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If you love the Caribbean but hate crowds, you might be wondering if there’s a place left to visit that isn’t drowning in tourists.
An island chain that used to fly under the radar but is now gaining a well-deserved reputation among Caribbean explorers is Antigua and Barbuda.
But despite their growing popularity, these beautiful islands are still relatively quiet and definitely still worth exploring. This is why:
A record year for Antigua and Barbuda
According to a new report from Write-ups24the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing a record-breaking surge of visitors, breaking their previous record tourism year of 2019 and several other records simultaneously.
Antigua and Barbuda has seen a 12% increase in air arrivals compared to 2019. And cruise arrivals have increased by a whopping 35%.
This will come as no surprise to cricket fans like my husband, as many of them only first heard of Antigua and Barbuda when they hosted this year’s Cricket World Cup.
This event also attracted thousands of additional visitors and is considered one of many factors in the island’s growth, according to the Minister of Tourism.
However, despite the growing number of visitors, tourists are still warmly welcomed in Antigua and Barbuda.
In fact, the friendliness of the locals is one of the things the islands are most famous for, and it’s what will keep you coming back again and again.
But what makes you want to visit in the first place?
Breathtaking beaches
I can’t rave enough about how beautiful the beaches of Antigua and Barbuda are.
Think of vast stretches of white and pink sand lined with the most beautiful blue sea. Just what you would expect in the Caribbean!
If you’re looking for traditional sandy beaches, head to Antigua, which boasts 60 miles of Caribbean coastline.
There are 365 beaches to choose from in Antigua (one for each day of the year), but the island’s best beaches depend on what you’re looking for.
Dickenson Bay is a full-service traditional tourist destination because it is perfect for travelers looking for resorts, amenities and a vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a more serene experience, try Ffryes Beach on the island’s west coast. Although it is well known, this beach never gets crowded and has a relaxed atmosphere and incredible views.
If you want to snorkel in protected reefs, Barbuda is your best bet.
Barbuda is also home to the beautiful frigate bird sanctuary. From 2024, the Barbuda Council will collect $5 USD from every visitor to the Fisheries Complex near the harbor to enter this reserve (which is worth every penny!) and you cannot book tickets in advance.
Lush green rainforest
You don’t have to go far inland from the island’s beautiful beaches to find incredibly green rainforest, especially on the island of Antigua.
If you’re not afraid of heights, the best way to see this fascinating rainforest landscape from a whole new perspective is via a zipline.
Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tours offers incredible zipline tours through the island’s rainforest, which are eco-friendly and designed for adrenaline junkies. You can take a tour with that combines ziplining in the rainforest and kayaking on the river for $155.00 per person (reduced to $115.00 for children).
You won’t find much rainforest on Barbuda, but you will find something that is just as special and unique.
Barbuda differs from other Caribbean islands because its landscape consists largely of limestone, which is very sensitive to erosion. This means that beneath the surface you will find a surprising number of large and beautiful caves, perfect for caving and other adventurous pursuits.
Why visit now?
If you haven’t booked your summer vacation yet, there’s another good reason to choose Antigua and Barbuda for a last-minute trip: Carnival time!
Most other Caribbean islands host their annual carnival in early spring, but the carnival is a summer event in Antigua.
This year, the lively and colorful event will take place from July 25 – August 6, 2024.
You can expect calypso and steel band music, bands, parades and a riot of dancers in colorful costumes. The beat is infectious and the locals will actively encourage you to join the party.
It’s a great time to be on the island, take part in the street parties and experience one of the best cultural events in the Caribbean.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
