Antigua Vacations

Activities & Sports
An incredible array of water sports can be practised on Antigua. Windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, diving and deep sea fishing are all popular. Several marinas offer boating or sailing excursions. These include the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Catamaran Marina, Jolly Harbour Marina and St. James's Club Marina. If you would like to attempt something new, then try kite surfing. Here you really solely on the power of the wind to propel your board.

Scuba diving enthusiast will rejoice in Antigua and Barbuda. One of the islands best diving spot is Cape Shirley where large rocks, coral reefs, ledges and overhangs make for a perfect setting. Rendez vous Reef is quite spectacular, as are Willoughby Bay and Cades Bay Reef, officially designated as a national marine park. There are 73 charted shipwrecks in the waters as well.

If you like your sports on the drier side, then you can enjoy a game of tennis, squash, volleyball, cricket, badminton or a horse-back ride. There are two golf courses available, the Cedar Valley Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 70, championship course and the Jolly Harbour Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 71. There is also a small 9-hole course on Barbuda.

Dining & Nightlife
On Antigua there are many types of restaurants to be found with lovely architectural details, such as intimate bistros, seaside terraces and garden-styled courtyards. Seafood and Caribbean restaurants abound. There are also several Italian, French, Indian, Chinese places, and English pubs.

For local delicacies, try Coconut Grove, George, Papa Zouk and Sticky Wicket. If on Barbuda, head to Palm Tree Restaurant where locally caught fish is served with a delicious Creole sauce.

Shopping
Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay offer duty free bargains on items like crystal, china, linen, perfume and jewellery. These two places are located in St-John's. Other shops on the island can be found at Jardine's Court Shopping Plaza or Jolly Harbour Villa Resort & Marina.

The Antigua Public Market is a great experience with local charm. Fresh, tropical fruits and vegetables, spices, tea bushes and local pottery are sold here.

Harmony Hall is a restored plantation that has been turned into art galleries and craft shops, and hosts a craft fair every November.

Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 5 hours
Montreal: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

Languages: English
Currency: Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Travelers checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Climate: Average temperatures of 24 - 29C
Electricity: Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages available.

Documents: Canadian citizens require a valid passport. All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

Note: The departure tax payable by tourists when leaving Antigua is US$ 20.00 or EC$ 50.00.

For more information contact:

The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism toll free at 1-800-446-3942.

Email: info@antigua-barbuda-ca.com

Visit http://www.antigua-barbuda.org.