ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOLIDAYS

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SAFETY & SECURITY TIPS

2010-01-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

Generally Antigua & Barbuda is a safe holiday destination. Crime still makes the front pages of the newspapers whereas in other countries it rarely makes the paper at all. However, it does not matter where you go in the world, if you do not take care, criminals will seek you out but with a little thought and preparation you can avoid becoming a victim. Holidays are a time for relaxing. We often drink more than we would at home. Our guard is down. Why not? We are on holiday. We sometimes go into areas we would never dream of going to at home and, perhaps worst of all, we may dabble in a few recreational drugs (in almost every beach of antigua someone will offer you some drugs). The dealers may appear to be very friendly but we forget that these people are operating outside the law. Antigua's marinas are well protected with security guards and anyone working on the docks is obliged to have a recognised security pass but it would be ridiculous to suggest you should sit on your yacht all day in the safety of a marina. The vast majority of the time you are perfectly safe on the streets but a few precautions should be considered. At night, walk on well lit streets. Avoid dark corners and alleys. Always walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic unless the other side of the street is better lit.

SAILING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

2009-08-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Antigua can rightly claim to be the yachting centre of the Caribbean. Numerous sailing initiatives which began here have now been copied by many other Caribbean islands, and the island is a major international sailing destination. First in Antigua was the Charter Yacht Show, which this year celebrates its 48th anniversary. Begun by the Nicholson family in 1961, the show, now run by marine industry representatives, attracts up to one hundred yachts of sizes from 50 to 300 foot each year. The water depth in Antigua's marinas means that it's able to cater for many deep draft yachts, for which marinas on other islands are inaccessible. The CYS is a spectacular start to Antigua's yachting season, with brokers and exhibitors from all over the world converging on Antigua for the event. Inaugurated in Antigua 41 years ago was the annual sailing regatta, Sailing Week. The Sailing Week commences in april. The regatta was conceived as a means to boost the length of the holiday season in Antigua to benefit of the hotels but, over the years, it has transformed into an attraction in its own right.

ANTIGUA ECO TOURS

2009-08-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Despite huge environmental changes over the last few hundred years Antigua and Barbuda has many pristine areas for the visitors to explore. In particular, Antigua's North Sound and Barbuda's Lagoon remain unchanged. The North Sound stretches from Prickly Pear Island, just off hodges bay to Guiana Island which borders the Atlantic in the east. The area consists of around 20 little islands nestled between amazing reefs and beautiful mangrove wetlands. Exploring the area can take a lifetime, as there are an infinite number of bays and inlets. Long Island, also called Jumby Bay, the only inhabited island, has an eco-system which has remained practically unchanged over time: in the south there is an abundance of mangrove trees. Mangroves have their root systems in the salt water and serve as a nursery for many species of fish and for crabs and lobsters. To the east of Long Island, within the coral reef itself, is a vast area of ocean with a sandy bottom.

BARBUDA - THE PINK ISLAND

2009-08-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

Barbuda lies 20 minutes by plane or 90 minutes by ferry to the north of Antigua. Its 160 sq.km. is edged with reef-enclosed beaches of pink or white sand. The interior of the island is mainly scrubland and is practically uninhabited, with the few villages connected mostly by dirt roads. It is not uncommon to meet donkeys or cows wandering placidly among them. The community owns the land and no one can sell or buy it, only rent it for limited periods. Fences that surround homes, vegetable gardens and orchards are only there to protect against wild animals. Codrington, a little cluster of houses, is the island's capital. Other points of interest are the 18th-century Martello Tower, and Two Feet Bay where you can see a complex of caves with ancient Arawak drawings. Barbuda is an island of beaches; the most beautiful runs from Palmetto Point to Cedar Tree Point, a 30-km stretch of white sand which glows pink at sunrise thanks to the millions of tiny shells thrown up by the sea. Sand colour varies every day depending on the moods of the wind and the sea. In this tropical paradise visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary where you can see these spectacular water birds nesting in the mangroves in one of the world's biggest lagoons. Terns, petrels, pelicans, fish hawks, wild duck, moorhen and heron can be spotted on the coast, while cows, sheep, horses, donkeys, wild pigs, deer and guinea-fowl roam freely over the island. Around the island's reefs is a natural museum created by more than 300 shipwrecks, home to thousands of exotically coloured tropical fish.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA FISHING

