Thursday, October 1, 2009

Caribbean Cruise: Antigua

Antigua is famous for its beaches and harbors, but there is a lot more for cruise vacationers to explore on this Caribbean paradise.

The Block House Ruins
On a sheer cliff 446 feet above the seas, this was in 1787 the principle lookout for the First West India Regiment. From the officer's barracks, you get amazing views over Indian Creek and the Atlantic.

Shirley Heights
Named after Sir Thomas Shirley, this was the main fortification of the British Fleet at English Harbour. The stunning view from Shirley Heights takes in nearly the entire east coast of Antigua, including English Harbour and Flamouth Harbour.

Nelson's Dockyard
Named after its former commander, Horatio Nelson, Nelson's Dockyard is the last remaining Georgian naval yard still in use. Here you can see the Admiral's Inn, museum, mystery pillars, art gallery, and bakery. After your tour of the dockyard and the old stone quayside, refresh yourself with drinks at the 18th-century inn.

Cades Reef
Take a catamaran over the azure waters to Cades Reef and snorkel amid the Caribbean corals.

English Harbour
During the 18th century, the British Royal Navy established a base at the extreme southern end of Antigua. Today, English Harbour offers great yachting and other boating adventures.

North Sound National Park
This cluster of islands and reefs is home to a variety of birds and sea life.

Great Bird Island
Hike to the blow holes and catch panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean islands.

Soufriere Hills Volcano
Take a helicopter tour over the exclusion zone, which features this volatile 3,000-foot volcano.

Darkwood Beach
A white sand beach with turquoise waters.

Harmony Hall
This sugar plantation has views of the east coast and outlying islands.

Observation Tower
One of Antigua's newest landmarks, the observation tower offers an amazing 360-degree view of the island, but you'll have to climb 82 steps to get to the top.

Stingray Enclosure
Take a skiff ride out to the stingray enclosure. Put on your snorkel gear and join the stingrays in the sea. The waters are clear the and the stingrays friendly. You can touch and feed them, as the stingrays will only use their barbs when threatened.

Cedar Valley Golf Course
This par 70, 18-hole course was designed by Ralph Aldridge. It opened to the public in 1977. Cedar Valley's 6,157-yard course features rolling hills, tropical trees, and unmatched vistas.

Cricket
Antigua boasts a rich history in the sport of cricket. Fans should visit the Antigua Recreational Ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, and the Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Bar.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

No mention of the "Brooklyn Six" from the Carnival Cruise still being held for almost a month after being kidnapped by a taxi driver, than assaulted by un-uniformed "police"??

No mention of the Mullany honeymoon murders, or the murder of the Australian Super-yacht captain, both in the last year?

Antigua's murder rate is 10 times that of Manhattan or London. 20 times that of Tokyo.

How abut the "Sir" Allen Stanford episode which defrauded thousands of $7(US) Billion dollars???

Do some research. The Antigua tourism ministry certainly isn't giving out any facts!

David Wisehart said...

Travelers should always check the local news about their upcoming destinations, in addition to consulting the U.S. State Department about travel warnings and travel advisories.

The Carnival Cruise incident is of course deplorable, and an object lesson to travelers about the potential dangers of foreign travel.

However, I am writing a travel blog, not a police blotter.

Feedback and additional travel information is always appreciated in the comments. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts.

Carlise Bay Hotel said...

Nice. Antigua is a beautiful place to explore especially Carlilse Bay.