Antigua Holidays
Overview
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With a beach for every day of the year and kaleidoscopic coral reefs just begging to be explored, Antigua holidays have it all. The heart and soul of the Caribbean, its colourful character and unique history are especially evident in the bustling capital, colonial architecture and old stone sugar mills, while its laid-back beaches are brought to life by fun-loving locals and the beats of steel drums. The beach is just the beginning...you'll find there's much more to holidays in Antigua.
Discover Antigua
Featured Hotel
The Verandah Resort & Spa
Antigua, Antigua
Set across 30 acres of lush gardens, Antigua's newest eco-friendly resort is adjacent to a designated National Park. The Verandah Resort & Spa overlooks a powder soft beach and crystal clear… More Info
Antigua Highlights
Beaches: There are 365 beaches in Antigua, one for each day of the year! Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay are the more lively beaches. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and joggers during the evening. Rendezvous Bay is quieter and less developed ideal for rest and relaxation. Ideal for families are Long Bay as it is completely protected by its reef and Half Moon Bay, now a National Park.
English Harbour: Antigua's most historical district is home to Nelson's Dockyard National Park which was the base for the Biritsh Navy in the 18th century. Today Nelsons Dockyard has been completely restored and is the only Georgian dockyard in the world.
Natural Wonders: Antigua offers an abundance of coral reefs, wrecks and coves perfect for diving. The island also boasts several volcanoes and its own rainforest. A visit to Antigua is not complete without a visit to the Shirley Heights with its awe inspiring bluff overlooking the harbour.
Music: Calypso, Steel Drum, Soca and Reggae are all popular forms of musical entertainment in Antigua. Don't miss the steel band, barbecue and fantastic views at Shirley Heights on Sundays, and the yearly Antiguan 10 day carnival in late July early August incorporating colourful costumes, beauty pageants, talent shows, food fairs, parades, and of course rum!
Sports & Activities: There are a host of events and activities in Antigua for all tastes, ages and abilities. Watch cricket at the Antigua Recreation Ground, zip line through the rainforest, swim with stingrays, visit St Johns with its lively market and duty free shopping, or play a round or two of golf at the Cedar Valley and Jolly harbour championship courses.
Antigua Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 21°C - 30°C
Most popular: December - April
Best value: May, June, September, October and November
Best weather: December - April
Travel Information
Direct flights: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic
Indirect flights: American Airlines
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid are recommended.
Time Difference: GMT -4 hours
When To Go
Best Value
To avoid the highest prices of December to April, stick to before and after the high season. There will be fewer crowds and you could get that same stunning scenery for a bargain price.
Best Time to Go
Antigua is best visited in the cool, dry months of mid December to mid April, the peak tourist season, when the island experiences less rain, heat, and humidity. Antigua's off peak season is mid April to late November due to increased temperatures and rainfall (usually brief showers around 5-15 minutes) but the landscape during this time is lush and luxuriant.
Most Popular
Most people chose to visit Antigua from the middle of December to the middle of April, when temperatures are a little cooler and there is less rain and humidity. The colder winter weather in the USA, Canada and Europe also drives holiday makers in large numbers for a bit of winter sun during these months.
Hottest
The hottest months on the island tend to be July and August when average temperatures range from 26-31°C. You will find that at the end of July and during August the island has slightly more rainfall (an average of around 8 days a month) which can make the climate more humid however showers only tend to last around 5-15 minutes.
Climate
The weather in Antigua remains mostly warm and dry throughout the year. The driest months are from February to April and the wettest usually August to November. Temperatures range from 22-31°C with a yearly average temperature of around 26°C. The island is subject to both the occasional summer drought and autumn hurricanes although the low humidity gives Antigua one of the most temperate climates in the world.
Antigua Travel Information
Etiquette and Customs
Beach attire should be worn for the beach, beach bars and pool; it is not suitable for town, shops or restaurants.
Possession or trafficking illegal drugs will result in long prison sentences and heavy fines.
In Antigua they drive on the left, there is no real enforced road regulations so if hiring a car always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front as drivers can often stop in the middle of the road.
It is illegal to bring or wear camouflage clothing as this is reserved solely for the military.
Although crime is relatively low always be aware of possessions and do not draw attention to yourself with extravagant expensive jewellery.
Tipping
As in the USA you should tip 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10 gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. We would recommend giving porters around 50 cents per bag and taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
Flight information
There are two main carriers offering flights to Antigua from the UK with a third going via the States.
Direct Carriers: Direct carriers from the UK are British Airways and Virgin from London Gatwick
Indirect Carriers: British Airways offer flights from most other regional airports such as Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh with a connection via London Gatwick.
American Airlines also offer indirect flights from London Heathrow and Manchester via Miami or New York.
Fastest Flight Time: 8 hrs 30 mins.
Visa information
British Citizens are NOT required to have a visa to enter Antigua but your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return.
