7 Day Antigua Itinerary for Fun & Sun

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing and adventurous tropical holiday, this Antigua itinerary is the best way to spend a week on this sunny island.

I stayed in 3 different areas and spent my days sightseeing, snorkelling at the Pillars of Hercules, and diving.  

With 7 days in Antigua, you’ll have enough time to explore the island at a chill pace, take a day trip to Barbuda, snorkel, and get off the beaten track if you rent a car.

Let’s plan your perfect 7 day Antigua itinerary!

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Day 1 in Antigua

Your flight will most likely land in the afternoon, making your first day in Antigua all about easing into your holiday. 

If you rent a car, pick it up as soon as you land and drive to your accommodation or arrange a transfer to your hotel.

Stay in the English Harbour for the first few days, about a 40-minute drive from the airport.

Once you’re all settled in, go for a sunset walk and grab dinner. The sunset in Antigua is around 6:30 PM year-round, so it’s a perfect activity before dinner.

Day 2 in Antigua

Home to 365 beaches, Antigua is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelling enthusiasts.

There are many snorkelling tours you can join in Antigua, but your first adventure will be snorkelling Pillars of Hercules.

The Pillars of Hercules is one of the most famous landscapes on the island, with dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea.

It is a great snorkelling spot, with lively marine life. I saw 3 turtles, 3 stingrays, jellyfish, and many colourful tropical fish. Plus, the best views of the Pillars of Hercules are from the sea!

I joined this snorkelling tour, which was my first time doing a snorkel tour right off the beach, and it was a great experience!

Take the rest of the day to explore the culinary scene of Antigua and enjoy the sun.

🤿 Try snorkelling with a power scooter on this snorkel adventure tour!

Day 3 in Antigua

Your second full day in Antigua is all about sightseeing. 

Nelson’s Dockyard

Start your day early to beat the crowds and head straight to Nelson’s Dockyard.

Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park, making it one of the must-see places on the island.

The Naval Dockyard had an important role during the French-British wars in the 18th century, and it’s lined with colonial houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

You’ll need to purchase a ticket to explore Nelson’s Dockyard, but it’s worth it because the area is well-maintained and has educational panels. 

Shirley Heights Lookout

Shirley Heights Lookout has THE iconic panoramic view of the English Harbour. It is the best viewpoint on the island, and you can even see the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe in the distance!

It’s also a popular place to watch the sunset and doubles as a great dinner spot. 

The restaurant at Shirley Heights Lookout is especially popular on Sundays when they host their weekly party with BBQ, music, and dancing.

I loved how easy ithe Lookout is to reach. You walk from the parking lot to the back of the restaurant and boom! You can even see Nelson’s Dockyard.

🤩 Enjoy Shirley Heights, Nelson’s Dockyard, and more on this full-day island tour!

Day 4 in Antigua

A trip to Antigua and Barbuda is not complete without a visit to Barbuda. 

Barbuda is a much smaller island, so you can easily visit it on a day trip. 

You can get to Barbuda from Antigua by taking an express ferry, which takes about 90 minutes from one island to the other. 

On most days, the ferry from Antigua departs early in the morning and returns in the afternoon. However, you must check the ferry schedule for specific days.

You can also book a Barbuda tour. The price difference is small, and the tour also includes entry tickets to several attractions on the island.

Day 5 in Antigua

Diving or Snorkelling

Thanks to its vibrant marine life, interesting shipwrecks, and lively corals, Antigua is a great diving destination.

I went diving with Dive Carib Antigua and absolutely loved the entire experience!

Depending on your interests, you can choose from several dive sites. I dived at two sites, Carib House and Black’s Point. Black’s Point was my favourite out of two!

If you plan to skip scuba diving this trip, you can join a snorkelling tour or spend a day on the beach instead. There are great snorkel day trips like to Bird Island and Paradise Reef.

🤿 Snorkel Paradise Reef and enjoy Bird Island on this half-day boat tour!

