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Antigua Holiday? Get your Essentials..

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Antigua Holiday Essentials | Items to make your stay better..

If you are heading to Antigua on holiday then consider some holiday extras and essentials that will make your vacation go that little bit better.
Looking for Antigua Money? This is a great cheat sheet so you can get to grips with the Easter Caribbean Dollar

All Inclusive Drinks Containers

Don’t let the Canadians win this battle- they will all come down with their BUBBAS! Get yours to save you queueing up at the all inclusive bar. Also they keep your drinks cool. Take a look on Amazon. You are also saving Antigua in terms of the plastic cups that invariably get blown into the sea also they do help the staff..


 

Inflatable Drinks Holders




Seen here these are fun and allow you take your drinks in the pool!
Order now £4.00 each pounds (or $5.20 USD) including postage or 2 for £6.50 (or $8.50)

Mosquito Repellent

I recommend the orange spray can of OFF seen here. But of course other solutions exist like citronella for example. You can usually buy in resort shops but the risk is the first night when you are likely to get eaten alive and when you get in the shop may be closed.
SO GET IT NOW! – All mosquito related products can be explored here on Amazon.
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Thanks to Roatan Scuba Diving for the photo.

Antigua Tours

Antigua Tours – A guide on what to pick for your personal taste

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Where to start if you have never visited Antigua and want to get the most out of your trip ?

Cruise Shippers

You may be visiting for the day like most people coming from the cruise ship. Thankfully Antigua is very respectful to you when you disembark and you will have an enjoyable negotiation for organising your beach visit or tour or taxi. However despite the lack of undue pressure you get in some destinations you should still have your beach stop or island tour worked out in advance. You don’t have the time to get it wrong. So book ahead and get met at the dock ! It’s smart even if you are just hiring a taxi to get you to the best beach.
Visit the best ANTIGUA TOURS now.

Vacationers

Resist the temptation to stay in the comfort of your resort all week and do at least 2 half day tours even if you are staying for a week. It is a shame to miss out on Antigua . Resorts are great but they are bubbles purposely so you will really start to love your holiday EVEN MORE if you leave the resort ! You might think that you have time to work out your tour when you are there but the reality may be poor wifi and inflated prices at the tour desk. Yes you know you will feel the loyalty to book that tour after the tour desk operator has gone over it and for most people the ease of this method despite the extra maybe 25% cost per person is the preferred method. However consider the problem is not one of price but choice. This is why you should read through now and start to get the ideas in your head that you can process on the drive to the airport for later booking.
For places to stay in Antigua visit the BA’s resort page now.

Antigua Tours
Antigua Tours

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ANTIGUA HOLIDAY 2016 – DAY 4

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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…


Lets rewind to the start of the day it was a full one !
I have been suffering big time with a bad back to the point where going for a run and many other things risks setting it off. But it is such a pleasure running along Dickenson Bay barefoot that I wanted to do it and I still had a bit of jetlag aiding me in getting out of bed. It was a typical fab morning in Antigua and I have to say the run was an amazing feeling. It’s much easier for me to get a runners high like this. I take my shuffle and amazing beats headphones and just my shorts I did 4 end to ends – I was feeling very lucky to be here and doing this run.
Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay – the only part where you cant get to the sea directly because of the rocks

