicket, at the airport
Air-conditioned sports and cocktail bar overlooking the Stanford Cricket Ground at the airport. Popular stopover after work, photographs and artefacts of famous sportsmen and re-runs of famous sporting moments on the TV. Can visit after check in.
Steely Bar & Restaurant, BBR Sportive, Jolly Harbour, t 462 6260
Casual, lively bar with large screen satellite TV for sports events, open-air covered dining area serving Caribbean and international cuisine overlooking the marina. Nightly live entertainment in season - poolside barbeque and live steel band on Tuesday nights, Karaoke/Comedy Party on Saturday nights. Daily happy hour, 5-7pm.
Liquid Nightclub & Lounge, Grand Princess Casino, Jolly Harbour, t 562 9900
Located within the casino building, Liquid provides entertainment most nights including bingo and karaoke, with live music on Fridays, Saturdays (steel band) and Sundays. Besides the Casino with its 250 slot machines and 24 gaming tables, there is also the Gladiators Sports Bar.
English Harbour
English Harbour comes to life during the winter season, particularly at the sailing events when the bars are open till all hours.
Abracadabra Restaurant & Disco Bar
An Italian restaurant set in an 18th century stone building which turns on an 8ft video screen and plays dance music when the dinner service is over. There is occasional live reggae, rock and jazz bands, hosts special events. Attracts a lively, mixed crowd. It is the liveliest place at weekends.
Cactus Club, Falmouth Harbour
Upstairs bar with a nice view of Falmouth Harbour. Three pool tables and live entertainment in season.
Last Lemming Bar & Restaurant
A waterfront setting below the yacht club, has a pool table, plus live band on Fridays and is popular with locals and visitors.
Life
Located just outside Nelson’s Dockyard on a pontoon on the waterfront. It serves English fare but gathers a good crowd for its happy hour and 70s music.
The Mad Mongoose
Just across from the water of Falmouth Harbour, a colourful eatery and bar with satellite TV and pool table. Gets packed out with a party crowd in season and popular with yachties.
Trappas, Dockyard Drive, English Harbour
Popular not only as a restaurant but also as a meeting spot, especially lively on weekends. Attracts a regular crowd of ex-pats and locals, and closes when the last person leaves. Fairly casual with a simple, rustic décor.
No trip to Antigua is complete without a visit to the Shirley Heights Lookout barbecue bash which is held every Sunday afternoon and evening. It has become something of a national tradition and attracts a good crowd of locals and visitors, who come to soak up the views and watch the sunset to the sounds of a steel band. Later on there is sometimes a reggae or a soca band.
Shirley Heights Lookout, t 460 1785
There are two party nights, a quieter one on Thursdays with a live steel band and grilled food available from 4-8pm, entrance free. The big night is on Sundays, 4-10pm, when there is a barbecue and live steel band music 4-7pm, followed by a live reggae/soca/calypso band from 7-10pm. The US$4/EC$10 entry per person (subject to change for special events) includes a free drink. |
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Beach Bars
The Beach (former Spinnakers), Dickenson Bay, t 480 6940
A stylish and popular beach bar/bistro/lounge at the heart of the action on Dickenson Bay, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu features is a fusion of world cuisine. Also popular night spot with DJ and live music several nights a week.
Bumpkins, Pigeon Point Beach, Falmouth Harbour, t 562 2522
A covered terrace set back from a fine white beach with good swimming and snorkelling. Simple Caribbean lunch menu includes grilled fish, ribs, lobster, burgers and chicken. Great spot for cocktails. Lunch only. Normally closes after sunset.
Darkwood Beach Bar, Darkwood Beach, t 462 8240
Very easy-going bar overlooking the sand from a simple wooden shed. Excellent stopover for watching the sunset.
Miller’s by the Sea, Fort James beach, t 462 9414
A well established beach bar and restaurant with beach chairs and parasols giving onto a lovely stretch of sand. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a popular happy hour. Live calypso or jazz music most evenings. Gets very busy during the winter season, especially on days when it attracts a cruise ship crowd.
OJ’s, Crab Hill Beach, South-west, t 460 0184
Classic sunset-facing West Indian waterfront setting with simple tables set on sand under a tin roof and decorated with fishing bric-a-brac. OJ’s is run by Oliver and Angie Joseph who serve a simple menu of grilled lobster, fish, shrimp, chicken, steaks and burgers – the grilled red snapper and lobster salads is a favourite with regulars. Mellow music. Great chill out spot far from the madding crown. An upstairs covered deck called The Tittle Lounge opens daily from 10am-10pm.
