Activities in Caribbeans

Land Activities

Cricket

Antiguans are more than a little devoted to cricket. The island has historically been a very strong contributor to West Indian and international cricket, and the Antigua Recreation Ground is one of the finest places in the Caribbean to take in a local, regional, or international match. Devotees of the game can visit the Antigua and Barbuda Museum for a look at the infamous cricket bat of Vivian Richards, native Antiguan, former captain of the West Indies Cricket Club, and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Matches can be found almost anywhere on the island, at almost any time.

Tennis

Although more recently established than its sailing counterpart, Antigua’s annual Tennis Week draws an impressive field of international competitors to the island in May of each year. Quite a few of the island’s hotels have excellent facilities.

Adventure Antigua: Eli’s Eco Tour

Take the opportunity to explore the wild side of Antigua and Barbuda. Mangrove swamps, bird watching and reef snorkeling are available on-island.

This tour takes small groups of people to areas of the beaten track. Islands Magazine recommends this tour above all in Antigua.

Hiking and Bird watching

Hiking has not been much developed as an organized activity, although Antigua has many trails and tracks that are well suited to it. Most of the popular hikes lead to one or another of the island’s many hilltop fortifications: Fort George sits atop Monk’s Hill, and Fort Barrington (captured by the French in 1666) is on the promontory at Deep Bay. The Historical and Archaeological Society frequently arranges group hikes.

Much of the appeal of the natural environment in Antigua and Barbuda is the multitude of bird species to be found there. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda, though accessible only by boat, is the largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean and contains over 170 species; Long Island and Great Bird Island also offer outstanding opportunities for birdwatchers.

Golfing

There are two golf courses on the Antigua: an 18-hole, 70-par course at the Cedar Valley Golf Club and another at Jolly Harbour. The K-Club on Barbuda also has its own 9-hole course.

Jolly Harbour Golf Club

Green Fee prices are already included in the membership fees, if a member does not have their own carts and clubs they can be rented at a special membership rate.

For non-members the fees are:

• 9 holes - $25.00US
• 18 holes - $40.00US

Golf Cart fees:

• 9 holes - $15.00US
• 18 holes - $23.00US

Cedar Valley Golf Course

• Green Fees $30.00US per 18 holes daily
• Carts $30.00US per 18 holes (if cart is shared $15.00US per person)
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Water Activities

Diving and Snorkeling

Antigua & Barbuda has hundreds of wrecks to explore and good shelf diving. Arrange for diving equipment through your hotel or guest house.

Swim with the Dolphins

One of Antigua’s most exciting and thrilling activities is Swim with the Dolphins, swim with the dolphins program. This once in a lifetime adventure gives participants the opportunity to experience up close and personal playtime with dolphins, while gaining an understanding of these fascinating mammals and inspiring individuals to obtain an appreciation for marine life and the environment in which they live. Housed in a 5.5 million gallon lagoon at Marina Bay, these precious animals are sure to make your vacation unforgettable.

Antigua Seafaris

Around the Island Eco Tour

Discover the Eco-system of Antigua. Come be adventurous and experience the off-shore deserted islands, hidden caves and the amazing scenery of Nelson’s Dockyard, not too mention the wild life encounters and perhaps a chance of seeing a dolphin or whale.

Snorkel on colorful reefs or just relax on the beach with our locally made fruit juices or rum punch.

Windsurfing

Dickenson Bay is the center of all windsurfing activity on Antigua. In January and July, the annual Windsurfing Antigua events are held there.

Boating

Sailing has been a central part of Antigua’s culture for centuries, ever since the British under Horatio Nelson made English Harbour their Caribbean base. Today, the stately Georgian architecture of Nelson’s Dockyard hosts a more pleasure-seeking fleet–the international racing boats, recreational yachts, and classic sailboats of Antigua’s annual Sailing Week. With such a rich marine tradition, its no surprise that boats of all sorts can be hired in Antigua. Most hotels have Sunfish or Sailfish, and a number of companies hire yachts.

Fishing and Hunting

Sport fishing, bonefish in Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon, hunting of deer, boar, various game fowl on Barbuda. Licenses and gun permits must be obtained in Codrington Village. The Antigua and Barbuda Annual Sport Fishing Tournament is held in May of each year.