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Posts by calvin crane:
Gaston Browne Adresses the Nation on Independence Day
Announcement includes mention of a 250 million pound resort (interestingly for Barbuda) developed by an American celebrity and and Australian Billionaire.
Christmas or New Year Caribbean Holiday
If you are thinking about a Caribbean holiday over Christmas or new years or just this winter then think about Antigua and Barbuda. Blessed with good natured Antiguans a lot of sun (at this very cold time of the year) and some of the world’s best beaches – Antigua is a favourite. All inclusive seems to be a popular choice especially for those with families as controlling the cost of the holiday is important to mum and or dad. There are a plethora of watersports and land activities to do if you get a bit beached out. Scuba diving, sailing or jet ski , hike bike or go shooting at the shooting range ! But the best reasons to come to Antigua compared to other Caribbean destinations and other beach destinations are
Short transfer times!
Some islands like St Lucia are a 2 hour hell after the flight.
Great beaches
They all say that between Antigua and Barbuda there are more than 365 one for each day of the year. But you will certainly never count them to argue! And you could have 14 world class beaches one for every day of your two week Antigua Holiday !
Great resorts
Some of the finest in the world exist if you can poney up the dough. Or checkin to a more value proposition where you will find warmth and hospitality equal and great value.
Great spas
Most likely the spa will be in your resort but you are always free to visit the better spas in other resorts.
Great gymnasiums
The island has some good gyms and open to all so you get to meet expats and Antiguan’s alike.
Great island exploring by jeep or car.
The roads are bad but the speeds are low so driving in Antigua is really not too bad at all. If you do find yourself in St Johns just ease back on the gas and no one will have any problem at all directing you.
Amazing sailing
The winds and local geography mean you can get around a few islands quickly and see a real chunk of the Caribbean culture within just a week of sailing. 2 weeks and you have one amazing sailing vacation or sailing course.
Friendly locals – no need to say more.
Tours and excursions by the bucket load.
Excursions of all kinds from zip-lining through the rainforest to taking a Segway into Antigua’s coastal forts or a chartered day sail.
So to help you plan check bestantigua.com and make the good choice for a break at winter time this year.
Antigua Life Underwater Recorded by Go Pro
I found this really great video taken with a gopro and edited really nicely to some good music that does help to make the scene a little more dramatic. We see many species of fish here including gurnards (flying fish while swimming not flying) and some crazy coloured morey eel. See for yourself – Scuba Diving in Antigua is really worth it.
Antigua Vs Barbados as a Holiday
Antigua Vs Barbados
The quick version TL;DR
Barbados is easier to plug into nightlife having areas like St Lawrence Gap – the better places seem to be outside of this relative touristic trap however.
Barbados may have more top notch resorts and restaurants (the very top is Sandy Lane) but really for a holiday it’s not a top consideration. Antigua certainly has her fair share of Luxury Villas and Luxury Resorts.
Barbados only slightly has better/more watersports (excepting sailing) or more reliable instructional centers for sports like windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing. If you’re looking for calmer waters to do hobby cats then you may prefer Antigua.
Barbados is more developed but Antigua has more charm, I am yet to put my finger on why.
Antigua has better beaches. The resorts sitting on Dickenson Bay are particularly lucky.
Antigua feels easier to drive around.
Antigua is quieter but Barbados out of season also can feel quiet. Both islands you can find quiet or busier places.
Antigua Video Services and Aerial Photography
You know you have that amazing vacation rental or that simply unique caribbean property on the beach for sale but just how do you communicate the quality immediately to your potential customers ? Talk is cheap online and indeed we are fed up reading how amazing something is to find with a bit more research it isn’t what we though it would be.
Antigua has some truly amazing properties for rent and for purchase, to show them off to their full potential then you might get some video and or aerial photography produced that shows your property at its full potential.
Flickr unsurprisingly has some great stock of Aerial Photos for Antigua – find that here https://flic.kr/s/aHsk7WUAo4
Videos are more likely to get shared as well and they are a more honest portrayal than STANDARD non aerial photos as photos can hide a lot that video would show. Videos really do get the viewer engaged and help them believe that your proposition is what it says it is. Even aerial photography is better than single perspective shots which don’t show the bigger picture by themselves.
Take a look at these inspiring aerial videos
This video is great even though it doesn’t have a pro standard gimbal that takes the shake out. Gimbal’s have servos that sense a motion and send the camera exactly the opposite amount – very cool tool.
Caribbean Video Filming Services
The key things to get right with aerial RC and Drone videography are common with regular photography and videography too.
