Antigua and Barbuda's top travel experience
1. Nelson's Dock The English Harbour is at the southernmost point of Antigua, sitting above two bays separated by a peninsula, and Nelson's Dock is on the peninsula, which is regarded as Antigua's most unmissable historical attraction (and one of the most prominent historical sites in the Caribbean). Nelson's Dock is a restored 18th-century British naval base named after British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, who spent his early career here. As you stroll along the cobbled alleys and past the beautifully restored old buildings, it's like you've been back in time to the 18th century. Still used as a dinghy dock and one of the world's major yachting centres, the Rowing Conference attracts fleets from all over the world.
2. Shirley Heights Lookout For nearly 30 years, locals and well-informed visitors have visited Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday afternoons, a well-located hilltop restaurant bar that hosts popular barbecue parties, steel drum bands in the afternoon, and live reggae and calypso after 19:00. Enjoy a romantic sunset, dance under the stars and sip delicious rum punch. The view of English Harbour is dazzling. It's quieter, and it's worth walking up for lunch and a drink at dusk except on Sundays. Another party night is on Thursday with a steel drum band.
3. Big Bird Island At the northernmost point of Antigua, the pristine nature of Big Bird Island calls in the distance. Aptly named, this uninhabited island is part of North Sound National Park and a birdwatcher's paradise, home to numerous frigate birds, laughing gulls, North American purple swallows, red-billed tropical birds and other birds. Mangroves attract herds of marine life, so they are also excellent snorkeling spots. To get to the island, a guided tour is required.
4. Fig Tree Drive Old Road marks the beginning of the Fig Tree Drive. This narrow 8-kilometre road winds through patches of rainforest, passing banana trees (bananas are called "figs" in Antigua), coconut trees and giant old mango trees. Roadside stalls sell fruit and fresh juices. The Fig Tree Drive ends in the village of Swetes. En route, head to the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery to see what's new in the local art scene.
5. Dating Bay Dating Bay is one of Antigua's most stunning beaches and one of the most remote, and it's only possible to get there by 4WD with a high chassis, by boat, or on foot for 90 minutes through the rainforest. But it's worth the effort, and you can enjoy the dreamy golden sand and rare tranquility to yourself.
6. Fort James is a small fort located on the north side of St. John's Harbour that dates back to 1706, but most of what is seen today was built in 1739. The fortress is very atmospheric and lonely because of its ruins, and there are almost no crowds. Located on a steep bank on the fort's reconstructed officer camp, Russell's serves drinks and seafood, and looks out from its wide balcony with sweeping views of the sea and passing ships. The sunset is breathtakingly beautiful.
7. Frigate Bird Sanctuary Codrington Lagoon National Park is a flat and open country stretching off the west coast of Barbuda, home to one of the world's largest frigate bird colonies. In total, more than 5,000 birds with black feathers nest in the low mangrove forests of the lake – perhaps a dozen birds inhabit one bush alone. Because the density is so high, the sound of birdsong echoes through the nesting area, and those bright red inflatable throat pouches will be fascinating. The mating season is from September to April (peak in December) and is a popular time to visit bird colonies.
8. Half Moon Bay Located in the southeast of the island, Half Moon Bay is an undeveloped crescent-shaped bay – yet another beautiful stretch of white sand with blue-orange wine-colored waters. The northern end is usually a good spot for body surfing, while the southern waters are calmer and great for snorkeling.
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