Sunset Boat Tour

Switch up your evening by joining a sunset boat tour and enjoy vibrant sunset views from a different perspective.

This sunset tour departs from St. John’s at 4 PM and takes you along the island’s western coast for about 2.5 hours. 

They serve snacks and have an open bar with cocktails to sip on while listening to music and enjoying the views.

I was so disappointed that my tour got cancelled due to the weather, so don’t make the mistake of leaving it for the last day like I did! I still made sure to see some beautiful sunsets from the beach.

⛵ Add this sunset cruise to your Antigua itinerary!

Day 6 in Antigua

You’ll explore the Wilkies area today, and see some of the most unique natural attractions on the island.

Stingray City

Swimming with stingrays is a bucket list activity, and the best place to do it in Antigua is Stingray City.

I was worried about the safety of swimming with stingrays, but it’s perfectly safe and enjoyable if you follow safety protocols. Just don’t step on their tails or you’ll hurt your foot!

You can visit Stingray City on your own or join a tour. Island Safari & Stingray Fantasy Antigua is the most popular tour and includes a 4×4 safari tour and lunch.

🤿 Swim at Stingray City and visit more attractions on this full-day island tour!

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is another National Park in Antigua with a limestone rocky coastline. The highlight is a natural bridge formed by the waves crashing into the rocks.

The area is not suitable for swimming since the waves are too strong. Instead, you can walk around and admire the scenery. Just don’t get too close to the edge, as you don’t want to get hit with a wave!

Visiting Devil’s Bridge is free, and you’ll find several vendor stands selling water and souvenirs.

Joining a tour or driving is the best way to get here, as public transport doesn’t go that far.

🤩 Explore Devil’s Bridge National Park and more on this half-day island tour!

Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach is a short drive from Devil’s Bridge. While it’s not as long as its name implies, it’s a nice little beach with white sand and calm waters.

You can snorkel from the beach if you bring gear. I decided to just swim and relax after exploring.

Day 7 in Antigua

The final day of your Antigua itinerary depends on your flight departure time.

You’ll need extra time at the airport to return your rental car and go through check-in. 

Returning the rental car can take longer than you might expect! Especially if you had damage to your rental car and didn’t get the extra insurance.

If your flight is in the afternoon, you can spend the morning at the beach or sleep in before heading to the airport. I chose to swim one last time at my hotel before dropping off my rental car.

After all, Antigua has 365 beaches, and you surely didn’t see them all in just a week!

More Things to Do in Antigua & Barbuda

If you want a more action-packed itinerary every day, here are more things to do in Antigua and Barbuda:

• Join a Cooking Class – a fun way to learn more about the culture of the island through its cuisine
• Go Ziplining – one of the more popular things to do in Antigua’s rainforest
• Climb Mount Obama – the highest point of Antigua, previously known as Boggy Peak
• Kayaking in the Mangroves – a popular activity to try in Antigua

How Many Days Do You Need in Antigua and Barbuda?

You will want to spend 3-7 days in Antigua and Barbuda. While it’s small in size, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in Antigua, from snorkelling to hiking and ziplining.

I found seven days, including travel time, to be the right amount of days to spend in Antigua. But if you only have a few days or are visiting on a day trip, it’s possible to see some of the highlights.

Where to Stay in Antigua 

For a week in Antigua, consider staying in different areas to fully enjoy the diversity of the island. 

I stayed in 3 different areas, but 2 is also good if you don’t want to spend too much time moving around.

Overall, the best area to stay in Antigua is Dickenson Bay. This area is close to St. John’s and offers beautiful beaches and plenty of activities. I loved my stay at Buccaneer Beach Club!

However, this itinerary works best if you stay in the English Harbour first. I loved my stay at Ocean Inn. This small town has great activities, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants.

Finally, Willikies is close to Stingray City and  Devil’s Bridge National Park. Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is a great option for a sprinkle of luxury!

