How many beaches does Antigua have? What & Where Are The Top Beaches?
Best Antigua Beaches Guide. After reading this you will get the best head start on understanding what will be the best beach for you and your group! You may have heard that Antigua has more than 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. That is a list we want to see. Even if it’s folklore it’s impressive as they clearly have a lot. We will show you here some of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua.
I had 72 hours to reconcile the fact that I was heading to Antigua, with my partner, on Sunday morning. Sure, we had discussed this being a possibility as he needed to return to the island and nurture relationships for his evolving website, which was launched 2.5 years before while he was living there.
It was already Thursday day 5 of our Antigua Holiday…our week was moving along. You really shouldn’t miss St Johns and a fishing tour had fallen into my hands through the luck of happenstance so the morning happened to be free. It was time to journey in and visit the easy capital. There are not many capitals in this world that offer free parking and a relaxed atmosphere yet keep their vibrancy. I have seen many in the caribbean and I can’t think of better sized ones. Not too small not too large. Let me be picky for a moment they could use some more buildings that are as beautiful as St John’s Cathedral.
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!
If you need cheap places to stay Antigua for the carnival read on. Billed as “The Caribbean’s greatest summer festival” Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival is one of the twin island state’s biggest events, often attracting thousands of visitors both regionally and internationally to join in the celebrations. The official carnival celebrations take place from July 25-August 4 with a number of competitions and shows including music, pageantry and mas. Most of the events take place in the capital, St. John’s, at the historic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG). Of course, if you’re visiting for carnival, this means that you need a place to stay! The question is where is the best place to stay if you don’t know Antigua but want to take part? Here are 5 recommendations for the best place to stay if you’re visiting for Antigua’s Carnival. Heritage Hotel
A great option for carnival.
Located in downtown St. John’s, Heritage Hotel is a great place to stay if seeing and hearing the hustle and bustle of the city is an attraction rather than a deterrent. The Heritage Hotel is on the main tourist area in St. John’s, located within the Heritage Quay shopping plaza. An easy 10-15 minute walk will take you straight to the ARG and carnival city where most of the action takes place. The hotel sits right on the waterfront overlooking the harbor where cruise ships come in, and has a scenic boardwalk on which to explore the area. Joe Mikes Hotel, Restaurant and Casino Joe Mikes, a small family run hotel, is in the heart of St. John’s, and therefore the heart of carnival. This unassuming building is located on Nevis Street and is therefore close to all of the amenities that St. John’s has to offer. There’s a restaurant downstairs for those who don’t want to go too far for meals, although there are also dozens of choices just steps down the street. Unlike most other accommodation, Joe Mikes Hotel is fully incorporated with carnival. They host the weekly Jam Corner events, where both established and up and coming artistes showcase their songs in the lead up to carnival. They also participate in the t-shirt mas and J’ouvert events, allowing patrons to party in a fun filled and safe atmosphere on the streets of St. John’s. There’s also a casino downstairs if you are looking for a few hours for other entertainment. ELS Guest House
ELS Short Term Rental Radio Range, off American Road St John’s Antigua Holiday Rental Property Tel. 268 562 7876, cell 268 723 0692, [email protected]
Located in Radio Range on the outskirts of St. John’s, ELS is a great place to stay that’s not too far from the action that takes place mainly in St. John’s but not too close to be disturbed by most of the noise or commotion. This four story guesthouse features one and two bedroom suites, each with their own private balconies. Each room is air conditioned, and has internet and cable TV, along with a microwave or stove. If you don’t feel like preparing anything yourself, there’s also a small restaurant on the top floor to cater for your gastronomic needs, as well as a games room to have some fun. The roof top is also designed as an open air relaxation area where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area and St. John’s. Jolly Beach Resort
A popular all inclusive option for Antigua.
One of the largest resorts on the island, Jolly Beach Resort features one of the best beaches in Antigua with a two mile stretch of beautiful white sand. Although located in the quiet village of Bolans, it’s no more than a 15 minute drive to St. John’s, and public bus transportation is easily available just outside the resort. With specials just for carnival time and their own t shirt mas group, this is one hotel that definitely caters for those looking to vacation with a carnival twist. Enjoy the amenities of a shopping center, numerous restaurants and bars and a supermarket without the hustle and bustle of town. You can choose an all-inclusive package or self-cater at one of your numerous restaurant options. Jolly Beach Resort definitely offers the best of both worlds. Paige Pond Country Inn
You don’t have to be based on the beach in Antigua.
If you’re in need of a place to relax during or after the carnival action, then Paige Pond Country Inn may be the place for you. Located in the tranquil village of Buckleys, this self-catering accommodation is the perfect place to “detox” after a hard day (or night) of carnival partying. Expect ensuite accommodation and other perks such as Wi-Fi internet for uploading those pictures as well as cable tv. Since you are located along a bus route there’s easy access to town, but you’re also only a 20 minute drive away if you’re driving. It’s the perfect getaway for the carnival parties. Another great option is the Anchorage Hotel – not on the beach and so representing a cheaper way to stay. Check that hotel out it’s well located to get you into St Johns fast.
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
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
it’s been a rewarding but protracted period of commute, career, and maybe family commitments and you deserve a break for a week or two. Let me walk you through a destination where you and yours will be treated as royalty. That destination is ‘the Ridge’ Sugar Ridge in Antigua.
Feel like a million dollars.