Aqua Aerobics and Running in Antigua
That morning on top of that I also did Aqua Aerobics with Erol in the resort. It has been a staple that we do it if we are there. Its been a fun way to stay guilt free with all the ‘free cocktails’ its very low impact and great to get some movement into my back area safely – much like swimming. I did quite a bit of that also this week.
Lunch at the Halcyon Rex
Lunch was the usual joy careful we were to keep out of the sun but on top of the regular variety custom pasta dishes were made to order. Egbert – one of the amazing staff who was live cooking to order in the morning like omelettes was preparing pasta. I chose a delicious sea food mix.
That all was just the morning then some air con time in the room and we struck off straight to Shirley Heights. The Shirley Heights area is quite vast so there is not a single gate that is chargeable. You will pay at the various gatehouses and it is 20EC per person for the Shirley Heights Lookout area. There are some spectacular hikes available around here but I suspect many are put off because if you want to visit the area for a hike you don’t want to be paying as if you are visiting the tourist attraction.
Shirley Heights lookout is also a Thursday and Sunday evening event – see day one Antigua Holiday 2016. The views are the big selling point in the day not much goes on there is a restaurant and bar in one of the historic buildings. I really enjoyed testing the zoom out on my sony camera and thinking how different the place felt from the fun music filled Sunday. I really would have loved the freedom to have just set off exploring hiking in the area. But English Harbour beckoned and was our next stop. You might think its a small walk to Shirley Heights by the road but its a bit further than a normal person would like. Of course it’s an option to save on a taxi fare from Falmouth Harbour area where the road starts. Shirley Heights has an expansive grassy area where you can space out from the Sunday crowds and here you find the Lookout Trail that heads down to Galleon beach.
Shirley Heights to English Harbour View
Galleon Beach can be seen as the closest sandy beach and you can take the hike (Lookout Trail) to this beach from where this photo was taken.

Most people take a car rental in Antigua to explore this kind of area. There is also a fork in the road to the blockhouse which is a lookout with much less of interest than the main area but is worth the short drive for different views.
The blockhouse
The blockhouse

If you are getting married in Antigua then it’s worth to make enquiries about having some part of it up at Shirley Heights, they certainly do rent out this most historic and beautiful setting.

We drove back down to the English Harbour Attraction but it was late and we didn’t quite get time to do the museum justice. There are some really good models of Galleons and really interesting artefacts inside so don’t miss that.
English Harbour Museum
English Harbour Museum

If your like me and need to read everything then make this English Harbour visit a half day. There are restaurants and bars inside of the Harbour itself.
It really is a pleasant place to stroll around with manicured gardens (Antiguan’s have some fabulous gardens) in the perfect climate. Ask about any events that are often hosted here. The actual area is not too large to wander round but it is extremely dense with interest. Seemingly with each turn there is something to ponder.

Not least during the season there are some magnificent boats moored up as you can see in the photos. There is an amazing aerial video of the general area here. I suppose this is Antigua’s crowning attraction in many ways but when you know that then you feel in some ways that it hasn’t been maximised.
Various boating businesses are able to operate from within the English Harbour area which makes you think that is is somehow less precious.
There are some great photo opportunities for selfies too this being an example.
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In this pic of the anchor and upright columns which you wish there was simply more of on the island.
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Anchor

In English Harbour these manned winches (Capstans) presumably help pull in the ships to the side.
The Capstans
The Capstans

The museum closes around 17:00 hrs and so make sure you start that early enough. We had to leave half way through but its such a lovely spot and our day had already been packed I think I was kind of happy to have the burden of reading the entire museum taken away from me !
Some fishermen had a dolphin fish they were cutting up and feeding the tarpon with the entrails and non nice stuff. I was to see this happen again later on in the week and spot tarpon often by ANY dock edge in Antigua.
Feeding the Tarpon
Feeding the Tarpon


We walked around more and finally meandered back out to the car park we had just about the right amount of time to get through Fig Tree Drive before sunset. One of my all time memories is is pulling through the end of this beautiful drive to Carlisle Bay and again setting eyes on the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. So much more spectacular toward the sunset and the green flash.
Fig Tree Drive and the South West Coast
Fig in Antiguan slang is in fact banana but there are many fruits (like mangoes and bread fruit) growing by the road here and in the fields. As you climb up the drive the air becomes a little cooler and some of the roads twists become tighter. I think there may be a natural spring or two as on occasion locals can be seen parked washing their cars. There is the famous zip lining tour here which as you might guess almost represents the half way and uppermost point in the drive.
Figs (Bananas)
Bananas are often called figs in Antigua hence the name of the drive – Fig Tree Drive

Antigua starts to feel a bit different again for me and it’s a pleasant spot. Carlisle Bay is a grand resort in the village of the same name and sports a black beach unique for Antigua normally has white sandy beaches. Just beyond is the resort of Curtain Bluff and up on a bluff you can look down into a most picturesque scene and a great place to try and see the green flash.
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Antigua Sunset above Curtain Bluff Resort

Antiguan Sunset
Antiguan Sunset Panoramic

Even locals stop time and time again to pass the extreme feeling of wellbeing in this spot if they happen to be passing. During the day cruise ship vans jockey for position as it’s a short parking area. The ironic thought for me is that they take the cruise ship passengers to the best places to see the sea, but its clearly much more than that. Drive on…
A very rotten experience was had by myself on the way – in one of the villages I ran over a cat. It could have been worse as there were 3 and I had no chance they dived at the car almost. I have yet to get through the dash cam video at this point.

