Antigua

Travel Guide

Antigua featuring general coastal views and tropical scenes
Antigua featuring general coastal views, a beach and signage
Darkwood Beach which includes a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Dickenson Bay Beach featuring a sandy beach, a sunset and general coastal views
Devil\'s Bridge featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and surf

Antigua Travel Guide Video

This small Caribbean island is a popular haunt for the beauty of its beaches and the tranquility of its waters.

The low-lying Caribbean island of Antigua is celebrated for its year-round sunshine and numerous long stretches of white and pink sands. In fact the locals are fond of saying there’s a beach for every day of the year. At 108 square miles (280 square kilometers), Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands.

Most of Antigua is ringed by coral reefs providing snorkel and diving opportunities aplenty. Grab a snorkel and explore the huge reef in the shallow waters at Long Bay. Relax on the crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay, one of the prettiest beaches on Antigua. It’s also popular with windsurfers and surfers. Charter a yacht or dinghy and investigate the coastline for secluded coves and private beaches.

For a change of scenery explore some of Antigua’s interior. Take the Rainforest Canopy Tour and swing through the treetops on zip lines deep in the heart of Antigua’s rainforest. Discover more of the island’s diverse ecology, geology and biology by visiting any or all of its four national parks.

Navigate the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge and marvel at the natural limestone arch carved by the sea. Visit Nelson’s Dockyard, the largest of Antigua’s national parks. It houses the restored Georgian yard that was used by the British Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Dockyard Museum, located in the former home of Admiral Horatio Nelson, and view exhibits that chart the dockyard’s history. Go for a walk along the park’s hiking trails that lead you through tropical fauna and past old forts dotting the landscape.

At the northern end of the island is St John’s, the capital of Antigua. It’s a lively city with bars, restaurants and shops. Cruise ships dock in the natural deep water harbor so the area is normally full of visitors. Pop into the cathedral, learn about the island’s history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and check out the farmers market on Friday and Saturday mornings.

The most convenient options to move around the island are taxi and rental car. You will need a permit to drive on the island in addition to a valid driver’s license from your own country. The permit is valid for three months and there is a small fee to pay. Rental agencies will be able to assist you with obtaining one. Alternatively, use the bus system.

Where to stay in Antigua

Dickenson Bay Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Dickenson Bay

4/5(21 area reviews)

When in Dickenson Bay, you can plan a visit to Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dickenson Bay
Galley Bay showing a sandy beach and general coastal views

Five Islands Village

Five Islands Village is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Galley Bay and St. John's Harbour while in the area.

Five Islands Village
Half Moon Bay Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and landscape views

Half Moon Bay

While Half Moon Bay isn't home to many top sights, Half Moon Bay Beach and Brown's Bay Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Half Moon Bay
Dickenson Bay Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Paradise View

4/5(37 area reviews)

Though Paradise View might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay Beach.

Paradise View
Runaway Bay Beach showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a house

Runaway Bay

4/5(15 area reviews)

While Runaway Bay might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Runaway Bay Beach and Dickenson Bay Beach.

Runaway Bay
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Saint Johnston Village

While Saint Johnston Village isn't home to many top sights, Jolly Harbour Marina and Heritage Quay are some notable places to visit nearby.

Saint Johnston Village
Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive

Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive

3 out of 5
Bolans Village, St. Mary's, P.O.Box W2009, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
$173 nightly
The price is $212 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$212 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach property in Jolly Harbour. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"The whole place need to be updated"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive
Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Valley Church, Valley Church, Antigua
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Valley Church. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Amazing resort. Staff is amazing very clean and safe"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only
Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

4.5 out of 5
Halcyon Road, St. John's, Saint John
$370 nightly
The price is $370 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$370 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (364 reviews)
"This was one of the best vacation I have taken. I will return toon a longer vacation soon. Everything was excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Antigua Village Beach Resort

Antigua Village Beach Resort

3 out of 5
Dickenson Bay, St. John's, Antigua
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in St. John's. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (382 reviews)
"Great location. Very nice and friendly staff. The rooms are a little outdated though (mainly the bathrooms)"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Antigua Village Beach Resort
Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village

Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village

3 out of 5
Marina Bay Road, St. John's
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (45 reviews)
"The property was lovely the garden was well maintained. The room was comfortable and clean. We had a beach view which was lovely , the downside was it was very hot due to the sun hitting on the glass door all day causing the living room to be hot . The bedroom had AC and it was comfortable . I spent ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village
Lord Nelson Hotel & Residences

Lord Nelson Hotel & Residences

3 out of 5
Dutchman Bay, Osbourn, Saint George
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Osbourn. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Dickenson Bay Beach and Dutchman's Bay ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
"Great experiance and time spent at the hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Lord Nelson Hotel & Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Antigua