Top 25 Things To Do In Antigua For An Unmatched Vacation

Falling in love with Antigua is easy. Framed by the roaring Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm Caribbean Sea on the other, this is an island of many beaches. Numbering around 365, Antigua’s beaches offer an irresistible mix of nature thrills and island indulgence that might be all the convincing you need that you’re in just the right place.

If you’ve got a trip to this island in mind, we’ve got just what you need to plan a memorable vacation. That is, if you want to explore some of this island’s best attractions and fit in some excursions as well. On this Caribbean isle, whether relaxation or adventure, there’s lots of interesting things to do. Read on for where to begin!

Best Time to Go to Antigua

With warm and wonderful beaches, rich history and culture, and incredible sailing and watersports, it’s always a good time to visit Antigua. But while this island shines year-round with its idyllic weather, timing can enhance your experience. With this in mind, mid-December to mid-April is the best time to visit Antigua. This is the peak travel season for this destination, and its when the island truly comes alive with vibrant energy and events.

Picture: Poolside at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua.

May through November, the low season, offers excellent resort deals—ideal for budget-conscious travelers. This can be a good time to travel to Antigua for a more low-key getaway. No matter when you decide to visit this island, you'll still be able to soak up the warm weather and tune into island relaxation!

Good to know: If you want to travel to Antigua during the travel peak season, book your trip early. Once you’ve locked in your travel dates, you’ll be all set to enjoy a vacation in one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations!

Top Things to do in Antigua

Welcome to Antigua, where the sun shines brighter, the beaches are whiter, and the your island adventures are entirely up to you! Whether you're lounging on the soft sands of Dickenson Bay, getting up close and personal with friendly stingrays at Stingray City, or sipping a cocktail on the scenic shores of Prickly Pear Island, this Caribbean gem has something for everyone. Here's where you can begin:

1. Dickenson Bay Beach

No doubt about it, there’s no shortage of beaches in Antigua. This is one of those islands that you can travel to and know with all certainly that at some point, you’ll find yourself on a beach. With that said, Dickenson Bay is one of those beaches that belongs on your list of things to do in Antigua. This beach is not just scenic and refreshing, it’s also convenient. Some of the best restaurants, bars and all-inclusive resorts in Antigua are located along this stretch. Plus, thrill seekers can engage in a variety of watersports on these shores.

From Dickenson Bay, you can head out on a boat tour of the surrounding bay or set up a picnic with good company. Laid back beach goers can sunbathe or swim near the dolphins that sometimes show their faces on this beach. Nearby, you’ll find Runaway Bay, which is more private. If you’re in the mood to explore, plan ahead for a hiking expedition to Runaway Bay from Dickenson Bay.

2. Stingray City

Who would have thought that stingrays would be friendly enough to interact with people? If you can imagine it, that’s precisely what you’ll find at Stingray City in Antigua. At this location, you can swim or snorkel with Southern Rays which are often describes as “the brightest rays in the Caribbean”. A short boat trip is necessary to get to the rays, and once you get there, you can dive right into this interactive experience. Based on reviews, with a chance to explore offshore islands in Antigua and catch a glimpse of the underwater world, this is one of the best excursions available on this island.

3. Prickly Pear Island

Expand your island explorations by setting off to the serene Prickly Pear Island. Many of the larger islands in the Caribbean have smaller offshore islands that you can escape to just for the day, and this is Antigua’s. If you decide to venture here during your vacation, you can look forward to a laidback day with snorkeling, sun lounging, swimming, and even a picnic if you feel like it. There’s often a buffet here as well with a seafood/West Indian menu that’s ideal for tasting the local cuisine.

4. Donkey Sanctuary

The Antigua Donkey Sanctuary is a safe haven for rescued donkeys. If you’re an animal lovers or just have a special place in your heart for donkeys in particular, you can visit this location during your stay. With a visit, you’ll be able to interact with the donkeys, learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and even help to feed them. This experience makes it possible to get to know more about wildlife in Antigua and protection measures that are in place.

5. Ffryes Beach

If you have the chance to visit Ffryes Beach in Antigua, don’t let it slip through your fingers. This is one of Antigua’s most gorgeous and secluded beaches and it is known and loved for its calm waters, fine golden sand, and relaxed ambiance. This beach is rarely crowded so it’s just the right place to unwind if you want to get away from it all. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the natural beauty of this island, a visit to this local beach is a great choice.

