Antigua

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua is one of the British Leeward Island. It is located 17degrees north of the equator, and is 14 miles long by 11 miles wide.  Established as a British colony by Admiral Lord Nelson in 1784, it has retained strong links to British tradition (and is deeply devoted to the English sport of cricket). In recent years tourism has undergone tremendous expansion, and the island is now popular with tourists of all types, as well as having become a major cruise port-of-call. Antigua is best known for its 365 beautiful beaches, magnificent dive sites, its sailing, and interesting historical maritime sites. It has become a major Caribbean yachting port, and has one of the most healthy and comfortable climates in the world.  The annual average rainfall is only 45".  It makes an excellent base for visiting many of the neighbouring islands. To the south are Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and to the north St Kitts, Nevis, St Barts and St Martin.  

Barbuda

Barbuda is Antigua's sister island, although it could not be more different. In Barbuda you will see a Caribbean island that is unspoiled by tourism and is renowned for its natural beaches sprinkled with pink sand and miles long. Several resorts dominate the island and offer top-notch cuisine and luxurious accommodations. The island has the deep blue Atlantic on one side with wild beaches full of driftwood and shells, and the calm Caribbean sea on the other, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, with plenty of opportunities to see turtles and many varieties of tropical fish undisturbed in the turquoise water. The beauty of the island is in its natural, peaceful way of life - it is not for visitors who are looking for nightlife or entertainment - it is a place to relax, slow down, and make your own entertainment. Places of interest in Barbuda are the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Spanish Point, Martello Tower, and the Highland Cave System.

Sailing in Antigua

Antigua is world-renowned for sailing.  Some of the world's most beautiful and famous classic yachts, including schooners, gaffers and vessels of classic design, have converged on English Harbour since 1987 to compete in the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (usually taking place in April).  Perfect racing conditions abound with strong trade winds and challenging seas, for the races which begin and end just outside Falmouth Harbour, and last for three days.  The races also make superb spectator sport.  

For further details visit www.antiguaclassics.com.

Antigua's other sailing highlight is Antigua Sailing Week, which takes place in late April/early May.  Started in 1967, this has become one of the top five regattas in the world, and certainly the top one in the Caribbean.  Antigua Sailing Week is seven days of rough-and-tumble yacht racing and onshore partying which attracts yachtsmen from around the globe.  The races are between 16 and 28 miles long, and in 2000 were watched by over 10,000 visitors.  Each day's racing ends with different after-race party venues with steel bands, rock, jazz and calypso groups accompanied by local stalls selling food and drink.  Wednesday is known as "Lay Day" when the sailors can have a rest but the parties are in full swing!

For further details visit www.sailingweek.com

Exploring Antigua

The Capital of the two islands is St Johns, with lots of duty-free shops strategically located for cruise ship passengers.  Jolly Harbour, on the south western side of Antigua, is a major marina, shopping centre, sports centre and golf club.  Nelson's Dockyard, at English Harbour, has been internationally famous for many years and the National Park area boasts:

• the only working original Georgian dockyard in the world
• a museum and visitor's centre
• tour guides
• beautiful beaches and nature trails
• major military fortifications
• breathtaking views
• multimedia "sight and Sound" show in air-conditioned theatre
• marina, restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and gift shops
• wheelchair access.

Rent a vehicle or hire a taxi and visit the following locations

• Fig Tree Drive (Fig being the Antiguan name for bananas)  Just outside the town of Liberta, north of Falmouth.  Pass through an area of green rainforest, and pass lovely tropical fruit trees such as guavas, mangoes, oranges and coconuts.
• Shirley Heights, for a panoramic view
• Betty's Hope, just south of Pares Village, this was built in 1674 by Sir Christopher Codrington and was the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua.  It is now one of the most beautiful attractions of the island.
• Sugar Mills - there are several dotted around the landscape, mostly in ruins, but some with the solid outside structure still intact.  By 1705 most of Antigua was planted with sugar cane and 170 mills for crushing the cane were built.  At that time, each factory could produce 55 tons of sugar a year.
• Devil's Bridge.  Situated at Indian Town, this is a natural bridge at the head of Indian Creek, with blow-holes and spouting surf.  Legend says that if you throw two eggs into the water to boil, the devil (who is said to be down there) would keep one and return the other!
• Parham.  This was the earliest British settlement in Antigua and a road connects the little town with the main road traversing the island.  Parham is notable for its spectacular church, St Peter's, which was described as "the finest church in the British West Indies".  It was built in the 1840's after the original wooden church had been burnt down.  It is a beautiful and unusual octagonal shape, designed by the famous architect of the time, Thomas Weekes.
• St John's Anglican Cathedral.  This unusual and imposing building, visible from all around St John's, was originally constructed in 1683, replaced in 1745, and completely rebuilt of stone in 1843 after an earthquake.  The interior is completely cased in pitch-pine and there are some interesting memorial stones.  The cathedral is an oasis of peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of town.
• Public Market.  This open-air market in St John's is especially busy on Friday and Saturday mornings.  It provides an excellent overview of the fruit, vegetables and meats produced on the island.
• Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, located in downtown St John's, provides an interesting background of the nation's history from 10,000 years ago.  You can learn how the islands were formed and who lived there, including the Arawaks and the Caribs.  Admission is free but a minimum donation of US$2 is encouraged.
• Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre.
• Harmony Hill

Things to do in Antigua (besides sailing!)

