Overview Of Antigua
Antigua is a relatively flat island which is approximately 20 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is located in the northeast of the Caribbean just south of St Barths, St Martin, and Anguilla.
Antigua is best known for having some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the Caribbean. And the most famous of these is probably Half Moon Bay which has beautiful pink hued sands and stunning turquoise sea. The scenery is beautiful the views from Shirley Heights to the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe will literally take your breath away.
The island has a wonderful laid back atmosphere although there are plenty of glamorous restaurants, boutiques and casinos.
It is also one of the best known yachting and sailing islands culminating in the very popular Antigua Sailing week which takes place in late April to early May each year. It has an incredible atmosphere and the island literally comes alive.
Another time to see Antigua in full swing is during the Antigua carnival which takes place at the end of July and start of August each year and where you will see plenty of authentic calypso and reggae music, steel bands and dancing.
For the adventurous, a trip through the lush rainforests and mango groves of Fig Tree Drive is worth doing.
Antigua is also well known for being one of the most historical of the Caribbean Island. The 18th century Great Fort George is a very important part of Antigua’s history from its days as a British Colony as well as Nelson’s Dockyard which is a wonderfully restored British naval base.
Useful Information
Capital City: St Johns
Language: English
Currency : US Dollar and East Caribbean Dollar
Voltage : 120V-220V
Visa : Antigua has a US$28.00 (EC$70.00) airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10% (in lieu of tipping). For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Temperature Guide
These figures show Antigua monthly average maximum temperatures and monthly average rainfall.
| Month | Temp °C | Temp °F | Rainfall(mm) | Rainfall(in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 | 82 | 66 | 2.6 |
| February | 28 | 82 | 43 | 1.7 |
| March | 29 | 84 | 41 | 1.6 |
| April | 29 | 84 | 57 | 2.24 |
| May | 30 | 86 | 44 | 1.7 |
| June | 30 | 86 | 71 | 2.8 |
| July | 31 | 88 | 79 | 3.11 |
| August | 31 | 88 | 124 | 4.9 |
| September | 31 | 88 | 140 | 5.5 |
| October | 30 | 86 | 135 | 5.3 |
| November | 30 | 86 | 112 | 4.4 |
| December | 28 | 82 | 89 | 3.5 |
Getting to Antigua
Guests arrive into Antigua at the V.C. Bird International Airport located on the northeast corner of Antigua. There are many direct flights from North America and Europe as well as connecting flights via San Juan and St.Maarten. Charter flights are also available to the neighboring islands.
From Toronto
Air Canada: Direct flights from Toronto
From the United States
Miami – American Airlines
New York – American Airlines, Continental, Caribbean Airways, Delta
Puerto Rico – American Airlines
Atlanta - Delta
New Jersey – Continental
Charlotte – US Air
From the UK
London Gatwick - British Airways and Virgin Atlantic and British West Indies
From Germany
Frankfurt - Lufthansa
Inter Caribbean
American Eagle, LIAT
Approximate Flight Times: New York (4 hrs.), Miami (3 hrs.), Baltimore (4 hrs.), Toronto (4 hrs.), Puerto Rico (1 hr.), London (8 hrs.), Frankfurt (9 hrs.), Paris (8 hrs.)
Immigration: Proof of citizenship and a ticket for onward destination is required for a visit. Check with the consulate or embassy in your home country for valid identifications, visas and other entry requirements. Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and EC Citizens: A valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure for visits up to six months. U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is required.
Customs: The following items may be taken into Antigua without payment of customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco and one liter of wine or spirits. Weapons and non-prescribed drugs are prohibited.
Departure Tax: A US$28 is assessed at V.C. Bird International Airport upon departure from Antigua.