DIVE GUIDE INTERNATIONAL | ANTIGUA CARIBBEAN SCUBA DIVING

Antigua

All the signs pointed towards Antigua. The largest of the British Leeward Islands had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet. And so in 1784 the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to Antigua and established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua and Barbuda one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations.

The signs are still there, they just point to different things. The Trade Winds that once blew British men-of-war safely into English Harbour now fuel one of the world's foremost maritime events, Sailing Week. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda -- once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs -- is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

Location:
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Size:
Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Climate:
Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

Tipping/Gratuities:
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

Telephones:
Calling the U.S. is easy from Antigua and Barbuda. Most hotels offer USA Direct calling service, or can connect you with a U.S. operator for calling home.

Taxes:
Antigua & Barbuda has a US$12.00 airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10%.

Electricity:
Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages available.

Appropriate Attire:
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.

Currency/Money: Click Here For Currency Exchange
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

Banks:
Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Medical Facilities:
There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island, a hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are widely available.

Passports & Immigration:
U.S. , Canadian and U.K. nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate. U.S. residents and others should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.

Shopping Hours:
Monday thru Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm.

Personal Safety:
Antigua & Barbuda are relatively crime free, but exercise normal precautions; i.e. don't leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach.