Antigua, popularly known as Waladi or Wadadi among locals, is an island in the West Indies. It is a part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region and the main island of Antigua and Barbuda. It has an area of about 108.5 metres square and a population of 80,161 people.
On Antigua, life is a day at the beach. It's ridged coastline nurture scores of immaculate strands lapped by charming turquoise water, while the protected bays have provided a haven for everyone from Admiral Nelson to pirates and yachties. If you can get away from the resorts, you’ll find that there is a unique English accent to this authentic Caribbean Island with its Narrow streets, pastel-colored villages and elegant historic sights.
Why Go?
Formerly a colony of the British, Antigua has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Its tourist board usually boast that Antigua has 365 beaches meaning there is a beach for every day of the year with a population of 80, 000 people, Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands (108 square miles). With over 150km of immaculate coastline it also has amazing reefs and wrecks which make it perfect for diving and snorkelling.
If you have a lifelong desire to swim and interact with stingrays, this fun interactive adventure a five-minute boat ride off the east coast of Antigua should fulfil those desires. Stingray City is a shallow pool with a sandy floor in the midst of a tropical reef, where hundreds of, where numerous, friendly stingrays sail through the crystalline waters waiting to be fed by adoring visitors. Depending on how comfortable you are, you can, swim, stand or snorkel with the ray, and after your encounter, you can explore the surrounding coral reefs. The trip to Stingray City is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua.
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, in English Harbour, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Antigua and is home to Antigua’s former 18th-century British Naval Dockyard (inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2016) as well restored ancient buildings and some of Antigua’s nest nature trails. Nelson’s Dockyard is the only still operating Georgian dockyard in the world. The rebuilt marina, with elegant old stone warehouses, encompasses hotels, restaurants, galleries, shops and museums. When you are finished with the tour of the Dockyard, you ca enjoy scenic views of the island from the ruins of Fort Shirley, roosted on the hilltop at Shirley Heights, or Fort Berkeley, at the West entrance of the harbour.
Along the jagged coast, the dramatic landscape of Indian Town National Park features the Devil’s Bridge that is made from limestone, sculpted over the by the pounding waves of the ocean. At high tide, waves force geysers of water through blowholes in the surrounding rock. The Park also features some rewarding treks and excellent birding. More than 36 avian species reside in the park among acacia trees, while the eastern side of the park is said to have been a campsite for Tainos.
The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda displays the history of these Caribbean Islands from their geological origins to political independence in 1981. Featured in the museum is a complete replica of an Arawak dwelling, as well as pottery, exhibits, pottery and tools on the islands’ different ecosystems. The museum is located in the former 18th-century Courthouse in St. John’s.
Along Antigua’s southern coast, Fig Tree Drive twists and turn through forests, fishing villages and farmlands. The scenic drive features a glimpse of local life. Banana trees (known as “figs” to the locals), mango trees, and coconut palms pepper landscape, as well as the ruins sugar mills. Look for the roadside vendors fresh-picked fruit. Along the route, the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery sells interesting local art, and zip line rainforests tours are nearby.
At the southern end of Antigua, peaceful Half Moon Bay is surrounded by one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. Protected by a reef, this perfect crescent of fine white sand and sky-blue sea, backed by lush vegetation, offers excellent snorkelling on calm days. When it is windy, the surf can be rough. A small restaurant serves snacks just off the beach. Note that the beach is difficult to find so that a map will come in handy.
The Capital Cit of and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s, is filled with pastel-coloured colonial architecture and shopping stalls stacked with tropical fruits and flowers. Looming above the skyline are the white neo-Baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral, a very well-known building in the city. Which is currently undergoing restoration. To know more about the island’s history, head to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the 18th-century former Court House. The shopping in St. John’s is also great. Heritage Quay abounds with duty-free shopping, Redcliffe Quay is packed souvenir stalls, and Harborside public markets are the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays. For city and harbour vistas visit the ruins of 18th-century Fort James and Fort Barrington which was built to protect St. John's from the French.
