Why travel to Antigua
Antigua Island brings to life everything you’ve ever imagined experiencing on a Caribbean holiday. Together with its equally gorgeous sibling, Barbuda, holidays in Antigua are all about the beach. Picture pristine white sands rimmed by azure seas and the palms swaying gently in the breeze.
Of course, the resorts are just as picture-perfect, the experiences precisely as you imagined them to be, including idyllic afternoons stretched out in the sun sipping an exotic cocktail. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy if you’re keen, including water sports from the hotel beach and sailing in the Caribbean. Guests are entertained and dined in style every evening. Who could ask for more? A trip to Antigua is literally a dream come true.
Why visit Antigua
- The weather is perfect year-round.
- There’s a laidback atmosphere and the locals are warm and friendly.
- There is literally one beach for every day of the year in Antigua.
- The capital, St John’s, with its colourful 19th-Century buildings, offers plenty of sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.
- It’s known for excellent scuba diving and sailing opportunities.
- There’s a 12-day carnival in the summer months.
- Its music is a fitting tribute to this magnificent island.
- You can laze on a beautiful pink sand beach on Barbuda.
Antigua is also considered the Caribbean’s most romantic island, making it an ideal location for a wedding or a honeymoon. Whatever type of Antigua holiday packages you’re after, you can enjoy your time in this Caribbean paradise with its 153km of breathtaking coastline.
Things to do in Antigua
Whether you’re looking for adventure or would prefer a more relaxed beach holiday, Antigua is the ideal location. From ziplining through a rainforest to swimming with stingrays, hiking, diving, kayaking, fishing and more, you have your choice of things to do in Antigua.
There are numerous watersports to enjoy too, including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing. Active pursuits include horse riding, exploring the island on a safari, walking tours and bird-watching adventures. And that’s just a taste of what’s in store for you on holiday in Antigua.
Things to do in Antigua
- Learn to windsurf in Half Moon Bay.
- Visit Barbuda’s historic caves.
- Discover the sugar mill towers on the Betty’s Hope Plantation.
- Drive through the rainforest on Antigua’s spectacular Fig Tree Drive for unmatched scenery.
- See incredible birdlife at Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda.
- Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour.
- Attend Antigua Sailing Week in April, one of the top regattas in the world.
- Enjoy a hike ending on a deserted beach for a swim.
- Try kayaking through the labyrinthine mangrove swamps.
- Visit Devil’s Bridge – but keep your distance; it’s very slippery!
- Enjoy a zipline tour through Antigua Rainforest.
- Go horse riding on the beach.
- Have the beach to yourself at Runaway Bay, Johnson’s Point or Ffrye’s Bay.
The island of Barbuda is just a 2-hour ferry ride away, and this deserted isle offers a Robinson Crusoe existence, extraordinary pink sand beaches and plenty of adventure. Whether you stay on Antigua Island or venture further afield on an island-hopping holiday, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time in this Caribbean paradise. Thompsons Holidays can take you to Antigua to enjoy the ultimate island break. So call us right away to secure your holiday package.
Things to do in Antigua
Whether you’re looking for adventure or would prefer a more relaxed beach holiday, Antigua is the ideal location. From ziplining through a rainforest to swimming with stingrays, hiking, diving, kayaking, fishing and more, you have your choice of things to do in Antigua.
There are numerous watersports to enjoy too, including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing. Active pursuits include horse riding, exploring the island on a safari, walking tours and bird-watching adventures. And that’s just a taste of what’s in store for you on holiday in Antigua.
Things to do in Antigua
- Learn to windsurf in Half Moon Bay.
- Visit Barbuda’s historic caves.
- Discover the sugar mill towers on the Betty’s Hope Plantation.
- Drive through the rainforest on Antigua’s spectacular Fig Tree Drive for unmatched scenery.
- See incredible birdlife at Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda.
- Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour.
- Attend Antigua Sailing Week in April, one of the top regattas in the world.
- Enjoy a hike ending on a deserted beach for a swim.
- Try kayaking through the labyrinthine mangrove swamps.
- Visit Devil’s Bridge – but keep your distance; it’s very slippery!
- Enjoy a zipline tour through Antigua Rainforest.
- Go horse riding on the beach.
- Have the beach to yourself at Runaway Bay, Johnson’s Point or Ffrye’s Bay.
The island of Barbuda is just a 2-hour ferry ride away, and this deserted isle offers a Robinson Crusoe existence, extraordinary pink sand beaches and plenty of adventure. Whether you stay on Antigua Island or venture further afield on an island-hopping holiday, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time in this Caribbean paradise. Thompsons Holidays can take you to Antigua to enjoy the ultimate island break. So call us right away to secure your holiday package.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit? Â
- The best time to visit Antigua is in the low season, from May to November.
- The high season is from December to April.
- In the high season, there is less rain between December and April.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to St John’s, Antigua with one stopover in Atlanta: 24 hours.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to St John’s, Antigua with a stopover in New York: 25 hours.
- There are no regular flights from South Africa to Antigua.
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Antigua for a stay of up to 180 days.
- If you are flying via the USA, you will require a visa to enter the USA.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from Antigua and you must have a return ticket.
- Antigua is 6 hours behind South Africa.
- Daylight saving is not used in Antigua.
- The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC).
- US dollars are widely accepted in Antigua.
- Credit cards are widely accepted & ATMs are prevalent in big towns and resorts.
- Tipping is an accepted custom in Antigua.
- The official language is English.
- Christianity is practised by the majority of the population. The most popular Christian religion is Anglican.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
- It is safe to drink tap water in Antigua, but bottled water is often preferred – and readily available.
- Vaccinations are not currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?Â
- Lightweight clothing and beachwear. Choose items that can be layered.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting aroundÂ
- Antigua has an excellent taxi system.
- You can hire a car – you will need to purchase an Antigua driver’s license at an additional fee.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller? Â
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (when local drinking water is available).
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
Safety tips Â
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency? Â
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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