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Antigua map
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Carnival
As with all carnivals in the area, Antigua carnival is a lively affair and brings an amazing burst of energy and colour to the streets of St John’s. It follows the pattern of most carnivals in the area, but it is not held at the traditional time of Mardi Gras at the start of Lent. Instead it is staged in the summer, culminating in ten days of revelry up till the first weekend in August, in honour of the emancipation of slaves that took place on 1st August 1838. A carnival city is set up in the Antigua Recreation Ground (the cricket stadium), where you can see the various shows and competitions in the run up to the main parades. There is also a carnival village which has everything from bars, barbecue and gaming stalls.
For a few weeks before the main event things hot up with the preliminary rounds of the various competitions - steel band, beauty contests and calypso competitions. Then, as the main weekend approaches, there are the Panorama and Queens Shows, then the finals of the Party Monarch on the Saturday and the Calypso Monarch (singing) finals on the Sunday, after which the crowds spill out of the parties onto the streets of St John’s for J’Ouvert, a dawn jump up on the streets of St John’s. The centrepiece is really the street parades, in which the revellers dance through the streets of the city for the rest of Monday and on Tuesday.
Carnival in Antigua is good fun and it is welcoming, so it is well worth attending if you happen to be on island when it is taking place. You can join in any of the sound systems, but you can even join in one of the costumed parades, but buying a costume in one of the bands. Recommended carnival bands include Dynamics, Explosion, Vitus and Wadadli Madness, but please bear in mind that you will have to book costumes in these bands in advance. For more details, see www.antiguacarnival.com or email info@antiguacarnival.com |
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Casinos
Antigua has a number of casinos and also slot machine operators. Some are mainly West Indian affairs, located in St John’s, but some of the resorts have them too, including Grand Princess Casino at Jolly Harbour and St James’s Clubs’ Jacaranda Lounge, Casino & Nightclub.
King’s Casino, St John’s, t 462 1727
St John’s largest and longest established casino, located at Heritage Quay, just as you step off the cruise ship. Fully air-conditioned, it has a good mix of locals and visitors and offers American craps, roulette, 21 blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, a range of slot machines including the world’s largest slot machine. There is live music most nights, has a sports lounge with 10ft screen and is open until the wee hours.
Grand Princess Casino, Jolly Harbour, t 562 9900
A plush, air-conditioned casino in the Jolly Harbour Centre. 250 slot machines and 24 table games including black jack, roulette and Caribbean stud poker. The Bellagio restaurant, Gladiators Sports & Sushi Bar, and Liquid Nightclub & Lounge are all part of the entertainment complex. |
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Charity Support
The Definitive Caribbean Charity Support Scheme has chosen to work with the Good Shepherd Home for Children on Antigua. The Home provides shelter and care to children, mainly girls, who are without guidance and support and who are being abused in their present environment to such an extent that it hampers their physical, emotional, social and mental development.
The intake age is between 5 and 12 years. There are occasional exceptions for younger children, and boys are only accepted as part of a family unit, and then only until they are 4 years old. The Home needs further funding to be able to reach more children and to allow them the opportunity to be reintegrated into society to lead a full and rewarding life. Please follow the link above to read more about this worthy cause. |
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Check In/Check Out
As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is seldom prior to 3pm. This is not a problem, though, as international arrivals into Antigua tend to be in the mid to late afternoon. If you are travelling from within the Caribbean and will arrive earlier in the day then contact your hotel in advance and they may be able to let you into your room early. Similarly, if your departure is late and occupancy is not high in the hotel then they may be able to provide you with a day room or shower facilities until your departure. If you are staying in a villa then departure time may be flexible unless there is a party coming in after you, when the villa will need to be made ready for the new arrivals. |
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Children
With its many beaches and less humid climate, Antigua makes for an ideal location for a beach based family holiday. You will find that children are generally welcome on the island anyway, but there are some facilities aimed specifically at them – a few of the larger resorts run special children’s programmes. Although many of the beaches in Antigua are suitable for children, some have particularly calm or shallow water, including Half Moon Bay next to Mill Reef in the South-east and the beach at the St James Club. There is a shallow section at Jabberwock Beach.
