Antigua Caribbean island paradise, offers crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Antigua has something to offer everyone.
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Is Antigua a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Yes, Antigua is an excellent choice for a honeymoon. This idyllic island boasts picture-perfect beaches, stunning natural scenery, and plenty of romantic activities to keep you busy.
Here are a few reasons why Antigua is such a great place for a honeymoon:
- The best beaches: One of the most defining features of Antigua is its gorgeous beaches. With over 40 beaches on the island, you will find one that suits your fancy. Whether you want to lounge on the sand, swim in the clear blue waters, or try stand-up paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone.
- Luxury honeymoon resorts: Antigua has plenty of options if you’re looking for luxury beachfront accommodations. You’ll find precisely what you’re looking for, from all-inclusive resorts with top-notch amenities to intimate boutique hotels with beautiful ocean views.
- The romance: There’s no shortage of romance on this island paradise. Take a sunset cruise along the coast, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach, or dip in one of the many private plunge pools.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Antigua?
- Snorkeling and scuba diving: With its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Antigua is a snorkeler’s and scuba diver’s paradise. Many tour operators offer trips to stingray city, where you can dive and swim.
- Hiking: If you love spending time outdoors, you can go on hiking trails and explore the Devil’s Bridge. The most popular trail is the 5-mile hike to the top of Shirley Heights, which offers stunning views of English Harbour and Montserrat.
- Sailing: Its sailing conditions are renowned, making it the perfect place to charter a yacht or take a sailing lesson. Whether you want to relax on the deck or get active with windsurfing or kitesurfing, there’s something for everyone.
- Island hopping: Over 40 islands and cays surround Antigua, so why not take advantage of them? Many tour operators offer day trips to nearby islands such as Barbuda, Redonda, and Bird Island.
- Spa days: After all the excitement of your wedding and honeymoon, you may want to relax with the couples massage at galley bay resort & Spa.
- Visit the iconic Nelson’s Dockyard: Visit this National Park to learn about its maritime history.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Antigua?
The best time to visit Antigua is from December to April when the weather is warm and sunny.
The island experiences its heaviest rains from June to November, so if you don’t mind the rain, this is the time to visit. However, remember that hurricane season runs from June to November, so avoiding these months would probably be a good idea.
Is a Honeymoon in Antigua Expensive?
On average, a 7-day honeymoon for two people will cost around $6,000 -$10,000. This includes airfare, accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation.
How To Plan a Budget Antigua Honeymoon
- Travel during the shoulder season or off-season. Rates are typically lower during these times, and you’ll avoid the crowds.
- Book your accommodations and activities in advance. This will help you take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Look for all-inclusive deals that cover food, drink, and activities. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you plan on partaking in more expensive activities like scuba diving or sailing lessons.
- Enjoy free hiking, stroll around town, or visit local beaches. There’s no need to spend money on entertainment when there’s so much natural beauty to explore in Antigua.
5 Best Cities to Stay In Antigua
Saint John’s
St. John’s is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, located on the island of Antigua. The town is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities and excursions for visitors. It’s home to several historical and cultural sights and beautiful beaches.
Some popular excursions include visiting museums, exploring the city’s architecture, and visiting Nelson’s Dockyard. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, there are plenty of beach bars and cafes to relax in.
Where to stay: Hodges Bay Road, Soldier’s Bay, Green Bay, and Scotts Hill
Dickenson Bay
If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up some rays on your honeymoon, look no further than Dickenson Bay. This gorgeous stretch of white sand beach is one of the most popular on the island here. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning views.
Plenty of beach bars and restaurants line the shore to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or bite to eat between sunbathing sessions. If you want some adventure—water sports, such as paddleboards, kayaks, and windsurfing boards, are also available for rentals.
Where to stay: Cedar Grove
English Harbour Town
The charming English Harbour Town is located on the southwestern coast of Antigua. This area is known for its protected deep-water harbor, which the Royal Navy has used since the 18th century. The town’s Georgian architecture and narrow streets lined with colorful houses give it a distinctly British feel.
