Exploring Antigua And Barbuda: Travel Options And Adventures

Antigua and Barbuda are twin islands in the West Indies, with Barbuda located 60km north-east of Antigua. There are several ways to travel between the two islands, including by plane, ferry, helicopter, or private boat charter. The most popular option is the high-speed ferry, which takes around 90 minutes. There are currently two ferry companies operating between the islands: The Barbuda Express and The Island Escape. The Barbuda Express runs six days a week, with a one-way ticket costing $85. Flights are also available from SVG Air and Fly Montserrat, with prices starting at $65.

Travel by ferry

The most popular way to get to Barbuda from Antigua is by high-speed ferry, which takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day. There are currently two ferry services available: the Barbuda Express and the Island Escape.

The Barbuda Express is a powerful, innovative, wave-piercing catamaran that offers same-day one-way and round-trip services. The ferry has a journey time of approximately 90 minutes each way between the islands and runs six days a week between Antigua and Barbuda. The Barbuda Express runs from Tuesdays to Sundays, departing from St. John's Antigua (dock at the end of Long St./bottom of High Street in St. John's City) early in the morning and from noon on Sundays.

The Barbuda Express also operates the Typhoon Express and Leeward Express, monohulls that can accommodate both passengers and large cargo. The company has been serving the twin islands since 2004 and offers a range of fantastic trips and tours, including a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary with an 'al fresco' lobster lunch on the beach, scuba diving, snorkelling adventures, and horseback riding.

One-way adult fares on the Barbuda Express start at US$55.00, while a return trip with a tour is US$164 per person. The ferry leaves at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, returning at 4:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, it makes two journeys.

The Island Escape is another ferry option for travellers looking to explore Barbuda. While specific schedule and pricing information is unavailable, this ferry service provides an alternative for those seeking a different experience or wishing to avoid the more popular Barbuda Express.

In addition to these two main ferry services, there are also boat companies in Antigua that offer private charters and excursions to Barbuda. These private options may be more expensive but can provide a more personalised and luxurious experience for travellers seeking a premium way to travel between the islands.

Travel by plane

Flying to Antigua and Barbuda is the easiest way to get to the islands. The national airport of Antigua and Barbuda, V.C. Bird International Airport, is well connected, with a number of direct flights operating regularly to and from Antigua. The best way to get to Antigua from the US is with American Airlines, which flies direct to Antigua daily from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and from Miami International Airport (MIA). Flights with Delta Airlines are available every Saturday from Atlanta (ATL) and JFK.

Direct flights from the UK and Europe are also available, with Virgin Atlantic flying from London Gatwick to Antigua every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year, with an additional flight on Thursdays during the winter months. A flight from London to Antigua and Barbuda will take around 9 hours.

If you're looking for cheaper travel, you can opt for connecting flights, which will delay your arrival but will also free up some extra spending money. Inter-connecting flights that set a course for Antigua include LIAT, which flies from St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. If you are flying from Trinidad and Tobago or Barbados to Antigua, you can use Caribbean Airlines.

For those looking to fly from Canada to Antigua, Air Canada flies from Toronto (YYZ) to Antigua every Saturday and Sunday, and West Jet flies from Toronto every Wednesday and Sunday during the winter months.

Antigua and Barbuda's airport code is ANU, and the country does not have its own national airline.

Travel by helicopter

If you're looking for a fast and scenic way to travel from Antigua to Barbuda, then helicopter travel might be your best option. It is the most expensive way to get to Barbuda, but it is also the quickest, and it offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean landscapes.

CalvinAir Helicopters offers charter flights to Barbuda, with flights lasting around 15 minutes. The cost of a round trip is around $1900 USD, but this can get you directly to your resort's helicopter pad.

West Indies Helicopters is another option for helicopter travel between the two islands. They offer a private charter service that can be customised to your needs. Their flights can accommodate 1 to 5 people and last around 45 minutes. This option allows for great freedom and flexibility, accommodating last-minute requests, babies, and pets.

Helicopter travel is a convenient and luxurious way to get from Antigua to Barbuda, offering stunning views and a quick journey time.

Travel by private boat

If you're looking to travel from Antigua to Barbuda by private boat, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Antigua has many ports of entry for larger boats and ships, and private boaters are encouraged to use the following: St John's Harbour on the west coast, English Harbour in the south, St James Club in the south, or Crabbs Marina in the northeast.

When travelling to Barbuda, it is important to clear your private charter boat or yacht in one of the official Antigua main ports before docking. This means that you will need to plan your journey in advance and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation.

The journey from Antigua to Barbuda by boat usually takes around 90 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the type of boat you are travelling on. The sea can be rough, so it is important to prepare for potential motion sickness and ensure that any vulnerable passengers are comfortable.

When arriving in Barbuda, there are a few highlights to look out for. The island is known for its untouched pink coral and white sand beaches, as well as the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. You can also explore the caves used by the Arawak Indians, visit the ruins of the Codrington family home, and enjoy the local cuisine, including some of the best lobster in the Caribbean.

Overall, travelling from Antigua to Barbuda by private boat can be a great way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and explore the untouched nature of Barbuda. Just make sure you plan your journey in advance and are prepared for the potential challenges of a boat ride.

Travel by cruise ship

Antigua and Barbuda are two islands located in the heart of the Caribbean, approximately 1,000 miles from Jamaica and 500 miles from Trinidad and Tobago. The islands are known for their white beaches, blue Caribbean Sea, and excellent entertainment opportunities.

Travelling to Antigua and Barbuda by cruise ship is a great way to see the islands and enjoy the Caribbean Sea. Here is some information on how to travel to Antigua and Barbuda by cruise ship:

Choosing a Cruise Line

Several cruise lines offer itineraries that include stops in Antigua and Barbuda, including:

• Windstar Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• SeaDream Yacht Club

Cruise Itineraries

When planning a cruise to Antigua and Barbuda, you can choose from a variety of itineraries departing from different locations and ranging from 6 to 31 nights. Here are some examples of cruise itineraries that include stops in Antigua and/or Barbuda:

• A 22-night cruise from Montreal to San Juan with stops in Quebec City, Gaspe, Cap-Aux-Meules, Louisbourg, and Halifax.
• An 11-night cruise from Boston to San Juan, visiting Hamilton, St. George's, and Gustavia.
• A 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and visiting Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Kitts.
• A 23-night cruise from Quebec City to Bridgetown, with stops in Boston, New York City, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Nassau, and Fort Lauderdale.
• An 8-night cruise from Miami to San Juan, with a stop in St. Lucia.

Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

When visiting Antigua and Barbuda on a cruise, there are plenty of things to do and see. Here are some recommendations:

• Explore the capital city of St. John's, with its lively, colourful, and authentic charm.
• Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
• Enjoy the white and pink sand beaches and azure seas that the islands are known for.
• Experience the local food, culture, and history, such as enjoying an "al fresco" lobster lunch under the trees.

Frequently asked questions