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 on the south-west coast, a golden-white sand beach with calm turquoise water. Runaway Bay is a separate beach.

Day 4: Stingray City & Deep Sea Fishing

  • Morning: Embark on a guided tour to Stingray City Antigua, a boat-led sandbar tour from Seatons Village on the north-east coast, where you can interact with southern stingrays in waist-deep water.
  • 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 (about 20 minutes) to Barbuda from V.C. Bird International Airport. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest magnificent frigatebird colony in the Caribbean (about 5,000 birds), reached by licensed boat from the Codrington jetty.
  • 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.