There are plenty of things to do in English Harbour Town, from exploring the historic Nelson’s Dockyard to taking a stroll around Fort Berkeley. If you want something more active, you can go sailing or windsurfing in the harbor or hike up to Shirley Heights for stunning island views.
Where to stay: Nelson’s Dockyard and Freeman’s Bay
Falmouth
Falmouth is a town in Antigua and Barbuda, located on the southern shores of the island. It is the capital of the parish of Saint James.
It was founded in 1632 by Sir Christopher Codrington, an English planter and slave trader. The town’s layout was based on a grid system, which is still evident today.
There are several possible excursions here. One option is a boat trip to nearby Green Island, where you can snorkel or scuba dive among the coral reefs.
Where to stay: Yacht Club Drive
St. Philip
This is another small town located on the southeastern coast of Antigua. This area is known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil waters. Saint Philip has several small hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and cafes.
It’s also home to a small museum and art gallery. Excursions from Saint Philip include snorkeling, diving, fishing, and sailing.
Where to stay: Long Bay and Seatons Village
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Antigua?
Many airlines offer direct flights from major US cities like New York, Miami, and Atlanta to this major airport. Fly into V.C. Bird International Airport.
Traveling Within Antigua
Renting a car is the best option. This way, you can explore all of the different parts of the island at your own pace. Just be sure to drive carefully, as the roads can be pretty narrow in some places.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Antigua?
Many accommodations are available in Antigua for honeymooners. Luxury beach resorts offer world-class amenities and services such as infinity pools, spas, and TVs. For a more intimate setting, boutique hotels and villas are scattered throughout the island.
Overwater bungalows with turquoise waters offer an all-inclusive experience of luxurious amenities such as the infinity pool, spa, casino, and private beach.
You also have choices in adults-only resorts. And for those who want to escape it all, stay in remote cottages and lodges tucked away in the rainforest or along the coast.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Antigua?
- Fungee and Pepper PotL Fungee is a cornmeal porridge usually served with boiled green bananas, yams, and dumplings. The pepper pot is a stew with beef, chicken, or pork cooked in spicy gravy.
- Ducana: It is a traditional Antiguan dish with sweet potatoes, yams, and bananas.
- Johnny Cake: It’s fried bread, often served as a snack or side dish.
- Tamarind balls: This is a popular sweet treat made with tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in an Antigua Honeymoon?
Yes, there are plenty of cultural experiences to include in an Antigua honeymoon.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with attending Antigua’s Carnival. This annual event is one of the biggest and most popular celebrations on the island, and it’s a great way to enjoy local music and dancing.
If you’re looking for something more active and fun, consider sailing in one of the regattas throughout the year. These competitive races are a great way to see some of the beautiful scenery Antigua has to offer, and they’re also a lot of fun.
What to Pack For an Antigua Honeymoon
Pack a variety of clothes. Add beachwear, including bathing suits, coverups, hats, and sunglasses. Since you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring, don’t forget comfortable walking shoes.
You can also bring formal wear if you plan to attend high-class restaurants or clubs. Toiletries include sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and body lotion.
Is Antigua Safe to Visit?
Yes, Antigua is safe to visit. Here are some general safety precautions to take:
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you. Use a credit or debit card whenever possible.
- Keep your belongings close to you, and always be aware of your surroundings.
- Be cautious when accepting rides from strangers or getting into taxis that are not marked.
- If renting a car, use a reputable company and drive defensively.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Antigua and Barbuda?
If you are a United States, Canada, or United Kingdom citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda. You must bring a valid passport with you, and you may be required to show proof of onward travel when you arrive.
Antigua Travel Tips
- The official language is English, so you will not need to worry about learning a new language.
- The water is safe to drink, so you can save money by not buying bottled water.
- The currency in Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar ($1 is equal to 2.70 Eastern Caribbean dollar).
- Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated if you receive good service.
- ATMs are reliable; you should have no problem getting cash when needed.