ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA

ANTIGUA

The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht cruising and racing, with constant trade winds, and many harbors for exploration. One can easily spend a week cruising around these picturesque islands. English Harbor and Jolly Harbor make ideal yacht headquarters. Two regattas take place towards the end of April - Classic Yacht Regatta and the larger Sailing Week, which has become one of the top three regattas in the world.

BARBUDA

Barbuda is one of the best beach destinations in the Caribbean; it has unspoilt beaches on all sides of the island. Usually you will be alone on the beach, except on the hotel beaches. Hotel beaches are open to all visitors as long as non-guests keep to the waterline.

CLIMATE IN ANTIGUA/BARBUDA

Temperatures average 24°C (75°F) in January and 29°C (84°F) in July, with cooling trade winds from the east and northeast. Rainfall averages 117 cm (46 in) per year; September through November is the wettest period. The islands have been subject to periodic droughts and to autumn hurricanes.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

All nationalities must hold confirmed onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their period of intended stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Americans: US citizens require a passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.

UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months.

Canadians: Canadians require a passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.

Australians: Australians require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.

South Africans: South African nationals must hold a passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to one month.

Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport. A visa is not necessary for stays of up to one month.

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport. A visa is not needed for a stay of up to one month.

THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA/BARBUDA

• Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, the great majority resting inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean coast. Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, located along the island's developed northwestern coast, are the places to go for those who want the fully-loaded resort beach experience, complete with reggae music and busy bars. The beaches most conveniently situated near St John's are Fort James and Deep Bay, both of which offer good swimming and snorkeling. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and joggers during the evening, and the series of four crescent beaches at Hawksbill, one of which is nudist, are also highly regarded. The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St John's. Rendezvous Bay and Doigs Beach are especially quiet and worth the rough travel necessary to reach them. Pigeon Point, near English Harbor, is a convenient spot after a day's sightseeing at Nelson's Dockyard. On the southeast corner of the island is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and a good choice for a family outing. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families, as it is completely protected by its reef.

• At Two Foot Bay and in other areas of the island there are huge caves to explore. In one are ancient cave drawings and in others it is possible to climb right through to the top of the Highlands and see for miles. Other caves go underground and underwater and require expert knowledge to explore them. Darby Cave is an extraordinary example of a sink hole and popular with visitors. It takes approximately 45 minutes to walk there from Highland House. In very dry weather the salt ponds sparkle with crystalline sea salt that is still harvested here. A bush safari will delight bird watchers and nature lovers, stopping for a picnic in the shade and a swim in the sea.

• Diving. Around the coast of Barbuda there are many wrecks from different periods of the island's history. There are experienced divers on the island who can guide visitors to the wrecks and it is possible to hire scuba diving equipment. Wrecks are often in dangerous water and it is important to seek local advice before attempting to explore them.

• Fishing. As there are many fishermen and women on the island it is always possible to go fishing, either out at sea or in the calm lagoon water. Many people have boats and will take visitors for fishing trips, bringing home barracuda, shark, tuna, and other types of local fish. Catching lobster is also relatively easy as they are a specialty of the island and can be caught by hand or in specially crafted fish pots.

• Frigate Bird Sanctuary. One of the main tourist attractions is the Magnificent Frigate Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Codrington Lagoon. It is a forty-minute boat ride and is a spectacular sight even for non-bird watchers. In the mating season from September to April this rare bird displays a huge red breast to attract a female mate and they lay one egg on a nest, built precariously on the mangrove. These birds cannot walk or swim; they soar high in the clouds and live solely on fish, which they often steal from other birds, giving them their local name Man'o'war. They have few predators here and this nesting site is one of the most important in the world for these endangered birds.