Antigua & Barbuda
February 16 - February 22, 20212 (7D6N or 6D5N): This Caribbean country comprises two namesake islands and several smaller ones. While Antigua has recovered significantly since Hurricane Irma in 2017, Barbuda, where the eye of the hurricane passed directly over, has yet recovered. Antigua, known for its 365 beaches, you can’t go wrong with finding one that suits your needs. We spent seven days on the island while working remotely. But I’ve curated an itinerary that you can relax and see the island in 6 days, or extend it while working remotely if you prefer to.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1
Afternoon arrival in ANU from JFK (~4hrs direct via AA)
Pick-up rental car from Hertz (SKIP!! We had a terrible experience here)
Check-in @ Airbnb* (Near Peninsula Antigua; beautiful property)
Jolly Harbour:
Snorkeling @ Darkwood Beach (OK to skip as we didn’t see much there)
Ffreyes Beach* (Enjoy the sunset here)
Valley Church Beach* (One of the prettiest beaches in Antigua)
Drinks @ Akropolis
Dinner @ Curry & Tandori House* (A very authentic and delicious Indian cuisine)
Shop @ Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy
Day 2
Kayak & Snorkeling @ Mercers Creek Bay (Depart from Airbnb and Kayak to the first island in the Creek; look for the starfish)
English Harbour:
Lunch @ Catherines Cafe* (Grab the lounge chairs by the sand and enjoy your meal and the beach)
Snorkeling @ Pigeon Point Beach* (Swim towards the pier/underwater pipe to see some marine life)
Dinner @ Trappas* (Try the jerk chicken & curry daily catch)
Day 3
8 am: Take Island Escape ($75 RT; M/W/F 7 am departure) or Barbuda Express Ferry to Barbuda (Text WhatsApp to secure tickets ahead of time; $90 RT; ~1.5-2 hrs; we took Barbuda Express as Island Escape wasn’t available on weekends)
Barbuda:
Grab a taxi from Harry’s (Near the ferry dock)
Lunch @ Uncle Roddy’s* (High-quality cocktails and delicious lobster salad)
Snorkeling @ Princess Diana Beach* (Swim around the rocks by the shore)
3:45pm: Barbuda Express Ferry to Antigua
Walk around Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay @ St. John’s
Shop @ 1st Choice Foods
BBQ @ Airbnb
Day 4
Betty’s Hope (Mon-Sat 9 am-4 pm)
Snorkeling @ Hawksbill Beach*
Eden Beach* (Nude Beach; Enter through the Hawksbill by rex resorts and walk through the gates; free usage of beach chairs)
Swim to Hawksbill Rock (Watch out for sea urchins)
Galley Bay Beach (Take the road that bypasses the resort and park on the side of the street; enter through a gate)
Dinner @ Shirley Heights* (While touristy, it is a must-do! Thursday & Sunday only; Reservation recommended; $10 entrance fee)
Day 5
Long Bay Beach (OK to skip, too crowded and touristy)
Snorkeling @ Half Moon Bay* (Grab five bottles of Wadadli beer for 30EC; hike to other side of the cliff for some amazing views)
Lunch @ Beach Bum Bar & Grill* (Try the fish sandwich)
Snorkeling & sea turtle sighting @ Galleon Beach* (Swim by the rocks; bring water shoes to avoid sea urchins)
Dinner @ Flatties Flame Grill*
Day 6
Stingray City* (A MUST DO!! $60pp; 1.5 hrs; a quick boat ride to a sandbar in the middle of the ocean; beautiful coral reefs)
Priority Pass @ Executive Lounge (Enjoy your drinks outdoor with some Antigua breezes)
Afternoon flight to JFK
Other points of interest & food:
Dickenson Bay
Eat and chill @ Casa Roots - Beach - Food & Drinks
St. John
Jolly Harbour
Eat @ Al Porto
Lunch @ Capt’n Taco
Hike Mount Obama
English Harbour
Eat & chill @ Boom Restaurant
Tips:
Make sure you read up on the COVID-19 testing/entry requirement. In short, vaccinated travelers can get a PCR test within 4 days prior to departure to avoid another arrival test. For NYC residents, you can do so for free @ NYC Express Testing Sites and various CTS mobile testing sites for test results under 24 hrs.
A Rapid Antigen test can be arranged by your Airbnb or hotel to meet the requirement to return to the U.S. We paid $75 to have it done by a nurse and the hospital charges $100.
Amex Centurion Lounge opened up in October 2020 - take advantage of it and visit the speakeasy (1850) if you fly out of JFK T4.
For your first visit, look for accommodations in Dickenson Bay or English Harbour.
A rental car is a must to explore all the beaches on the island. Our Airbnb host recommended Vernon’s Rental and Taxi.
Visa/Mastercard, as well as USD, are accepted on the island but local currency (EC) is preferred at the local gas station.
If you have a late flight to catch, and you can’t have a late check-out, consider booking the Stingray City tour as the place provides shower facilities.