There are no play parks to speak of in Antigua, but there are a number of activities that are suited to children. For a bit of history and culture try a day out at Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. The Dockyard Museum has some inter-active exhibits suitable for older children (knot-tying, rope climbing and models of ships) and with its marina and military fortifications, the area is fun to wander around anyway. There are many day sails that make an exciting day out for children and for something active you might also try the Tropical Adventures Kayak Antigua eco-adventure or Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure (minimum age 7 yrs). At Stingray City near Seatons you can swim with the rays.
Putters Bar and Grill, Dickenson’s Bay, t 463 4653
Somewhere simple to take the children. You can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while they entertain themselves in the kiddies’ play area or on the floodlit mini golf course. There are a couple of pool tables and a sports TV for older children. Attracts a regular crowd of ex-pats, especially on Sundays for the traditional English roast dinner specials. Opens daily from 4pm.
BBR Sportive, Jolly Harbour, t 462 6260, fragil@candw.ag
A sports club suitable for the whole family. Facilities include the Steely Bar & Restaurant with satellite sports TV, table football, pool table, darts, half basketball court, squash court and tennis courts (junior and adult clinics available). There is also a 25m swimming pool, with swimming lessons for ages 6 months plus through Swalings International School of Swimming. Showers and lockers. Equipment available for rental. Daily entrance fee, or a week’s membership at approximately US$30 per person.
Tamarind Bar and Restaurant, Browns Bay off Nonsuch Bay, VHF CH 68, t 460 4174, moderate-expensive
A marvellous spot to escape to for a family day out. There is a spacious lawn with plenty of shade, a small beach and use of the resort pool, trampoline, hammocks, board games, tennis court and a kayak. Also a few Topaz sailing dinghies are available for rent. Children can play happily while parents enjoy an extended lunch. There is even an area where children can sit on their own to eat.
Featured children-friendly properties include: | Siboney Beach Club
A family owned, beachfront property with just twelve one-bedroom suites, set on Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s liveliest beach. Tucked in an oasis garden bursting with tropical greenery, it is informal, friendly and ideal for travellers seeking an independent holiday while still being close to the action. Very well priced. | Blue Waters Hotel
A large and lively Caribbean hotel tucked into its own secluded bay in the North-west of Antigua. Blue Waters is a beach resort hotel with its own strong character, with plenty of watersports and other activities, including a spa and entertainment. | Carlisle Bay
An exquisite hotel set in its own very attractive, natural bay on Antigua’s southern coast. Carlisle Bay is in the vanguard of modern Caribbean style, decorated with metropolitan verve but in keeping with the loveliest tropical calm and charm. | Curtain Bluff
An upscale resort in a lovely secluded setting on two bays on Antigua’s southern shore. Curtain Bluff has been a trusty fixture on the luxury Caribbean scene for many years and retains its position among the area’s best loved hotels. | The Carib House
Immensely stylish property, with a fusion of earthy Caribbean flair and European refinement, set in landscaped grounds above Falmouth Harbour and Antigua’s southern coast. A three-bedroom main villa (with a one-bedroom apartment and a one bedroom chattel house cottage), all designed to get the best in open-air living. A perfect getaway for families or couples seeking privacy in style, an excellent setting for special occasions such as a wedding. | Moondance
A thoroughly exotic retreat in eclectic tropical style, with designer décor and quality furnishings, set within the grounds of Galleon Beach (with use of their facilities). Three-bedroom main villa, one bedroom studio cottage and one bedroom cottage (both of which can be taken separately), all with lovely views over English Harbour. Virtually beachfront, set above a quarter mile stretch of a safe, white sand beach. Perfect for families, weddings or honeymoons. | St James's Club
Set on its own calm inlet, Mamora Bay, in the South-east of Antigua, the St James's Club is a resort particularly popular with families offering an optional all inclusive plan. It has 250 rooms ranged in blocks looking out onto the ocean and villas overlooking the bay itself. Good for children. | Hawksbill Beach Resort
