Planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda? This Ultimate Antigua Travel Glossary covers essential terms—from beaches and food to activities and culture—to help you make the most of your visit.
A-Z Antigua Travel Glossary
Beaches & Natural Attractions
Dickenson Bay – Popular beach with calm waters and resorts.
Half Moon Bay – Secluded, crescent-shaped beach with pink sands.
Jolly Beach – Long stretch of white sand with vibrant nightlife.
Darkwood Beach – Unspoiled beach with turquoise waters.
Valley Church Beach – Serene, postcard-perfect shoreline.
Devil’s Bridge – Natural limestone arch with ocean blowholes.
Shirley Heights – Scenic viewpoint with panoramic harbor views.
Ffryes Beach – Great for swimming and beach bars.
Green Island – Private island with excellent snorkeling.
Cades Reef – Protected marine area for diving & snorkeling.
Historic & Cultural Sites
Nelson’s Dockyard – UNESCO World Heritage Site & restored naval base.
English Harbour – Historic yachting hub with colonial charm.
Betty’s Hope – Restored 17th-century sugar plantation.
St. John’s – Capital city with markets, shops, and landmarks.
Heritage Quay – Duty-free shopping & cruise port.
Redcliffe Quay – Cobblestone street with restaurants & boutiques.
Fort James – 18th-century fort with ocean views.
Fort Barrington – Scenic hiking spot overlooking the harbor.
Mount Obama – Highest peak in Antigua (formerly Boggy Peak).
Fig Tree Drive – Scenic rainforest route with tropical foliage.
Food & Drink
Fungi – Cornmeal-based side dish, often paired with fish.
Ducana – Sweet potato dumpling wrapped in banana leaves.
Pepperpot – Hearty stew with meat, okra, and spinach.
Roti – Caribbean flatbread stuffed with curry.
Seafood Friday – Weekly event in English Harbour with fresh catches.
Wadadli Beer – Local Antiguan brew.
Rum Punch – Classic Caribbean cocktail.
Lobster Grill – Fresh seafood beachside dining.
Sunday BBQ – Popular weekend tradition at Shirley Heights.
Local Markets – Fresh fruits, spices, and handmade goods.
Activities & Adventures
Antigua Sailing Week – Premier regatta event (April).
Stingray City – Swim with southern stingrays.
Catamaran Cruise – Island-hopping and snorkeling tours.
Scuba Diving – Explore coral reefs & shipwrecks.
Snorkeling – Best spots: Cades Reef & Paradise Reef.
Deep-Sea Fishing – Catch marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Ziplining – Rainforest canopy adventures.
Kayaking – Paddle through mangroves & coastal waters.
Jet Skiing – High-speed beach fun.
Parasailing – Aerial views of the coastline.
Events & Festivals
Antigua Carnival – Colorful July-August celebration.
Independence Day – November 1st festivities.
Antigua Charter Yacht Show – Luxury yachting event (December).
Calypso Music – Traditional Caribbean rhythms.
Soca & Reggae – Popular island music genres.
Travel & Logistics
VC Bird International Airport (ANU) – Main entry point.
LIAT & Caribbean Airlines – Regional flight carriers.
Ferry to Barbuda – Day trips to the sister island.
Public Buses – Affordable way to explore the island.
Taxi Fares – Fixed rates; negotiate before riding.
Car Rental – Recommended for independent exploration.
All-Inclusive Resorts – Luxury stays with meals & activities.
Boutique Hotels – Intimate, locally-owned accommodations.
Villas & Airbnb – Private beachfront rentals.
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) – Local currency (USD widely accepted).
Tipping – 10-15% standard in restaurants.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (Dec-Apr) – Peak tourist season.
Wet Season (May-Nov) – Lower prices, occasional rain.
Hurricane Season (Jun-Nov) – Rare, but possible storms.
Trade Winds – Pleasant breezes year-round.
Essential Tips
Visa-Free Entry – Many nationalities get 30-90 days visa-free.
Duty-Free Shopping – Jewelry, perfumes, and electronics.
Local Crafts – Batik, pottery, and straw goods.
Beachfront Dining – Sunset views with fresh seafood.
Island Hopping – Day trips to Montserrat & Guadeloupe.
This Antigua travel glossary covers everything you need for an unforgettable trip—from must-visit beaches and historic sites to local cuisine and adventure activities. Bookmark this guide to navigate Antigua like a pro!
