Travel Services
Antigua Travel Services allow the temporary visitor to plug in and play! From airport transfers, to tours and even organising weddings >>
St Johns Antigua Walking Tour – Cruise Ship Day Walking Tour
Don’t miss out on key information by hiring a local guide. Please note in the information here we didn’t mention St Johns Cathedral which should most definitely be part of a St Johns walking tour.
I took a tour today with my friend Dalston an old local salt who knows this country and St Johns well. We choose cruise ship day as I wanted to get some shots of the single ship in port today as its low season. But first a walk down a residential area showed some characterful houses and shacks. A shanty town I think Dalston referred to it, though I felt no malice but I did see some poor houses that were a bit dilapidated. We had just earlier had some bread and cheese from a local bakery on St Johns Street. The bread is a little sweet but it is one of the few inexpensive things here and I have to say I quite like it.
Walking and Segway Tours available, for those who like a more structured approach with guide.
We also checked out the museum which is worth an hour and has information on how Sugar Cane is made the slaves how they arrived were bought and sold for example and previously the islands Arawak Indians and some artefacts. Entry is 8ECD.
We checked out the ship – its off season now so just 1 per week on a tuesday. The area around here called Redcliff Quay has nice shops a casino and all you could need as a cruise ship passenger. It must be manic the moment they first get off the ship. We entered the casino and saw all the slots the card games looked like a little Black Jack.
Yours truly getting a local haircut he kept asking me how much I wanted off and in the end it seemed he didn’t listen, but I always told him just go with what you feel – so I got a local cut, very neat and I can see around the edges where the sun didn’t get through as now I have white border!
We got some food at lunch time and today really the heavens again opened so we did our fair share of dodging it. For lunch we tried I think its called abracadabra or something like that and it serves really good local food and coffee (from ethiopia). It has a fountain with some fish in in the attractive courtyard. I had a breakfast dish which was saltfish served with some toast and boiled eggs – perfect.
Around the market area you can find also the fish market, its by the water unsurprisingly but get there earlier than we did as the catch is mostly already gone. But you can watch the guys make the fishing cages and take a look at the charismatic boats. If you came in by Jolly Harbour you can catch the bus straight out of here direct.
You will only ever find about 10 colours in the Caribbean it seems. The fishing boats green is one that I have seen often. The stink around this area is more than a little fishy.
If you are interested in booking a guided tour please let us ask the guides for you.
LUXURY RESORTS IN ANTIGUA
It is unfair to compare Luxury across islands places and budgets.
Luxury is a very easily used word (especially online) and we become somewhat immune to it. Luxury is also very subjective so we took a risk using it for the title of this sample resorts guide. Nevertheless consider the following reports as Luxury for Antigua.
More
Antigua Holiday? Get your Essentials
Antigua Vacation Essentials – Items to make your stay better or more fun
Antigua Tours – A guide on what to pick for your personal taste
Where to start if you have never visited Antigua and want to get the most out of your trip ?
ANTIGUA HOLIDAY 2016 – DAY 4
A closer look at Shirley Heights and English Harbour
I was very happy to get to work with my jobby and new toy my 30x optical zoom camera from sony during the whole trip. Today promised an amazing opportunity to test the zoom magnification out from Shirley Heights lookout. Indeed I wonder what magnification they had back then telescopes history for spotting attacking ships?
Here is what you can do with a tripod mounted 30x optical zoom…
Sea Fishing in Antigua | Book Antigua Charter
If you pardon the pun I may be in your boat; liking the idea of sea fishing but being denied by the cost (unless you can build your own group).
Tony from Tony’s Watersports in Dickenson Bay was for once a welcome beach vendor!
Flights to Antigua
A Guide to Renting a Car in Antigua
Coming to vacation in Antigua? Want to see the 365 beaches or any one of the attractions that are around? Then of course you’ll need to get around the island.
Read more: A Guide to Renting a Car in AntiguaThe question is: should you rent a car? Take a taxi? Or a bus? Relying on “official” handbook information often provides little help or assistance for the average driver coming to Antigua for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Antigua:
Road conditions and hazards
Generally speaking, driving in Antigua may present a bit of a challenge for the inexperienced driver who isn’t used to Caribbean road conditions. While many of the main roads and highways are relatively comfortable, the conditions on a few of the main roads and lesser roads may be a bit more difficult. Be on the lookout for potholes which may cause damage to the car and/or tire. Also be on the lookout for Antiguan livestock which sometimes roam the streets, such as donkeys and horses. Expect the odd cat or dog to run across the road in urban areas.
