Everyone vacations in The Caribbean a little differently. For every beach body and lounge lizard, there’s a tropical adventurer ready to find refreshment and relaxation by staying active. The dynamic twin-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda has experiences to satisfy and excite visitors of every vacation persuasion. If you’re the sporty type – or perhaps just adventure-curious – Antigua and Barbuda should be on your radar/bucket list.
Below, we explore a few fun ways to keep active during your trip, and hopefully inspire you to discover entirely new ones.
Sail the Seas
Antigua and Barbuda is reputed as the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean” for good reason. The gentle trade winds and calm turquoise waters provide both stability and thrills, depending on which side of the island you choose to sail. This flexibility makes Antigua and Barbuda a truly world-class destination for both amateur and experienced skippers.
One of the most accessible ways to get your sea legs is to charter a yacht, catamaran, or sloop. An experienced crew will handle all the little details, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights. Providers like Barefoot or Antigua Day Charters are ideal for these more relaxed experiences. Of course, if you relish a more active role, many captains will be happy to help you learn the ins and outs of sailing the seas. Ondeck and the National Sailing Academy offer accredited training and certified courses, letting you discover the thrill of sailing safely.
We would be remiss not to mention Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world’s premier regattas. Each year, yachts, crews, and spectators arrive from all over the world and congregate in English and Falmouth Harbours to participate in the prestigious event. Multihulls, sport boats, cruising and charter boats all have their classes, with some devoted to one-design boats, where theoretically every boat is the same and equal. The fanfare and celebration that accompany Sailing Week make it one of the best times to visit Antigua and Barbuda.
Hike the Heights
Switching gears now to (mostly) dry land, Antigua and Barbuda is an exceptional destination for those looking to enjoy a little hiking in the tropics. Exploring the islands on your own two feet is a uniquely fun and satisfying travel experience, combining the joy of exploration with aerobic exercise. We’d always recommend starting with a hike up Shirley Heights: this iconic vantage provides sweeping panoramic views of Nelson’s Dockyard, the nearby UNESCO-recognized naval facility.
For something a little wilder, head over to Green Castle Hill National Park, in the volcanic uplands of Antigua, near the village of Jennings. The elevation gets a little more challenging here, but it’s worth it to see the megaliths: the striking rock formations said to be set up by indigenous tribes for ritual purposes.
You’ll find incredible views and even more challenge in making the trek up Boggy Peak, Antigua’s highest point. Ascending beyond the tree canopy, you’ll be able to see as far as the neighbouring islands of St. Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat on clear days.
Finally, we have to mention Antigua’s famous rainforest. The locally owned and operated Footsteps Rainforest Hiking Tours offers a guided experience through the lush forest en route to Signal Hill. Take in the verdant greenery and maybe make a few acquaintances amongst Antigua’s trilling bird population, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a photo or even a picnic.
Putt for Birdie
Golf tourism is a quickly growing travel segment, estimated to more than double in value in the next decade. While some might think of Ireland and Scotland as traditional golfing destinations, The Caribbean is quickly becoming an emergent golf travel destination. When you consider the weather and views, it isn’t hard to see why!
Antigua and Barbuda claims two excellent courses in its appeal to globetrotting golfers. Cedar Valley, designed by Ralph Aldridge, originally opened as a 9-hole course in the 1970s. Today, this 18-hole championship course is the golfing gem of the island, stunning players with its well-manicured greens and superior views of the Caribbean Sea. Cedar Valley is notably friendly to players of all skill levels, and is particularly accessible for short-stay visitors, as it offers special rates for cruise arrivals and yacht charters!
Don’t Forget Barbuda!
Beautiful Barbuda, accessible via a quick ferry ride if you’re staying in Antigua, offers an unspoiled environment ideal for staying active. Simply walking across the island in almost any direction is invigorating – the stunning natural environs and wandering goats add welcome excitement to any hike. If you’re in the mood to do a little spelunking, head over to Darby’s Cave, which supports a thriving ecosystem of birds and bats, or the coastal caves at Two Foot Bay, where you can admire ancient petroglyphs.
No trip to Barbuda would be complete without taking a nimble boat into the Codrington Lagoon Frigatebird Sanctuary, where thousands of red-throated avians dance, dive, and trill to entertain curious visitors.
Staying Active in Paradise
While we’ve hopefully whet your appetite for active adventures in Antigua and Barbuda, this is only the most cursory glance at what’s waiting for you. Diving, kayaking, cycling, yoga, and so much more: we’d need to write a novel to cover it all! Thankfully, there’s a handy resource you can consult to make planning your adventure easy. Once you’ve got your running shoes laced up and your water bottle packed.
You can learn more about Antigua and Barbuda at https://www.
