Planning a Longer Stay in Antigua and Barbuda

October 30, 2026

A longer stay on Antigua is built around a base rather than a route. The island measures about 281 square kilometres, so there are no multi-day circuits to follow. The practical approach is to choose a base, add day outings and, if you want, one night on Barbuda. Prices are in US dollars, and the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$2.70 to US$1) is the local currency.

One night on Barbuda

The ferry to Barbuda takes about 90 minutes in each direction, and a one-way adult fare begins at about US$65. The operator’s schedule mentions overnight stays on its Wednesday and Thursday sailings. Rooms on Barbuda are few, and several luxury resorts are still rebuilding after Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Reserve both transport and lodging early. Crossings can be cancelled in rough weather, and you can instead fly from V.C. Bird airport in about 20 minutes. Land on Barbuda is communal and facilities are few, so bring cash, water and sunscreen.

English Harbour for 2 to 3 days

Staying around English Harbour lets you cover Nelson’s Dockyard, Fort Berkeley and the Lookout Trail without much driving. Add the Sunday party at Shirley Heights and an evening looking at the boats in Falmouth Harbour. The national park’s adult pass costs about US$15 (EC$40).

Yacht event weeks

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta takes place from 14 to 19 April 2027 and is based at Nelson’s Dockyard. Antigua Sailing Week runs from 21 to 25 April 2027 with a new, shorter format of point-to-point races. Accommodation is tight and the harbours are crowded, so book early.

North Sound by boat

Great Bird Island, the Stingray City sandbar and Laviscount Island make a loop of one or two days from the north-east coast.

Carnival season

Carnival falls in late July and early August. The 2026 festival lasted from 25 July to 4 August: J’ouvert and Monday Mas fell on 3 August and Last Lap on 4 August. That period sits inside hurricane season, which lasts until 30 November.

Hiking days at Wallings

Rangers lead the two long trails at Wallings Nature Reserve. Rendezvous Bay is 14 miles and about 5 hours (US$50 adult, US$30 child), and the Rendezvous to Falmouth route is 16 miles and about 5 hours (US$60 adult, US$40 child). The beach at Rendezvous Bay has no road, water or shops.

A Montserrat extension

Flights of about 20 minutes and a ferry run by Montserrat connect the two islands, and their timetables follow Montserrat’s departures. Look up the current ferry times at ferry.mniaccess.com before fixing dates.