A large Antigua hotel with 111 rooms stretched over four excellent beaches and waterfront on the western coast of Antigua. All inclusive plan but low key, quietly sophisticated atmosphere and pretty garden surroundings. Good deal for solo travellers. | Galleon Beach Villas & Resort
Low key and affordable beachfront retreat set in leisurely gardens overlooking English Harbour in the South-east of Antigua. Galleon Beach has a mix of self-catering cottages and private villas with pools, all giving onto a pretty white sand beach. Excellent, relaxed family resort. Good for weddings and honeymoons too. | Catamaran Hotel
A collection of 14 self-catering rooms and suites set on a small strip of sand on Falmouth Harbour in the south of Antigua. The small hotel is good value and has a friendly atmosphere. It has a pool, some watersports and a restaurant and bar close by, so you can to tuck yourself away, but it is also within a shout of the activity of English Harbour. Good place to stay for Antigua Sailing Week. | K'ai Etoile
An enchanting guest cottage with a traditional tropical style, set below the main property Moondance Villa, and within the grounds of Galleon Beach, with sister cottage Twinkle next door. Has lovely views over English Harbour. Virtually beachfront, set above a quarter mile stretch of a safe, white sand beach. Perfect for couples, and for honeymoons. | Lime Hill
An elegantly dressed 4 bedroom villa with delightful views from its elevated position overlooking Galleon Beach resort at English Harbour. Guests can enjoy both the privacy of villa life and the complimentary facilities of the resort. Ideal for entertaining, mature families or groups of friends. | Sirius Villa
A delightfully light and airy private 3 bedroom villa at Galleon Beach resort with well-furnished open plan living/dining/kitchen area, a sizeable wide veranda, pleasant pool terrace with excellent views from its hillside position overlooking Galleon Beach at English Harbour. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends. |
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Complementary Health
Antigua offer a limited range of complementary health facilities though there are some individual practitioners and therapists who offer alternative treatments in their own premises or on a call out basis, which can be to your hotel, villa or yacht. The hotel and independent Spas also offer some services.
Akparo Salon and Spa, Nelson’s Dockyard, t 460 5705, akaparo@hotmail.com
Feng-shui designed hair salon offering Swedish massage and a chiropractic service. Opening times and days vary.
Alternative Body Care, Redcliffe Quay, St John’s, t 460 8748
For Chinese points massage therapy, reflexology and acupuncture, the latter by appointment only.
Chakra Body Works, Shopping Centre store #2, Building B, Jolly Harbour, t 772 6491, leilanigriffing@gmail.com
Air-conditioned clinic with licensed therapists who use integrative techniques. Shiatsu, Ayurvedic, Swedish and sports related massage, myofacial therapy, deep tissue, reflexology and a quick chair massage. In-house calls available to guests and residents of Jolly Harbour, also onboard yacht service. They run regular yoga classes at the Dogwatch Tavern on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am and an Ashtanga yoga class on Saturdays at 9am, at Paradise Fitness, North Street in St John’s. Times may vary. Private lessons are available
Equilibrium Holistic Therapy and Beauty, Gambles Medical Centre, Friars Hill Road, St John’s, t 462 7919
Air-conditioned health spa with qualified therapists. Chiropractic treatments, acupressure, lymphatic massage, reiki, reflexology and cranial massage. All treatments by appointment. Contact Nicola Howell.
Practice for Classical Homeopathy, Marina Vista 101 C, Jolly Harbour, t 562 5508/764 9330, c.wagontrotz@bluewin.ch
Originally from Frankfurt in Germany, Cornelia Wagentrotz studied Classical Homeopathy for 4 years at the SHI School for Homeopathy in Zug, Switzerland under the guidance of Dr Mohinder Singh Jus. Practical experience includes time spent in India at the SHRI Kamaxidevi Homeopathic Hospital, Goa. By appointment only.
The Tree House Body Shop, English Harbour, t 460 3434, VHF 68, treehse@candw.ag
Has provided a wide range of services over more than 20 years. Hairdressing (male and female), beauty therapy and massage, including Swedish, shiatsu, sports, Indian head and deep tissue massage. Also acupuncture, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, osteopathy using ultrasound and laser and Reiki. Appointments with the area’s General Practitioner, Dr Madeleine Carrick-Fraser are also available on a limited basis.