Road signage
While there have been recent efforts to put up road signs and directions on some of the main intersections, there are still many roads which have no signage. Most car rental companies provide maps – so get familiar with them, and always keep one handy to get an idea of where you’re going. If you do get lost, don’t be afraid to stop and ask locals questions.
Should I Rent a Car in Antigua? Yes.
The short answer is a resounding YES- Have a look at Best Antigua as one of the best car rental companies – https://bestantigua.com/car-rental
Or ask us to find you a quote from all the car rental providers with this quick form:
There are a few main factors that will make a difference as to whether or not you should rent a car:
- How long you will be staying in Antigua – In general, the longer you rent a car, the cheaper your rental will be. Most car rentals start at roughly $50 US per day, not including 15% tax and a $20 US temporary driver’s license. There are usually discounts for 3-6 days rental, and then even lower prices for week-long rentals. Ask us who we recommend or fill out this quick form and let us send them all the details saving you from doing it.
- Where you are staying – the availability of transportation to and from the main accommodation areas differs around the island. In general, the bus system is most efficient for those on the southwest and south of the island – areas such as Ffryes, Jolly Harbour, English Harbour and Falmouth have relatively good coverage and beaches and attractions in this area can be accessed via bus. On the other hand, attractions and beaches on the east and north of the island, such as Long Bay/Grand Pineapple, Nonsuch Bay, Harmony Hall, Blue Waters, etc have far less frequent bus service and often have little bus service going all the way out to those exact locations. If you stay at one of these hotels and plan to travel often, then it may make more sense (financially) to rent a car rather than a taxi, which may cost up to $45 US return. For more information on taxi fares, visit this TAXI RATES ANTIGUA page.
Things to remember when considering car rental in Antigua
- There is a mandatory $20 US fee for a temporary license.
- Don’t forget insurance! Usually $12 US per day for 3rd party coverage. Most won’t tell you but you still have a liability to cover on average $2500 on the car which is a bit of a scam considering the value of the car.
- The local insurance often doesn’t cover tires – so if you have a flat you will either have to take it to be repaired later or pay for it when you get back to the car rental agency.
- Driving is on the LEFT, similar to the UK but opposite to the US.
- Best rates and deals can be found online with international car rental agencies. Most do not require a deposit in advance and money is only paid when you’re picking up your car. However, service is not as good as local companies who pride themselves in supporting your needs – breakdown and you need to be certain you are getting some help. A big international rental company is not as service-orientated.
- A 15% sales tax in the form of ABST is added to car rentals. When renting a car, check to ensure that the ABST has been included in the price.
- Most car rental agencies will deliver their car to you, while several hotels have rental agencies right at their desk.
- Bus prices usually range from around $2.75 – $5 EC, which is about $1-$2 US, although prices may be slightly higher for evening buses and if you request a bus driver to go beyond the normal bus route
- There are NO fixed time/schedule for buses, which leave usually only when full or ready to go.
Further reading on Driving in Antigua can be found here – >
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.
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
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!
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.
Antigua All Inclusive Holidays
Why might you look at Antigua for an all inclusive holiday? It does seem to be a speciality of the resorts on the island which also includes upscale resorts like the Royalton.
Getting Around Antigua – Driving in Antigua
Driving in Antigua – for the best way!
Getting around Antigua is a bit of a pain (unless you drive yourself) so this article is probably one of the best online reads on the subject. Let us know in the comments bellow if you got some value.
Most all of the best destinations for tourists can be reached via boat or are seaborne activities like sea fishing or jetski or indeed one of Antigua’s most famous sports, sailing (oh yes include the best beaches which makes Antigua famous) If you can sail or power boat then it may be worth your time exploring Antigua like that however finding a power boat will be hard. Yacht charters are possible.
FAQ on Driving in Antigua
Is it worth renting a car in Antigua?
It is most definitely worth renting a car and will work out cheaper than taxis.
Can tourists drive in Antigua?
Absolutely they can! You do need to be over 21 (for most rental companies to trust you) and you also need to pay for a visitors permit at 20 USD covering the single person. Every rental desk or agent meeting you can supply these green cards on the spot! It would be nice if they put the money to filling some holes and making the signs better for tourists.
What are the driving rules in Antigua?
There are normal driving rules applying due to the slow speeds, but drive on the left and drive defensively. There are one way systems around St Johns so try to follow the other cars if in doubt and have a general idea of your direction. Google maps! Do not drive carelessly and if in doubt don’t go! No one will rush you here.