Turners Beach Bar, Johnson’s Point, South-west, t 462 9133
A very popular bar with covered dining area behind a white picket fence looking out onto a glorious deep stretch of powder-white sand. Full facilities, beach chairs, sun shades, watersports and souvenir stalls. Can get very busy with cruise ship passengers who are dropped off for the day. Open for breakfast lunch and sometimes into the evening. |
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Beaches
Antigua has a huge number of excellent beaches in its whiplash coastline, so there are beaches of all sorts. There are lively and active beaches with watersports, but with so many isolated stretches there is no shortage of somewhere to chill out and soak up the rays with few or no other people. Here is a selection of some of the more popular and better known beaches:
Carlisle Bay, south coast
At Old Road Village, a captivating, palm-backed curve of powder soft sand with calm waters, half a mile long and hemmed in by headlands. It is also home to the exclusive, luxury resort of the same name, which occupies a prime position on the beach.
Crab’s Hill/Turner’s Beach/Johnson’s Point, South-west
A fabulous strip of stunning white, sunset-facing sand running down to the south-western tip of the island between Crab Hill and Johnson’s Point villages. The busiest spot is the area right in front of the popular Turner’s Beach bar (the southern, Johnson’s Point end) which attracts the fun crowd on weekends and is a popular drop off point for cruise ship passengers, so it can be crowded on certain days. The beach has some wooden sun shades and chairs for hire, some watersports and souvenir sellers. Further up the beach at Crab Hill is the much quieter O’Jays, which has a delightful, atmospheric beach bar.
Darkwood Bay, South-west
A sight for sore eyes, a spellbinding stretch of beach with blazing white sand which runs north along the South-western coastline from the Turner’s Beach area. The snorkelling is good and there is a simple beach bar at the southern end of the beach.
Dickenson Bay, North-west
A lively stretch of white sandy beach with calm water and a host of hotels and apartments. Plenty of beachfront restaurants, bars and watersports activities.
Dutchman’s Bay
Located just north of the airport this beach offers excellent conditions for experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Fort Bay
Located north of St John’s close to the entrance to the harbour and being so close is very popular with cruise ship passengers. There are a couple of beach bars and on weekends it is a favourite with locals who like to play beach volleyball or cricket.
Ffrye’s Bay
Just north of Darkwood Beach in the South-west. Beautiful white sandy beach with calm seas. Frequented most by pelicans.
Galleon Beach, Freeman’s Bay, English Harbour
A quarter mile stretch of golden sand with calm waters and good a snorkelling reef 75ft offshore. Set within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. The Calabash Restaurant within Galleon Beach resort is located behind the beach.
Galley Bay, Five Islands Pensinsula, west coast
A stunning bay and stretch of sand which is popular with surfers in the winter season. There can be quite big sea swells.
Green Island
Located off Nonsuch Bay on the Atlantic side, an uninhabited island with a number of lovely white sandy beaches and excellent snorkelling. Popular stop off point on day cruises. Harmony Hall operate a daily boat trip.
Half Moon Bay, South-east
Now a national park, this is a glorious crescent shaped stretch of pink sand beach on the south-east coast. It is on the Atlantic side, so the sea can get a bit frisky at times and is good for bodysurfing and windsurfing. There are some calm spots which are fine for children and there is some very good snorkelling.
Hawksbill Bay, Five Islands Peninsula, west coast
There are four secluded beaches here, including Antigua’s only nudist beach.
Jabberwock Beach, north of the airport
Just beyond Dutchman’s Bay, Jabberwock is a mile long stretch of white sand and perfect conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Long Bay, on the east coast
Popular beach with fine white sand beyond the village of Willikies and not far from Devil’s Bridge.
Pigeon Point, Falmouth Harbour, beyond the Yacht Club
Big favourite with families, loved by locals and visitors. Calm waters and fine white sand, with good for snorkelling.
Runaway Bay, North-west
The extension of Dickenson Bay to the south, a long stretch of white sand with a few hotels, restaurants and bars.
Rendezvous Bay, South coast
Unspoilt, remote and considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Antigua. Accessible either by sea, a long hike over the hills or on horseback. See under Horse Riding.
HAZARDS
Beware of manchioneel trees, which are quite common on Antigua’s beaches. They are fairly large trees, with small dark green leaves and small yellow/green apples. Contact with the sap of the tree or apples will cause blistering. In fact even rain water dripping off the leaves can have the same effect, so do not shelter under them during rainfall. The small apples are fairly prevalent. You should seek immediate medical advice if they are consumed.
Check local knowledge before swimming off remote beaches. If red flags are displayed on a beach it means do not swim. |
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Calendar of Events
2009
JANUARY
Jan, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - exhibition. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 04 Jan, Harmony Hall Art Gallery, Brown’s Bay - opening night for this month’s exhibition of acrylic paintings by Jan Farara. 10 Jan, EAG Field Trip. 24-25 Jan, AYC Round the Island Race, AYC Marina, Falmouth Harbour.