Jolly Harbour Nightlife

We were driving to Jolly Harbour to meet a friend of mine John and for me to hang out again in underdog for a bit. It seems the authorities are driving later drinkers to the underdog as much as his food service and entertainment is getting punters. Marc has done a great job of making what was the old acropolis restaurant location a sports bar.
We arrived in Jolly Harbour around 7 and we parked near the shops which is very convenient for West Point bar. We didn’t yet stay for a drink and walked around to the crows nest. Things have maybe settled there since last time I was there and I introduced San to wadadli. My phone went and it was John arranging to meet us in West Point in a bit. Crows Nest is right by the swimming pool in the complex and is part of the gated community. We headed back to West Point and started on the rum punches. John arrived and he is a carib man all the time. He was just back in town too after being home to Canada so he was also meeting up with people again. He introduced us to the friendly couple who run the BBQ there and it is purportedly an amazing goat curry and other that they do. After a few it was time to head over to the dog – the underdog to finish off the evening. It was a bit early but there were some locals and its always a good place for conversation at any time. Anyway it was a lot of fun catching up with JT. Sanchia was of course enjoying herself who wouldn’t after that super tour. She ordered us wings and they were great 🙂
We had to go and it was kind of sad not to follow up and have a big evening right there but we were just here for the week and we were maybe 45 minutes from the halcyon maybe more so we said our farewells and left. That was not to be the end of the night and we went to putters bar ‘next’ to the resort and a big casino that looks like it is open. Don’t put money in the air hockey game there you will loose 🙂 The flip side to that is Guinness is reliable.
 

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Taxi Prices in Antigua

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Tip: Taxis Vs Renting a Car in Antigua – Renting a car wins !

One of the main drawbacks of an Antigua vacation is the cost of Taxis. Gasoline isn’t particularly expensive in Antigua. So why then are taxis quite expensive? Firstly the term expensive is relative- they are expensive in terms of if you will be dependent for a week on them. They fix their pricing and operate a system so they don’t ever barter each other down.

Airport Taxis Antigua

Know the price on arrival at the airport in advance by downloading the fares this way you negotiate on strong terms of knowing the actual price! If you would like a private transfer that can work out the cheapest for small groups then we recommend you use our private van drivers on our parent website – https://bestantigua.com/travel-info/83-antigua-airport-anu-transfers.
Renting a car for a week doing a lot of driving expect to pay about $100 ECD (approx $37USD) in fuel. So you can see from the board here at the Halcyon Cove shows the high prices of Taxis but renting a car there are big savings to be made. Going to (and returning) the 1st Choice supermarket just up the road is $20 USD as an example.
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The sad thing is that what happens is the following:

  1. Tourists stay in resort more, depriving Antiguan’s of their ability to make from tourism.
  2. Taxi drivers work less and possibly earn the same (I’m guessing the government win more though)
  3. The tourist sees less of Antigua and enjoys the holiday differently – they might as well be in a Cuban or Dominican Republic resort at half the cost.

Our recommendation is to take a rental car from a reliable company, see here and book yours now.

Taking the bus in Antigua

Local Antiguan minivans cost a fraction of the price and can be hailed from the side of the main roads, expect to pay just a few ECD but you will be in hot cramped spaces and have to wait sometimes a good 40 minutes. There are some routes that are better than others the route from Jolly Harbour is good into St John’s as an example.

