Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

About Antigua and Barbuda

Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, Antigua and Barbuda emerges as a twin-island nation that has perfected the art of island living over centuries. These sister islands blend powder-soft beaches with lush volcanic landscapes, creating a tapestry of natural beauty that shifts from serene coral shores to dramatic coastal cliffs. Here, the rhythm of trade winds and the warmth of genuine island hospitality define an experience that feels both timelessly authentic and refreshingly undiscovered.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: While the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), US dollars are widely accepted everywhere at a fixed rate of EC$2.70 to US$1.00, but carry small bills as change is often given in EC dollars and larger vendors give better exchange consideration.

• Transportation Between Islands: To visit Barbuda from Antigua, book the Barbuda Express ferry in advance (runs specific days only) or arrange a small aircraft flight, as there's no same-day round-trip option and planning is essential for this day trip.

• Beach Access: All beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are public by law, so even if you're not staying at a resort, you can legally access any of the 365 beaches by walking along the shoreline, though you may need to pass through resort property to reach some.

• Taxi Rates: Taxis don't have meters and rates are set by the government, so ask to see the official rate card before departing or agree on the fare upfront—rides from the airport to most hotels range from US$15-35 depending on your destination.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is December through April, when temperatures hover between 24-28°C (75-82°F) with minimal rainfall and lower humidity, though this peak season brings significantly higher hotel rates (often 30-50% more expensive) and requires booking months in advance, especially around Carnival in late April/early May, which features vibrant street parades, calypso competitions, and steel pan music that draw thousands of visitors. May through June offers an excellent sweet spot with temperatures around 26-29°C (79-84°F), fewer tourists, and hotel discounts of 20-40%, though you'll experience occasional brief showers and increasing humidity as the wet season approaches. Hurricane season runs from July through November, with September and October posing the highest risk of major storms that can cancel flights and close attractions, plus oppressive humidity levels above 80% and afternoon downpours, making this period suitable only for serious budget travelers willing to accept last-minute itinerary changes—though Antigua's location in the southern Caribbean means it's hit less frequently than northern islands. November marks the start of pleasant weather with cooling trade winds and the annual Antigua and Barbuda Independence Festival celebrations on November 1st, offering an authentic cultural experience with fewer crowds than Carnival, while Antigua Sailing Week in late April/early May attracts yacht enthusiasts worldwide and books out the island's marinas and waterfront accommodations entirely.