For travelers, The Caribbean has a variety of many different destinations, however; Antigua and Barbuda stand above due to many different reasons. The twin islands present plentiful travel experiences and activities for everyone. Here’s how to get the best of your trip when you visit Antigua and Barbuda.
Devil’s Bridge/Hell’s Gate Antigua. Flickr: Robert Pittman / CC BY-ND 2.0
10 fun reasons to visit Antigua and Barbuda
1. Betty’s Hope sugar plantation
While today a home to an open-air museum along with two restored stone windmills, the Betty’s Hope site on Antigua was previously the largest sugar plant installation in the country. This place is quite exciting to explore and learn the history and culture of the locals.
Betty’s Hope stone windmill. Flickr: Jennifer Krauel / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
2. Bird watch
The entire Caribbean region is known for its amazing nature and wildlife. The Antigua and Barbuda passport is your gateway to witness a variety of unique bird species by boating along the sheltered Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Flickr: Sailing Nomad / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3. The Cades Reef
This particular coral reef has been designated as an underwater park while offers a great place for scuba divers to explore the amazing waters and aquamarine life.
4. Carnival & casino
There’re many weekly, monthly and annual celebrations to enjoy when you visit Antigua and Barbuda following amazing and colorful carnivals. The event moves with a parade and many different pageants for you to dig deeper into. And for those who love to try out their luck at table games may head to the Kings Casino in Antigua and bet for a wonderful time.
Antigua carnival. Flickr: Ivan Wong Rodenas / CC BY-ND 2.0
5. Cave exploration
The two caves in Barbuda are worth exploring! One’s at the Two Foot Bay while the other can be accessed as the Castle Hill and open for tourists to explore. An ancient cave drawing from the Arawaks; the original inhabitants can be seen in the cavern at the Two Foot Bay which is indeed a fun activity.
6. The Christian Valley Agricultural Station
Once known as the home of the colonial sugar estate, the inhabitants back then left an everlasting cultural footprint in Antigua. The Christian Valley Agricultural Station today is home to the largest fruit orchard that includes breadfruit, soursops, and guava.
7. The Clarence House
The amazing and historic Clarence House is nestled peacefully on the beautiful English Bay, Antigua. It served as the private residence of the Royal Navy Dockyard commissioner all the way from 1806 to 1856.
St John’s, Antigua. Flickr: David Kirsch / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
8. Cricket
Yet another thing to enjoy best with Antigua and Barbuda passport is cricket as locals simply love the sport and so will you once seeing the excitement and crowd at Antigua Recreation Ground. Watch the game while nibbling on hotdogs and popcorns!
9. Culinary
Both the islands offer plentiful options to enjoy Caribbean culinary at its best. The bars, restaurants, and cafes feature a family-friendly environment with different entertainment facilities so that customers can enjoy food at their best.
Lobster. Flickr: V_i_t_o / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
10. Ecotourism
From paddle kayaking to snorkeling and much more, both Antigua and Barbuda has some of the best examples of ecotourism. The activities are followed by a guide so you’ll be safe all the way through!
Break from snorkeling. Flickr: Andrew Moore / CC BY-SA 2.0
With so much to see and enjoy, there’s no point in wasting your Antigua and Barbuda passport so take a tour of the islands and have a fun time!