Antigua And Barbuda 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Antigua and Barbuda

Day 1: Arrival & St. John’s Exploration

  • Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (Jolly Harbour, Antigua) - Check visa requirements before travel as some nationalities may need a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda. Visit the official website for more information.
  • Transfer to Hotel in St. John’s, the capital city. Recommended hotels include: Carlisle Bay, Hermitage Bay, and St. James’s Club & Villas.
  • St. John’s City Tour: Visit Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay, and St. John’s Cathedral. Enjoy local cuisine at Coconut Grove, a popular restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available at the airport and in town. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the island independently.

Day 2: Nelson’s Dockyard & Shirley Heights

  • Morning: Visit Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a historic complex featuring restored colonial buildings, boat workshops, and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Take a tour of the Dockyard Museum to learn about the area’s history.
  • Afternoon: Head to Shirley Heights Lookout for breathtaking views of English Harbour. Enjoy live music during Sunday’s famous Barbecue party (4 PM - 10 PM).

Day 3: Dickenson Bay & Darkwood Beach

  • Morning: Spend the morning at Dickenson Bay, one of Antigua’s most popular beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Afternoon: Head to Darkwood Beach (also known as Runaway Bay) on the western coast. This secluded beach offers stunning views and tranquil turquoise waters.

Day 4: Stingray City & Deep Sea Fishing

  • Morning: Embark on a guided tour to Stingray City Antigua, an exclusive marine park where you can interact with southern stingrays in their natural habitat.
  • Afternoon: Go deep-sea fishing and try your luck at catching Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, or Tuna. Many hotels offer fishing trips, or book one through a local charter.

Day 5: Barbuda & Bird Sanctuary

  • Morning: Catch a flight (15 minutes) to Barbuda from V.C. Bird International Airport. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Codrington Lagoon, home to thousands of red-billed frigatebirds and brown boobies.
  • Afternoon: Spend time at Palm Beach, a pristine stretch of white sandy beach with clear waters perfect for swimming.
  • Return to Antigua in the evening and prepare for departure the next day.

Transportation

  • Taxis are readily available throughout the island, but renting a car offers greater freedom and flexibility. Check with your hotel or rental agencies like Thrifty or Island Rent A Car.
  • To travel between Antigua and Barbuda, book a flight with LIAT Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, or SVG Air.