We spent a week in Antigua in June and we’ll admit, we weren’t sure what to expect. Everyone told us about the white sand beaches, the turquoise Caribbean waters, the history and the food. But the Caribbean is full of islands that claim the same thing, and Antigua had to do something special to stand out (since we’ve travelled to 30 islands at the time of writing this!).
Spoiler… It did.
Our days here were a mixture of lazy beach mornings, walking around historic harbours, boat trips and long, warm evenings that blurred into the next (that could be because of the rum punch). Antigua might be small, but it feels like a “choose your own adventure” kind of island. You can spend the whole week horizontal on the sand or fill every day with a new activity. We did a bit of both.
Here’s our list of the best things to do in Antigua, including what we loved most and would happily do again.
1. Circumnavigate Antigua
Antigua famously claims to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Obviously, we didn’t check that, but we went on the best sailing tour to circumnavigate the island and it gives you a taste of just how many perfect little coves Antigua has, and the chance to count for yourself!
We circled the island and stopped for amazing snorkelling and swimming along the way. The water is so clear you can see fish from the deck and the crew kept us well-supplied with food, drinks and gave us lots of laughs as well as telling us about the history of the island.
If you’re travelling out of season (we visited Antigua in June), you’ll often find less people onm these excursions so it feels like a much more intimate experience.
2. Spend the day at Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay is exactly what most people picture when they think of the Caribbean – calm turquoise water, powdery white sand and beach bars where you can get a cold rum punch without moving more than 20 steps from your towel.
We visited at sunset during low season and had plenty of space, even though this is one of the island’s most popular beaches. The sea here is calm enough for swimming and if you want to get out on the water, there are jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards for rent.
It’s also one of the easiest beaches to access if you’re staying near St John’s as it’s just 10 minutes’ drive away. If you’ve read our best beaches in Antigua post, you’ll know this one ranks high for both beauty and convenience.
🍴 If you’re looking for transport to and from Dickenson Bay, an Antiguan lobster lunch cooked up on the beach with sides and rum punch and a beach day including chairs and umbrellas, this beach day trip at Bikini’s Beach Bar is incredibly cost effective and well reviewed.
3. Boat trip to Great Bird Island & Maiden Island
One of our favourite days in Antigua was spent out on the water visiting Great Bird Island and Maiden Island. Both are uninhabited so you feel like you’ve just been popped into a castaway movie.
We snorkelled over coral gardens, spotted turtles and had the beach completely to ourselves (and the other people of the tour) for a while. Great Bird Island also has a short hike to a viewpoint with amazing views.
💦 We did this secluded islands excursion as it included hotel pickup and we visited Maiden Island, followed by a beachside lobster lunch (with rum punch), more snorkelling and then continued island hopping all day.
4. Visit Darkwood Beach
Darkwood Beach might be our favourite beach in Antigua. It’s a long beach of pale sand that’s literally so soft, with crystal clear water and the best thing was that it was blissfully quiet.
Some days it’s as flat as a swimming pool, other days there are gentle waves. There’s a beach restaurant and bar where you can get drinks and snacks and on the beach road, there’s Aunty Cavell’s Restaurant which we (sadly) didn’t eat at, but it smelt incredible!!
It’s a little more remote than Dickenson Bay, so a rental car makes it much easier to reach. If you’re planning your own beach hopping route, you might want to check our Antigua beach guide for more stops.
Visitors also often highlight the mesmerising sunsets at Darkwood. As the sun goes down, the horizon paints a picture of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting beautifully on the calm waters.
Top Tip: Aunty Cavell’s Restaurant, just behind the beach, is an incredible (and very highly rated) local restaurant. We stayed near Darkwood Beach and every time we walked by, the smell of cooking was incredible!
5. Beach hop your way around Antigua
If Antigua is famous for one thing, it’s beaches. 365 of them, if you believe the local saying. We didn’t test the theory, but we did our best to cover a few, which inspired us to write a full guide to Antigua’s best beaches as well. Beyond the big names like Dickenson Bay, Darkwood and Jolly Beach, there are so many other spots worth a stop.
