Top Ten Family Activities in Antigua This Summer
Nathan CollinsBoasting a beach for every day of the year, resorts with fantastic kids clubs and a delightful laid back charm, Antigua is the ideal destination for tranquil family holidays. The island’s lush shores are carpeted with fine white sand and many of its idyllic beaches are protected by an offshore reef, offering calmer waters that are ideal for young swimmers. Antigua suits families looking for both adrenalin fuelled-adventure and softer activities. The incredible variety of activities range from swimming with the world’s friendliest stingrays, flying through the rainforest on a zip-wire to sailing around the island and kayaking eco tours.
Antigua’s top ten family activities and attractions include:
D-Boat
One of Antigua’s more unusual family attractions is D-Boat, a retired oil tanker turned into a fun filled water park, which is permanently moored just off the coastline. Kids can speed down a waterslide, jump on a trampoline or swing off a rope out into the sea whilst parents soak up the sun. A half day on the D-Boat costs from £58 per person. For bookings and further information: www.dboatantigua.com
Stingrays and turtles
The exotic sea life when snorkelling or diving is always a hit for families, especially when the majestic hawksbill turtle is spotted. Turtle fans can join dedicated turtle tours or see the turtles during nesting season from June to October with the Environmental Awareness Group (www.eagantigua.org). For something a little more interactive, families can head to Stingray City, where it is possible to swim with the very gentle Southern Ray. Known as the ‘puppy dog of the sea’, the rays are always looking for attention and a snack. For bookings and further information: www.stingraycityantigua.com
Dynamic kid’s clubs
Many of Antigua’s resorts specialise in family holidays such as Curtain Bluff which offers an all-inclusive kid’s club. The beach front hotel has a games room and a shaded base camp on the beach with activities ranging from chocolate making to crab races and mocktail lessons at the bar to designing wind chimes. Carlisle Bay also has a Cool Kid’s Club and a submarine adventure for those wanting to experience the underwater world without getting wet. For older children, The Verandah Resort & Spa has a teens club as well as a Kidz Club with movie nights, a weekly teen’s disco and karaoke. Nonsuch Bay Hotel runs a fantastic sailing school for children, in two square miles of enclosed waters that are protected from the open sea by a barrier reef.
Sailing culture
Antigua has a fantastic cultural aspect for families. Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour, the 18th century former naval base, has been carefully restored with family friendly exhibits. For further information: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-directory/nelsons-dockyard/
Adrenalin pumping zip line
Take a leap of faith and fly through the Antigua rainforest along a series of zip lines, suspension bridges and rope challenges. Admire the views of fruit trees, vines and mossy boulders below whilst flying along ten different zip lines, tackling nine rope challenge elements, two suspension bridges and a controlled 36 foot vertical descent. A full course tour costs from £69 per adult and £53 per child. For bookings and further information: http://antiguarainforest.com/
Kayaking and snorkelling eco tours
The most spectacular and undiscovered corners of Antigua can be explored on kayaking and snorkelling eco tours. The tours travel through mangroves, around tiny islands and to remote lagoons. Antigua Paddles offers a half day eco adventure. For bookings and further information: antiguapaddles.com
Birds in Barbuda
Antigua’s twin island of Barbuda is just a 20 minute flight away, ideal for a day trip to an uncrowded paradise island. The small and undeveloped island is surrounded by stunning pink sand beaches and has the biggest frigate bird sanctuary in the northern hemisphere.
Antigua Carnival
Families can even get involved in the local celebrations, particularly the annual Carnival celebrations each summer where there is a special children’s festival. Families can sign up beforehand and join the colourful parades, dancing and cultural celebrations. For further information: www.antiguacarnival.com
Huge waves at Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch carved by the sea from soft and hard limestone ledges on Antigua’s east coast. Families can enjoy the spectacle of big waves coming in and spurting water many feet into the air.
Family BBQ’s at Shirley Heights
One of the most spectacular viewing spots on Antigua is Shirley Heights, overlooking English Harbour and beyond. Families should head there on Sunday nights when there is a weekly party with a steel bands and Caribbean BBQ, the perfect atmosphere to watch the sun go down. For further information: shirleyheightslookout.com
About Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’ da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty’s Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages.
Contact us to book your holiday to Antigua in the Caribbean – Nathan and Alan have visited the island.
https://rbcollection.com/destination/caribbean-bermuda/antigua/
