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Exploring Antigua, West Indies
Legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson claimed Britain’s most important Caribbean base when he sailed into Antigua in 1784, to conquer the prized coastline that had taunted and lured the French, Spanish, and English for centuries. Over 200 years later, the island’s cool trade winds, pristine beaches, coral reefs and endless sunshine still transform Antigua, the main island of the small nation of Antigua & Barbuda, into one of the Caribbean’s most alluring family destinations.
From villages with colorfully painted houses, historic churches, sugar mills and forts, there’s much to squeeze in between sun tanning, swimming and sailing. Just decide how you want to enjoy your time and Antigua will take care of the rest.
Part of what makes Antigua unique is the scalloped shoreline that is gently caressed on the leeward side by the Caribbean, providing shallow, calm waters and safe, secluded beaches. These areas are an iridescent water wonderland of undersea activity for scuba diving, offering 500 different dive sites with coral canyons, sea caves, shipwrecks and wall drops.
Out of the water there are many varied sports available for participants or spectators including golf, tennis, horseback riding, squash, netball, basketball, cycling, soccer, yoga, and kite flying. For the hiker or casual walker, there are scores of trails that make navigating through unbelievably picturesque and remote parts of Antigua a very pleasant experience. Always make sure to go in groups or with a knowledgeable guide.
Sights to Enjoy
Everyone can experience the lifestyle of a sophisticated and charming Caribbean island by strolling around Antigua's capital city of St. John’s. Heritage Quay, set in the middle of downtown, is a modern complex of boulevards, duty free and chic luxury shops. Here you will also find street vendors selling the island’s bananas, mangos, guava, coconut, breadfruit, spices and vanilla beans. Historic buildings and traditional architecture further add delight to this urban gem. The neighboring Redcliffe Quay, a complex of beautifully restored warehouse buildings that now serve as boutiques and restaurants, is certainly worth a visit.
Built in 1674 by British sugar planter Sir Christopher Codrington, Betty’s Hope Estate (269/462-1469) is the first full-scale sugar plantation on Antigua. For more than 300 years, this prominent plantation has played a leading role in, and influenced the lives of, many generations of Antiguans. Its unique twin mills sit amid gently rolling countryside. The north mill has been restored to become the only working historic sugar mill in the Caribbean, and it remains one of the most beautiful attractions on the island.
Set at the head of Indian Creek in Indian Town is the natural limestone Devil’s Bridge. Along this very rugged part of Antigua’s coastline, the waves crashing into the rocks make a spectacular sight. Several blowholes carved into the volcanic rock and spouting surf create the most dramatic and picturesque explosions of spume and foam found anywhere.
Along the scenic southwest Caribbean coast to Old Road, Fig Tree Drive climbs up and down hillsides and inland roughly to the center of the island. This is a very worthwhile and picturesque drive through the lush vegetation of the rain forest bursting with mango guava, orange, coconut and banana trees (fig is the Antiguan name for banana).
Famous for its striking natural beauty, English Harbour is one of the world’s top yachting destinations as well as one of the finest natural harbors in the Caribbean. It is well known as the home to the Antigua Classic Regatta and the Antigua Sailing Week, both renowned throughout the world’s yachting community. Many tours including circumnavigation of the island by catamaran are offered by Elvis George & Son Tours (268/461-5660).
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