If you liked this article you might be interested in these related articles

Getting Around Antigua
Driving in Antigua

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Sea Fishing in Antigua

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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 !
He had said to me that I could do regular big fish sea fishing (trolling) for 150 USD ! I said it sounded too cheap as previously you get figures starting from 450USD and upwards on other days and other islands never had a sea fishing trip been within reach. The once exception was a boat from key west where you dangled a bait with 30 others from a bigger static boat – not at all like this !
This the sea-fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, King Fish, Tuna, Wahoo etc
I had to admit there then on the beach I was really keen but the boat was due to leave in the morning and that was hard for me getting up in Antigua – I know what your thinking but I like to sniff the evening air I am a sufferer of FMO The fear of missing out… Perhaps more problematic was the poor wifi connection and the fact that SMS which I had or mobile phone was getting dropped by people in favour of whats app to keep information flowing. So at one point I didn’t get to give Tony a message (we didn’t have each others number and I dropped the flyer !). We got back at midnight to a message he had tried to get me at the hotel. So I went to bed thinking that was that and was slightly miffed annoyed by my hotels lack of connection. In the morning Tony came back and the tour seemed to have shifted to the afternoon and was I interested. So I accepted and I was going fishing ! I still didn’t imagine it was going to be the real deal at 150 USD however there were some others so it could be great.
http://antigua.fish a new website all about fish and fising in Antigua.
Tony will drive fisherman down (to do the tour inclusive in the price) to the catamaran dock in Falmouth a hidden away gem in that area worth a detour in a rental car. It was at that point after the colourful drive down with vendor Tony and other fishermen Tim and Steve that we got to step out next to the boat Obsession.

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The author and Obsession with crew on the boat

One of the issues with Antigua is the cost of getting your own transport to the tour as often its not included and is expensive addition when if you book through someone like Tony he can take you as part of the deal . If you need a cheaper alternative to the fixed price taxi fares there are a couple of Best Antigua recommended taxi guides on this website. To get in touch with Tony use the contact form at the end of the adventure.
The catamaran dock in Falmouth
Back at the dock in the bay where you can sit we were introduced to the crew and Captain Derek. He has a lot of experience and accreditation. Behind was the Obsession and my worries immediately vaporised. Obsession is a lovely boat as you can see and well kitted out. On the tour soft drinks and beer are the options available so take snacks with you. I paid Tony in full in cash and there is the facility to pay by card at the dock. You can take a bathroom break here before boarding. 10 minutes later we were busy filming the lovely boats in Falmouth.

As the fishing boat powered out to the south side fishing spots that give the chance of catching, the boat has the electronics to help find the fish too. We were not given direction on how to set up the rods as its not the kind of thing that would happen at this level but the young Chris was helpful in answering any questions I had. Derek was driving up on the top of the boat. We had a total of five rods two out rigged rods two from the rear and a rod high in the middle spinning direct out back.
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See the left side and the part of the outrigger that guides the rod line away from the boat

This setup is easy to keep the lines from tangling. I chatted to Steve and agreed that it felt like we were landing and playing the fish more than we were fishing but we were novices and I am sure that you can have more input if you are experienced. I also felt that a big take and Marlin on the end would get us hooked on this different kind of fishing and all that would be forgotten. So whose rod is whose? In fact it seemed to be survival of the fittest in this regard on the boat and James and Isabel seemed to be fit taking most of the rods !
About an hour in nothing had yet happened but I was happy getting to grips with the mental working out the rigs and the chatting to the others. I still have a passion for fishing of any description this was clear so this tour was a little bit about self discovery too.
We were a few miles out it seemed and Antigua was a single deep muddy grey silhouette. The water didn’t at any point offer me any clues that it was going to be an epic day at sea. What I mean by that is that on a few occasions you get a lot of surface action birds fish jumping etc – it suggests a lot is going on underwater and a day on the surface like that has led to many great dives. This afternoon a flying fish far off was all that I saw no turtles etc. Pass me another Banks…
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Chris one of the Crew, norice the line going back to the boat side and back to the outrigger

It was my first time on a boat and for 5 hours (length of fishing tour) so I was getting a mild nausea. We got into rougher seas, but really it was not rough. Make sure to drink water in between those beers or anyway to stay hydrated and keep covered in sunscreen or shirt.
The Obsession was a great boat the diesel fumes couldn’t be smelt and it was comfortable and could have taken more people without feeling crowded. We were trolling along and then this happened
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLchg493HsE where James got us off the mark with a Barracuda which made us feel better and that at least we wouldn’t return fish less.
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James with Barracuda – the first fish of the Fishing Tour

