Antigua Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Antigua travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua is best known for its beautiful white and pink sand beaches.

In fact, the island is home to 365 beaches — you could spend a full calendar year visiting a different one every day!

Most notable are Dickenson Bay, with its picturesque blue waters, and Galley Bay, a favorite nesting spot for sea turtles.

With so many beautiful beaches, Antigua is the perfect place to forget your troubles and soak up some Vitamin D.

Antigua also has plenty of options for more action-oriented travelers. The island is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, taking you through rainforests, historic sites, and gorgeous hilltop landscapes.

The clear waters that surround the island also make snorkeling and sailing and an absolute must for anyone visiting Antigua.

And of course, there are plenty of guided tours to give you an inside look into everything this island has to offer.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Antigua — part of the stunning Caribbean Islands!

Note: This guide to Antigua travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Antigua Map

Use this Antigua travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Best Things To Do In Antigua

Learn about the top Antigua attractions and places to visit on this stunning Caribbean island.

Caribbean Travel Tips

Make your Caribbean vacation even more memorable with the help of the following travel guides!

Top Antigua Tours

Book an Antigua tour and get to know the culture through a local.

• Cooking Class In Antigua (With Rum!) in St. John’s
• Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour from Jolly Harbour
• Hiking The Natural Beauty Of Antigua from St. John’s
• SoCoHo Half Day Jeep Safari- Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkeling
• Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure
• Barbuda Day Trip By Sea from St. John’s

Renting A Car In Antigua

Need a rental car for your Antigua trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Antigua Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Antigua!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Antigua Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Antigua tour. When visiting Antigua — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Antigua itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Antigua Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Antigua.

Q: What are some of the best places to visit in Antigua?

Any trip to Antigua wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of the island’s beautiful beaches. You can ensure some quality beach time by staying at an all-inclusive beach resort, like The Verandah Resort & Spa, a breathtaking property with hotel rooms and villas overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Beyond the beach, make sure to visit Shirley Heights where you can see all the way to the Guadeloupe archipelago. You can drive up to Shirley Heights, though it’s recommended to enjoy some hiking in Antigua and get to it via the Pillars Of Hercules trail.

History buffs won’t want to miss Nelson’s Dockyard, once home to the British naval fleet during the Napoleonic Wars.

And of course, you’ll want to stop by Half Moon Bay, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Bonus: Antigua is also home to some of the best Caribbean wellness retreats!

Q: Is Antigua safe?

Antigua is very safe and violent crime is rare. In fact, it’s one of the best Caribbean islands for solo female travel!

If you encounter crime at all during your trip, it will likely be pickpocketing. Click here to learn how to avoid pickpockets while traveling.

Q: Are the mosquitos bad in Antigua?

Mosquitos, as well other insects like sand flies and fire ants, can be a nuisance to travelers to Antigua. Be sure to use a good insect repellent during your trip or add a few drops of citronella oil to any body lotion or sunscreen you usually use. Be extra vigilant at night and after during rainstorms when mosquitos are known to increase in number.

Q: How much spending money do I need for Antigua?

This certainly depends on your budget but excluding hotel costs, you should expect to spend about $85 a day in Antigua on meals, local transportation and other expenses.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Antigua?

Visitors to Antigua from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the Commonwealth of Nations and several other countries do not need visas to enter the country. Cruise ship passengers who would normally need a visa to enter the country also do not need one provided that they enter and depart the island on the same day.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Antigua International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Antigua?

Major credit cards are accepted around the Caribbean island of Antigua, though it’s recommended to carry some cash for making purchases from smaller restaurants and street stalls.

Q: What is the local currency in Antigua?

The local currency in Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

What would you add to this Antigua travel guide?