Low-lying and volcanic in origin, Antigua and Barbuda form part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean.

Unsurprisingly, the island's way of life is governed by water. Nelson's Dockyard in the English Harbour is at the forefront of Antigua & Barbuda's vast yachting and sailing scene. The island is also famed for its 365 different beaches - one for every day of the year
 

Carnival, which is held late July/August highlights the cultural aspects of the country which includes a unique brand of soca (soul calypso) made internationally popular by an Antiguan band named Burning Flames.

Formed by volcanoes, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda were inhabited as early as 2400 B.C and discovered by explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493. About 170 years later it was colonized by the English who exported tobacco and sugar. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the islands remained the headquarters for the British fleet in the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state in the British Commonwealth in 1981. Volcanic eruptions on nearby Montserrat have caused about 3,000 refugees to settle in Antigua and Barbuda since 1995.

Most inhabitants of this country are of African descent, although a minority of English, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrian descendants are still active in business and commerce, with an 89% adult literacy rate. Major industries are Clothing, Cotton Production, Electronic Component Assembly, Food Processing, Fishing and Tourism.

 

2011 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
01-Jan	New Year's Day	04-Jul	Caricom Day (substitute day)
22-Apr	Good Friday	01-Nov	Independence Day
24-Apr	Easter Sunday	09-Dec	National Heroes Day
25-Apr	Easter Monday	25-Dec	Christmas Day
02-May	Labour Day	26-Dec	Boxing Day
13-Jun	Whit Monday

 

 

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temp (C)	28	28	29	30	31	31	31	31	32	31	29	28
Average Rainfall (mm)	122	86	112	89	97	112	155	183	168	196	180	140

 

Although drier than most other Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda have a tropical climate with low humidity. The islands are tempered by sea breezes and trade winds. The hot season is between May to November. The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. 

 

GMT -5 (GMT -4 in summer)

Fort James

A small fort at the north side of St John's Harbour, was first built in 1675, but most of the present structure dates from 1739. It still has a few of its original 36 cannons, a powder magazine and a fair portion of its walls intact.

Carlisle Beach

This expanse of beach, located on the southwestern coast of Antigua, is endowed with transparent waters and fine sand, making it excellent snorkelling territory. As you paddle around, gaze at a remarkably diverse array of tropical fish. Guests of the Curtain Bluff Hotel frequent this spot, as it is adjacent to the resort. Although the beach is close to a hotel, it is rarely very crowded. The more popular tourist destinations are farther away.

English Harbour

Unquestionably the biggest tourist draw on the island, this town is steeped in history. Its key is Nelson's Dockyard, dating to 1743 and presently a port of entry. Under the management of Antigua's National Parks system, the site contains hotels, shops, restaurants, a museum and more. Tours are available several times daily. Apart from the dockyard, there are forts and the village itself to explore. Public buses stop at the entrance to the dockyard regularly.

Fig Tree Drive

This route provides unexpectedly lush rainforest scenery in otherwise dry Antigua. Pick up the road just past the town of Liberta heading west. Only a small sign marks the turnoff, and the road is unnamed. But within minutes, you'll be deep in the jungle! The thick tropical vegetation is dotted with shanty houses, many selling fruits, homemade jams and pepper sauces.

Potworks Reservoir

Believed to be the largest body of freshwater in the Eastern Caribbean, the Potworks Reservoir is a delight for birdwatchers, especially along this coast. Snow egrets, West Indian whistling ducks, cattle, egrets and osprey make their homes here.

Driving is on the left.

The national speed limit is 65kph (40mph) and there is a limit of 32kph (20mph) in built-up areas.

Most roads are all-weather and in reasonable condition, although they lack road markings. Few streets are lit at night.

In order to drive a vehicle on the island it is necessary to buy a temporary local driver's licence from a police station or car hire agency, which is valid for six months.

East Caribbean dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. Notes: from 5 to 100 dollars. Coins:from 1 cent to 1 dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist hotels and shops, as are US dollars.

Health insurance is strongly recommended as medical treatment is expensive.

There are several GPs on the island as well as one hospital and one private clinic.

The principal medical facility on Antigua is Holberton Hospital, on Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. John's (tel. 268/462-0251).

The private hospital is Adelin Medical Centre, Fort Road, St. John's (tel. 268/462-0866).

Recompression chambers are on nearby Saba and St Thomas (travel by air ambulance).

Please note: Adelin Medical Centre will not accept medical travel insurance in payment for treatment. A deposit must be paid of US$4,000 by credit card.

10% is included on hotel bills for staff gratuities, plus government tax. Taxi drivers expect 10% of the fare.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised.

Taxis are marked with a letter H on a green number plate. There are standard rates for standard trips—inquire in advance. The bus is cheap but the schedules are strictly informal.

Mon-Thurs 08:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00pm; Friday 08:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00pm. Bank of Antigua is open on Saturdays.

220 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style 2-pin plugs are used.

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