2009-08-06T16:30:00.001-07:00

Several methods of fishing work in Antigua and Barbuda, depending on what kind of gear you have and where you gan get to. The most popular type for visitors is the deep sea variety. Larger pelagic fish like blue marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, kingfish, sailfish and others can be found this way, aboard one of the many boats offering charters. Also popular amongst visitors is light tackle inshore fishing, including fly fishing. Little lures, which can be as small as a bee, are cast in shallow waters where some fish congregate to feed or lay eggs. This method is quite challenging and rewarding for those people who like areas off the beaten track: Barbuda has excellent inshore fishing, as do areas on the north of Antigua. There are several guides that can help you find fish this way. The third option is what we call "bottom fishing", which can be done from either a boat or from the shore: you get a hook, some bait and sinker, throw your line over the side, and wait. If you are in a good spot you may get a delicious snapper for dinner. Otherwise, you will have a relaxing day in the fresh air, in a wonderful island.

ANTIGUA WATER SPORTS

2009-08-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Take one small island. Sprinkle the edges with 365 beautiful beaches. Surround it in azure-blue seas. Then add a smattering of coral reef with the appropriate accompanying flora and fauna. What do you have?. The perfect recipe for water sports. Wether it's the adrenaline rush or the scenic vistas that tickles your fancy, the choices are many. Scuba diving or snorkelling amongst the coral reefs and the surrounding seas is an incredible way to see fish and other sea creatures in their own habitat. Mant places will allow you to dive if you are already certified, but it is possible to find both padi and naui qualified instructors if you are a learner; English and Jolly Harbours are the best places to look for diving schools. Snorkelling is possible from any beach if you have the equipment, but even better if you find a boat to take you further out: many hotels and other beach establishments offer dedicated snorkelling trips, where they take you to the areas of coral reef where you are likely to have the most spectacular experience and can tell you about the plants and animals that you see. Though only in specific places, it is possible to find a jet-ski on which to slice through the waves. Again, Jolly Harbour is a good place to start, but they are also available at Dickenson Bay. On the east side of the island you can go kayaking with Paddles, as well as swim with the stingrays at Stingray City. There are many locations, at the beachfront hotels and independently at some of the beaches around the island, where you can learn to windsurf, use a small laser sailing boat, or try out water-skiing or wakeboarding. If you're already a pro, you can take them out for a spin on your own, and in many of the all-inclusive hotels is free of charge. You might find a relaxing pedalo, or go for the rather more energetic and adrenaline-fuelled kiteboarding and paddleboarding.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA BEACHES

2009-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Antigua is known for having 365 beaches; Barbuda for its fine pink and white sand. As a pair, yhey offer unparalleled opportunities to discover the range of beauty that mat be revealed by the combination of sand and sea. The eastern coasts of the islands face the Atlantic Ocean, and so east-facing beaches are rougher: no huge swells, but enough for sports which require some tidal movement. The calm beaches are exactly that: there's barely movement of the water, and so little sand is disturbed that in some cases you can still see your toes when you're submerged up to your neck. For relaxing, playing, competing, reading, swimming, dozing, dipping, snorkelling or paddling, you won't find anywhere that approaches nature's most perfect and versatile arena. There are so many shades of azure and turquoise, dictated by the many depths of water and what lies beneath, be it seaweed, rocks, or coral reef. In Antigua there are several beaches which to find you would probably need a guide and a four-wheel drive vehicle or boat, but many are far more accessible and even visible from the road as you drive around the island. If you ask a taxi driver nicely you may even receive the greatest of honours - he might take you to his favourite beach.

DARKWOOD
On the road between Jolly Harbour and Johnson's Point, this long white beach boasts a wealth of stunning colours. It is very popular with the locals who come here mainly on saturdays and sundays. There is also a small restaurant and bar.