FEBRUARY
Feb/Mar, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - ‘Our Journey, Our Stories’ exhibition on the history of Holberton Hospital. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 01 Feb, Harmony Hall Art Gallery, Brown’s Bay - opening night for this month’s exhibition of new acrylic paintings by Gilly Gobinet. 07-08 Feb, 2nd Antigua International Dragon Regatta, Harmony Hall Yacht Club. 08 Feb, ABMA Family Fun Day, Galleon Beach – music, food stalls, bar, face painting and beach cricket with former Windies players. 13-15 Feb, Budget Marine Valentine’s Day Regatta, Jolly Harbour Marina – 17th annual event. 13-17 Feb, 2009 Digicel Home Series - West Indies vs. England, 2nd Digicel Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. 14 Feb, EAG Field Trip. 21-27 Feb, RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua Yacht Club, English Harbour - inaugural offshore race circumnavigating the Caribbean islands. 28 Feb, Wadadli Day, cultural festival.
MARCH
Mar/Apr, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - ‘Our Journey, Our Stories’ exhibition on the history of Holberton Hospital. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 01 Mar, Harmony Hall Art Gallery, Brown’s Bay - opening night for this month’s exhibition of stain glass work by Katherine Hutchinson. 08 Mar, EAG Field Trip. 14-15 Mar, AYC 8th Annual International Laser Open, ACY Marina, Falmouth Harbour. 15-16 Mar, 1st International Yacht Club Dragon Challenge, Harmony Hall Yacht Club. 27-29 Mar, Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Festival, Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and Jolly Beach Resort & Spa - local and international chefs, cooking competitions, culinary seminars and a food fair.
APRIL
Apr/May, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - ‘Underwater Archaeology and Shipwrecks around Antigua & Barbuda’ exhibition. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 05, Apr, Harmony Hall Art Gallery, Brown’s Bay - opening night for this month’s exhibition of watercolours by Malwenn Beadle. 11 Apr, EAG Field Trip. Easter Weekend, Ministry of Tourism’s 10th Annual Model Boat Race Competition, Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour. 16-21 Apr, 22nd Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, ACY Marina, Falmouth Harbour. 24 Apr, AYC Guadeloupe to Antigua Race, ACY Marina, Falmouth Harbour. 25 Apr to 02 May, 42nd Antigua Sailing Week, English Harbour: 25 Apr, Schools' Art Competition display opens at the Admiral's Inn, Nelson’s Dockyard. 26 Apr, Fort James Beach Bash. 22-29 Apr, Soul II Soul’s 6th Annual Back II Life Antigua, string of parties at various venues (beach, Dockyard, St John’s) for dance music fans, hosted by top UK DJs Trevor Nelson, David Rodigan, Norman Jay and Jazzie B.
MAY
01-02 May, 42nd Antigua Sailing Week continues. May/Jun, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - ‘Underwater Archaeology and Shipwrecks around Antigua & Barbuda’ exhibition. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 01-02 May, Sweet Cry Antigua, Interpretation Centre, Dow Hill, English Harbour - music festival. 02-09 May, 35th Annual Antigua Tennis Week, Curtain Bluff Hotel. 09 May, EAG Field Trip. 16-17 May, AYC Green Island Weekend (full moon). 29 May-01 Jun, Caribana, Barbuda’s carnival. 29 May-01 Jun, 43rd Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament, Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour. 30 May-01 Jun, AYC Deshaise Weekend, to Guadeloupe from ACY Marina, Falmouth Harbour.
JUNE
01 Jun, ACY Deshaise Weekend, race to Guadeloupe continues. 01 Jun, 43rd Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament continues. Jun, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - ‘Underwater Archaeology and Shipwrecks around Antigua & Barbuda’ exhibition. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. tbc Jun, Antigua’s 7th Annual International Amateur Badminton Tournament, Perry Bay Multipurpose Centre. 05-07 Jun, Romantic Rhythms Music Festival, concerts planned at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and Fort James. Last year’s performers included Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Keyshia Cole, Maxi Priest, Brian McKnight and Shaggy. 13 Jun, EAG Field Trip. 30 Jun, International Anglican Food Fair, Deanery Grounds, St John’s. 30 Jun-07 Jul, St Paul’s Cultural Festival
JULY
Jul/Aug, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s – Carnival exhibition of early photographs and costumes. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 11 Jul, EAG Field Trip. 14-18 Jul, Caribbean Bird Society Conference, Jolly Beach Hotel - conservation and study of Caribbean birds c/o the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG). 25 Jul-04 Aug, 52nd Antigua Carnival Celebrations: 25 Jul, launch and opening parade. Run-up to carnival Monday and Tuesday includes a Junior Carnival, competitions for Junior Monarch, Queen of Carnival and King & Queen of Calypso, a Caribbean Queen Show, plus events such as Teen Splash, Cultural Explosion and at the end of the month the Panorama steel pan competition. End Jul, EAG Turtle Watch, at Pasture Beach, Long Island (Jumby Bay).
