- Destination -

Antigua

Welcome to Antigua — the Caribbean island where the water looks Photoshopped, the beaches are somehow even better in real life, and every day feels like it should end with a sundowner. This Antigua travel guide is your go-to starting point for planning the perfect trip, whether you’re here for the famous 365 beaches, the breezy coastal drives, the pastel-colored villages, or the ridiculously good Caribbean food. Think turquoise water, friendly locals, and enough viewpoints to fill your camera roll in about five minutes. If you love warm weather, easy travel days, and beaches that look like they belong on a screensaver from 2005 (in the best way), Antigua slides straight into your favorites list.

Best Time to Visit

Antigua is a year-round destination, but there are sweet spots.
The absolute best time to visit (in this Antigua travel guide, anyway) is December through April when the weather is dry, sunny, and breezy. It’s also peak season, so expect higher prices.

If you want sunshine without the crowds, May through early July offers perfect beach days, quieter resorts, and budget-friendlier rates. Hurricane season technically runs June through November, but Antigua is outside the main storm path and tends to be less impacted than some Caribbean neighbors.

Top Things to Do

Antigua might be famous for its beaches, but this Antigua travel guide is all about exploring beyond the towel:

✔ Shirley Heights Lookout

Come for the panoramic views, stay for the steel drums, sunset, and the absolute most Caribbean vibe you’ve ever experienced.

✔ Nelson’s Dockyard

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that mixes history, yachts, cafés, and perfect photo spots. Wander, snack, repeat.

✔ Dickenson Bay

A classic Antigua beach: soft sand, postcard colors, and plenty of spots to relax and swim.

✔ Long Bay & the Pink Mural

Bright, bold, and perfect for Instagram. Plus, the beach here is calm and absolutely gorgeous.

✔ Devil’s Bridge

A natural limestone formation where the sea crashes dramatically through blowholes. It’s wild, windy, and worth the stop.

✔ Betty’s Hope

Learn about Antigua’s history at the ruins of its oldest sugar plantation.

✔ Prickly Pear Island Snorkeling

A tiny desert island that feels like a secret — great for half-day snorkeling and swimming.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel information

Getting There

Your Antigua travel guide wouldn’t be complete without how to get here.
You’ll fly into VC Bird International Airport (ANU), the island’s main hub for international flights. Direct routes are available from major U.S. cities, Canada, and the UK. The airport is small and easy to navigate, and the drive from ANU to most resorts ranges from 20–35 minutes.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’ll dock in St. John’s, right in the lively shopping and restaurant area.

Entry Requirements

Most travelers arriving in Antigua will need:

  • A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration recommended)

  • A return or onward ticket

  • No visa is required for U.S., Canadian, and many European travelers for stays up to 180 days

Always double-check requirements with official government sources before your trip, but overall, entry is smooth and straightforward — another win for this Antigua travel guide.

Getting Around

Antigua is an easy island to navigate once you know your options:

  • Taxis: Widely available and great for resort-to-beach or airport transfers.

  • Rental Cars: Perfect if you want full flexibility, especially if you’re exploring multiple beaches. Just remember — they drive on the left.

  • Tours & Private Drivers: A fantastic stress-free way to see the island.

  • Boat Excursions: Technically transportation… but also your chance to see Antigua from the water, which you should absolutely do.

Your Antigua travel guide rule of thumb: If you want freedom, rent a car. If you want ease, book a driver.

Travel Tips

A few things that make traveling Antigua even better:

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The water is unbelievably clear — let’s keep it that way.

  • Expect strong sun. This is not the place to underestimate UV.

  • Carry cash for small vendors. USD is widely accepted.

  • Don’t skip exploring. The beaches are amazing, but the island has SO much else to see.

  • Time your Shirley Heights visit for sunset. Trust me.

  • Plan beach days around the wind. Some coastlines get breezier than others.

Use this Antigua travel guide as your base, then customize your trip whether you’re here for beaches, food, or adventure.

Packing for almost a month and somehow it all fit 😅✈️
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If you’re an overpacker or always running out of suitcase space, these are a game changer.

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Explore more in 2026 not by waiting, but by planning ✨ The biggest travel mistake? Saving your dream trip for “later.” This year is all about turning someday into scheduled.

📍Choose experiences that stretch you
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📍Let exploration be part of your lifestyle

Make 2026 the year you visit the places you’ve dreamed of going… who is with me?
2026 goal: Eat the world, one bite at a time 🌍 From fresh pasta in Italy to street tacos in Mexico, food tells the story of a place. This year, prioritize trips that let you taste the culture, not just see it.

✨ PRO TIP: Build travel plans around food festivals, wine regions, or local markets.

Where should your first bite of 2026 be? 👇

Follow Me @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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