JOHNSON'S POINT
This long beach is on the southwest tip of the island. You can buy a snack or relax with a drink at Turner's, a local restaurant. A little further along the beach is OJ's bar & restaurant, an excellent place to sample fresh fish and lobster at reasonable prices, and other lovely restaurants.

GALLEY BAY
Facing the west, this is the ideal place for surfing fans. Althought one end of the beach has a very calm sea, perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is reached from Five Islands Village.

RENDEZVOUS BAY
Perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua, it can be reached along a path that leads from the rain forest. The walk will take one and a half hours. Other options to reach this beach are by boat or a 4x4 vehicle from Spring Hill Riding Club.

HALF MOON BAY
It's situated on the east coast and takes its name from its distinctive shape. It is an ideal place for body surfing or you can swim in the calm waters on the left hand side of the beach. it is a popular beach with the locals who visit it mainly at weekends.

FRYES BAY
Situated on the southwest coast, Fryes Bay lies alongside the road between Jolly Harbour and Johnson's Point. It is accessible along 300 metres of road. There are no bars or restaurants so bring water and a picnic.

LONG BAY
Beyond Devil's Bridge, is protected by reefs and is excellent for swimming.

CARLISLE BAY
This lovely beach is reached from the village of Old Road.

PIGEON BEACH
It is situated in the English Harbour area at the end of a short dirt road that runs behind the Antigua Yacht Club. The beach slopes gently down into crystal-clear waters.

HAWKSBILL
On the west coast and accessible through the Hawksbill Beach Hotel is a series of four beaches. The third beach is the island's only nude beach.

DICKENSON BAY
The most famous beach on the island, fronts several big hotels. Here you can practice water sports and in the evening the beach becomes a popular meeting place.

FORT BAY AND FORT JAMES
Is the nearest beach to St.John's and takes its name from the king who reigned at the time the fort was built.

JOLLY BEACH
Is almost entirely taken up with the resort hotel of the same name. The public entrance is just behind the main entrance to the complex.

RUNAWAY BAY
On the northwest coast of the island, not far from St.John's, Runaway Bay is a long white beach set against the turquoise sea.

DUTCHMAN'S BAY
Is near the airport. It is protected by a reef and is popular with windsurfers.

DEEP BAY
Near St.John's is a lovely beach within easy walking distance of the capital.

JABBERWOCK BEACH
A beautiful spot on the north of the island ideal for kite surfing.

