Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide 🇦🇬
Everything a traveler should know before visiting Antigua and Barbuda — 365 beaches, sailing, coral reefs & Caribbean island culture
🌤 Live Weather — St. John’s
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital St. John’s
🏝 Highlights White-sand beaches · coral reefs · sailing harbors
💱 Currency Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
🗣 Language English (official)
⏱ Time Zone GMT−4
🔌 Plug Type Type A · B — 120V
Famous for: 365 beaches · English Harbour · yachts & regattas · luxury island resorts
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa-free for many countries
Return / onward ticket required
Passport valid 6+ months
- Hotel booking or accommodation proof may be requested
- Travel insurance recommended
- Entry duration varies by nationality
Cruise passengers follow separate entry procedures.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌤 Dec–Apr Peak season (best weather)
🌧 Jun–Nov Wet & hurricane season
⛵ Apr–May Best for sailing & regattas
💸 Shoulder Season Lower hotel prices
Hurricane-season storms may affect ferry & flight schedules.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $70–110 / ₹5,800–₹9,200 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — $160–260 / ₹13,000–₹21,500 per day
- 👑 Luxury — $400+ / ₹33,000+ per day
Resort islands & yacht marinas increase costs.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Dickenson Bay
English Harbour
Shirley Heights
Nelson’s Dockyard
Half Moon Bay
Barbuda Pink Sand Beach
🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Taxis & hotel transfers
- Rental cars for sightseeing
- Ferries to Barbuda
- Water excursions & yacht trips
Ferry services depend on sea conditions.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main providers — Digicel · Flow
- Tourist SIMs available at airport
- Good coverage in main island
- More limited in Barbuda
Download offline maps for remote beaches.
💵 Money & Payments
- USD widely accepted
- Cards accepted in resorts & restaurants
- Cash useful for taxis & beach shops
- ATMs available in St. John’s
Service charges may apply at resorts.
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Fungee & Pepperpot
- Saltfish dishes
- Grilled lobster & seafood
- Caribbean stews & plantains
- Rum punch & tropical fruits
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Antigua Sailing Week
- Carnival (July–Aug)
- Seafood & beach festivals
- Regatta & yacht events
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Tourist areas generally safe
- Avoid isolated beaches late night
- Use licensed boats & tour operators
- Follow sea-safety and weather advisories
Barbuda services may be limited — plan logistics ahead.
🎒 What to Pack
- Light beachwear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water shoes & swimwear
- Sun hat & sunglasses
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Tropical maritime climate
- Warm year-round
- Dry & wet seasons
- Hurricane risk Jun–Nov
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — St. John’s & Dickenson Bay
- Day 2 — English Harbour & Nelson’s Dockyard
- Day 3 — Shirley Heights sunset
- Day 4 — Barbuda day trip & pink-sand beach
- Day 5 — Island cruise / snorkeling tour
❓ FAQs
Is Antigua good for beaches?
Yes — the island is known for its “365 beaches.”
Is English spoken?
Yes — English is the official language.
Do I need cash?
Useful for taxis, beach bars & local shops.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance 911
👮 Police 911
🔥 Fire 911
🩺 Medical Assistance Local Hospitals
🎟 Tours & Activities in Antigua & Barbuda