Composition and the shot are as key as ever and maybe harder to get right from an aerial perspective. You will not always get it right and may need to revisit some shots. Having access to the actual frame helps do this quickly. Having a top end gimble will make sure that when it is right factors such as wind wont ruin the sequence. Getting the right distance away from the subject is a matter of gauging the art and is not so evident always. Are you showing the estate or the scale of the property or a closer frame.
A key winner is being able to imagine what path the user would want to turn their head. If you show the decking and poolside area that looks out onto a fantastic ocean view then a ‘yaw’ showing that truth is essential. Photography cannot easily demonstrate this to the viewer.
This is a very nicely made compilation of aerial shots in Antigua
Having the right lighting will take some planning but usually the Caribbean is obliging. You don’t want too many areas cast in shadow a reverse problem from having the excellent light source that is the sun, but its a detail.
The equipment is key and knowledge of the RC world and electronics is important as having the skills in videography and post production. With 20 years in the business of video and digital radio control aircraft you will be in safe hands. Our 2 man crew will plan and asses the job on a job by job basis.
After the shoot which is a part of the work we are far from done. Merging the work with some stills and regular interior camera work will give your audience the full property experience and this footage is all done in POST (Post Production) take a good piece of music to back the video up and you are showing your property at its best on all devices from mobile to tablet and desktop machines mac and PC. Your covered.
Finally marketing your video through the social channels and traditional methods will get your property to the top of the pile. Talk to us here to get a quote. From 2000 USD for the smallest of properties for a produced aerial video edited and edited to give you an idea of minimum costs involved we can start the ball rolling on getting your property shot and marketed to the next level.
World court: Disputed islands belong to Colombia
Ok its a bit old but a very interesting piece. Colombia not often considered a part of the Caribbean – Nicaragua neither while I say.
Antigua Cricket Tour
[EDIT] We no longer have a cricket tour ! If you manage tours and have a cricket tour we would be happy to show that here. Just get in touch.
The following has been left in the blog for now.
You can book this cricket tour in advance online to save hassle or you might decide to do it in person on the island through your hotel or resort tour desk.
This is a 3.5 hour tour that takes you to 3 centres of cricket (Stanford Cricket Ground the ARG (Antigua Recreational Ground) and the Sir Viv Richards stadium pictured below) the chance to meet some former Antigua cricket legends like Keith Fredericks and one of the following Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richardson, Andy Roberts or even Sir Viv Richards himself and a 30 – 45 minute session listening to your questions and telling you about their finest.
The ARG is now mostly used for events like Antigua Carnival.
Sport Fishing in Antigua
Sport fishing in Antigua usually means offshore boat fishing (aka Sea Fishing) but there is an increasing amount of lake and brackish water fishing like the salt flats as an example. But firstly lets run down the usual sport fishing that takes place in Antigua.
There are 2 kinds to concern yourself with deep sea and bottom fishing. The former is more expensive and for the more experienced. this doesn’t mean you should discount it outright but you might get more seasick and find it a bit less relaxing, some call this the ultimate kind of fishing indeed a 400 lb fish is extreme. Don’t expect that by the way, one of the joys of visiting the Antigua fishing tournament is that you can see sometimes what such a fish looks like. Even a 200 lb Marlin is very impressive but you won’t see Marlin as they are protected and catch and release applies.
Read this real life experience of a sea fishing tour in Antigua.
Sea Fishing Antigua
Deep sea fishing usually involves trolling lures that this fast pelagic fish kind hit. Fish such as Mahi Mahi (also known as dolphin fish and rainbow runners) King fish, Tuna Marlin Sail fish and Baracuda are on the cards oh I forgot Wahoo too ! This is usually in deeper waters and this is why these kind of charters are more expensive as the boat diesel for a start to get out 10 miles plus is a factor. You might try bottom or regular boat fishing or reef fishing for the fish that inhabit the reefs. Grouper might be your big target fish though in danger as they have a long time before they reach sexual maturity and can’t breed while young. So fishing out a bigger older fish deprives the reproduction. You don’t see many scuba-diving these days. More likely candidates are snappers and hind and grunt fish. Your boat might be able to anchor in calmer water but unless you are used to it sea sickness can affect novice fishermen. This fishing is much more relaxing and less taxing as the fish are smaller but the rods not as powerful. You most likely won’t need a harness here. In deep sea fishing the crew will be ready to get the harness on you should you hook in to a big one. There are lures that have no hooks and that are designed to wrap around the bill of the marlin and sail fish though not common on charters. Because smell is important the bait could be a hybrid bait plus lure so the first part is a lure with bright attracting thingys and then there is the hook where you would hook your baitfish.
What does sea fishing cost in Antigua ?
Prices for bottom fishing are cheaper and you can get around 6 fisherman on the boat from 450 USD splitting the cost (based on a 4 hour fishing session). For trolling or deep sea it is a bit more and expectation is for a longer trip up to 12 hours costing in excess of 1000 USD.