ANTIGUA'S FLORA AND FAUNA

2009-07-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda has a very interesting and distinct ecological makeup. Keeping in mind that the country is actually made up of two larger islands and an unusually substantial collection of smaller ones, one can understand why the fascinating and different environments come together into something that is so beautifully unique in the Caribbean. Beginning with a geographical description of the country gives one a better idea as to why the natural side of the country is so fascinating. Firstly the two main islands: Antigua and Barbuda sit on the same continental shelf with about 26 miles of shallow waters connecting them. On either side of the islands and their connecting shelf the water drops off into abyss-like depths which contain a massive variety of life. Many people forget about Redonda, which is a small island about 30 miles west of Antigua and also part of the country. It sits on its own continental shelf, and makes up the triangular territorial and ecological zone connecting Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The three islands are different to each other in almost every respect. Antigua is made up of limestone and volcanic rock, with a slice of clay between them; having both limestone and volcanic rock on the same island is unusual, and helps give it unique habitats. Barbuda is entirely made up of limestone rocks, with nothing on the island more than 38 metres above sea level. Caves, beaches and mangrove habitats provide a wealth of ecology that has yet to be properly documented. Redonda is the most unusual in terms of its geographic makeup, and is simply a huge volcanic mass of rocks pushing up from the sea. With its steep rocky cliffs and high top it supports a very interesting variety of plants and animals, its bird life being the most impressive. Antigua is the largest island within the country. There are more bays and coves than any other in the Caribbean, and they say we even have 365 beaches. In the south, volcanic, side of the island the landscape is hillier, and with that there is usually more rain. This has led to very different territorial ecosystems, with one area called Fig Tree Drive being described as rainforest. Visitors can take taxi and jeep tours through the area to get a better look at some of the lush and tropical vegetation that one would expect in a rainforest. Although there are no perennial streams or rivers, you will see some little ones in that area during wetter periods. The north and east of Antigua have been carved from limestone rock, and with that you will see many reefs, rocks and little islands offshore. There are few places in the Caribbean that have nearly as many offshore islands as Antigua. Quite a few of these islands are large enough to be habitable, one of which is the private Long Island, also known as Jumby Bay. Long Island is one of many protected from the Atlantic within the North Sound, which is a large area enveloped in the calm waters provided by barrier reefs and islands. One of the most ecologically important islands is Great Bird Island, which didn't get its name by accident: a large and diverse variety of migratory and indigenous birds spend time there, nesting and roosting at different time of the year. Particularly interesting are the Red Billed Tropic Birds, which only nest on rocky windward facing cliffs that have caves. The windward ledge of the island includes numerous small caves, and during the winter you will see these beautiful birds coming in to land and take shelter there. Apart from the feathered animals on Great Bird Island, there are many other creatures to look out for if you visit. One such, which you may not be lucky enough to see, is the Antigua Racer. The racer is a totally harmless, non-venomous grass snake which is one of the rarest animals on the planet. It was found only on Great Bird Island, and when the first proper scientific study was conducted in 1995, only 60 of these animals were accounted for - that was the world's population of Antigua snakes!. Much has been done for the little guys since then, and you may be lucky enough to see one some day. Nearby is Rabbit Island - where you won't find a single rabbit. Instead, there are many more birds, including the local brown pelicans which nest during the early summer months. Another few hundred metres to the south is Antigua's largest offshore island, Guiana Island, with its vast expanse of mangrove habitat. There are several types of mangrove plants, the red variety which sends its long roots into the sea being most important for juvenile fish, crabs, lobster and other aquatic life. Much of the sea life you will find in the waters surrounding the country's territorial zone is sustained by mangrove habitats, which is where a huge variety of sea life has its beginnings. If you are into diving or taking boat tours you are sure to see a plethora of sea life and maybe even lucky enough to get a glimpse of dolphins frolicking in the pristine waters.

TURTLE WATCHING IN ANTIGUA

2009-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Antigua's Jumby Bay (one of Antigua's offshore islands) has one of the longest running turtle projects in the world, having been established over 20 years ago. Although hawksbills are the predominant species here, there are also some leatherbacks; the hawksbills are indigenous to the Caribbean and unusually remain within the region, whilst the leatherbacks migrate through the Americas and African waters. On the mainland the program is only in its third year, so less is known about the populations there. Research is being undertaken by the local Environmental Awareness Group to locate the nesting beaches and to work out how many turtles there are here, so there are regular beach patrols and a turtle hotline which anyone can call if they spot a turtle in distress. Hawksbills prefer to nest in vegetation, so will walk up the beach until they find some. The turtle will then make a body pit, a dip in the sand the size of her body, and once she is happy with that she will begin to dig a proper hole. For this she uses her back flippers, and digs a fairly deep, slanting cavity. When all is to her satisfaction she will deposit her eggs, usually 100 to 150, each about the size of a ping pong ball. They are made of a flexible material, so they don't break when they fall into the hole or from the weight of sand under which they later lie. While laying the turtle goes into an almost trance-like state (which is when the observers will tag her, count her eggs etc.). Afterwards, she will fill in the hole, and then move sand around in an attempt to disguise the nest, keeping it safe from predators. Then she walks away, using the light at the horizon to find her way back to the sea. The whole process will have taken up to an hour and a half. The eggs incubate for two months, keeping moist and warm under the sand. It is estimated that about 70% of them will hatch, hatchlings digging their way out of the sand and running for the water. An adult female will nest each two to three years, and lay about five times in a nesting season. It would seem that there should be plenty of turtles around, but there is another factor: they do not reach their sexual maturity until between 24 and 40 years old. They need to survive that long in order to start laying, and it is estimated that only one in 3000 will make it, so taking 10 years from the first nesting for a turtle to replace herself (i.e. have one hatchling who will reach sexual maturity). It is especially important to preserve the nesting places of these extraordinary creatures as it has recently been discovered, through the use of satellite tagging (tags which transmit a signal tracked by satellite), that a turtle will often return to the beach where she was born to lay her own eggs. As males don't return to shore they don't get tagged, so much less is known about them. During your stay in Antigua you can see these incredible creatures for yourself by turtle-watching with the EAG. They organise regular watches on Jumby Bay or the mainland throughout the nesting season, March until November, with a maximum of ten people on each watch. The groups watch from 6.30pm to 11pm for the female turtles to come up onto the beach to lay their eggs, and meanwhile learn a great deal about them.