If you want to get an idea of what it is like to drive in Antigua I recommend this voyeuristic watch of Driving in Antigua – Sanchia and Calvin chat while driving through the island while chatting – worth having on on the background if you like listening to opinionated people?
For most of us however, Antigua will need to be visited by land or by using a tour. I will outline some of the more common ways to ‘Do Antigua’ and for each recommend the best most economical approach depending on the kind of group you have below.
All Inclusive Holiday Duration 1-2 weeks
This is probably one of the most common ways to visit Antigua or at least visit a beach and a resort in Antigua. You may be happy with what you have and indeed a good day tour can easily acquaint you with the best interior places that Antigua can offer in just one day.
If you are staying for a couple of weeks I recommend hiring a car for a day or at most 2 with gaps. Even though you need to purchase a temporary license in order to rent a car the taxi fares are quite a lot when they start to add up. So in order to have ANY independence at all it is a must-do. You might find that you want to escape the resort too – so mix this with a couple of well-selected island tours or sea tours like Around Antigua Circumnavigation and you will save more money. Don’t come this far and miss out on some of Antigua’s History and get some memorable photos. If you are here for just a week then just do up to 2-3 tours would be my advice. A circumnavigation or better still the day trip to Barbuda (unfortunately Barbuda was hit hard by Hurricane Irma) or the classical island tour by jeep. Kick back and relax the rest of the 4-5 days and get the most from your all-inclusive status.
If you are staying in a 2 weeks all inclusive then read on..
There is something supremely satisfying about driving in a foreign country and Antigua is not a hard place to drive (with some caveats). Drive on the left here and you will find things go much easier! Also, try and spot one-way streets as some are not well signposted in the capital St Johns. Tip: Follow the traffic flow. I have never seen an Antiguan so alarmed as when I started to drive up a one-way street – IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXCITE AN ANTIGUAN IN THE AUGUST MIDDAY SUN!
But seriously speeds are low due to the road surfaces..and no one is really in a rush here, all part of the attraction.
Antigua Pot (Holes)!
I have even seen potholes in Antigua with hair (grass) growing out of them! On Fig Tree Drive.
I will also try and get a photo of some of the directional signposts here that have been washed out due to the weather. Particularly tricky is finding Jolly Harbour from the north!
But driving in Antigua – it’s not all that bad and in fact quite enjoyable once you get over the spending money part (notice the pattern in my articles?).
Speeds are slow due to the speed bumps and natural speed bumps as in potholes or inclines and meandering dogs near death or just the villagers who decide to walk in the road as there are often no paths. This has led to the macho man not needing a sidewalk. It is probably a good thing as it keeps the speed in villages down. Also mention must be made to the businesses that uses the public roads notably the car mechanics where there is frequent gridlock. Instead of spending more money on a yard or place to jack up cars and work on them, they fill their business premises up with junk and then use the road as the yard space!!!
Also, don’t be surprised to see abandoned cars on the roads some with vegetation growing out of them. Carlisle Bay on Fig Tree Drive is notable. This is just outside one of Antigua’s most exclusive resorts Carlisle Bay! It’s all part of the charm- rest assured on your first drive you shouldn’t be rushed- take it easy and get used to the width of your car/4×4 as there are gullies on the Near Side (passenger side) OFTEN and if you run into them you may need more than the local CDW.
The really great news about driving in Antigua is that it is most likely to be an Auto- YAY. Until we all go auto-electric with the Tesla Model S this for us is as close as we get. If we were all loaned the 90k pounds to buy one we might get that money back instead of the Saudi ok Kuwait profiteering. I digress…
Rent a Car in Antigua
Hiring a car for a couple of days spread apart will allow you to enjoy some spectacular sights that you will get on a tour without the vendors and at your own pace. Petrol (Gasoline) is pretty cheap compared to the UK we estimated about half price. Coupled with the fact that distances are short, the bigger part of the car rental is the rental itself and any insurance needed. Don’t forget the temporary tourist license again (20USD). It is very much worth considering buying an online CDW Collision Damage Waiver as it seems to be a false economy in Antigua. Buying it locally didn’t protect me from much at all when I enquired. In fact anywhere in the Caribbean if you get into the smallprint you will find you are insured but with a deductible from 1500 to 3000 depending on the car. You can buy a policy that then covers this excess. I would check if you can just get cover online and check the deductible. The cheaper insurances run from 15 per day to 25 depending on the vehicle too.