Is Antigua and Barbuda Safe?

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda is safe. They have a low crime rate, and I felt safe during my visit. 

The Canadian government and many others put the country on the lowest travel advisory level and recommend normal security precautions.

Petty crime and pickpocketing are possible, so keep an eye on your belongings. 

Is Antigua and Barbuda Expensive?

Compared to other popular Caribbean islands I visited, Antigua can be expensive for what you get.

When you compare Antigua to Barbados or Aruba, you’ll get more luxurious options on other islands for the same price.

Expect to pay a premium for basic family-run accommodations, as well as high prices for rental cars and international dining options. 

The appeal of Antigua is not in its upscale resorts or fine dining, but instead in its adventure activities.

Still, if you’re on a budget, you can visit Antigua for around $250 US a day by choosing more affordable accommodation, renting a budget car, and cooking some meals at home.

Best Time to Visit Antigua

The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. 

The weather during the dry season is perfect for lounging on the beach, snorkelling, diving, and exploring the island.

Rainy season in Antigua runs from May to November, with the most rainfall in October. 

However, rain is not the only reason to avoid Antigua during the rainy season. August to October is the hurricane season in the Caribbean, and Antigua can be on the route.

Getting Around in Antigua

While you can get around Antigua by public transport, I highly suggest renting a car.

This itinerary works best by driving, as you can do more activities in a day and visit remote destinations that are not on the bus route.

If you compare public transport in Aruba and Antigua, the bus network in Antigua is not as well-developed, and buses stop early in the evening.

Rental cars are pricey if you travel during the high season, but I save money by booking in advance and comparing different company websites and prices on Discover Cars.

Driving in Antigua is fairly easy, as most roads are paved and everything is within a 1-hour drive. They drive on the left. And you’ll need to pay attention to potholes. 

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also get a taxi or join tours!

How to Get to Antigua and Barbuda

If you’re coming to Antigua for a week, you’ll probably fly to the island. 

V. C. Bird International Airport in Antigua is the main international airport with direct flights from many destinations in the United States, Canada, and the UK. 

Flights operate year-round, so it’s possible to reach Antigua at any time of the year.

If you’re already in the Caribbean, you could also take one of the ferries to Antigua from other islands like Montserrat and Barbuda. 

How to Get to St.John’s From the Airport

The easiest way to get to St. John’s from the Airport is by car. 

Most rental car companies have offices at the airport, so you can pick up your car as soon as you land. 

If you’re not renting a car, you can book a transfer or grab a taxi. Antigua’s taxis have official rates for common routes.

There are no direct buses from the airport, and finding bus schedules online is challenging. 

What Language Do They Speak in Antigua?

English is the official language of Antigua and Barbuda, so you don’t have to worry about the language barrier when travelling there. 

Besides English, locals can also speak Creole English, which is common in the Caribbean islands. However, people in the tourism industry will stick to English with you.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Antigua and Barbuda

• An international driving license is not enough to rent a car in Antigua and Barbuda, you need a special driving permit. You can get it at your rental car office starting at $20 US.
• Antigua taxis have set rates for common routes that should be publicly displayed.
• Since most of Antigua’s visitors come from cruise ships during the day, the majority of the island tends to be quiet at night.
• Diving and snorkelling visibility is the best during the dry season, and you won’t find many tours during summer. 

Final Thoughts on Spending 7 Days in Antigua

This Antigua and Barbuda itinerary is a perfect route for first-time visitors!

With one week in Antigua, you’ll have enough time to see the main tourist attractions, try diving and snorkelling, and visit Barbuda on a day trip. 

I suggest staying in different areas of the island to minimize travel time between the activities and renting a car so you don’t depend on irregular public transport. 

Now that you have your Antigua itinerary, what’s the first activity you’re booking? Snorkelling in Antigua was one of the highlights of my trip, and it is worth booking your tour in advance!