How to spend a week in Antigua: Experiences beyond the beach that bring the island to life

Step away from the main road

A Jeep safari takes you into parts of Antigua most visitors never reach. You'll pass through small villages, pineapple plantations, and thick tropical vegetation, with a local guide who genuinely knows the island. The open-sided Jeep means you feel every part of it: the warm air, the changing scenery, and the occasional dramatic viewpoint where the coastline spreads out below. It's a good way to understand how Antiguans actually live and a fantastic way to see more of the island beyond the beautiful beaches.

Watch Antigua come alive at sunset

Shirley Heights is a must-visit during any holiday to Antigua. By day, it's a former military lookout with wide views across English Harbour. On Sunday evenings, it becomes a lively barbecue and music event, with steel drums, jerk chicken, rum punch, and a crowd that's genuinely having a good time. One thing our Travel Counsellors learned is to go early for the views, then stay for the atmosphere.

Explore the coastline and capital

One of the most highly recommended tours our Travel Counsellors experienced traced the scenic southwest shore past secluded coves and small harbours, with the water shifting from deep navy to pale turquoise as you go. They also enjoyed a trip out to Prickly Pear Island, where you can enjoy excellent snorkelling opportunities – the area is known for its clear water, colourful fish, and a pace that's quietly restorative.

The tour also brings you into St John's, where Heritage Quay offers duty-free shopping and Vendor's Mall gives you something more local: crafts, artwork, and gifts made on the island. Everyone came away with both and a much clearer sense of the city's energy, something they would never have experienced if they had just stayed at their hotel.

To book your holiday to Antigua, contact your Travel Counsellor today.