Short Description

A true tropical paradise, Antigua offers 365 superb white sand beaches surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks which makes this island the perfect diving and snorkeling destination.

Destination Highlights

Diving and Snorkeling
365 Beaches
2 Golf Courses
Sailing and Boating
Shopping and Restaurants in St. John

Local Weather

Antigua boasts one of the finest comfortable climates in the West Indies. Average temperatures range year round between 80F/26C (in February) to 85F/28C (in August).

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Description

With an area of 108 square miles, Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands in the North East Caribbean. A true tropical paradise, it has a beautiful curving coastline with a picturesque cove or harbor around every corner and no less than 365 superb white sand beaches, one for every day of the year. The great majority of the beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Antigua is almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks which makes this island the perfect diving and snorkeling destination. The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht cruising and racing, with constant trade-winds, and many harbors for exploration. The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua , is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many of whom arrive by boat. With its recently completed cruise ship dock and several hotels, St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining.

Local Information

The local currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). Both the Eastern Caribbean and U.S. dollars are accepted on the island. Formerly a British colony, Antigua has retained strong links to British tradition as well as English as its official language with a delightful Antiguan dialect. Electricity in Antigua is both 110 volts and 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages available. As for driving on the island, a license is required and available at the airport for US$20. Cars drive on the left of the roads, so when exploring please remember to look to the right when crossing the street. Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.

Airport Information

To get to Antigua you would fly into V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) located 5 miles (8 km) northeast of St John's, the island's capital. Airlines servicing Antigua are American Airlines, Continental, Air Canada, BWIA as well as LIAT, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Luftahansa and a few Caribbean charter companies. Please be advised that many destinations charge a departure fee. Generally, most airlines include this fee in the cost of your airline ticket. We recommend you contact the airline directly to review the details with the carrier.

Entry Requirements

Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.