Imagine a destination where you could explore a different beach every day of the year.
Enter Antigua and Barbuda.
These are spectacular islands with a whopping 365 stunning beaches and extensive coral reefs perfect for snorkeling, and travelers receive a warm welcome here, too.
Antigua and Barbuda have had an exceptional year, breaking their all-time tourism record. The destination welcomed 330,281 overnight visitors and 823,955 cruise visitors. And the fastest-growing tourism market for Antiqua and Barbuda is the U.S.
But why are these islands exploding in popularity? And why are American travelers flocking to Antigua and Barbuda?
Getting To Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are home to two international airports, but the VC Bird International Airport in St John’s on the island of Antigua is the only airport with nonstop flights from the U.S.
You can fly from the U.S to the destination with American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue.
Frontier has also announced that they will be launching new nonstop flights to the island later this year. In April, there are direct flights from four U.S. cities. These are New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
The cheapest airport to fly to Antigua from is New York. Based on flights from April 3 – April 10, a nonstop return flight with JetBlue will cost $307. If you prefer to fly with American Airlines then flights on the same route and same dates will cost $327.
With the cheaper JetBlue flight, this flight route has a 4 hour 16 minute outbound flight time and a 4 hour 38 minute inbound flight time.
Exploring Beautiful Beaches
With 365 beaches to choose from, it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda is to explore the coastline.
Turquoise waters, sugar-soft sand, and tropical palm trees mean this really is a stereotypical island paradise.
Some of the best beaches not to be missed include Dickenson Bay, which is Antigua’s most famous beach thanks both to its white sand and its proximity to the airport. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a bustling beach fringed with bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more relaxed and with incredible watersports opportunities, try Antigua’s Half Moon Bay. This beach is surrounded by coral reefs that are popular with snorkelers, while the waves in the center of the beach are great for windsurfing.
If you’re staying on Barbuda, then you really shouldn’t miss the 17 Mile Beach. What makes this beach so iconic is that the vast expanse of sand is candy-floss pink.
The beauty of this beach is enhanced by the fact there are no facilities at all: nothing but a huge stretch of pretty pink sand. But that means you’ll need to take everything you need (including water, snacks, beach blankets etc.) with you.
Cultural Attractions In Antigua And Barbuda
When you’re tired of beaches and ready to learn more about the cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, head to Nelson’s Dockyard.
Nelson's Dockyard Marina is the only continuously working Georgian Era dockyard in the world, which is why it’s been designated a national park and a museum.
Wandering around the dockyard is free, and you can enjoy watching the many yachts that still harbor here.
To delve deeper into the rich heritage of the area, you can book a tour to the historic Clarence House, which overlooks the Dockyard, or take a ‘Rum in the Ruins’ tour with an expert guide. This tour takes place on Fridays at 5pm and costs $25 per person.
Another fascinating historical attraction is Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation. This is the only renovated sugar mill in Antigua and gives a unique perspective into the island’s past.
As a historic landmark and museum, the best way to visit the former plantation is as part of a wider island tour. Island Routes offers a ‘Discover Antigua Safari’ that combines a visit to the plantation with a trip to Pot Works Dam and the Devil’s Bridge. This tour costs $154 per person.
If you hire a car, it is possible to visit the famous Devil’s Bridge independently.
This isn’t actually a bridge but a natural rock arch. It's surrounded by blow holes that shoot water several feet in the air and is considered a natural wonder.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.