Discover Antigua and Barbuda

Turquoise bays, beautiful beaches and a warm welcome make Antigua and Barbuda a rewarding place to explore. Sail into English Harbour, spend a long lunch beside the sea or follow Fig Tree Drive through the island's green interior. Then make time for Barbuda, where open horizons, pink-tinged sand and extraordinary birdlife reveal another side of the Caribbean.

Use this guide to choose where to go, how to travel between the islands and where to eat, stay and shop.

English Harbour and the sailing coast

English Harbour brings together some of Antigua's finest coastal scenery and its most distinctive maritime heritage. Explore Nelson's Dockyard, part of the UNESCO-listed Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites, then enjoy the marinas, restaurants and beaches around English and Falmouth Harbours. The dockyard's history also tells the story of the enslaved Africans and other workers whose labour built and sustained it.

Pigeon Point and Galleon Beach make an easy addition to a day in the area. For a broad view over the harbours, head to Shirley Heights and consider returning for one of the Lookout's music and barbecue events. The sailing calendar adds another reason to visit, with regattas and yacht gatherings bringing an international community to the waterfront.

Beaches and Antigua's green interior

Choose Dickenson Bay for a beach day close to north-coast hotels, Jolly Beach for a long sweep of white sand, or Ffryes and Darkwood for west-coast water and sunset views. Half Moon Bay offers a more open coastal landscape on the east of the island. Swimming conditions vary by beach and weather, so ask locally before entering unfamiliar water.

Away from the shore, Fig Tree Drive passes through a greener landscape of hills, tropical vegetation and small communities. Combine the drive with a seasonal visit to Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery. Boat trips, sailing charters and guided snorkelling provide other ways to enjoy the coastline.

Discover Barbuda

Barbuda deserves a place in the itinerary in its own right. Long beaches, low-lying landscapes and the waters of Codrington Lagoon give it a distinctive character. Come for time by the sea, a guided visit to the frigatebird sanctuary and a chance to experience the island's close-knit community and seafood traditions.

An overnight stay lets you enjoy more of the island without planning every activity around a return crossing. A day trip can also work well when transport, a driver, lunch and any guided activity are arranged together.

How to get to Barbuda from Antigua

There are three main options: passenger ferry, scheduled or chartered plane, and private helicopter. Book the inter-island journey and the transfer on arrival as parts of the same plan.

For a day trip, confirm that a suitable return service operates on the same date before committing to activities. Ferry departure points and schedules can differ between services; use the boarding instructions supplied with your booking. Leave a comfortable connection before any onward international flight.

What to see and do on Barbuda

Codrington Lagoon and the frigatebird sanctuary. Arrange a small-boat visit with a local guide to see the frigatebirds in their lagoon habitat. The sanctuary is reached by boat, so book the guide and transfer rather than expecting to arrive independently by road.

Princess Diana Beach and Low Bay. Barbuda's long beaches are among its great attractions. Plan time for swimming where conditions are suitable, a quiet walk and a seafood lunch. Ask your host which stretch of beach best fits your day's transport and dining plans.

Two Foot Bay. Northeast of Codrington, the caves and coastal landscape offer a different view of the island. Visit with a knowledgeable local guide who can explain the area's heritage and choose an appropriate route. Wear suitable footwear for uneven ground.

Codrington and local life. Leave room to meet local hosts, sample island cooking and learn about Barbuda beyond its beaches. Guided excursions can combine community history, the coast and the places you most want to see.

Transfers and practical arrangements on Barbuda

Arrange a pickup at the ferry landing or airport before travelling. Ask your accommodation or tour organiser to coordinate the driver, any boat journey and the return transfer. Some destinations require more than a road journey: Barbuda Belle, for example, is accessible only by boat once you reach the island.

Book lunch and activities in advance if they are central to a short visit. Bring sun protection, water and some local cash for smaller purchases. For a stay with self-catering accommodation, ask about groceries and provisioning before arrival.

Where to stay and eat on Barbuda

Barbuda Belle offers a secluded bungalow and villa experience, while Barbuda Cottages provides beachfront rental homes with the convenience of Uncle Roddy's restaurant on site. For dining, consider Nobu Barbuda on Princess Diana Beach, The Mangrove at Barbuda Belle and Uncle Roddy's Beach Bar and Grill. Each has its own setting and transfer requirements.

See the photographed listings in our Antigua and Barbuda accommodation guide and restaurant guide.

Shopping in Antigua

Antigua offers both waterfront shopping and practical stores for a longer stay. Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay are convenient for boutiques, jewellery and gifts. Woods Centre and the Friars Hill Road area are useful for everyday purchases, while supermarkets help visitors provision a villa or yacht. For something more personal, seek out jewellery made in Antigua and original Caribbean art.

Duty-free treatment depends on the purchase and the buyer's eligibility. Ask the retailer what documentation is required. Store hours vary, particularly on Sundays, public holidays and days with cruise calls; check the individual business before making a special journey.

Plan the rest of your visit

Explore our hotels and villas, restaurants and beach bars and nightlife and entertainment. Check entry requirements with the Immigration Department and use the Tourism Authority's events calendar when choosing your dates.

For reservations and local transfers, contact the operator or your accommodation directly. If your visit also involves investment meetings, property research or relocation, the Official Business Hub provides relevant business and visitor-assistance information.

Explore business travel and visitor assistance