St. John's , Antigua

 

Elements that led to British naval facilities occupying Antigua in 1784, are today the key attractions to this leading resort destination. The coral reef that thwarted enemy ships is presently a diver's paradise. The winding coastline, once difficult to navigate, is now miles of sandy, secluded beaches and coves. In addition to its impressive nautical history, Antigua boasts a different beach for every day of the year.

HISTORIC LOOKOUT
Shirley Heights, the colonial observation post that protected the naval base, offers stupendous views of the English Harbor, as far across the Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadeloupe. On weekends, barbeques, rum punch, and live steel band and reggae music accompany the view.

NAVAL YARD
At Nelson's Dockyard, explore the marina from where Lord Admiral Nelson, Britain's most famous 18th century naval commander, led his fleet to important victories. Afterward, stroll the faithfully restored Nelson's Dockyard Village with its Georgian-style buildings, heritage museum, gift shops and quaint boutiques.

WILDLIFE PRESERVES
Sail to Great Bird Island, a pristine National Park and enjoy the picturesque coastline. Once attracting scavengers to its shipwrecked shores, it is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries and a variety of tropical foliage.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
On shore and off, Antigua is one of the Caribbean's best islands for sand and sea fun. Explore white sand beaches, sail crystal blue waters, or whisk aboard a catamaran to Cades Reef to snorkel amidst the snappers, blue tangs, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish and corals that make this underwater world so wondrous.