Touch Therapies, Fort Road, St John's, t 562 1286/5144, islandmassage@hotmail.com
Day spa providing beauty treatments and massage therapies since 1998. Services include Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, sports massage and aromatherapy. They provide a mobile massage service to private homes, hotels and villas, and also have locations at Hawksbill Beach Resort and Grand Royal Antigua Resort. |
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Conservation
Antigua has much to preserve, probably too much in terms of its historic sites, of which there are literally hundreds - fortifications and sugar windmills - all around the island. There has been some success on this front. The island’s natural life however, both on and offshore, has been badly affected over the years and is in considerable need of restoration and care. A couple of areas have been officially designated national parks, but they have not really been effective. Up until now efforts towards preservation and conservation have been down to a few individuals and small groups of conscious islanders and expatriates. With the new political climate, however, it seems that things may be in for a change.
The most successful conservation project is undoubtedly Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour in the South-east. It is the only restored Georgian dockyard in the world, but it is also very much alive, with a couple of hotels, a museum, restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses.
The restoration of Nelson’s Dockyard has been led by the Friends of English Harbour Society, which was formed by a governor in 1951. Efforts have continued since then and many of the buildings have been restored (and are working again, sometimes even in a similar, if more modern capacity). There is an ongoing marine archaeology programme in the Dockyard in partnership with universities both sides of the Atlantic. Nelson’s Dockyard is managed by the National Parks Authority. See a description of Nelson's Dockyard. Another ‘historical’ project is the restored sugar plantation at Betty’s Hope.
Officially the Dockyard is contained within a National Park that runs along the whole southern coastline (both offshore and onshore) from Cades Reef in the west, through Carlisle Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Falmouth Harbour and round the corner to Marmora Bay. Activity is supposed to be restricted, but even the boundaries are currently under dispute. There are a couple of other designated areas around Antigua and Barbuda, at Diamond Reef off Dickenson Bay and Palaster Reef off Barbuda. Also in Barbuda is the Frigatebird Sanctuary. While it is not actually a national park, it is actually quite well protected because the numbers of visitors is relatively low and the fishermen who take the tours keep an eye on it. See Nature. There is legislation to protect the Wallings Forest area in the South of Antigua, but little happens in support of it. Conversely though, the Victoria Park Botanical Gardens in St John’s are actually undergoing restoration.
With the groundswell of change there is beginning to be pressure from community and environmental groups for the preservation of other parts of the island, including the North Sound (off the North-east), a lovely area of small islands set in shallow sea. One of the islands is already home to the Antiguan Racer Project (a project to protect an indigenous snake). There is a project afoot in the Half Moon bay area and a number of community-based sustainability projects are in the earliest stages. They are definitely needed. There has recently been serious erosion to some of Antigua’s beaches, including the Dickenson Bay area, Antigua’s most developed beach, and farther down the west coast. There is even a project for a windfarm, which might be able to generate a quarter of the island’s electricity needs
A key player in Antigua conservation is the Environmental Awareness Group, www.eag.org.ag, which is housed in the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Their main brief is to bring the importance of the preservation of the natural resources of Antigua and Barbuda to the attention of visitors and islanders (so they hold awareness days), but they are particularly involved in the Antiguan racer conservation project on Great Bird Island. For more information, please see www.antiguanracer.org/html/home.htm.
For more information on archaeology projects please contact Dr A Reginald Murphy, Archaeologist, Director/Curator Nelson’s Dockyard Museum, t 481 5028/773 0312, regmurphy@hotmail.com. Dr Murphy founded the Field Research Centre at Dow Hill which is a branch of the Historical and Archaeological Society of Antigua, www.archaeologyantigua.org. It is a non-profit organisation. |
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Corporate/Incentives
Antigua is a good choice for a corporate get-together or a conference. The island is easily accessible, with good air-links from both sides of the Atlantic, and it can cope well with large and small gatherings. It has first class facilities and there are plenty of activities that can fill participants’ time outside the conference itself. The hotels and conference venues have good depth too, so it is quite possible to arrange a large conference, but if you need to arrange something smaller then that is equally possible. The smarter hotels can offer a small and sophisticated retreat in stylish surroundings and one or two of the larger villas might also make an ideal setting for a smaller group.