• Scuba Diving - with particularly good sites for beginners
• Tennis - one of the most popular activities for visitors
• The Temo Sports Complex, a sports and social centre overlooking Falmouth Harbour and adjacent to the Yacht Club.  Floodlit, synthetic grass tennis courts, and two glass-backed squash courts.
• Golf - The Cedar Valley Golf Club near St John's is an 18-hole championship course, one of the most challenging in the Caribbean, which has hosted the Eastern Caribbean Golf Championships. (Tel. 462-0161).  The other 18 hole (71 par) course, Jolly Harbour, is situated on the south western side of the island, with pro shop, bar and restaurant.  (Tel. 463 8830).  Both courses are open to the public.
• Fitness Facilities.  The National Fitness Centre is located just off Old Parham Road (by the Price Waterhouse Centre) with all the latest equipment including Stairmaster, Windracer, free weights and machines - tel. 462 3681.  At the Woods Centre you will find "Get Physical".  The centre is air-conditioned with the most advanced exercising equipment on the island, and also a shop selling a selection of top brand name work-out gear.  Tel 462 9539.
• Kayak expeditions are based in the eastern part of the island, near the villages of Seatons and Willikies.  This tranquil area of unspoiled beauty has sheltered bays, and shallow warm waters in which you may even see a turtle, and wonderful views of natural Antigua.  No experience needed and lots of fun guaranteed.  Contact Destinations Antigua 2000 Ltd, 463 1944.
• You can explore the interior of Antigua safari style.  Take a comfortable jeep tour to visit the picturesque, lush and rugged countryside, small villages and interesting ruins.  Contact Bo Tours (462 6632), Destinations Antigua 2000 Ltd (463 1944) or Tropikelly Trails (461 0383).

Hotels in Antigua

There are a whole host of excellent hotels in Antigua.  Exclusive hotels include Jumby Bay, Blue Waters, St James Club, Galley Bay and Curtain Bluff.  Excellent quality premium hotels include Hawksbill Beach, Rex Halcyon Cove, Sunsail's Club Colonna (great for a huge range of sporting activities), Royal Antiguan and well-known all-inclusive Sandals Antigua Resort & Spa.

The most children friendly hotels are: Royal Antiguan, Rex Halcyon Cove, Sunsail Club Colonna, and St. James's Club. Many others accept children but there is an age stipulation on some properties. It would be advisable to check beforehand.

Please contact us to match your requirements.  01249 650668.

Fast Facts about Antigua and Barbuda

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar but the US Dollar is accepted over the counter. Sterling can be changed at the banks and there are cash machines located at various places on the island. Major credit cards are usually accepted.

Direct flights go regularly from the UK to Antigua.

The departure tax payable by tourists when leaving Antigua is US$ 20.00 or EC$ 50.00.

The hurricane season is June to September. Antigua and Barbuda are warm all year round with a soothing south-easterly breeze

The Antigua Carnival takes place around the end of July/beginning of August each year.

No inoculations are required to visit Antigua and Barbuda, unless you are travelling from an endemic area.

The voltage is 220 / 110 volts AC: 60 cycles. Dual voltage appliances are recommended. American type 2 pin sockets are prevalent and therefore a suitable adapter may be required.

The duty free allowance is as follows:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 litre wine or spirits, 170ml (6ozs) perfume.

Weapons of war and unprescribed drugs are prohibited.

Nationals of Commonwealth countries (with the exception of Nigeria), EC countries and some other stipulated countries do not need a visa to travel to Antigua and Barbuda. Please check with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office if in doubt prior to travel. It takes 3 working days to process a visa. 

Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda require a valid passport (with at least six month's validity), a return or onward ticket, confirmation of accommodation throughout the stay and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. On arrival, the immigration officer must be satisfied that your reason for visiting Antigua and Barbuda is legitimate.

Visitors can stay in Antigua and Barbuda for 3 - 6 months without special permission, provided they are in possession of a valid onward ticket and enough funds to maintain themselves without working.

Weddings

Antigua has become a popular wedding destination.  Regulations governing marriage by special licence in Antigua and Barbuda are as follows:

1) Proof of identity: A valid passport OR birth certificate and a photograph
2) Proof of status:        

Single: a declaration signed in Antigua and Barbuda
Divorced: the original decree absolute stamped with the seal of the court where it was issued.
Widow(er): marriage certificate and death certificate of husband or wife.
Name change: Deed Poll under which change has been done.

3) Application: This is to be obtained from, and completed and signed at, the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in St John's. Both parties must be present at the time of application.

4) Age Limit: All applicants should be 18 years or over. If under 18 parental consent, in writing, is required.

5) Residency: There is no set period of residency required before the ceremony can be performed. Arrangements can begin immediately after arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

6) Fees: Special Licence: one hundred and fifty United States dollars ($150.000) or four hundred and five Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$ 405.00) to be paid on application.

Registration Fee: forty United States dollars (US$ 40.00) or one hundred and eight Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$ 108.00).

Marriage Officer: dependent on location and ceremony.

7) Ceremony: The wedding ceremony may be performed by the Registrar or the Deputy Registrar in the Registrar's office, or by a Civil Marriage Officer at an appointed place and time, between the hours of 6.00am and 8.00pm

Marriage Ceremonies

Legal formalities as with civil ceremonies apply to religious marriage ceremonies. Arrangements should be made with the appropriate Church official well in advance of the arrival in Antigua and Barbuda and all the documents necessary for performance of the ceremony be provided.

Applications for a marriage licence should be made at The Registrar's Office, High Street, St John's Antigua.