Best Things to Do in Antigua & Barbuda

For the ultimate splurge

Charter a luxurious private yacht and pretend you're on Below Deck. You can have food cooked by a chef and check out some of the ports like English Harbor and Jolly Harbor.

If you're feeling adventurous, take a helicopter ride over Monserrat for a once-in-a-vacation experience. You will see volcanoes and the lushest scenery in the short ride from Antigua.

If you're staying on the other side of the island, feel free to check out Carlisle Bay for a luxury day pass to get massages, facials - and everything in between - to feel rejuvenated. They also have a gorgeous beach.

For the budget conscious

Rent a car and check out Pigeon Point Beach. You get crystal clear waters with views of sailboats. Watch people swim to them while sitting at the Bumpkins restaurant drinking a rum punch.

Stingray City is a must! While you wait for your boat to take you on the water, play with the tortoises and talk to the parrots. Take pictures with ginormous stingrays and feed them from your hands (totally safe, I've done this more than enough times).

Learn about some history and take in some spectacular views at Dow's Hill Interpretation Center. You will get cocktails as you listen to stories.

Rent a jet ski at Dickenson bay, but don't go too far out. If you want to go farther, rent a boat and visit Prickly Pear Island. You'll get a steamed lunch - hopefully, the freshest Conch as I did (my captain dove in and caught it). Oh, and you'll likely be the only people on the island!

Day Trips

• Ferry to Barbuda.

• Helicopter ride to Monserrat.

• Lobster Cruise.

• Circumnavigation tour.

There is a delicious uber casual restaurant called Beach Bum Bar and Grill that serves the most delicious fried snapper located at Half Moon Bay.

Located in Cocobay, Sheer Rocks is the most visually appealing restaurant over the cliff that Antigua has to offer. They have delicious cocktails and small plates, but be sure to make a reservation as this place can get booked up pretty fast.

For fine dining, check out Samsara Restaurant in Jolly Harbor for black squid tortellini and lobster dishes. Finish up with a tiramisu parfait with anise crumble and coffee sauce.

The Estate House in Jumby Bay offers private dining rooms in their colonial-style restaurant, more traditional plantation-style setting while remaining casual. Try the lamb!

Gather Steakhouse is the place to be if you are a black angus steak lover.

Catherine's Cafe sits on Pigeon Point beach and serves up delicious lobster, bbq octopus, and cocktails to match.

For more traditional food, visit English Harbor and see Roti Sue. She has the most delicious roti on that side of the island. A few minutes away, there is an Italian-owned Paparazzi Pizzeria & Bar that has some of the best pizza combinations with a DJ in the back.