Antigua is a tropical island located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Bart’s, and St. Martin. Antigua and Barbuda is reputed for having 365 beaches more than any other island in the world!
Weather: The weather in Antigua is mostly warm and Tropical. The best temperatures are usually experienced between March to August. September to November are particularly hot and humid. As with most tropical islands there is the risk of insect bites from mosquitoes and sand flies. So be sure to arm yourself with insect repellent especially if you will be visiting between September to November.
Currency & Language: The official currency is the EC$ but the US$ is widely accepted. ($1USD = $2.70 EC$ Exchange Rates may vary slightly) Banks and hotels will also exchange Euro and Pounds Sterling. The official language in Antigua is English, however many popular locations around the island make provisions for persons who speak Italian, French, German, Spanish and other languages.
Getting Around: Taxis and car rentals are the best ways to travel around the island. The public transportation network is not very extensive and is unavailable in some areas after nightfall.
Popular Antigua Tours: Wadadli Cats Catamaran Circumnavigation, Adventure Antigua Eco Tours on Sea, Island Safari Jeep Tours, Caribbean Helicopter Tours to Montserrat and other locations.
Sites to Visit: The most popular tourist sites include: The National Museum, Shirley’s Heights, Devil’s Bridge, St. John’s Cathedral, Fort James, Betty’s Hope Plantation, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park.
Events: The most popular Island events are Carnival in early August, International Cricket usually in March/April and the Antigua Sailing Week Regatta held in April.
Night Life and Entertainment: The main casino is Kings Casino in St John’s and there are numerous bars, restaurants and chic hang out spots in English Harbor, Jolly Harbor and around Dickenson Bay. Be sure to check out the very popular Sunday night Caribbean party at the Look Out Bar at Shirley’s Heights.
Shopping: The premier shopping plazas are Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay in downtown St. John’s.
Other Relevant Info: Electricity in Antigua is 110/120 Volts, 60 Hz. Appliances must have an American type AC wall connection or you must bring an adapter. Most cell phones with international roaming work on the Island.
Cocobay is located on 10 hillside acres overlooking beautiful Ffreyes Bay in the village of Valley Church on the western coast of Antigua. The Resort is approximately 25 minutes from the capital city of St. John’s and 45 minutes from V C Bird International Airport.
Cocobay is positioned in a virtual beach haven on the quieter, less commercialized section of the Island. In close proximity to the resort are a series of some of the most pristine beaches in Antigua. These include Little Ffreyes Beach, Big Ffreyes Beach, Valley Church Beach, Jolly Beach, Darkwood Beach and Turners Beach. On clear days the resort enjoys wonderful views of the volcanic Island of Montserrat. Spectacular sunsets viewed from the beach, restaurant or pool decks or from your private balcony are a daily treat.
Five minutes away is the Jolly Harbor complex, which boasts an 18-hole golf course, tennis facilities, a marina, shops, restaurants, bars and casinos. With this beach haven/nightlife combination, Cocobay is certainly one of the more convenient places to stay in Antigua.
If you plan on renting a car, finding your way to the hotel is easy. True, there are not so many road signs, but then again, there are fewer roads! A few words of warning – You drive on the LEFT hand side of the road in Antigua! NOT on the right. Also be on the look out for speed bumps which are very common all over the island. Drive slowly.
All flights into Antigua land at the V.C. Bird International Airport. If you are booking your flight online, the airport code for Antigua is “ANU”.
Direct Flights from the U.S.A
If you are flying from a U.S city a significant distance away from any of the above airports your best option is to use American Airlines with a same day connection through New York or Miami.
Direct Flights from Canada
Direct Flights from the U.K
Flights from Europe