One of our favourite days was just driving along the west coast and pulling over whenever we saw a beach on Google Maps or a patch of sand we liked the look of.
Turner’s Beach has great swimming and it’s super quiet, despite being one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches. We combined Coco Bay and Ffryes Bay into one as they’re right next to each other (it’s like 100 feet to walk between them both!). Hawksbill Bay feels wild and unspoiled and Pigeon Point is a calm, shady beach perfect after a morning in English Harbour. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can tick off 4 or 5 beaches in one day, just don’t forget your sunscreen and a cooler of cold drinks.
🫱 We’ve put together a list of our Caribbean travel essentials in our Amazon storefront – from portable fans to keep cool to reusable water bottles and bug spray (very needed!!).
6. Pillars of Hercules
If you’re into photography like us, or just love seeing something completely unique, the Pillars of Hercules are worth visiting while you’re in Antigua. These natural limestone formations rise out of the sea like giant carved columns, just outside English Harbour.
We visited on foot starting at Galleon Beach and following the trail and rocks to the front of the cliff-face where the pillars are.
You can also do a sea scooter snorkelling tour or a powerboat tour if you want to see it from the water instead. If we were to do it again, we would probably opt to see it from the water as you can snorkel right up to them as well as see them from further away. On foot, we couldn’t really see how vast it is until we sent our drone out.
7. Drive down Fig Tree Drive (Antigua’s most scenic road)
If you want to see the lush, tropical side of the island, Fig Tree Drive is the road to take. Despite the name, it’s lined mostly with banana trees, but the drive takes you through rolling hills, small villages and roadside fruit stalls selling mangoes, pineapples and coconut water.
We stopped at one of the stalls for fresh banana bread and to take some photos and chatted with the vendor about life on the island.
It’s not a long drive, but it’s scenic and winding, and if you’re visiting Antigua during low season, you’ll find it at its most vibrant thanks to the summer rains.
📍 Location: Google Maps pin for Fig Tree Drive
💡 Our top tip: You can drive down Fig Tree Drive (even if you haven’t got your own rental car) by doing the zip lining canopy tour above the beautiful scenery.
8. Go zip-lining above the rainforest
Antigua attractions aren’t just about the coast. After a while, you might have had your fill of beach days and want a little adrenaline, so we recommend the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour for some fun zip lining above the rainforest.
We strapped into harnesses and zipped between platforms high up in the trees, with views over the island, which was super green because of the time of year (early summer). The guides make you feel safe and the tour included hotel pick up and drop off and banana bread!
9. Learn & Eat at Nicole’s Cooking Class
Travelling is as much about food as it is about sights, and Nicole’s Cooking Class is one of the most memorable things to do in Antigua if you’re a foodie like us. There are 4 different classes you can do and Nicole guides you through making classic Antiguan dishes with fish, rum, jerk and curry.
You’ll leave with full stomachs, new recipes to take home with you and a better understanding of the island’s food culture.
👩🍳 Book Nicole’s cooking class here:
– Cooking with rum
– From the sea
– Coordinating curry
– All about jerk
10. Rent a car to explore Antigua beyond your resort
If you want to see more of Antigua than just your resort and the nearest beach, renting a car is the way to do it. Public transport exists, but it’s limited, and taxis add up fast — especially if you’re hopping between beaches or chasing sunsets at Shirley Heights. With a car, you can set your own pace, stop at roadside fruit stalls, detour to hidden coves, and visit places you’d never reach otherwise.
We rented a small, red hatchback for a week from Discover Cars and loved the freedom it gave us. The roads can be a little bumpy and winding in places, but generally it’s nothing too intimidating.
💡 Our top tip: Remember that they drive on the left we suggest downloading offline maps as phone signal isn’t great everywhere.
11. Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation
In the Caribbean, we always like to find out about places that are important to the island’s history. And Betty’s Hope was a really good way to do this in Antigua. It’s the oldest sugar plantation in Antigua with restored windmills on open fields. There’s a small museum as well, with old photos, artefacts and stories that tell you a little bit more about it.
