Antigua: Travel Tips

Warm waters, gentle currents, and superb undersea visibility in Antigua’s coral reefs make it a magnet for swimmers and sailors, snorkelers and scuba divers. English Harbour, where Admiral Nelson led the British Navy in 1784, and the restored Nelson's Dockyard National Park, are popular attractions. December through mid-April is the most popular time to visit the Caribbean, as travelers flee the chilly northern weather for sunny skies, white-sand beaches, and warm temperatures. To get the best rates, visit in the late spring or summer months—or get even better rates by traveling in the fall (September–October).

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Getting To Antigua

If you are traveling from the west coast, plan on leaving as early as 7 a.m., or take a red-eye flight to Miami, Atlanta, or New York and connect from there. Coming from New York, you can expect to travel approximately five hours, from Atlanta or Miami it can be approximately three hours and as long as eight hours from Seattle. In any case, plan on leaving early or on a red-eye flight from the West Coast.

Flight times

  • 3.5 hours from Miami
  • 5 hours from New York City

Staying In Antigua

Saturday morning is market time in St. John’s, the capital. Buyers are expected to negotiate prices on handicrafts and other items. Sunday afternoons are for hiking the trail up from English Harbour to Shirley Heights. At the summit, mingle with locals at the barbecue, dance to steel band and reggae tunes, and toast the panoramic sunset view with a cool rum punch. Maritime history tours and casino forays add to a week’s fun.

Must-see sights

  • Nelson’s Dockyard National Park just outside St. John
  • Shirley Heights lookout
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Traveling In Antigua

Classic can arrange convenient and comfortable transfers at the time of booking. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel via taxi or shared transfer. In some locations, a private car transfer can be arranged to avoid the stops. Classic can also arrange friendly and fast car-rental service on many of the Caribbean Islands; with an availability of the most popular car rentals, from convertibles to minivans to four-wheel-drive jeeps. Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road on many islands.

While traveling in Antigua we recommend:

  • Private transfers at time of booking - Most private transfers include a meet-and-greet by English-speaking drivers, luggage assistance, and bottled water in modern vehicles.

Things to Know

Entry Requirements

  • A valid passport is generally required for entry into the Caribbean and return to the United States.
  • Some countries may also require you to present a return airline ticket.
  • It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain the proper documents.

Currency

  • U.S. currency is accepted nearly everywhere you go in the Caribbean.
  • Currency can be exchanged at banks and island hotels (although for slightly more than the standard exchange rate).
  • Most major American and European credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.
  • ATMs are widely available throughout the Caribbean.

Time Difference

  • The islands that make up the Caribbean span several time zones.
  • Most Caribbean islands lie in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, but a few are in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • Many of the islands do not observe daylight savings time.

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