The folks at Antigua Island have organised perhaps the best value and very real trolling fishing tour in Antigua just for their readers ! Click on the contact us and mention you want to book the sea fishing tour that’s all !
What fishes can you catch in Antigua ?
Mahi Mahi, King fish, Tuna (Black and Yellow fin), Marlin Sail Fish, Barracuda and Wahoo. And a host of kinds like snapper grunts groupers and bat fish.
Take a look at the Fishes found in Antigua page.
Take a look at some of these – http://www.superpuppan.se/Antigua2.html
Fishing Websites in Antigua
Fishing on the Obsession in Antigua –http://www.charternet.com/charters/obsession/index.html
See our blog post on this trolling in Antigua
http://antiguafishing.com
Boating Websites in Antigua
http://budgetmarine.com/
http://outdoorworldantigua.com
Good Fishing Articles Online
This is a nice account of a guys experience of sea fishing in Antigua http://www.planetseafishing.com/features/read/antigua-adventure-fishing
Good tips here in this forum post on fishing in st James club dark wood beach and dickenson bay
http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/threads/shore-fishing-at-st-james-club-antigua.763470/
A quick useful and joyful read about fishing from your cruiser Quit Wishin Go Fishin
Quitting your life for a life in Antigua (or other tropical destination)
I found this nice somewhat amusing graphic online and thought that I would share it as it will no doubt resonate with many of you who subscribe to us. Thats what the site is there for. So sit back and enjoy a spot of easy reading by simply clicking on THIS LINK.
Please dont forget to share this with your social firends on facebook and twitter etc. but the best way is to subscribe here as we dont always post to the social circles as we need to make more time for drinking rum punch.
Antigua race week party schedule
Check out a list of events here and register your interest online through eventbrite just click the orange ‘button E’ !
Whats going on in Antigua This Week ?
Crows Nest Bar Antigua
18. Mar
Tuesday – Sparkling People – Sea food / Sparkling wine Undurraga Promotion
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
8:30pm, Tobaco Band Live
19. Mar
Wednesday – Karaoke – Wings & Poutine / Carib Promotion 5 beer for $25
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
8pm New Age Karaoke
20. Mar
Thursday – Throwback Concert – Asian Food / Finlandia Cocktail special
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
7:30 Elvis Presley Concert on a Big screen
21. Mar
Friday – After Work Escapes – Fish & Chips / Drink Promotion
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
5-7pm Stick ‘n’ Finger steel pan Band
9pm- until Dj Stiffler 9pm- until late
22. Mar
Saturday – Live Sets – Authentic charcoal BBQ. Banks Promotion 6 beer for $25
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
4pm Banks Beer promotion 6 beer for $25
8:30pm Triple Feature Band Live
23. Mar
Sunday – Sport lounge Angostura LLB Rum Specials , Caribbean Curry
Various Sports at Sports Lounge (if available by cable operator)
ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014
If you would like to advertise your events here please email them to [email protected]
Antigua Villa Rentals
We are pleased to be able to offer some fantastic properties for your consideration, please ask us and we will personalize your search for you with our island contacts given your requirements. Vacation Rentals in Antigua.
Visit The Antigua Villa Rentals section by clicking here >>
Take action and set up a week or two on our lovely island in a villa of your choice.
Antigua Airport Transfers | Private Group Booking
We really DO beat the prices offered by the bigger web players so check us out for the best antigua airport transfers.
Organising your airport transfer in Antigua is something you really should do before arrival. Get organised and be ready to enjoy your holiday. The best price for a private transfer is here!
Please email using the form below.
To the furthest resorts like Pineapple Beach Club or Nonsuch Bay you will pay a lot one way if you go by regular taxi, and come to think of it even for airport transfers to Jolly Beach Resort or Halcyon Rex. If you see the quotations from the global transfer websites (sites serving the world) they are more expensive by a good amount. Go ahead and check your price with them but remember to come back!
Antigua Airport (ANU)
Book Online with Best Antigua
We can offer a better more personal service than the official taxi stand. Please allow us to quote you; give us your dates of arrival and departure and your resort or villa. You will also at time of transfer be directly in touch with our knowledgeable guide who can remain at your service during your stay. Further advantages such as being relaxed about stopping to buy immediate supplies can be a real benefit.
Customer testimonials
“We had a great experience with Best Antigua. We booked an airport transfer and a last minute transfer to a boat tour. All of the transfers were on time. The drivers were so friendly and helpful. Calvin responded to all queries really quickly and organised everything seamlessly. I will definitely use this company again when I return to Antigua.”
