Antigua + Barbuda, a gem nestled in the northern expanse of the Caribbean.
This paradise often goes overlooked in favour for southern destinations like Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Aruba. Although I have been to both Saint Lucia and Barbados and love the beaches on these islands for a variety of different and unique reasons, I would argue that Antigua is THE ideal beach paradise.
The destination is ideal for someone who wishes to have a relaxing holiday, sunbathe, and be seaside. As the locals will say, Antigua has 365 beaches; one for every day of the year.
With ample opportunities to explore the outer perimeter of the Island from land and sea, Antigua is never boring and the perfect destination for the traveler searching for the world’s best beaches.
The first reason I would return… The beach and Sea Life
For a solo female traveller, Antigua was truly a beach lovers paradise. The famous “Jolly Beach” allowed for long walks that were delightfully colourful. Depending on the time of day, the sunlight would accompany or contrast the blue colour of the ocean. Sunsets created a “cotton candy” sky unlike any other I have seen before. I truly enjoyed photographing the changing colours.
It is no wonder why thousands of turtles return to this island to reproduce. The turquoise colour of the water is especially inviting for all. When sunny, you can see the sandy white bottom. Tiny waves lap onto the shore, leaving behind small sea shells and even flora.
Antigua’s ecosystem is home to a diverse species of turtles as well as stingrays, snakes, and gorgeous full-spanned “brown” pelicans. This creature flies high above and penetrates the ocean with its bill at full “torpedo-force.”
I had a close encounter with a white pelican when wading in the sea in Cuba. As it dove for a fish approximately four feet away from me, I could see its jaw scoop up water in one smooth motion before flying off with a fish; a trail of glistening water dripping from its bill. However, I only spotted a few pelicans in Cuba in comparison to the volume of brown Pelicans soaring the sky in Antigua.
Swimming with the string rays seems like a silly idea at first.
Everything I had been told about string rays made me feel like it was unsafe. I was told they are dangerous, poisonous, and that they can kill you.
However, after discussing the opportunity with several locals and tourists who has experienced the encounter, I was determined to put it on my bucket list and hold a string ray.
As I entered the water, I saw large orbs floating beneath me and I was extremely nervous. With the direction of the tour operator, I made my way to an area where I could hold a sting ray and to be honest it was pure bliss. The first string ray I held was male and he seemed a bit aggressive as he charged towards my offering of squid like a very large suction cup. The second was female. Her skin was extremely soft, sleek and cool and she seemed to gravitate towards me as if she were saying “hello.” I held her briefly, thanked her, and put on my snorkel gear to swim along side of her. There were several flying through the water and the experience was unlike any other snorkel adventure I have experienced.
Another iconic and noteworthy beach I visited based on the reading travel blogs was Darkwood Beach. I had expected to find palm trees scooping over the sea. Unfortunately there were one of two very thin palm trees along the shore. A lot of vegetation but very few palm trees.
When speaking with my cab driver Peter, he told me that the most recent hurricane had wiped out a majority of large palm trees. The palm trees also contracted a virus and most had to be cut down. After learning this news, I recalled seeing thin and premature palm trees all over the island. Another reason to return to Antigua – to capture a photo of a massive palm tree, scooping over the ocean after they have the chance to grow.
The second reason… The sunsets
Shirley Heights is the highest evaluation point on the island. To view a true Caribbean sunset, plan to visit this location.
On Sunday and Thursday evenings locals as well as tourists visit the lookout point for BBQ, drinks, and the enjoyment of steel-drum entertainment.
People gather around the ledge to watch the sun descend and try to photograph the “green flash.” Locals refer to the “green flash” as the moment the orange sun meets the indigo sea. It happens extremely quickly and photographers stand ready to capture it – however, I will have to return to Antigua to witness more sunsets from this location as I captured this moment but, sadly, not quickly enough.
The third reason… The food
I am a foodie and an avid seafood lover. I enjoy trying new dishes when I travel and, of course, I visited what the locals refer to as the “best restaurant” on the island, Sheer Rocks. It has an amazing infinity pool I only dipped my feet in before grabbing a refreshing drink and enjoying a seafood medley with fresh clams .It was the perfect pairing in this setting overlooking the ocean – at a table designed just for one!
I do have to say the food all over the island however was beyond fresh and delightful to experience but would highly recommend a visit to this ideal “hang out spot” for tourists.
All in all, highly recommend Antigua for a relaxing tropical vacation and for anyone who loves the sand and sea! It is no wonder this island is referred to as the “Island of Sea and Sun.”
