By Cynthia Blair
The Tourism Department claims Antigua is ringed by 365 beaches. While they might be exaggerating about the actual number, they are absolutely right about Antigua being home to some of the most spectacular stretches of sea and sand.
Smaller and less populous than its neighbor, Barbuda is the realization of fantasies about the Caribbean. Miles of white sand beaches and clear turquoise sea stretch as far as the eye can see –- usually without another soul in sight.
Whether on land or water, couples can find a wide range of activities to enjoy on these two islands.
1. Go On a Catamaran Cruise
The calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea beckon –- and there is no better way to enjoy them on an Antigua honeymoon than by going on a catamaran cruise.
Wadadli Cats offers trips around the island, to Bird Island, and to Cades Reef, with expeditions that include snorkeling, swimming on some outstanding beaches, an alfresco West Indian buffet lunch, and an open bar. Private charters are also available.
2. Frolic with the Stingrays at Stingray City
At
Stingray City Antigua, visitors take a short boat ride to an area chockful of the friendly creatures, who enjoy being fed and sliding against their two-legged guests. Guides photograph each visitor holding one of these sea dwellers, a way to prove to the folks back home that your Antigua honeymoon included cavorting with someone other than your new spouse. Thanks to the snorkeling equipment that is provided, guests can also check out the colorful tropical fish swimming along the nearby reef.
3. Take a Land Tour in a 4x4
One of the highlights of an Antigua honeymoon can be taking a land tour in a 4x4 Jeep.
Antigua Adventures offers a five-hour off-road expedition all over the island with stops at scenic Body Pond; Boggy Peak, the highest point on the island; and a hollow silk cotton tree big enough that 20 people can stand inside. Lunch at Cades Bay and a swim at Darkwood Beach are included.
4. Watch a Cricket Match
Antiguans are passionate about the game of
cricket. Well-known cricket players even grace the local billboards, hawking cell phone service and other products. While an informal game may spring up anywhere, the best place to see the pros play on an Antigua honeymoon is at the new Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, which seats 19,000 and hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. Official matches are generally held on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from January to July.
5. Chow Down at the Shirley Heights Lookout Barbecue
Shirley Heights, a hillside dotted with military buildings that are now in ruins, is awash in history. But it is the lively steel drum music, tasty barbecue, and spectacular sunsets that pack them in every Sunday night. It is a great place to mingle with both locals and other visitors to the island, making it a must on every Antigua honeymoon.
6. Go Shopping in St. Johns
The seaside town of St. Johns has two main shopping complexes. Heritage Quay features 40 duty-free shops that sell the usual liquor, jewelry, perfume, and designer accessories, along with several restaurants. Redcliffe Quay is comprised of more interesting boutiques selling clothing, beachwear, gifts, and handicrafts. A Thousand Flowers specializes in high-quality linen clothing, while Island Girl is brimming with colorful batik sundresses, shirts, and accessories. Shouls Chief Store is a Caribbean-style department store that sells souvenirs as well as more practical items. St. Johns also has an open-air Vendors Mall, although the merchandise tends toward T-shirts and refrigerator magnets.7. Wander Through Historic Nelsons Dockyard
In the mid-1700s,
Nelsons Dockyard was a bustling center for maintaining British ships. But even couples on an Antigua honeymoon who are not history buffs will enjoy strolling around the grounds of what is now a national park, admiring the buildings and the attractive landscaping. The Admirals Inn, now an intimate hotel, was built from the stones and bricks that were brought to the island as ballast. Other buildings include a museum, a restaurant, and an art gallery, all housed in charming buildings that are guaranteed to take visitors back in time.
8. Climb Inside the Barbuda Caves
Long before the Europeans arrived in the Caribbean, the Arawak Indians lived on Barbuda, making their homes inside a complex maze of caves. Today, visitors on an Antigua honeymoon can explore these fascinating rock formations after climbing a short but extremely steep hill. Inside these low-ceilinged but beautiful caves, they will find treasures like two primitive faces carved in stone and a cactus garden. Be warned that this expedition is only for those who are strong enough to make the climb and who packed footwear other than flip-flops. And it is definitely not for the claustrophobic.9. Drift Through the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Couples on an Antigua honeymoon will enjoy skimming the waters surrounding the dense mangrove forests that are home to four species of frigate birds. These large fascinating birds are best-known for the huge red pouch males acquire during mating season. But even non-bird lovers will find it pleasant to drift along the waves with a guide, enjoying the lapping of the waves and the warm sunshine.10. Stroll on an Isolated Barbuda Beach
While the saying about enjoying long walks on a beach may be a cliché, there is no better place to do it than on one of the gorgeous yet absolutely deserted beaches of Barbuda. Even though the big hotel chains are undoubtedly dying to get their hands on this amazing beachfront, they have yet to do so. As a result, Barbuda is edged with miles of beaches that look like something out of a Caribbean pirate movie –- or the cover of a romance novel.