– Hannah W UK 2021 review via Google reviews
“Just returned from a fantastic holiday in Long Bay Antigua. This was our first trip to the island and we were lucky to choose the guys at Best Antigua (https://bestantigua.com) for our transportation. Excellent service from beginning to end and far more competitive than the other transport firms we looked at. From first contact to last they were helpful, timely and informative, we were collected and delivered back to the airport comfortably and on time. Lennox our driver offered interesting information about the island and can arrange tours and car hire etc. if needed.
We would definitely recommend these guys and will use again when we return.Many thanks to Calvin & Lennox for helping us settle in and feel at home.
“Mark, Natalie & Charlie.”
“For our second visit to Antigua we booked transfers to the Verandah Resort via the ‘Best of Antigua’ website.
Driver Raymond duly recognised us on arrival and 30 minutes later we were enjoying the customary welcome rum punch at the resort.
Raymond offered his services during our stay but we decided to generally stay in the resort as we had already visited most of the local attractions.
Prior to our departure Raymond made contact to confirm pick up.details etc and the journey back to the airport was duly completed. Safe driving, good conversation and a totally reliable service.
If we come back to Antigua we would have no hesitation in booking Raymond’s services through ‘Best of Antigua’ – after all, everybody loves Raymond!
Thanks again and best wishes.
Adrian and Helen.”
Enquire now and get that part of the holiday organised! If you are not able to see a form below then click contact us and ask us to book arrange your quotation.
This is a typical Antigua airport taxi
As an example see airport transfer prices ROUNDTRIP (USD) based on a couple sharing:
Airport to Jolly Beach, Cocos or Coco Bay 70.00
Airport to Rex Hawksbill Resort 70.00
Airport to St James Club 80.00
Airport to Pineapple Beach Club 75.00
Airport to Rex Halcyon 50.00
Airport to Admiral Inn , Galley Bay 80.00
EAOE
Book Now – use our contact form and get in touch. We use PayPal to secure your online safety and money. Alternatively book online at our sister website Best Antigua Transfers
Antigua drivers are cheerful souls but they don’t find it easy to use things like paypal and online banking. It is very hard for us to pay them so we get you to do that on arrival and on the return (50/50)..
Why can we beat the Official Taxis ?
There is a syndicate in operation that many professional drivers are excluded from. This doesn’t mean they are no less professional in any way but the costs and difficulties to join mean these drivers prefer to not be a part of that. They do lose out from the markets the syndicated drivers operate in. But your advantage is getting to know a good driver who is not on the list and doesn’t have the excessive overheads.
So to get the best price fill out the resort and dates above and click send.
Other Notes on Transfers and Taxis
There is evidence to suggest that official taxis are asking increased rates than those set out online unless you barter them down ! Here is a big tip. If you plan on arriving and taking a TAXI you must download the official rates from this page and show the driver – you will then be able to negotiate easier. It is so interesting that writer Jamaica Kincaid early on in A Small Place mentions that the Taxi Driver tried to do this exact thing. Taxi Drivers!
Antigua Scuba Diving
I’m missing it all- the best time of year for visibility and shark spotting though there was no shortage last summer.
Klm operating out of Kent
Very interesting to see a major airline operating out of Kent. This is from April so you can book tickets now. Now as far as Antigua goes the Dutch airline isn’t flying to Antigua. But the important takeaway is that it may be a new trend as the airlines start to get into other markets lets face it the uk major airports are being very greedy for tax hurting the global tourism industry. Let’s hope this relieves pressure on the hearts and minds as the balls get to relax.
You know you’re Antiguan when..
You never ever paid a parking ticket.
If you visit outside of Antigua the first place you look to find food is the KFC. More than this you prove that Antigua has the best KFC in the world.
You add ‘No Wah’ to end of something to say how good or bad it is e.g. She is beautiful no wah.
When fighting start you ‘run come’ but come the rain you run away.
You know that east and west have nothing to do with a map.
Current is electricity, you have candles and matches for when ‘current off’.
Potholes are a way of life.
You know Rush can be very dry but don’t care and go anyway.
Everywhere is ‘down dah road’.
You have a can of SUZY HOT SAUCE just in case.
You accept ‘Antigua Time’ as an actual time zone.
Some more..
China's influence in Antigua and the Caribbean
Carib journal again made mention of the Caribbean regions major business influencer that is China. I have to agree though they didn’t mention Antigua. But if you were around at Carnival the Chinese float would not have gone amiss since it was quite odd (I thought). They are you see building the new airport and at any business hotel you will find the business men are staying. The investment will not be for free and I bet it increases trade links and cooperation between the various island states and China. Not maybe a bad thing especially if they can reduce the bloody import taxes, this does few people any good at all.
Especially massive is the Baha Mar a very large resort in the Bahamas with Chinese involvement.