Staying in a Holiday Home or Vacation Rental | Duration 1-2 weeks
The difference with a holiday home is that you might probably need a car and in some cases a 4×4 to navigate a rainy season driveway which is common for a lot of properties. It is more common for vacation homes to suit bigger parties or families and here resorts get pricey also. So the cost of a car is also shared. You will need the car to go buy groceries and get to the beach or other destinations. You might find it okay in Jolly Harbour to rent a golf cart as much more is in the area still walking gets tedious in the heat but you might do it for a week on a budget so long as you don’t have kids. Golf carts for rent in Jolly Harbour are 20 USD per day – consider a budget car for less than 275 per week! Jolly Harbour will require a final cha-ching with a car pass at least it is just 10 USD. I would just ignore it unless you get asked.
TIP: If staying for longer than a week consider strongly booking the second week in a different location.
Alternatives for getting around in Antigua.
Getting around by local bus can be fine for shorter journeys or let’s say straightforward ones like from Dickenson Bay to St Johns the capital a single route serves this and will cost a couple of US dollars only. But you may be waiting up to 45 minutes for the minibus. Stick your hand out to catch it. A similar taxi fee is 12 USD each way you may negotiate fares though they say they cannot be. One of Antigua’s ‘mistakes’ is setting the fares too high IMO and people are staying more and more in the resorts – this is money running straight in and back out of Antigua if people stay in the Resort. Bus route 20 goes between Jolly Harbour and St Johns which is another straightforward route if slow way.
Hitch Hiking in Antigua
You will see many people walking, I wouldn’t give a lift to anyone asking. You are on holiday it is not your place to be doing that and don’t feel guilty. 99% of the time things would go well I am sure here and the passenger would be grateful but you may get a farm worker with dirty trousers for example. Just be safe and let a local give you a lift instead.
Motorcycles in Antigua are rarely seen and we discussed this as a ‘why not?’ I can only think of the weather (in the rainy season) as the roads would be well suited to bikes as opposed to scooters that may struggle up some gradients on Fig Tree Drive. Maybe you can tell us?
Oh yes if you can remember to stay in the resort on Cruise Ship Day when the vendors come out in force and you will get busy roads and beaches.
Please share this article if you got this far, you must have enjoyed it and sharing gives me some kudos and appreciation. I am available to give advice on car rental in Antigua just email use the contact form 🙂
Cheap flights from Manchester to Antigua
Thomas Cook have a service to Antigua and the prices look very good. The caveat is that it sits only from November to April (in season) currently so its not an option for Antigua Carnival. You might not consider Manchester the ideal airport but Aberdeen is also on offer.
Newsflash – ABERDEEN to ANTIGUA is now available
Take a look at the flight link below – pretty good no? And share this site as well to your friends for lots good tips especially if you go flight only as we are experts at helping you find a place suitable for your party. Oh yes the link Thomas Cook Flights Antigua
I will try and find out more but this is great news for those of us who live more in the north. Even for me it’s not much more of a drive to the airport in Manchester compared to ‘London’ gatwick 😉 this may also drive the other airlines to drop prices a bit. I feel a cheeky week in the planning! And speaking of planning here you can book your airport parking and stay the night before or after your trip to Antigua from Manchester.
Manchester Airport Parking and Hotel
Holiday Extras provide you with parking + hotels and other services designed to ease the trip to Antigua.
If you are still struggling to find the best flight to Antigua then Skyscanner can help.
Here is the skyscanner convenient link for SKYSCANNER ANTIGUA
Is Antigua a good place to get Married ?
My future wife and I began looking for a honeymoon destination in early 2012, our wedding was booked for November 2012. My wife is a seasoned traveller while I had never even flown before! As Cheryl had been to quite a few places, even in the Caribbean I was on the look out for somewhere very special but would at the same time feel ‘safe’ for me. One day searching on line we came across the Verandah Spar resort in St Phillips Antigua, it looked stunning!
Trip advisor had many glowing reports so we made further enquiries. The Verandah staff were really helpful, answering all our questions and really putting themselves out to make sure our special trip was just that. The flight from London Gatwick with BA was a very long one on the 777 aircraft, not a great deal to see but sea LOL, that was the worst part on the way out really. Arriving over Antigua I and many other passengers eagerly looked out to catch our first glimpse of the promised paradise island! What we saw was a lush green island with very character filled bays surrounded by a most beautiful blue sea! Here is my video of our flight and arrival!
