Antigua & Barbuda Tourism & Visitor Guide
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Welcome to Antigua & Barbuda!
Part of the British Empire until 1981 when it became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda possesses a culture greatly influenced by England, especially apparent in its national sport: Cricket. The majority of the population is descendent of West African slaves brought to the island to work the large-scale sugar plantations over the 18th Century. Slavery was abolished in 1834 and the nation celebrates with a flamboyant 10-day carnival every year.
Located in the Leeward Islands, where the Caribbean Sea meets the North Atlantic Ocean, Antigua and Barbuda is composed of two main islands—Antigua being the larger and home to the capital city of St John’s—and numerous smaller islets. Renowned for its hundreds of secluded beaches, Antigua and Barbuda typically attracts discerning tourists, including the rich and famous. The islands boast shimmering coral reefs and copious shipwrecks to the delight of divers and snorkelers, and are a boater’s heaven, too; Sailing has been part of the culture for centuries and English Harbour hosts one of the world’s foremost regattas. Plentiful relics from the sugar era remain for visitors to explore. Numerous stone cane-processing mills today serve as restaurants, shops and even homes, and Antigua’s first sugar plantation, Betty’s Hope, touts a fully restored mill. While Antigua is indeed tranquil, staunch escapists will be drawn to Barbuda. Almost entirely undeveloped—bar a handful of accommodations—Barbuda boasts the biggest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean, and true serenity.