Once a British naval base, Admiral Nelson was stationed here for a few years. The old fortifications here are now in ruins, but this old key to the Caribbean is now a beautiful haven for yachts and a paradise for vacationers.
ANTIGUA - For exhibits on sea life, pre-columbian history and shipwrecks the Museum of Marine and Living art is a must. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is situated in the old Court House and has a well presented exhibition on pre-Columbian and colonial architecture. The ruins of Fort Barrington which is situated on Goat Hill overlooking Deep Bay have fortifications which were erected in the late 1700s. Nearby is the ruined Fort James. Your can get great views from here of the town of St. John's. The other side of the island finds English Harbour which is a mecca for beautiful yachts. Around the other side of the bay stands Fort Berkeley which has very lovely views and a very high population of goats. Boggy Peak is the highest point on the island and affords the visitors a wonderful vista of St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and Guadeloupe. Devil's Bridge is located at Indian Town Point. The bridge has been carved from the rock by thunderous waves and at the same time made a series of blowholes which are worth seeing.
BARBUDA - Barbuda is located about 30 miles north of Antigua and is the smaller of the two. There are several anomalies to bee seen here. The entire population is parculiarly tall. This resulted from experimental breeding of slaves by a man named Codrington. The abundant wildlife here is unusual for a Caribbean island. The entire population was introduced by man and include geese, ducks, plover, pigeon, wild deer, donkeys, horses and pigs. The main tourism feature here are the submerged seawrecks which are used by snorkelers and skin-divers to explore.
Capital: St. Johns
Population: 69, 200
Area: 170 square miles total for both islands
Language: English
Time: + 1 hour from New York
Electricity: 110 volts AC / 60 Hz in hotels. In other places it is 220 volts AC / 60 Hz
Geography: Antigua is a hilly island which rises slightly to the south. The coastline is heavily indented providing many secluded bays and coves. The highest point on the island is Bobby Peak at over 1,300 ft. Barbuda is a coral island with low lying terrain and lots of scrub.
International Airport
St. John's - V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) - The airport is about 5 miles from the town. Taxis take about 10-15 minutes.
Tipping: Restaurants include a 10% service charge.
Shopping: Shops are open from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. On Thursday the shops close at noon. Many of the items for sale are imported from Haiti or surrounding islands as well as the British Isles. It has been said here that piracy is alive and well in the Caribbean so bargaining is recommended.
Food and Drink: The food here is Caribbean spicy but is tempered by British traditions with food. Most restaurants are in hotels and offer a wide range of specialties.
Social: The locals are quite laid back. There is no hurry here in Antigua and Barbuda. Both islands have a tone of easy going aloofness that seems permeate everything. Everything is a little slow.
Business: Jacket and ties are highly recommended and smart dress suits for women. Business cards are exchanged.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks open at 8 in the morning and remain open until 1 pm Monday through Thursday. On Friday the banks close at noon reopening at 3 pm and again closing at 5 pm.
Currency: The eastern Caribbean Dollar.
Money Exchange: Best to exchange money at banks but hotels can do it as well.
Credit cards: Visa. Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
Antigua and Barbuda are dry and pleasant all year. September and October are the warmest months. Rainfall is about 45 inches a year will most of it falling in November and December. | 