This was Tim in action next

The one that got away ! Sorry Tim that could have easily been the best and most beautiful fish of the day.
Well I needed to get on a rod of my own and I needed to try get the next one I decided. So its not just getting on as many rods as you can it’s well being lucky and I may have got lucky here ?
I did seem to have a knack of spotting the takes despite the Banks consumption and I had decided the next was mine if Steve didn’t make a claim as he had also not made a move for a rod. This time it was a bit different as the bait had been checked and brought in. The rod almost had not settled down it was as if the fish hit it on the way out. In the event I saw it and called and the crew guy (not Chris) I am sorry I forgot your name (please get in touch to edit) got and handed it over – such was my excitement. When you get a ‘take’ you hear the tackle sound like the reel or the bang of the line disengaging with the outrigger it’s exciting as bedroom sport. Sorry to make such a reference however it needs underlining how exciting it is this is what makes a fisherman fish along with the other key ingredient which I believe is that of being in nature.
I wanted to not loose it after Tim’s and it doesn’t mean you haven’t kept the line slack or didn’t set the hook well as these fish have bony heads – but you need to try and keep a tight line. I got into the playing chair and knew I had a decent fish on. What a great moment and life experience I was having. My left bicep even with the help of the rod but rest was burning but I had no intention of resting it.
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Winding in the slack as the fish headed for the boat and me

I remember thinking I had lost the fish at one point but the fish was coming toward the boat JAWS style. Derek told me it was still on from his vantage point. There was another take that James jumped on and I think it was just before ‘my’ rod went off he landed a small rainbow runner.
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The boat has to aid in tiring the fish I guess I might have played the fish for 5 minutes when Derek hoped down to try and ‘land’ it. It was a great feeling to almost have it on the boat but I was enjoying the arm agony and the feeling of a big fish on the end. I didn’t think it was a really big fish but I knew it was more than the smaller fish we had caught so far. I kept reeling in and pumping the fish closer – Crew kept telling me to relax and I was trying ! I was not relaxed when winding the reel as the slack line is the better chance for the fish to shake free.
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Congratulations it’s a Wahooooo!

Captain Derek landed the Wahoo aboard. I immediately felt the slack line and rested. I was so very happy the exact opposite of the Wahoo I should imagine. That Wahoo will kill no other fish either as a human I am guilty of engineering myself within his food-chain.

Ice was put onto the wahoo that was placed directly in the fish cooler. I seemed to be more interested in wanting to get my picture taken of it time to reflect on that later.
I was feeling slightly for Tim, Steve and Isabella hoped they would jump on the next take it was theirs ? Another Barracuda this time for Isabella hopefully made her vacation as well, at least the tour. A funny moment was that she didn’t of course want to hold the fish. No more fish were taken though of course for me I was happy and wanted other fish for us all in truth. We wound back to the harbour with a missed take in all that remained.
A funny thing happened I think I filled up with beer ! I couldn’t wait to tell and show Sanchia my girlfriend about it all. It has also been a great trip and a good test of my super zoom compact camera, most all of the video and shots of this trip were taken with it. It has a stunning set of features and a zoom that brought boats in close from afar. There is always something to see in Antigua and even now I got some last video.

Derek prepared the fish on a steel table after I got my photo opportunity. Derek’s pets were already waiting as we docked; tarpon always a delight for me the biggest I have ever seen cruise the docks at Key West but they are a good looking dinosaur age fish.
Derek gave us all some steaks to take back and cook Tim and Steve were self catering so they could cook theirs but the resorts are being unclear to the fishing tour companies on if they accept meat from customers for liability reasons and I was adamant that I didn’t want my resort to waste any steaks (IF THEY DID NOT) I took away so I never ate any of my Wahoo.
Here is Steve and Tim’s video

If you want to book this trip contact Derek’s or Tony’s team here. If you are in the north maybe try Tony to see if he will drive you down.



