Hold my beer...
A variety of land and sea activities await the adventure-seeker. In Antigua you can zip through the rainforest on high wires, swim with stingrays, hike, bike, dive, kayak, kite surf, fish and so much more. Water sports abound from sailing, boat cruising, water skiing, deep sea and reef fishing to scuba diving and snorkeling. For land lovers, the island offers popular activities such as horseback riding, hiking, island safaris, painting and cooking classes, walking tours, bird-watching adventures and helicopter tours.
Also be sure to discover Barbuda, Antigua’s less developed sister island, known for its pristine stretch of 17-miles of pink sand beach and teeming with wildlife and rare birds. Just a 15-minute flight or two-hour ferry ride away, it offers the ultimate Robinson Crusoe-style escape. The island is home to the largest colony of Frigate birds in the western hemisphere.
Thrill-Seeking Adventures
Antigua Rainforest Canopy
The Antigua Rainforest Company is located in the heart of the island’s Fig Tree Drive rainforest just after the village of John Hughes. We are Antigua’s only zip line and rope adventure operators and have been in successful and safe operation for over 10 years.
CalvinAir Helicopters
The Caribbean truly is a breathtaking landscape best experienced by air. From the stunning, crystal-clear turquoise water, vast reef systems, miles of untouched white sand beaches, and historic sights, we invite you to take in all its beauty with a bird’s-eye view.
Stingray City
Your Stingray City Antigua Snorkel Adventure will be the highlight of your vacation, and an experience that will live with you forever. Our Southern Rays are the brightest rays in the Caribbean, very friendly and gentle. Come and enjoy with us this unique experience of interacting and feeding a Stingray, together with snorkeling amongst magnificent coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
Cricket
Antiguan’s and Barbudan’s are cricket-lovers and the country has produced four of the greatest West Indies Test cricket players. The famous Antigua Recreation Grounds, The Sir Vivian Cricket Stadium and the Coolidge Cricket Grounds are three of the finest venues in the Caribbean to take in a local, regional, or international match. Visit the Antigua and Barbuda Museum to see the infamous cricket bat of Sir Vivian Richards, native Antiguan, former captain of the West Indies Cricket Team, and one of the greatest batsmen of all time and our National Hero. Cricket matches are played throughout the island during the Cricket season which runs from January – July.
Culinary Adventures
Antigua and Barbuda Mango Festival
Our juicy mango gets its moment to shine in July during the Antigua and Barbuda Mango Festival. The two-day event showcases a variety of mangoes that will delight passionate mango-lovers. The Mango stalls overflow, with a selection of mangoes, mango trees on sale, and the very best mango treats such as jams, pepper sauces, wines, smoothies, pastries, ice-creams, scented candles and soaps all made in Antigua and Barbuda.
Marine Adventures
Set in the picture-perfect are in and around the Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surounded by the deep-blue Caribbean Sea of Antigua’s south coast, with ever present trade winds, is the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world’s finest regattas. The regatta draws thousands of serious sailors, the world’s top racing boats, competing in five challenging days of racing in the best sailing conditions. The Antiguan hospitality, combined with the famous social scene and fun-filled Lay Day activities, this is a regatta not to be missed.
Learn to Sail
Considered the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean, Antigua is the perfect destination for persons wishing to learn to sail. Learn to sail programmes are available at hotels such as Nonsuch Bay, which offers a dedicated centre (40knots.net) or with OnDeck Antigua or National Sailing Academy in English Harbour, the only RYA (Royal Yachting Association) registered dinghy training centre in the Caribbean. There is also a women’s only sailing school option.
Snorkeling
Antigua offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for those interested in life under the sea. Visitors interested in staying close to the shore, Long Bay is the perfect spot. For the more adventurous, explore the beauty of Cades Reef, Paradise Reef/Andes and off-shore islands such as Green Island. The Pillars of Hercules spectacular limestone rock formation that guards the entrance to English Harbour is a must see. Experience it all by booking through tour providers.
Walking Adventures
National Park Tours
Visitors step into the Caribbean’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and Antigua and Barbuda’s first, when they visit Nelson’s Dockyard and surrounding National Parks. Explore beautiful 18th 19th century Georgian-style buildings and a naval museum. See historic forts, walk along hiking trails and scenic landscapes. Antigua’s famous Shirley Heights Lookout provides a gorgeous view of English Harbour, one of Antigua’s most photographed vistas.
Hiking Trails
Hiking has become quite a popular activity in Antigua and there are many trails and tracks available for exploration by the seasoned or beginner hiker Visitors keen to stretch their legs and venture off-the-beaten track, will be rewarded with scenic views of lush hills, historical sites and Forts or amazing coastlines. Grab your sneakers and comfy clothing and hike into Antigua. There are a number of hike companies willing to guide you.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Barbuda is home to the largest Frigate Bird Colony in the western hemisphere. This Colony is located in the capital of Barbuda, at the Codrington Lagoon, and is only accessible by a short boat trip with a knowledgeable tour guide.
Turtle Watching
Journey by boat to a deserted beach for this wonderful Antigua adventure and witness the nesting and hatching of Hawksbill turtles. This activity is safely organised by the Environmental Awareness Group.
Wildlife Watching
In addition to bird-watching in Barbuda, the off-shore islands – Long Island and Great Bird Island – also offer outstanding opportunities for birdwatchers. There is also the possibility of finding the previously endangered Antigua Racer Snake, which can only be found on Great Bird Island.
