Antigua and Barbuda offers the best of the Caribbean - 365 beaches (one for every day), world-renowned sailing in English Harbour, colonial heritage at Nelson's Dockyard, and pristine Barbuda with its pink sand beaches and frigate bird colony. Less developed than some neighbors, these twin islands deliver authentic Caribbean charm.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$80/day
Mid-range$200/day
Luxury$500/day
Known For
antiguabarbudacaribbeanwest_indiesleeward_islandsenglish_harbournelsons_dockyardsailing_week365_beachesjolly_harbourdickenson_bayfrigate_birdcodringtonhalf_moon_bayshirley_heightspink_sandst_johns
🇦🇬 Country Information: Antigua and Barbuda
CapitalSt. John's
CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Antiguan Creole
Phone Code+1
Electricity230V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (10
- 15%), bars, and for tour guides (10
- 15%)
- Taxi drivers appreciate a tip (10%)
Money & Payments
- ATMs are available, especially in St
- John's, but not everywhere
- Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is often preferred for smaller purchases and local vendors
- Bringing some USD cash is advisable
- There is no black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Dress respectfully, especially in religious places
- Beachwear is for the beach
- Politeness and greetings are highly valued
- It's customary to ask for permission before taking photos of people
LGBTQ+ Information
Exercise caution. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2022, but there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 16
- Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts of marijuana
Special Laws
- Public nudity is illegal
- Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians
Common Phrases
NoNo
YesYes
HelloHello
Thank youThank you
Climate
Tropical climate cooled by trade winds. Dry season December-April, wet season May-November. Hurricane season June-November (especially Aug-Oct). Less rainfall than other Caribbean islands. Temperatures 25-30°C year-round.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season: December
- April (peak tourism)
- Wet Season: May
- November
- Hurricane Season: June
- November (peak Aug
- Oct)
- Sailing Week: Late April/early May
Getting There
- V
- C
- Bird International Airport (ANU) receives flights from US (Miami, New York, Charlotte), UK (London), Canada, and Caribbean islands
- British Airways, American, and JetBlue serve routes
- Barbuda accessible by small plane or ferry from Antigua
Getting Around
- Rent car to explore Antigua
- roads decent but drive on left
- Taxis available but expensive
- Buses exist but limited schedules
- Barbuda requires ferry (90 min) or short flight
- Water taxis for beach hopping
- Jeep useful for rougher roads
Health & Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required
- Routine vaccinations recommended
- Dengue present
- use repellent
- Good medical facilities
- Tap water safe
- Sun protection essential
Staying Connected
- Digicel and Flow providers
- Good 4G coverage on Antigua
- Barbuda coverage limited
- eSIM works
- Hotel WiFi standard
- Data packages available
Local Cuisine
Fungi and Pepperpot
must_try
National dish - cornmeal fungi (like polenta) served with spicy vegetable stew. African heritage comfort food. Often with saltfish or meat.
Ducana
must_try
Sweet potato dumpling with coconut, wrapped in banana leaf and boiled. Served with saltfish. Unique Antiguan comfort food.
Black Pineapple
must_try
Antigua's famous pineapple variety - smaller, sweeter, and more aromatic than regular pineapples. National symbol of hospitality.
Rum Punch
must_try
Caribbean essential - Antiguan rum with fruit juices. English Harbour and Cavalier are local rums. Shirley Heights famous for their punch.
Lobster
local_favorite
Caribbean spiny lobster is excellent when in season (October-April). Grilled with garlic butter is standard preparation.
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 3-12 months in advance
Late April/early May sailing week books out English Harbour and beyond months ahead.
Book 2-6 months in advance
Peak season with minimum stays required. Luxury resorts book up.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 3-14 days in advance
Limited ferry and flight capacity to Barbuda. Popular days book up.
Fun Facts
- 1. Antigua claims to have 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - making it possibly the beach capital of the Caribbean.
- 2. English Harbour's Nelson's Dockyard is the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world, where Admiral Nelson was stationed in the 1780s.
- 3. Barbuda's frigate bird sanctuary hosts the largest colony in the Western Hemisphere - up to 5,000 birds during breeding season.
- 4. Hurricane Irma in 2017 rendered Barbuda uninhabitable, with 95% of buildings damaged and the entire population evacuated to Antigua. It has since been rebuilt.