HISTORY OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

2009-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Caribbean archipelago, in the Middle Ages, was occupied by Amerindians; first the Arawaks and then the Caribs. At that time, the two islands now known as Antigua and Barbuda were called Waladli (or Wadadli; the spelling is uncertain) and Wa'omoni. The Arawaks arrived and settled on Waladli between 100 and 1100 AD, creating an agricultural society which lasted for over a thousand years. A great deal is known of them due to artwork which has been recovered from archaeological digs, reflecting their religious beliefs and everyday life. The second period of the Amerindian phase began with the arrival of the Caribs, between 1200 and 1400 AD. They very soon made themselves rulers of the entire Eastern Caribbean, and in doing so destroyed the Arawak civilisation and converted Waladli into an outpost of their major political centres on W'tukubli (Dominica) and Liamaiga (St.Kitts). Wa'omoni was claimed by the Amerindians but never permanently settled. The modern period in Waladli and Wa'omoni began with the arrival of the Europeans, who renamed the islands. As colonies of England, Antigua and Barbuda was not always a single political unit: Edward Warner colonised Antigua for Britain in 1632, whilst Christopher Codrington, an Antiguan planter, acquired all of Barbuda through a lease from the British government. These first decades of European rule introduced three major changes in Antigua that ended its status as a Carib outpost. The first was the destruction of Carib power in spite of great resistance, the second, the establishing of a sugarcane-growing economy, and the third the introduction of African slaves to be the workers on these sugar plantations. The Africans were primarly Akan, Yoruba, and Ba Kongo. They brought with them their religious beliefs and everyday practices that would leave permanent imprints on the cultures of both Antigua and Barbuda, for instance, Akan words such as nyam (eat) are still part of the Creole languages of Antigua and Barbuda. Consequently, the population of Antigua came to consist of a small number of Europeans that peaked at 5,200 in 1724, and a much larger number of West Africans. Because of its geography, Barbuda never became a sugar-growing economy, but was a supplier of labour and resources to the Codrington plantations in Antigua. As colonial and slave society, Antigua and Barbuda, still legally separate, were plagued by two sets of conflicts: there were policy differences with political elites in London, and then came the resistance of the slave population. Thus, in 1736, a large group of slaves crowned Mr.Court as their king and plotted to overthrow the colonial government and take control of Antigua. This was the first major envisioning of a postcolonial Antiguan nation. Another major uprising occurred in 1831, just three years before the end of slavery. The strong drive for freedom which defines modern Antigua comes out of this political history of resistance. The abolition of slavery in 1834 marked a new phase in the difficult, but heroic struggle to found a postcolonial Antigua, starting with the formation of villages with revealing names such as Freetown, Freemansville and Liberta. An independent peasant economy was projected as an alternative to the sugar plantation. However, the resistance that this alternative elicited from the planters resulted in its curtailment and further uprising by ex-slaves aspiring to be independent peasants or modern workers. It was after the uprising of 1858 that, in 1860, the colonial office annexed Barbuda to Antigua, making the two islands a political and legal unit for the first time. The continuation of this struggle into the 20th century led to the birth of a modern trade union movement in Antigua and Barbuda. This movement became the popular base for the rise of modern political parties and demands for national independence. Independence from Britain finally came in 1981 with V.C.Bird, one of the leaders of the trade union movement,as the first Prime Minister. A democratic state was created, with regular elections every five years and a government much more responsive to the needs of the masses that it was during the colonial period. And by this time, the economy of Antigua and Barbuda had completed a historic shift out of sugar to become a tourism-centred service economy, with steady increases in annual economic growth.