Antigua

Travel Guide

Antigua showing tropical scenes and general coastal views
Antigua featuring general coastal views, signage and a sandy beach
Darkwood Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Antigua
Devil\'s Bridge which includes waves, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Antigua Travel Guide Video

This small Caribbean island is a popular haunt for the beauty of its beaches and the tranquility of its waters.

The low-lying Caribbean island of Antigua is celebrated for its year-round sunshine and numerous long stretches of white and pink sands. In fact the locals are fond of saying there’s a beach for every day of the year. At 108 square miles (280 square kilometers), Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands.  

Most of Antigua is ringed by coral reefs providing snorkel and diving opportunities aplenty. Grab a snorkel and explore the huge reef in the shallow waters at Long Bay. Relax on the crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay, one of the prettiest beaches on Antigua. It’s also popular with windsurfers and surfers. Charter a yacht or dinghy and investigate the coastline for secluded coves and private beaches.

For a change of scenery explore some of Antigua’s interior. Take the Rainforest Canopy Tour and swing through the treetops on zip lines deep in the heart of Antigua’s rainforest. Discover more of the island’s diverse ecology, geology and biology by visiting any or all of its four national parks.  

Navigate the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge and marvel at the natural limestone arch carved by the sea.  Visit Nelson’s Dockyard, the largest of Antigua’s national parks. It houses the restored Georgian yard that was used by the British Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Dockyard Museum, located in the former home of Admiral Horatio Nelson, and view exhibits that chart the dockyard’s history. Go for a walk along the park’s hiking trails that lead you through tropical fauna and past old forts dotting the landscape. 

At the northern end of the island is St John’s, the capital of Antigua. It’s a lively city with bars, restaurants and shops. Cruise ships dock in the natural deep water harbor so the area is normally full of visitors. Pop into the cathedral, learn about the island’s history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and check out the farmers market on Friday and Saturday mornings.   

The most convenient options to move around the island are taxi and rental car. You will need a permit to drive on the island in addition to a valid driver’s license from your own country. The permit is valid for three months and there is a small fee to pay.  Rental agencies will be able to assist you with obtaining one. Alternatively, use the bus system.

Where to stay in Antigua

Dickenson Bay Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Dickenson Bay

When in Dickenson Bay, you can plan a visit to Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dickenson Bay
Galley Bay which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

Five Islands Village

Five Islands Village is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Galley Bay and Hawksbill Beach while in the area.

Five Islands Village
Half Moon Bay Beach showing general coastal views, landscape views and a beach

Half Moon Bay

While Half Moon Bay isn't home to many top sights, Half Moon Bay Beach and Brown's Bay Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Half Moon Bay
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Runaway Bay

While Runaway Bay might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Runaway Bay Beach and Dickenson Bay Beach.

Runaway Bay
Dickenson Bay Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Paradise View

Though Paradise View might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay Beach.

Paradise View
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Crosbies

When in Crosbies, you can plan a visit to Hodges Bay and Dickenson Bay Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Crosbies
Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Valley Church, Valley Church, Antigua
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Valley Church. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful location. If you have a cottage with a sea view! Definitely worth it. Only one restaurant open while we were there. Was ok. We did ask if we could have our minibar stocked with soft drinks as there was nothing when we arrived. 24 hours later nothing had happened so we cancelled rather than ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Cocobay Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only
Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

4.5 out of 5
Halcyon Road, St. John's, Saint John
The price is P21,497 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P21,497
P21,497 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (385 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive

Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive

3 out of 5
Bolans Village, St. Mary's, P.O.Box W2009, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
The price is P9,114 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P9,114
P12,971 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach property in Jolly Harbour. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was a great experience. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They were also reliable in terms of feeling safe, transportation, conveniences etc. I love everything about it."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Jolly Beach Antigua - All-inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Antigua Village Beach Resort

Antigua Village Beach Resort

3 out of 5
Dickenson Bay, St. John's, Antigua
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in St. John's. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (385 reviews)
"Am glad I didn’t stay in an all inclusive resort, I problem would have missed out on the quietness and peace of mind that I received from this resort."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Antigua Village Beach Resort
Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village

Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village

3 out of 5
Marina Bay Road, St. John's
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Bay ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)
"The property was lovely the garden was well maintained. The room was comfortable and clean. We had a beach view which was lovely , the downside was it was very hot due to the sun hitting on the glass door all day causing the living room to be hot . The bedroom had AC and it was comfortable . I spent ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Dickenson Bay Oasis Antigua Village
Dickenson Bay Cottages

Dickenson Bay Cottages

3 out of 5
Anchorage Road, St. John's, Antigua
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (293 reviews)
"Beautiful property and lovely staff, really helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Dickenson Bay Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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