It’s not a big site, so you don’t need hours here, but it does make you stop and think about the people who once worked this land and how much the island has changed since.
🎒 If you’d rather skip the driving and planning, you can visit several places on this Antigua VIP Tours Private Platinum Tour, which covers some of the top Antigua attractions like Betty’s Hope and Devil’s Bridge in one day.
Shirley Heights also has a bit of history. The old buildings and lookout points here were used by the British military back in the day. If history isn’t your thing, don’t worry; the chilled drinks, great food, and epic sunsets are more than enough reasons to pop over.
12. Witness the power of Devil’s Bridge
On the island’s east coast, Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch carved out by the Atlantic waves. You can walk across it (carefully, it’s slippery) and watch the blowholes send water spraying into the air.
The contrast between the rough Atlantic side and the calm Caribbean beaches elsewhere on the island is really quite something. It’s hard to believe it’s the same place! We think it’s definitely worth seeing this remote area as it’s a nice change from beach days and a bit of an adventure heading out to the east coast.
We recommend combining Devil’s Bridge with Long Bay as they’re right next to each other.
💡 Our top tip: Try to visit here in the morning as it’s not too hot at this time and you might catch a rainbow formed by the sunlight and sea sprays.
🎒 Tick off Devil’s Bridge, Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights and so much more on this full day scenic tour of Antigua.
13. Swim at Long Bay (best beach in Antigua for kids)
Also out on the east coast, if you take a left turning just before you get to Devil’s Bridge, you’ll find the beautiful Long Bay. If you’re travelling with kids or just want ridiculously calm, clear water, Long Bay is where we recommend you go in Antigua.
It’s protected by a reef, so it feels more like a giant swimming pool than the open sea. It’s probably one of the calmest Caribbean beaches we’ve actually ever seen.
There are a few stalls selling snacks and souvenirs and it’s a popular stop on snorkelling tours. We enjoyed it most early in the morning after we visited Devil’s Bridge as it was before the boats arrived and there were some locals swimming and doing laundry by hand out on the beach.
14. Visit Historic Fort Berkeley
Fort Berkeley is located at the entrance to English Harbour. It was built in the 18th century to guard against naval attacks and it’s quite easy to get to. There’s a short coastal walk from Nelson’s Dockyard with harbour views opening up along the way.
We actually didn’t get to visit on our trip as we were tight on time, but we couldn’t miss it off our things to do in Antigua list because we know it’s a great place for scenery, history and photos if you want to add it to your itinerary.
15. Try some Antiguan food
We made it a mission to try as many local dishes as we could while we were in Antigua: pepperpot stew with fungi (a cornmeal dish, not the mushroom), conch fritters, fresh lobster and saltfish for breakfast.
Beach bars are the best place for fresh seafood and inland, you’ll find roadside grills turning out jerk chicken and pork. These are the ones we loved and will go back to on our next visit to Antigua:
- Gina’s Cookshop, Morris Bay ♥️♥️♥️
- Bumpkins ♥️
- Sheer Rocks ♥️♥️
16. Explore English Harbour & Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO site)
Antigua isn’t just about beaches. Down in the south of the island, English Harbour is a reminder that this was once a strategic British naval base. Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wandering through its restored buildings feels like stepping back a few centuries (minus the heatstroke risk thanks to the occasional shady spot).
We spent a morning here exploring the small museums, watching yachts come and go and imagining what life was like for sailors stationed here. The harbour itself is still very much in use, and it’s worth stopping for a drink just to watch the world and the boats drift by.
From here, it’s easy to head up to Shirley Heights for sunset.
⛵️ Try this cost-effective boat tour that starts and finishes in Nelson’s Dockyard and allows you to see this beautiful historical site from the water.