 

The Best Budget All-Inclusives in Antigua

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Looking for a great holiday but can’t be bothered with the fuss of traveling to different restaurants to eat or other places for activities? Or maybe you would really love a fun holiday but you’re also on a budget? Don’t worry – there are a number of budget friendly options for those looking to stay all inclusive. These hotels are situated on some of the best beaches on the island, but for a price that won’t break the bank either. Here are the best budget all-inclusives on the island:

BEST ALL INCLUSIVE ON THE ISLAND OF ANTIGUA

Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts
Located on the sweeping white sands of Dickenson Bay, Halcyon Cove is a great option for those looking for nightlife and fun activities without having to stray too far from their hotel. This all-inclusive resort shares the beach with a number of other properties, such as Sandals, while still retaining a quaint charm and reasonable price. You can choose one of the several restaurants on the property, such as the Arawak Restaurant or the Carib Beach Bar. For a more scenic location there is the Warri Pier, which stretches out into the ocean and gives you a beautiful view of the sea life below. If you still feel like venturing outside the resort, there are a number of restaurants and bars just a walk down the beach, including Coconut Grove, Ana’s on the Beach, and Putters Bar and Grill. There are four tennis courts if you want to work up a sweat, and a number of motorized and non-motorized watersports which include hobie cats, water skiing, and even scuba diving, although it should be noted that watersports occur an additional charge. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the capital St. John’s, Halcyon Cove is a great all-inclusive base for anyone visiting Antigua.
Jolly Beach Resort

South Beach Jolly Harbour
This is the beach just to the right side of the Jolly Resort – its not much different straight out in front either.

Located on the self proclaimed “best beach by the mile” Jolly Beach Resort boasts of being the best selection in your choice of affordable all inclusives on the Island. Visitors can expect a two mile stretch of wide, white sandy beach with plenty of space to stretch out. There is also a gym for those who can’t miss their workout. For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, you can visit the spa at the Palms Wellness Centre. Hungry? Try any one of four different restaurants on site, from the relaxed open – air atmosphere of Lydia’s to the classically styled Italian restaurant Bocciolo. If you get bored you can explore the wider Jolly Harbour area that offers lots to do and see. You can dine in any one of the nearby restaurants such as Melini’s or Akroplis, or you can belt out your favorite tunes at the Underdog Bar and Restaurant. There’s also a nearby shopping center and supermarket if you want to pick up a gift or souvenir. Jolly Beach Resort is definitely a great choice for all those looking to holiday on a budget. Check our nightlife review in the area.
Grand Pineapple Antigua Resort
Grand Pineapple Antigua Resort is located on the extreme eastern end of the island on the beautiful Long Bay. One of the best beaches on the island, Long Bay offers unique opportunities for off the beach snorkeling and marine life. This picturesque hotel is relatively secluded from the hustle and bustle, but there is a lot to do on site, including having a swim in any one of the two available pools, playing tennis on any one of the four tennis courts, or working out in the air conditioned gym. If you prefer to be in the clear blue water, then there’s a range of non-motorized motor sports available including windsurfing, kayaking, and the previously mentioned snorkeling. Choose from at least three different restaurants and three different bars for food and drink, or make the trek up the hill to the Outhouse, which offers panoramic views of the island.
Hawksbill by Rex Resorts
Hawksbill lies on one of the most scenic beaches of Antigua, Hawksbill Beach. This nearly undisturbed paradise sits on 37 acres of manicured gardens and lush greenery. With four beaches to choose from (including one that’s clothing optional) you’ll never get tired of the scenery. Dining ranges from the international and local buffet style restaurant Tamarind Tree to the Italian flavored Il Vigento Su Mare. There are also a number of watersports to choose from, although these incur an additional fee. If you still feel active, then you can get your inner tennis pro on with a game of tennis. Accommodation ranges from a semi-detached bungalow to The Great House, a completed detached family dwelling styled with typical Caribbean flavor.

A Guide to Renting a Car in Antigua

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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. The 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 roams 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 asking 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/antigua/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:

  1. 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 $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.
  2. 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 south west 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.
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    Driving in Antigua can be a lot of fun !

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 $5-$10 US per day.
  • 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 the 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

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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

Ffryes beach from the air
Ffryes beach from the air

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

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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.


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 Best Antigua 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

A new and upcoming website for Fishing in Antigua – Antigua.Fish
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

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