6. Great Bird Island

A trip to Great Bird Island makes room for an Antiguan eco-tour highlighting the island's rich history and unique environmental features. As part of this tour you'll be able to swim, snorkel, explore the local flora and fauna and even venture into caves. Added to that, there are also nature trials waiting to be explored at Great Bird Island. Or, you can simply just relax on a spacious high-powered boat while enjoying tasty local food and cold drinks!

7. Galley Bay Beach

If you’re on the hunt for the best waves, look no further than Galley Bay Beach in Antigua. This is a visitor hot spot with clean, inviting sand**, just the right amount of surf, and a relaxed ambiance that reels you in. Here you have the option to surf, turtle watch (during the nesting season), or just relax and take in the views. Spend a couple of hours or stay until sunset, it’s entirely up to you!

8. Valley Church Beach

The tranquil Valley Church Beach is on the west coast of Antigua, south of Jolly Harbor. Valley Church is ideal for a laidback beach day with sun lounging and hopefully, ice cold drinks from a chilled beach cooler! The scenery of this beach, paired with its convenience—bathrooms, beach chair and umbrella rentals, water sports and the like, make it an excellent spot to spend a few hours near the ocean.

9. Hell's Gate Island

Hell’s Gate Island feels a bit more like paradise when the relaxed ambiance and serenity of this uninhabited island come into focus. The appeal of a visit to this island is a chance to see the unique rock formations it is most famous for. These rise dramatically from the sea in an almost eerie manner and have everything to do with why the island got its name. Some people visit this island for wildlife spotting, while others love snorkeling and diving. With the peace that’s possible with a visit here, it’s an off-the-beaten-path experience worth saying yes to.

10. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is a scenic and expansive stretch outlined by soft white sand and rich blue waters. This beach is a popular surf spot and it’s loved by snorkelers too. If you want to snorkel, head to the norther side of the bay where you’ll find calmer, sheltered waters. The clear, shallow waters here are home to vibrant coral reefs and marine life of all types. On the opposite end, the Atlantic Ocean creates favorable conditions for surfing. Waves are usually consistent here and both beginners and more skilled surfers can get a piece of the action.

Good to know: The remarkable views are a huge part of the appeal of Half Moon Bay. It’s also near some of the popular attractions in Antigua, like the Shirley Heights Fort.

10. Darkwood Beach

Darkwood Beach has a relaxed atmosphere that’s just right for unwinding. Just as soon as you arrive at this easy-going beach you can set up on the golden sand and shift you mind completely in the direction of island rejuvenation. Swimming and snorkeling are popular here as the water is usually calm. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, beach photo shoots here are highly recommended.

11. Pillars of Hercules

These awe-inspiring rock formations sit firmly in the ocean, with gentle waves striking against their chiseled pillars. The clear blue waters have transformed the area into a popular spot for sailing and snorkeling, and the warm evening sunset is simply mesmerizing from this vantage. Pillars of Hercules can be accessed with a hike up Galleon Beach.

12. Shirley Heights Look Out

Shirley Heights is among the most well-known attractions in Antigua. This spot is loved for the panoramic views visitors can enjoy and the lively Sunday night parties that keep the energy flowing. This is an old military lookout and fort that sits around 492 feet above sea level. It is named after Sir Thomas Shirley - the late Governor of the Leeward Islands.

From the Shirley Heights Lookout, you can enjoy panoramic views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. On clear days, you can also see the island of Guadeloupe to the south of Antigua. The best time to visit Shirley Heights is at sunset or early in the morning before the sun comes out.

Good to know: There’s a restaurant and bar at the Shirley Heights Look out that serves island-inspired cuisine and cold drinks.

14. Nelson’s Dockyard

Nelson’s Dockyard is a national park in Antigua which once housed naval ships and served as a lookout to the English, primarily for monitoring the seas for the arrival of enemy ships. Today, other ships and watercraft still make use of this harbor, but the 2016 World Heritage Site also serves as a museum and a national park. Presentations about the island’s history can be witnessed at the park, which is complete with restaurants, shops, hotels and cafes on site.

15. 17 Mile Beach, Barbuda

Yes, there is absolutely a beach known as 17 Mile Beach that you can spend time on during your Antigua vacation. The catch? You’ll need to hop on a boat to get there as this beach is located on Barbuda, Antigua’s sister isle. 17 Mile Beach is known for its serene outlook and out-of-the-way feel. This beach is loved for its pink and white hued sand, and it is best for travelers seeking a quieter beach escape. Barbuda is just about 10 miles north of Antigua, so a trip to this beach can easily be arranged during your visit.