17. Hike (or drive) to Shirley Heights for sunset
Shirley Heights is the sunset spot in Antigua. You can hike up from English Harbour in about 45 minutes to an hour, or take the much easier option and drive straight to the top. We rented a car in Antigua with Discover Cars (best decision ever!) and it was really easy drive up with parking at the entrance. Either way, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the harbour and beyond.
On Thursday and Sunday evenings, it turns into a bit of a party with live steel band music, dancing, BBQ and obviously views of the sun setting over the harbour. We went in June, and while it was very busy, we actually think it was far less packed than the high-season crowds I’ve seen in other people’s photos.
🫱 Read our Shirley Heights Antigua guide and you’ll know we rate it as one of those rare “must-do” tourist spots that actually lives up to the hype.
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18. Charter a private Yacht around Antigua
If you want to really treat yourself while you’re in Antigua, a private yacht charter around Antigua is the dream way to see the island.
We didn’t manage it this trip (our wallet politely declined), but we met other travellers who raved about having the freedom to pick their own route, linger at secluded coves and spend the day swimming and snorkelling without sharing the space with a tour group. The crew handles everything, you just bring your swimsuit and a sense of indulgence.
⛵️ Book a 5 star rated, Private Charter here.
19. Wander around St John’s
St John’s, the capital, is worth a morning or afternoon, especially if you want to see what local Caribbean markets are like and see the colourful colonial architecture. In St John’s, Redcliffe Quay is a colourful area and there’s loads of small boutiques and shops and cafes and restaurants here.
We started at the market, which is full of fresh fruit, spices and small food stalls. From there, it’s a short walk to St John’s Cathedral, which has been rebuilt several times after hurricanes and earthquakes.
💡 Our top tip: Check the cruise schedule here to time your visit when there are no cruise ships in = less people!
20. Take a day trip to Barbuda
If you have an extra day, it’s worth taking the ferry to Barbuda as it’s got a completely different vibe to Antigua. It’s quieter, less developed and famous for its gorgeous (and quiet) pink sand beaches.
The Barbuda Express ferry takes about 90 minutes each way, or you can splash out on a speedboat tour which is a bit more of a special experience and includes stops for snorkelling.
💡 Our top tip: The best time of year to see the pink sand in Barbuda is between October – January.
21. Go on a mud buggy adventure
If you’re itching for something more adrenaline-fuelled, an off-road buggy adventure is a fun way to see parts of the island you’d probably never visit otherwise. We bumped along dirt tracks, splashed through puddles, and ended up at a hidden beach we had all to ourselves. Be prepared to get dusty or muddy though (depending on the weather) but it’s super fun
🎒 Book the mud buggy tour here.
22. Climb Mount Obama
Mount Obama was previously known as Boggy Peak, but it interestingly (or, at least we thought so), it was renamed when Barack Obama was elected as President. It’s Antigua’s highest point at 402 metres, so it’s not exactly Everest, but it’s definitely enough to get your legs working and your heart pumping.
The start of the hike is a pretty easy incline through lush greenery, before getting steeper as you approach the summit. It takes around 2-3 hours to do the hike so the earlier in the morning you set off, the better to avoid the midday heat as much as possible. We strongly recommend you book a guide to hike with if you’re not comfortable with terrains like this.
At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360 degree panorama that sweeps over the entire island, the turquoise fringe of the coastline and even neighbouring islands like Montserrat and St Kitts on a clear day. Standing there with the wind in your face, it’s one of those moments where you see just how small and beautiful Antigua really is.
💡 Our top tip: You don’t need specialist gear, but wear trainers, take water (these are our reusable water bottles), a hat and a portable fan.
23. Meet donkeys at the Sanctuary
If you’ve followed our adventures, you’ll know that we love supporting the people (and animals) who call a place home. And the Donkey Sanctuary is run by a small team of volunteers dedicated to rescuing and caring for donkeys across the island. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Antigua.
Many of the residents here were abandoned or injured and the sanctuary offers them a safe, quiet place to live out their days. You can walk among them, feed them and listen to the volunteers share stories about their personalities and rescue journeys. Some are shy, others will nudge you for more snacks and all are ridiculously photogenic.