Once we landed on the runway and stepped off, the warmth hit us all, and the informality of being disembarked onto the runway was very novel after the military precision of Gatwick! However, not realising it and eager to catch holiday snaps I took a photo of our 777 aircraft and was politely told not to do so by a security guard, so watch out for that! Customs and immigration was no worse than Gatwick, in fact its air-conditioned and did not take too long at all! The staff were efficient but welcoming and we were soon outside waiting for our taxi. Now, the roads might be a little bit of a surprise to EU guests LOL lets just say they are fast and cheerful, just hold on, ha-ha but in reality we never came to nay harm. Arrival at the Verandah was wonderful, we were met by very friendly reception staff and handed our first rum punch! OH wow! Soon we were on a golf cart heading for our little cottage style accommodation and taking in the sights and sounds as we went. We had arrived around 17:00 local time so the sun was already getting low in the sky as we checked out our room and then made our way onto the balcony overlooking the little bay directly towards the setting sun. Here is a compilation of what we saw:
The warmth and sounds was nothing like I have ever encountered, so relaxing so very beautiful! The sounds of the tree frogs and cicadas and the gentle lapping of the sea together with a stunning sun set made our honeymoon perfect and this was only our first night! Once we had gotten over the amazement of it all we headed off to meet the ‘management night’ and to get our first taste of Antiguan hospitality, now dark the charming clean pathways were lit with subtle lamps, but I had a little torch with me all the same. We were stunned to hear the sounds of a steel band wafting on the breeze as we neared the main pool and location of the Sea Breeze restaurant! How amazing to arrive in the Caribbean to a real steel band, just perfect and a memory never to be forgotten. The next few days saw us exploring our little slice of paradise and saw me setting about capturing on video as much of the local wildlife as I could. Here is my video:
We loved to natural history of this place, helped of course by the fact that the Verandah is located on a nature reserve! Diverse, amazing and colourful, we were treated to small lizards, humming birds and the tiny, tiny tree frogs that have a very loud voice at night 🙂 Of course, the sea and water sports are very much a part of a holiday in Antigua and what really made it for us was the complementary water sports equipment offered by the Verandah! As a non swimmer, I never felt pushed or unsafe and they really took care of me.
To my amazement this holiday would see me not only paddling off in my own Kayak, but also sailing a Hobby cat and even snorkelling! All under the watchful eye and guiding hand of my very proficient swimmer wife 🙂 We also headed over to Long Bay beach which is just down a little road from the resort, not as sheltered as our two bays but very beautiful all the same.
We took a trip to St Johns and then joined the Eco Boat tour! Another amazing experience as we were spirited along the azure blue sea to Hells gate, Bird Island and many other interesting locations! Lunch on the boat accompanied by more rum punch!
Here is my video featuring my snorkelling first time experiences including some views of Hells Gate!
Back at the Verandah we spent our days being looked after and gently exploring more of the resort, even taking a trip to the close by Devils Bridge to see a very precarious stone causeway that is pounded by the sea, a blow hole and much more. Highly recommended this location. All too soon it was time to think about heading home and so we spent our last day at this friendly resort being very spoiled until it was time to make our way to the airport! It was raining quite hard! But we were quite safe in the airport, passport control was very easy going and we eventually boarded a rather delayed BA 777 flight for home, that had come from another island! This was the only real down point of the honeymoon for us! We had specifically booked a night flight in the hope of catching up on some sleep.
This was not to happen due to a truly dreadful screaming baby for 75% of the trip! Very late on the BA staff ushered it and its highly stressed out mother to
the back of the plane and we all breathed a sigh of relief. Not being a seasoned traveller the sense of taking what had to be only a few weeks old baby on such a trip with just one parent seemed madness to me but I guess you can’t plan for such things. Well, we loved it so much that we are heading back in 2013 for an early 2nd honeymoon 🙂 we really can’t wait and plan to visit a few more recommended locations this time. I’ll be putting up my experiences on my YouTube channel so please feel free to browse in and see how we got on this time.
http://www.youtube.com/user/mikesndbs
We are flying with Virgin this time and taking two of our dear friends with us! The Verandah has a facebook page if you want to have a look at the resort
https://www.facebook.com/VerandahResort?fref=ts
Hope this encourages others to give Antigua a chance, you really won’t regret it.
All the best from Mike of Mike’s Movies.
Pick up a copy of all at sea caribbean
I want to simply drop a link in appreciation of this months sailing humour / humor !
Well written Sir , interesting informative
Check out Cap’n Fatty Goodlander who claims to have been afloat for 53 or his 60 years. There you have it people CHOICE. In the article he writes about the perils of harbouring and the extortion faced bribes and with a great style and patience. So pick up a copy or ask allatsea.net to publish it online !
But to finish it underlines a truism that a great saffer once bestowed upon me while on a dive boat ;
‘If it floats flies or fcuk’s it’s better to rent than buy.’
fatty’s site
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