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There is a huge choice of tours and excursions available in Antigua, each providing a different way to discover the depths and true nature of the island. Tours can be broken down into two categories; inland tours that traverse the island and boat tours that explore the island from the sea.
Touring the Island - Inland
Touring Antigua with a local guide is one of the best ways to really absorb its culture and history. The story of Antigua is full of intrigue and a guide well-versed in their local knowledge will often provide a fascinating background at each sightseeing stop.
Antigua taxi drivers, who are also licensed tour guides, will take you on a tour for a pre-negotiated price.
There are many must-see sites on Antigua that most tour operators will include on your trip. The capital of St. John's, with its Anglican cathedral and lively markets, is a natural starting point on any tour.
The twin spires of St. John the Divine dominate the town which shares its name. The original wooden structure was constructed in 1681 and replaced in 1722. In 1843, a great earthquake struck and destroyed the church. In the same year, construction of the present stone building was begun,
with the consecration of the cathedral taking place in 1848. The interior of the cathedral is encased in wood to protect it against damage from hurricane or earthquake, a feature that was put to good use in the earthquake of 1974, and again when Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989.
From St. John's, many tours head southeast to the historical hub of Antigua, English Harbour. Centred around the Nelson's Dockyard National Park, this culture rich area was once the headquarters of Britain's Leeward Island navy.
Chosen back in the 18th Century as the centre for naval operations due to its landlocked basins, it was easy to defend and well protected against tropical storms and hurricanes. As a result a considerable military complex was built here including powder magazines, soldiers' quarters,
extensive fortifications, naval supplies and maintenance facilities and a Georgian Dockyard - the only one of its kind still working today.
Nearby, along an easy nature trail lies Fort Berkeley, set up in 1704 on a short spit of land to protect English Harbour as the area's first line of defence. From here you have a great view of interesting nearby historical sites and natural features.
Easily visible is Clarence House, built as a residence for Prince William Henry. You will also be able to see the Pillars of Hercules, which are at the base of the hill on which Shirley Heights Lookout stands. This curious geological feature gives the impression that the hill rests
on an assortment of sandstone pillars and is well worth climbing to the top! The view is great and you can easily the island of Montserrat to the south west and, on a good day, Guadeloupe to the south.
Indian Town Point offers visitors numerous bird and plant species, and scenic hiking trails, as well a Devil's Bridge, a natural limestone arch created by the action of the surf over countless years. When the sea is running, the waves, surf, and spray are a spectacular sight to behold.
Fig Tree Drive winds through the south-western part of Antigua, from just outside the town of Liberta to Old Road at the head of Carlisle Bay. The road, easily the most scenic drive in Antigua's countryside, is lined with lush vegetation and runs through a rain forest as it climbs up and down steep hillsides.
A number of old sugar mills can be seen from the drive, and the route runs past several of Antigua's beautiful churches.
Harmony Hall is a 10-minute side trip off the road to Half Moon Bay and is well worth the time. Built around an old sugar mill, the complex houses an art gallery with paintings, photos, and crafts from local artists, and is the site of an annual craft fair, usually held in the autumn.
Touring the Island – Boat Tours
One of the best boat tours around the island is the Eco Tour, operated by Adventure Antigua. You can visit them at www.adventureantigua.com. The emphasis of the tour is on the ecology and history of the area.
The warm, clear waters, protected by over twenty little islands, countless reefs, flats and mangrove nurseries are always calm and there are perfect opportunities for spotting some of the local residents, including Turtles, Frigate Birds, Herons, Pelicans, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays,
Barracuda, Osprey, Turns, Noddies, Laughing Gulls, and the beautiful Tropic Birds.
Jolly Charter, based in Jolly Harbour is a stones-throw from the villa and offers a wide range of skippered, active adventure or champagne. You can visit them at www.jollycharter.com
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