Antigua and Barbuda

Travel Links

Travel Insurance > Travel Guide > Caribbean > Antigua & Barbuda

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Sea, approx. 16 degrees north of the equator, and bounding the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are also a part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.

Travel Insurance for Antigua & Barbuda:
Area: Worldwide exc. USA / Canada *

Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Antigua & Barbuda

The islands of Guadaloupe and Montserrat are to the south and southwest. Saint Kitts and Nevis are to the west of the islands and Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin to the NW. The uninhabited island of Redonda is also a part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

The islands were settled by the English in approx. 1632 and remains of some forts can still be seen. Barbuda at that time was the hub for slaves. Antigua experienced a time of great poverty following the abolition of slavery and subsequent end of the sugar cane industry, to rise again to become a top-class tourist destination.

The islands are low-lying, and the highest point is Boggy Peak . St. John’s and English Harbour are known as the best sightseeing spots. There is still an old fort at English Harbor with cannons which was used by Admiral Nelson. English Harbour was at one time an important base for the British Royal Navy, mainly because of its choice of safe harbours, warm climate and reliable trade winds. Also the coral reefs surrounding the islands provided further protection.

Antigua is famous for its Sailing Week at the end of April, and is a very popular destination for sailors and all water sports enthusiasts. With its wonderful soft sand beaches and coral reefs it is also a haven for SCUBA divers and snorkellers.

Barbuda was once the site of many ship wrecks but is now the location for one of the areas major bird sanctuaries. Its largest town is Codrington, and its coastline is fringed with miles of endless sandy beaches which are protected by reefs. The beaches facing the Atlantic ocean , however, are not quite as calm, but provide for excellent beach-combing.

For sun and beach lovers, these islands are the place to be. However, Antigua and Barbuda have much more to offer than just gorgeous beaches. There are excellent restaurants and enough nightlife to satisfy anyone. For culture hounds there are art galleries and museums.

A must-see is the English Harbour historic area and Nelson’s Dockyard. Admiral Nelson used this harbour extensively but it was shut down during the 19 th Century but it has now been restored and boasts the only Georgian dockyard in the world. There are many vantage points to view English Harbour , including Shirley Heights , at which the wonderful views can be enjoyed while indulging in a barbecue and listening to the music of steel bands and reggae bands.

Climate / Weather
Tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature variation, typically from the mid 70s in winter to the mid 80s in summer. It is considered the sunniest of the E. Caribbean islands, with persistent NE trade winds. The humidity is generally low year round.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.

Single Trip
Travel Insurance

Annual Multi Trip
Travel Insurance

Ski & Snowboard
Travel Insurance

Backpacking
Travel Insurance

Seniors
Travel Insurance