Antigua and Barbuda

These stunning islands have many picturesque harbours and are known for their white, palm fringed sandy beaches. The protective, surrounding coral reef and steady trade winds offer perfect sailing conditions in this warm and tropical climate. Anchor at the nearby Great Bird Island, Hell’s Gate Island, Green Island or Maiden Island before sailing the 30 nm north to the rugged and peaceful island of Barbuda.

Remaining untouched by tourism this is the perfect place to unwind and relax amongst real natural beauty. Barbuda has wild beaches that are scattered with shells and drift wood and clear blue water teaming with marine life and one of the largest colonies of Frigate birds in the world. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere in the few quaint restaurants and bars before returning to Antigua.

English Harbour is the historic district in Antigua and served as a British Naval base in the late 18th Century. Today you can moor stern-to at the famous Nelson’s Dockyard and go ashore to experience some of Antigua’s history. St John’s is the capital of Antigua and here you will find the local markets, duty free shopping and craft shops. If you are looking for something lively then head to Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, located in St Mary, on the west side of Antigua.

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Leeward Islands on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. With miles of powdery white and pink sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters the islands are a perfect place to spend a peaceful and relaxing sailing holiday.

Weather Conditions

Climate

General weather for Antigua

Antigua has a typical Caribbean climate. The Caribbean Sea is warm throughout the year and highs are around 28-31°C (82-88°F) with lows of 18-21°C (64-70°F). Rainfall is heaviest between June and November, when there is also a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. North-east facing coasts and mountains have the worst of the rainfall.

Average Conditions - Antigua:

Current Forecast:

Antigua Yacht Club

Day	Temp	Wind	Wave	Vis	Weather
Tue 23rd	31°C	17 kts	5.8 ft	9 km
Wed 24th	31°C	18 kts	5.8 ft	10 km
Thu 25th	30°C	19 kts	6.3 ft	10+  km
Fri 26th	30°C	20 kts	6.8 ft	10+  km
Sat 27th	31°C	13 kts	5.2 ft	7 km

Weather Forecast by Weather2

General Information

Getting There by Air: Antigua & Barbuda does not have its own national airline but many airlines do operate regular direct flights there. British Airways (website: www.britishairways.com) flies from the UK and Delta (website: www.delta.com) flies from the USA. Many other airlines operate inter-Caribbean flights. Some require connections.

Approximate Flight Times: From London to St John’s is 8 hours and from New York is 4 hours.

Main Airports: VC Bird International (ANU), formerly Coolidge International, located on the northeast corner of Antigua, is 8km (5 miles) northeast of St John’s. The airport provides access to major international centers, such as Frankfurt/M, London, Miami, Montréal, New York and Toronto, with feeder services to all the Eastern Caribbean islands, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.To/from the airport: Taxi services run to the town and hotels on a fixed-fare basis (journey time - 10 to 15 minutes). Taxi drivers expect 10% of the fare, and dockside and airport porters expect US$0.50-1 per bag. Airport shuttles may be booked in advance. There is no public transport to or from the airport. Facilities: Full outgoing duty-free shopping, restaurant, bar, 24-hour ATM, post office, car hire and currency exchange.

Departure Tax: EC$50 or US$20. EC$35 for nationals of CARICOM countries. EC$25 for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda. Children under 16 are exempt.

Passports: Passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay required by all nationals referred to above and must contain one blank page for the issuance of the visa.

Visas: Not required by all for stays of up to one month by nationals referred to above. Additionally not requird for transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or next connecting aircraft providing they hold a valid onward or return documentation and are not leaving the airport.

Electricity: 220/110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style, two-pin plugs are used.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US currency is accepted almost everywhere. The EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency Exchange: Although the EC Dollar is tied to the US Dollar, exchange rates will vary at different exchange establishments. There are international banks in St John’s, and Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged at hotels and in the larger shops.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. ATMs are available in major resorts.

Telephone: Country code: 268.

Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Unregistered roaming is available – visitors with TDMA handsets can make calls without registering, provided they can give a credit card number.

Internet: Available in large cities and resorts.

Post: Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1600.

Language: English is the official language. English patois is widely spoken.