Day Five : Antigua Holiday
I went diving with my friends Indigo Divers today – the vis wasn’t as good as it can be at this time of year but the two dive sites we did we had Antigua Sharks ! You can read more of the diving here on Caribbean Diving.
General
General Antigua Articles. Harder to categorise blog posts related to the island of Antigua in the Caribbean.
Day Four : Antigua Holiday
Today I was back at some of the best that Antigua offers in beaches and did a mini hike to Willoughby bay – now there is a very nice bar restaurant at the opposite end of pigeon beach called Catherine’s something or other. It’s a modern beach bar and restaurant something that we see more in Antigua. So you are where you want to be (a great beach) now with a modern and tasteful setting – I didn’t stay so couldn’t tell you the prices but you would enjoy the experience and this could be the best way to enjoy pigeon beach for many. The walk through (you cant get by car) to Willoughby bay is 7-10 minutes. There is not a place really to swim but you get the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and it’s a nice romantic gig I suppose. It’s a place for artists to come and wonder for sure and you will find the walk enthusing. On the way you will also get the impression that some big money is being spent on the local infrastructure in the general are here – roads ! I am guessing a resort or massive luxury villa round the corner.
Day Three – Antigua Holiday
I met a really nice and interesting couple Eileen and Dave – they are working on boats and really seem to be the ideal couple! She is from Taiwan and Dave, Chester. They are not your typical people (just like I needed to find) and they are living next door in the studios. They invited me to a BBQ that I was a bit late for (you know Driving in Antigua!) They went to a lot of effort and I was very grateful.
They work on the boats and could be classed as professional yachts workers I suppose. They are all here at the moment planning their route to the med as the season in Antigua ends. They don’t all choose to live on boats and some boats are someplace else so often accommodation for yachties is a need! I think as well sometimes they crave a bit of elbow room and a proper shower. But some of the luxury Yachts in Antigua are the size of hotels! I was drinking my coffee at the Skulldugery café in Falmouth (12ec) looking across to a mega yacht Mocolombo or something like that and it had a waterline panel down exposing dwaf like wave runners! it gave the already massive looking craft scale. Falmouth almost closes full time in the summer (out of season) Antigua and there are few places of interest it’s very slow so be advised if you want and out of season holiday.
The northern resorts offer a bit more of interest. I did get back to Dickenson Bay and took a couple of photos it shows a new chic look to peppers and lime – sounds like they killed the Sunday cooler fete and just tried to bring an Ibiza look and feel to Antigua.
Peppers N Lime
New Look New Prices
The Road House Antigua- A hidden gem!
Well anyways they were keen to follow me to the Roadhouse in southeast Antigua – it was a great night and beautiful lobster and drinks each we made it 90 ecd. The lobster was like 20 USD roughly.
Amazing place and is getting bigger. It’s a local lime dinner and dance is what I would describe it as. You may well need to reserve this. Don’t miss it just on Sundays so clashes with Shirley heights 5.00pm till..
How to get there..Google maps link https://www.google.com/maps/place/Road+House+Restaurant+And+Bar/@17.0564768,-61.7363855,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2f584281cdf0ff74!8m2!3d17.0553693!4d-61.7299482
Day Two : Antigua Holiday
I returned to one of my favourite beaches today
and as it was quiet I decided it would be ok to get some aerial video from up above. Check out the image while it will take me longer to process and edit the aerial video.
An example of the water quality – the dark patches are turtle grass not reef so the snorkelling is ok but its not reef. Still enjoyable.
Hot work this !
Donkey Heaven ?
Also made it to the donkey sanctuary and they have a nice brief explaination tour – you can buy the tshirt or make a donation please to support their good work.
Visit the Donkeys Website Today
I also got introduced to the backyard it’s only open on friday and saturdays and its first come first serve on their excellent menu – they chalk it off the board as it gets nailed. I met up with a friend John who teaches at the Medical University.
It may have been a different day but here anyway are a few photos of my old haunt in Jolly Harbour and the beach. The crows nest has really gone down hill and its a shame. A slam dunk as this bar should be easy to get and keep people drinking.
Crows Nest Menu
The Villa’s are popular as vacation rentals
South Beach Jolly Harbour
Looking towards Jolly Resort
Typical Jolly Harbour Villas
Antigua Holiday : Day One
Arrival into ANU I was met by Titi who took me to the office to get payment sorted and a car organised. I was given a small Jeep that has dash controls similar to my mums old Nissan Sunny that I procured from her and that was my first car that I could rely on ! I digress – it was good to be back in Antigua.
A short stay of 7 nights is what my internal doc ordered. A list of priority of things to buy from Baileys the supermarket next to Sweet T’s ice cream parlour. I was slightly hungry as Virgin Atlantic serve those finger sandwiches that taste great but don’t fill you up. So Sweet T’s helped me with an island burger and fries.
As a priority I needed a large 5 litres bottle and refill from that. Staying longer I might have gone for a bigger one that you can barely pickup and carry yourself return the empty thing to get the deposit on the bottle at the end. They are a pain as you need to also get a pump unless you elect to DIY and decant the h2o its awkward but it reminds me of my early days around and about in the Caribbean so it feels like a homely task. A can of Off – however I have to say that the mozzies have not really been getting at me straight away as they normally do. I am here at the beginning of Feb so perhaps that’s why. And Nacho’s and rum punch – the latter a guilty pleasure. I did spot English Harbour was 41 ECD as a ref point – the can of Off
was 24 ish. It’s around 2.6 ECD to the USD. That’s right around 9 USD ! Nothing that is imported to Antigua ends up being cheap. Barter hard for those mangos they grow on trees here in season. Or you might like to just pick some off one of the trees in your Vacation Rental Property.
There was not much of a conclusion to the rest of the evening I did drop by the drop in bar a favourite of the yachties in English Harbour. And I have to say it’s a buzzing place all around and the harbour is full as we are outside of Hurricane season – the boats leave the Caribbean during that time generally as they cannot get insured. To say it has an effect on Antigua’s tourism would understate it which is a shame as I regularly get a cheaper Caribbean Holiday during the summer time and in fact the weather is very nice and the risk low.
It was difficult for me to find my way back home especially as my jeep didn’t have great lights. I am happy with the studio ‘Goat Rock’ Studio– when you stay by yourself its nice to have a smaller space.
2014 in review – Thank you to our Readers and Contributors
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.<–Digital window verification 001–>You can find more detail here – https://antiguablog.co.uk/2014/annual-report/ Indeed we are getting some great traffic and will be ramping things up for 2015. If you would like to take advantage of a free trial advertising spot to see if it can work for you then please just contact us. 
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 22,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 8 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
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.
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 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!
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.