Entry is free, though donations are encouraged and every dollar goes towards food, medical care and upkeep. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a lovely, educational thing you could do. If you’re travelling without, it’s still an hour well spent that leaves you feeling like you’ve contributed something positive to your Antigua trip.
24. Visit the remote Rendezvous Bay by boat or hike
Rendezvous Bay is the kind of beach that we almost don’t want to share! It’s wide, untouched and framed by lush green hills with no sign of development in sight. We visited as part of the Antigua circumnavigation tour, pulling right up to the bay by boat. It was one of the quietest stretches of sand we saw all week, with water so clear you could see fish darting around before you even grabbed your snorkel.
If you’re doing a boat trip, this is one of those stops that makes the tour and price worth it. But if you want to visit on your own, you can. It just takes a little effort. From St John’s, head towards Falmouth, turn right at Farrell Avenue and look for the signs to Spring Hill Riding Stables. From there, park off-road and walk up the hill until you reach a white house; the path that curves slightly right will lead you straight to the bay.
You won’t find bars, loungers, or shops here. Just sand, sea and that feeling of having stumbled onto something really special and secret.
25. Explore Jolly Harbour
Jolly Harbour feels like a little world of its own on Antigua’s west coast. We wandered along the marina, watching the yachts come and go, before heading to the beach (Jolly Beach) and finding a bar where we could rent a sun lounger and order a takeout tuna lunch.
We really liked this beach. The water is calm and shallow, so it’s perfect for swimming or floating. There were hardly any people there too. It was mainly locals and expats (as we found out from a lovely British lady that this is a popular place to live in Antigua as a foreigner). So, it didn’t feel touristy at all.
If you’re after a spot that combines the ease of a developed area (restaurants, shops, a supermarket) with the beauty of a Caribbean beach, we’d recommend visiting Jolly Harbour and the beach here.
💦 While at Jolly Harbour beach, this 6 hour boat tour to secluded islands Maiden Island and Bird Island looks excellent. Ride a boat to two of Antigua’s most secluded islands, snorkel at a coral reef, and get a beachside lobster lunch and rum punch. Pickup is also included.
FAQs: Planning your Antigua trip
What’s the best month to go to Antigua?
The best month to visit Antigua is generally February because it’s warm, dry and just after the busy mid-peak season before and after Christmas. That said, Antigua is great year-round. We went in June and loved the quieter beaches and lower prices, and didn’t get hardly any rain.
What months to avoid Antigua?
Antigua’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest chance of storms in September and October. While plenty of people still visit during this time (and prices are lower), you might get more rain and occasional rough seas.
Is Antigua expensive?
It can be. Resorts and imported goods push prices up, but you can eat affordably at local grills, use public transport, and visit beaches for free.
Can you leave your resort in Antigua?
Yes, and you absolutely should. Antigua is safe to explore and some of the best things to do are away from the resorts. Rent a car or join local tours to see more of the island and go on adventures like zip lining, sugar plantations or hikes.
Do I need a car in Antigua?
Not strictly, but it makes exploring much easier. Taxis and tours can get expensive if you’re doing more than one or two trips a day. If you’re planning to stay mainly at your resort with just a couple of organised excursions, you can skip it. But if you want to see the “real” Antigua beyond the hotel grounds (which we recommend you do), having your own wheels is worth it.
How many days do you need in Antigua?
A week felt perfect for us. It was enough time to see almost everything without rushing. You could do it in 4-5 days if you skip some of the day trips.
What is the best currency to use in Antigua?
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. If you pay in USD, you’ll often get change in EC dollars, so it’s worth carrying a mix of both. Cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but keep some cash with you anyway.
What not to miss in Antigua?
Don’t miss Shirley Heights for sunset, a day on the water (whether it’s sailing or snorkelling) and at least one of the island’s east coast spots like Devil’s Bridge or Long Bay. If you can, squeeze in a trip to Great Bird Island or Barbuda as they’ll be some of your most memorable days.
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