AUGUST
01-04 Aug, 52nd Antigua Carnival Celebrations continues: 1 Aug, Party Monarch Finals; 2 Aug, Calypso Monarch Finals; 3 Aug, Carnival Monday/J’ouvert (jump-up) with judging of parade troupes; 4 Aug Carnival Tuesday/Last Lap with parade of bands, troupes and announcement of winners. Aug, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - Carnival exhibition of early photographs and costumes. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 08 Aug, EAG Field Trip.
SEPTEMBER
Sep, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - exhibition tba. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 12 Sep, EAG Field Trip. 26-27 Sep, 6th Annual Sizzlin Sands Beach Volleyball Tournament, Castaways Beach, Jolly Harbour. End Sep, EAG Turtle Watch, at Pasture Beach, Long Island (Jumby Bay). 23-30 Sep, De Jam Festival, 6th annual event with music played by DJs from the Caribbean, USA and UK club scene. Masquerade balls, pyjama parties and all night dance contests
OCTOBER
Oct, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - exhibition tba. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 10 Oct, EAG Field Trip. 31 Oct, National Heritage Dress Day, food fair & exhibition. End Oct, EAG Turtle Watch, at Pasture Beach, Long Island (Jumby Bay).
NOVEMBER
Nov, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - Independence Exhibition with local art and handicraft. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 01-02 Nov, Independence Day, 28th Anniversary celebrations including a parade and food fair. 06-08 Nov, 4th Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival, Jolly Beach Resort. 07 Nov, EAG Field Trip. tba Nov, Moods of Pan Festival 2009, showcase for steel pan orchestras hosted by Gemonites Steel Orchestra. End Nov, EAG Turtle Watch, at Pasture Beach, Long Island (Jumby Bay).
DECEMBER
Dec, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St John’s - traditional Christmas masquerades exhibition. The museum’s Historical and Archaeological Society has monthly field trips to various historic areas. 07-11 Dec, 48th Antigua Charter Yacht Show, English Harbour - industry event. 12 Dec, EAG Field Trip. tba Dec, 4th Annual Antigua & Barbuda ‘Let’s’ Triathlon. tba Dec, AYC High Tide Series and Zoom 8 Championships, English Harbour. 14-16 Dec, The Superyacht Cup Antigua 2009, English Harbour. 25 Dec, Christmas Day Champagne Party, charity Champagne party at noon in Nelson’s Dockyard. 31 Dec, AYC Nelson’s Pursuit Race, Old Years Day, English Harbour.
Antigua Public Holidays 2009: 01 January, 10 & 13 April, 04 May, 01 June, 03 & 04 August, 02 November and 09, 25 & 26 December.
ABMA – Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association. AYC - Antigua Yacht Club. EAG - Environmental Awareness Group. RORC - Royal Ocean Racing Club
Please note that the above events and dates may be subject to change/cancellation. Please check locally for confirmation of details. |
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Car Hire
Car hire is the easiest way to get around Antigua. There are plenty of excellent beaches to visit and then there are many historical and other sites to see as well. If you are staying in a villa, a car is pretty much essential. Local buses do run certain routes, but they are mainly designed for Antiguans to get to St John’s from outlying villages. It is not possible to get to the airport or Dickenson Bay, but you can get down to English Harbour. Depending on where you are staying, a jeep might be a good option, especially if you are likely to head off the beaten track. Be aware that there are very few road signs on Antigua and despite the island’s small size it is quite easy to get lost, so it is a good idea to get hold of a road map.
A local driving permit costing US$20 is required to drive in Antigua. It can be obtained from the car hire company when you hire the car, or at any police station on presentation of your full national licence. They are are valid for 90 days. Demand for rental cars can be heavy at certain times of the year over the winter season and particularly during Antigua Race Week, so you are advised to book it well in advance, otherwise it will be impossible to get hold of one. You must have held a licence for at least two years to hire a car in Antigua and be at least 25 years of age and under 65 years of age. Please see our general notes on Caribbean driving.
On Antigua, we recommend Thrifty Car Rentals. Please see for our Review of Thrifty Car Rentals together with full details of their services. |
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