Turn off from your high-touch world as much or as little as you like. With omnipresent Wi-Fi, you won’t be limited by location, pool, restaurant, room, gym etc. Catch up on your reading or use your laptop or tablet while relaxing in the infinity pool on top of the hill at the renowned Carmichael’s restaurant. Just Instagram that view and watch the followers flock in! Carmichael’s you should absolutely reserve, and anticipate the experience. Often serving Antigua’s most important dignitaries and famous, with Caribbean fusion dishes created by the head chef. Carmichael’s position on the ridge was chosen for the views which are simply unparalleled, out across to the uninhabited Redonda and to St Kitts and Nevis. Carmichael’s is not the only restaurant at Sugar Ridge, the Sugar Club bar and restaurant is tastefully contemporary in design – let’s describe it as Caribbean informal chic.
Tastefully Modern
Throughout the resort rests generous and comfortable ergonomic designer furniture. Poolside and throughout the Sugar Club you will find your own style of lounging- as the locals say ‘limin’.
Amazing pool, you can do lengths!
Villas are also available to accommodate larger parties and families, but let’s get back to YOU. Rooms (lower with plunge pools) with clever spaces are 4 to a building; Apple device docks and designer fixtures will accommodate you and your family in style and comfort. I felt the room more like a suite than a room because it is more than a single room with a dining area and balcony and my own entrance and private path. Whisking me around the ridge are the resort’s green electric buggies.
beautiful immediate surroundings.
The rooms are Incredible!
Dare I say the whole resort smells great! I have no idea how they do that – it’s aromatherapytastic. A full week of relaxation also involves some activity for the body and mind ensuring that you return to self. Try some yoga or Pilates in the fitness studio or elect to hit the iron with their state-of-the-art machinery and free weights.
State of the art Gym and Studio
If, like me, you like running on the beach (Antigua is known for its beaches) within minutes you can be barefoot on some of Antigua’s best. Other Antigua activities include a new clay pigeon shooting range, ziplining or simply hike a part of Antigua’s nature on one of the many trails. Visit the charming Antiguan interior with its sugar mills and historic dockyards once manned by Nelson himself. Antigua of course has water-sports galore, jet-skis and hobbie cats to scuba diving. Not your thing? Charter a boat for a day (crew or no crew) sail. On Sunday don’t miss the Shirley Heights BBQ attraction where Steel Band meets views atop Nelsons Dockyard and English Harbour. One of Antigua’s most popular tours is the getting married in Antigua tour! And Sugar Ridge has your most special day covered. Brides are treated to in house makeup with the specially trained Aveda makeup artist using ONLY their range of high end AVEDA makeup products. Sugar Ridge is arguably one of the best spots to say ‘I do’ in the world.
Sugar Ridge I do!
The Aveda Concept Spa, the only one in Antigua is part of Sugar Ridge Club.
Start of the End of Carnival : The old cricket ground again hosts the final ace off and trophy presentations. This stadium is very charming indeed giving good shade from the hot sun.
I am doing this extra blog post to show the very best of the carnival, I got a lot of shots and this is going to take some time to get finished. Will be tweeting this as usual with updates but better still to subscribe to this antigua blog !
I had a great time with new friend John from Canada. We took the opportunity between the floats to cover most of the route – all the way up to the VC Bird statue from the top of Main street where the stadium is on Independence Avenue.
I think its best expressed in photos again.
Winding through the smaller streets takes some driving.
Some restoration in progress.
Steel Pan Antigua Style
Here comes another one – always exciting !
Tractors come to hand..
E.T. was not depressed I think the costume was sagging a bit – but excellent.
All ages…
They call them Troupes
If you would like to learn more about St Johns Cathedral Click Tap here. >>
The Antigua Hawksbills posted their first win this same evening against the St Lucia Zooks. They got a great 165 total that St Lucia looked like they might match but the wickets began to fall and the early strike rate did too. Some great fielding and bowling was displayed after a solid performance in the bat.
http://cplt20.com/news/antigua-hawksbills-enjoy-their-first-win
Back to some more Caribbean Carnival Images !
They call them Troupes
Some worked harder than others – after all prizes were at stake.
A real crowd pleaser were the horses. Blazing Saddles came to mind.
Live tv with commentary capturing the best moments.
Shaded people
Boy liked getting his photo taken
One of the narrower sections and the crowd.
Fishnets and Ghoules
A passerby helps tie a shoelace
VC Bird Statue at the head of the market on Carnival day
A typical St Johns Street
Fish cooked on the street – excellent.
Shark Attack Antigua
These guys were really good movers.
backin up now..
There were some great bodies out there !
Little girl was putting on a great show.
Every kind of wonderful performer
You have to take a quiet moment in the shade now and again.
The fish and veg rice parcel (pudding)
Photo boys ?
Friend John and a procession performer.
Crab hole liquors is a store in English Harbour, otherwise spot that many floats have MC’s
Just Limin
One of the best things is the actual loudness – I love that..
Support of the troupe is a must – sons and daughters have to come along..
Like ‘slashes’ a troupe dance at what appears to be slants sometimes different angles at the same time.
We arrived yesterday into VC Bird International and this time we were ushered into a fast track lane so no waiting with baby in arms for over an hour, good stuff. We had no evident baggage disasters but Summer had really by this time had enough of the plane and wanted out, we all arrived a bit warmly dressed and still had to pick up the rental car. I paid for one of the guys who transport your stuff out from the carousel we really needed it this time. We had seemingly everything and the potty !
