Itineraries for Your Trip to Antigua and Barbuda
3 Days in Antigua and Barbuda for First Timers
Three days is plenty of time to soak up some sun on your favorite stretch of sand on beach-lined Antigua. Explore the island’s history and heritage, enjoy some outdoor adventure, and venture to the neighboring island of Barbuda. Read on for tips that'll help you make the most of your three days in Antigua and Barbuda.
Prepare for occasional tropical showers, especially during rainy season (June to November).
Car rentals are popular for exploring both islands, but keep in mind cars drive on the left side.
Get oriented this morning with a cultural sightseeing tour around the island. Maximize your time with a round-island sightseeing safari, with stops at Betty’s Hope, Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, and a local donkey sanctuary, or opt for a historic walking tour of St. John’s, Antigua’s capital city.
Now that you have the lay of the land, take the afternoon to experience one of Antigua’s many outdoor adventures; options include hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, or off-road adventures by buggy. For something a bit more relaxed, opt for a Caribbean cooking class or guided food tour around St. John’s. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the weekly barbecue party at Shirley Heights, where locals and tourists gather for an evening of Antiguan live music, food, rum-infused drinks, and dancing well into the night.
Locals will tell you that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year, and while that might be a bit of an exaggeration (there are about 50), it would be a shame to leave the island without some time on the beach and in the water. Grab a beach towel and find your favorite stretch of sand today, or head out on a beach-hopping excursion around the island by boat.
Antigua offers abundant opportunities for water sports as well, so consider trying one out this afternoon; rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the waters of Dickenson Bay, embark on a guided jet ski tour of the coast, or get a closer look at the underwater world while snorkeling at Cades Reef. In the evening, head to one of Antigua’s many local restaurants to sample the flavors of the Caribbean.
A 90-minute ferry ride aboard a catamaran brings you to Barbuda, Antigua’s undeveloped and little-visited sister island. On a day tour to the island, you’ll be able to explore the caves of Two Foot Bay, soak up the sun on Princess Diana Beach, snorkel above the colorful reefs at Coral Bay, and tour a mangrove forest by boat for a chance to spot nesting frigate birds. Most tours also include lunch at a local beach bar. Plan for an early start and a long day of exploration, followed by a quiet dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