For assistance in arranging a conference we recommend the services of St James Travel & Tours who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the groups and incentives market. They have handled corporate groups, and test match cricket groups of up to 800 people. They offer the following the following services: Destination Teasers, Tours & Excursions, Theme Parties, Cruises, Sports & Games, Gifts, Dine Arounds, and can also arrange Customs Brokerage.
Hotels with and other venues with conference facilities include:
Carlisle Bay
If you want a private meeting room in sleek contemporary style their Carlisle Room has seating for 20 in board room style or 30 in theatre layout, with OHP, flip charts, white boards and other equipment. They also have a 45 seat cinema for private screenings.
Curtain Bluff
An air-conditioned conference room (27ft x 25ft) that can accommodate up to 60 people in theatre style. Equipment includes film projector, overhead and slide projector, large flat screen TV, VCR & DVD player.
Sticky Wicket, Stanford Cricket Ground, Airport, t 481 7000
They have a meeting room upstairs It overlooks the cricket ground, so it is ideal for cricket fans who can stage a match and then return to the lounge.
Royal Antiguan, Deep Bay, t 460 3733
Their main meeting room can accommodate up to 400 people.
Jolly Beach Resort, West coast, t 562 0061
Can host private functions of up to 500 people, or 400 in theatre style, and smaller numbers in five different rooms. All the necessary equipment is available. |
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Cricket in Antigua
The Antiguans are great cricket fans. In the season you will see matches being played in the villages around the island. Antigua has also long been one of the six international test grounds in the Caribbean. The original ground, the Antigua Recreation Ground, is on the outskirts of St John’s. Some of the island’s most famous cricketing names include Sir Viv Richards, Curtley Ambrose and Ritchie Richardson.
Even the crowd in Antigua has its own traditions and its own performers. Pappy is known for blowing a conch shell between key moments in the play and Chickee keeps everyone entertained as a DJ. But the most famous character is Gravy, for whom the Antiguans actually built a platform at the old Recreation Ground. Dressed in drag, Gravy keeps the crowds entertained by wielding a bat in imitation of the play on the field.
A completely new stadium, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, was constructed for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. It lies off Factory Road at North Sound, between the airport and St John’s and has a total seating capacity of around 20,000 - 10,000 of which are permanent seats. There are seven playing pitches in the new area, four of which were used for the World Cup.
Although the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium was built for the ICC Cricket World Cup, another major cricket pitch has been built quite recently, very close to the airport. The Stanford Cricket Ground is lit for night play and it so close to the airport that you can go across after check-in to the cricketing bar, the Sticky Wicket, for a final drink before departure. This is also the home of the Sticky Wicket West Indies Cricket Hall of Fame.
In summer 2006 the Stanford Cricket Ground was home to the first Stanford 20/20 Tournament, in which 19 Caribbean countries competed for a prize of US$1 million, most recently won by Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament, now an annual event, is backed by Allen Stanford, who also has the idea of creating a cricketing super league in the Caribbean.
For information about match fixtures and dates please see our Antigua Calendar or Events. |
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Cruises
Antigua is a popular and regular port of call and St John’s can see several huge cruise ships each day. There is a modern 900ft dock at Heritage Quay, which can accommodate up to four cruise ships at one time. Several smaller and more stylish ships that sometimes put in at the island include Seabourn Legend, Silver Whisper, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Star Clipper and Royal Clipper. |
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Currency/Credit Cards
The unit of currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC), which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of US$1.00 = EC$2.67. All prices on island are quoted in EC dollars, with the exception of hotel rates which are in US$ only, and duty free items where both the local price in EC dollars is shown alongside the duty free price in US dollars. The US dollar is accepted (apart from coins) throughout the island, but you should be aware that the rate of exchange can vary between EC$2.50 and EC$2.65 depending on where you are shopping.
