365 Beaches
Antigua is said to have a different beach for every day of the year, from pristine white sand to quiet palm-lined coves found all around the island.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and its sister island Barbuda form a Caribbean archipelago of crystal-clear waters, famous for white sand beaches and a rich maritime history. Between historic anchorages, protected lagoons, and a laid-back atmosphere, these twin islands offer a journey shaped by sailing, relaxation, and largely unspoiled nature.
Why visit Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda stands out for its many beaches, rich maritime heritage, and the contrast between lively Antigua and quiet, unspoiled Barbuda. The archipelago is also a leading Caribbean destination for sailing.
What to discover in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua is ringed by numerous white sand beaches, often said to number 365, one for every day of the year. The capital, Saint John's, blends colorful buildings, lively markets, and a busy cruise port. To the south, English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard reflect the island's British naval history, with restored buildings recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Barbuda, quieter and far less populated, is known for its vast beaches, sometimes tinged pink, and for the Frigate Bird Sanctuary at Codrington Lagoon, one of the Caribbean's largest colonies of this seabird. The archipelago is also a major sailing destination, home to renowned regattas like Antigua Sailing Week, and offers plenty of diving, snorkeling, and boat excursions around its lagoons and reefs. Visitors can also enjoy fresh fish markets and beachside seafood grills. The mix of British colonial heritage and laid-back island life gives Antigua and Barbuda a character all their own.
Cities to visit in Antigua-et-Barbuda
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Antigua-et-Barbuda in pictures
Highlights
The unmissable sights and experiences of Antigua and Barbuda.
English Harbour
This historic harbor is home to Nelson's Dockyard, a former British naval shipyard recognized by UNESCO, now a lively marina surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Barbuda's Beaches
Quieter than Antigua, Barbuda offers vast, uncrowded beaches with sand sometimes tinged pink, set against largely unspoiled natural surroundings.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Codrington Lagoon shelters one of the largest colonies of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean, best observed on guided boat excursions.
Sailing & Regattas
Antigua Sailing Week draws crews from around the world each year, reflecting the archipelago's reputation as a major sailing destination in the Caribbean.
Diving & Snorkeling
Coral reefs, historic wrecks, and clear, calm waters make Antigua and Barbuda a popular playground for divers of all experience levels.
Practical Information
- Capital
- Saint John's
- Area
- 442 km²
- Population
- About 98,000
- Language(s)
- English (official)
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Time zone
- UTC-4
- Climate
- Tropical, dry and sunny much of the year
- Best season
- December to April (dry season)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda?
The dry season, from December to April, brings sunny weather and little rainfall, ideal for beaches and sailing. The hurricane season, from June to November, carries a higher risk of tropical storms and heavy rain.
How do you get from Antigua to Barbuda?
Barbuda is reached from Antigua by short domestic flights or by ferry, depending on the season and availability. The crossing reveals a much quieter and less developed island than its larger neighbor.
Do I need a visa for Antigua and Barbuda?
Entry requirements depend on the traveler's nationality. Many visitors from Europe, North America, and Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for a short tourist stay, provided they hold a valid passport and a return ticket.
Is Antigua and Barbuda good for a family trip?
Antigua's calm, shallow beaches and family-friendly hotels concentrated around Saint John's and Jolly Harbour make it a good destination for families with young children looking for an easy, relaxed island vacation.
What water activities can you do in the archipelago?
Sailing, diving, snorkeling, and catamaran excursions are among the most popular activities, supported by calm waters and numerous reefs accessible from the coast or Barbuda's sheltered coves year-round.
When does Antigua Sailing Week take place?
This well-known regatta traditionally takes place in late April or early May, marking the end of the high season and bringing sailing crews from around the world for several days of races and festivities.
Plan your trip to Antigua-et-Barbuda
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