Best Antigua Excursions

In addition to spending time at some of Antigua's most popular attractions, you can also embark on a variety of tours and excursions during your vacation on this island. Here's a few of our favorite things to do:

1. Charter a Sailboat

During your vacation, why not head out on a catamaran cruise or charter a sailboat? Let the trade winds work in your favor as you set your sights on exploration! Whether you’re cruising during the famous Antigua Sailing Week or enjoying a private day sail, this adventure promises scenic views, tranquility, and unforgettable moments on the water.

Good to know: Sailing Week is Antigua is typically held between April and May annually. During this time, you’ll find scores of boats, thrilling races, and boat parties in action.

2. Set Sail on a Tropical Sunset Cruise

Step aboard a sunset cruise for a romantic evening on the Caribbean Sea. Relax with a cocktail in hand as the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery hues. As you dance to Caribbean melodies and enjoy delectable hors' d’oeuvres, you’ll thank your lucky stars that you choose Antigua to vacation. This sunset cruise is a fantastic way to end a day in Antigua, offering serene vibes and stunning views.

3. Embark on an Eco-Tour

Discover Antigua’s natural wonders on this immersive eco-tour. From snorkeling at Great Bird Island to exploring caves and nature trails, you’ll connect with the island’s breathtaking flora and fauna while enjoying local cuisine and refreshing fruit juices. There are a wide variety of eco-tours available on this island, and you can set yours up at your all-inclusive resort in Antigua.

4. Hike to Mount Obama

As Antigua’s highest point, Mount Obama (formerly Boggy Peak) offers panoramic views of the island’s vibrant greenery and select spots on the island that you wouldn’t be able to see from any other perspective. This rewarding hike takes you through tropical landscapes, culminating in a summit that’ll be well worth the effort it takes to get there!

5. Enjoy Sightseeing and Snorkeling

As there are just so many incredible beaches in Antigua, why not head out on a tour that combines sightseeing and snorkeling? Island Routes offers an exciting boat tour that makes it possible to enjoy the pulsating beats of reggae and calypso as you sail past attractions like the Pillars of Hercules, Bird Island, and Devil’s Bridge. As part of the tour, you can visit Green Island to relax on the beach, snorkel and swim. Lunch is provided as part of the tour and a visit to English Harbour is also included.

6. Go Ziplining Through the Rainforest

Zip lining might seem scary at first, but once you let go and ease into the experience, you’ll find yourself soaring with the most breathtaking views. In Antigua, zip across the island’s lush tropical canopy for the most unforgettable vacation memories. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this excursion, and it’s an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in the island’s verdant landscapes.

7. Horse Back Riding on the Beach

There’s a certain ease that comes with horseback riding, especially with a horseback riding tour on the beach. There are many tour companies in Antigua that offer this activity, and it’s well worth a try if you’re looking for a laidback way to enjoy the beauty of this island. When you get to the beach you can hop off your horse and cool off in the ocean. Even the horses enjoy sea baths too!

8. Learn to Cook Like a Local

There’s nothing quite like Caribbean cuisine done right. In islands like Antigua, the local cuisine is infused with influences from all over the world. This includes African, British, Caribbean/Creole, European and Indigenous touches that really add something special to the local dishes made on this island. While on this island, learn to cook like a local by signing up for a cooking class. Choose from themes like jerk, seafood, or rum-infused dishes. Once your vacation is done, take some recipes home with you to share with loved ones!

9. Go Deep Sea Fishing

Everything in Antigua revolves around the ocean, so why not head out on a deep-sea fishing excursion? You can set this up with an experienced boat charter company and head out with experienced captains to reel in marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and the like. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, this excursion promises excitement and a chance to catch some of the Caribbean’s most prized fish.

Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda

This sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the western region, where more than five thousand frigate birds reside around the swamps and mangroves. It is located just north of 17-mile beach where the scores of these birds have settled and found food, companionship and a place to conduct their mating rituals, which usually occur during the months of December and January. During your vacation, you can sign up for a tour to visit this sanctuary through tour providers like Island Routes.

There you have it, the top 25 things to do in Antigua!

No doubt about it, Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations. Go alone, go with a group, or with the love of your life, and you’re bound to find much more than 25 reasons to plan a return trip to Antigua, an island that offers something special for just about every traveler.

Picture: At the beachfront Sandals Grande Antigua, all you need for your vacation is included with your stay!