Most of the major credit cards (including debit cards) are accepted anywhere that deals with tourists on a regular basis. Do not expect local bars or small local restaurants to accept them (if in doubt double check in advance), but you will find that the larger supermarkets often do. It is worth noting that certain credit cards may attract an additional charge or simply not be accepted. |
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Day Sails/Boat Trips
With its superb shallow seas, reefs, endless coves and offshore islands, Antigua has many offshore sailing trips and a day out can be the highlight of a visit to the island. Many of the sailing trips head to the North-east of the island, where there are small islands and cays with calm beaches and snorkelling, and others to Cades Reef in the South-west. Another popular option is the island circumnavigation trip, which takes in a brisk reach on the Atlantic winds as well as on its course around Antigua.
Adventure Antigua – Eco Tour & Xtreme Circumnav, t 726 6355, info@antiguaadventures.com
Eli Fuller’s Eco-Tour offers a day of activities around North Sound aboard a 52ft power cat. The tour includes snorkelling, a nature trail or cave exploration on Great Bird Island, a swim in the natural Jacuzzi at Hell’s Gates along with snippets of Antiguan history and ecology. Lunch is served on board. There is a fresh water shower and restroom on the boat. Eli also offers the Xtreme Circumnav tour on 45ft off-shore racer (3 x 225hp Four Stroke Yamaha engines), which was specifically designed for the trip. The new high speed tour is the only trip to include Stingray City. There is a guided snorkelling trip at the Pillars of Hercules, a tour of Nelson’s Dockyard nearby, a buffet lunch served at Green Island and the chance to beachcomb at Rendezvous Beach.
Adventure Seafaris, t 726 4435, tours@antiguasafaris.com
Four hour Circumnavigation Eco Adventure, aboard 40ft RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) taking in North Sound, Bird Island, Green Island, Nelson’s Dockyard and Cades Bay. They also operate a ‘power’ snorkelling trip to Cades Reef with the chance to use their hand-held water scooters. Note that restrictions apply – pregnant women, children under 12 and people with previous back/neck injuries.
Ondeck Antigua
Ondeck offers full day, half day and sunset cruises that encourage guests to take part and learn all aspects of sailing - though it's also fine to just relax, enjoy and snorkel! They also offer 2 hour 'try sailing' tours along with the Stanford Sailing Week experience which is a slice of Caribbean racing using the same yachts, crew [and rum!] that you would experience during Antigua Sailing Week. Ondeck also offers Royal Yacht Association accredited courses. See also under 'Sailing'.
Miguel’s Holiday Adventure, Prickly Pear Island, t 460 9978/772 3213/723 7418, miguels_ha@hotmail.com www.pricklypearisland.com
A day’s excursion to Prickly Pear, a small uninhabited island (besides a rustic bar and kitchen), swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and a spot of exploring. A West Indian buffet lunch with open bar, snorkelling gear, umbrellas and beach chairs are included. The island is leased by Miguel and his family, who have been operating trips to the island since the 60s. The short boat ride (around 10 minutes) from Hodges Bay to Prickly Pear Island leaves every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10am and returns at 4pm. Reservations required. Private excursions available.
Jabberwocky Yacht Charters/Adventure Caribbean Yacht Charter, English Harbour, t 764 0595/779 8198, www.adventurecaribbean.com
A private day charter yacht (a 50ft Beneteau) for 2-10 people with sports equipment, gourmet lunch and wine. Operated and owned by Paul and Kate Smith, who will also do wedding and honeymoon packages, weekend and weekly charters.
Tropical Adventures, t 480 1225, tropad@candw.ag, www.tropicalad.com
They offer the Antigua circumnavigation trip or trips to Barbuda on Excellence, an 80ft power catamaran, and Tiami catamaran cruises to Bird Island or Cades Reef. They also offer private charters.
Wadadli Cats, t 462 4792, www.wadadlicats.com wadadlicats@candw.ag
Popular 60-66ft catamarans offering a choice of day sails that include the 60-mile circumnavigation trip of Antigua, a snorkelling trip to Bird Island, a Cades Reef trip again for snorkelling with lunch on the beach, and a Triple Destination trip which takes in Green Island for a picnic, then sails on to English Harbour where a taxi collects guests and drives up to Shirley Heights for the Sunday party (and eventually the return trip to hotel by taxi). Barbecue lunch and drinks included. Available for private charters.
Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure, Seatons Village, t 463 1944 www.antiguapaddles.com labarrielc@candw.ag
A half day trip exploring the North Sound Marine Park by kayak and motor boat, plus reef snorkelling and a visit to Bird Island. Minimum age 7 yrs.
Day Trips to other islands
There are day trips to some of the islands in the area, including Antigua’s sister-island Barbuda and nearby Montserrat, which is visible from the west coast of Antigua when the weather is reasonably clear. Montserrat has had problems with its volcano recently and is only now gradually becoming visitable again. It has always been a lovely, gentle island, but its town had to be abandoned and the new settlements (in the north of the island) are modern.
BARBUDA
Excellence, t 480 1225
A luxury high speed catamaran offering an almost daily link to Barbuda, departing form Heritage Quay. Once you reach the island there is a choice of either a tour of Barbuda by sea or a land tour. Lunch (lobster when in season) and drinks are included.
It is also possible to reach Barbuda on the more regular ferry Barbuda Express, t 460 0059, which runs twice a day five days a week.
MONTSERRAT
Opale Express, D&J Forwarders & Tours, t 773 9766/728 0773
The high-speed ferry Opale Express operates every Tues and Thurs. The day includes a tour of the island with a trip to view the live volcano, the Soufrière, a visit to the observatory, plus visits to various historic sites with a drive through the rainforest. Lunch is also included.
Ondeck Antigua
The Montserrat Eco Adventure begins with the Ocean Race Experience from Falmouth Harbour to Montserrat. The idea is that the thrill of ocean racing is followed by the exciting activities available on this interesting island where you can hike, dive, snorkel, ride or just walk, amongst the tropical landscapes, clear waters and solid lava flows from the volcanic eruption back in 1997. There are local bars aplenty and some fun accommodation so a day trip could turn into an island hop. See also under ‘Sailing’. |
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Departure Tax & Taxes
Departure tax is payable by anyone over the age of 12 years when leaving Antigua unless you are in transit (and stay for less than 24 hours), when you are exempt. The amount is US$20 / EC$54per person, payable in cash only at the special booth located outside Departures once you have checked in for your flight. Lengthy queues can occur during busy periods, so make sure that you arrive at the airport with time to spare.
Antigua & Barbuda introduced a new general sales tax (ABST/Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax or VAT) in January 2007, which has increased the old room tax at all hotels/resorts/villas to 10.5%. In 2009 it will rise from 10.5% to 15%. The tax is already payable at 15% on a wide range of other services and goods, including restaurant and bar bills, and car hire.
A 10% service charge (in lieu of tipping) will also be added to your hotel/resort bill, unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, in which case it is built into the price already paid. These amounts can make quite a difference to the eventual price of your holiday, so if you are booking direct make sure you calculate it in when pricing up your trip.
Interestingly, in Antigua until recently there was no income or personal tax, purchase tax, capital gain, inheritance or wealth tax. |
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Driving & Parking
Driving is on the left in Antigua. Speed limits are (officially) 40mph on the open roads and 20mph in towns. The roads are in pretty good condition at the moment, but of course there are occasional pot holes so you may find people suddenly veering across the road to avoid them. Also look out for goats and cattle, which seem always to find the juiciest grass at the roadside. Finally, be aware that there are a number of speed bumps, even out on the country roads. They are not that well marked (they don’t need to be, the Antiguans know where they all are). Keep an eye out.
Although there are signs at many of the main junctions, there is a general lack of road signs and street names across the island, so it is still quite easy to get lost. Some of the hotels, restaurants and attractions, for instance Harmony Hall, Jolly Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard, put up signs. It is a good idea to travel with a map.
To drive in Antigua you will need to buy a local driving licence, cost US$20, which can be issued by the car hire companies. Don’t forget your driving licence!
With so many cars on a small island, St John’s can become clogged and it can be hard to find a parking space. A new multi-storey car park is under construction next to the Recreation Ground. |
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Electricity
Domestic current has dual voltage and will operate appliances set to 110 and 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. Sockets are all 2-pin in US style. |
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