02 November 2023

Catch up on our Antigua & Barbuda event

Missed our Antigua & Barbuda event? Catch up on the full recording, find the answers to your questions and see the highlights from the event here...

3 mins

Last week, we were transported to the tropical islands of Antigua & Barbuda to hear all about the heritage, wildlife and landscapes of Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. And what an evening it was! All three of our speakers took us on a deep dive across each one of the country's islands, to go beyond its Caribbean beaches to show us what else lays in store on a trip to Antigua & Barbuda.

We heard from Desley Gardner, Heritage Resources Officer at the National Parks Authority of Antigua & Barbuda, about Antigua's only UNESCO World Heritage site, Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Then, Anreka Geness, Barbuda's Tourism Marketing Officer, highlighted Barbuda's many wonders, from its frigatebird and booby colonies to hidden treasures like the lush Darby Cave and Martello Tower. Finally, Arica Hill, Executive Director at the country's Environmental Awareness Group, spoke to us about Redonda's remarkable conservation success story and how you can give back to the archipelago through responsible travel experiences.

If you missed the event or had to leave early, then don't worry. We have the full recording of the event plus the answers to your questions right here...

Watch the full recording

Your questions answered

[To Arica] What is your favourite bird in the country?

My favourite is the warbler. There's a yellow warbler you can find in Antigua and Barbuda. It's very similar to the Barbuda warbler but they're all yellow and their birdsong is amazing. They sing so perfectly!

What's the best time of year to visit the country for birdwatching?

It depends on what you want to see. If you're interested in spotting migratory birds like warblers, early October to December is the best time. Then there's a little lull before May is a great time to visit the migratory birds which flock to the offshore islands. Here, between May and June, it feels as if there is almost no space to walk, there are that many birds! It's a great time and you'll spot everything from laughing gulls to red-billed tropicbirds and more.

How does the carnival differ from the one in Barbados and Curacao?

Our carnival is very exciting! We have our pre-carnival starting in June and July and at the end of July we have that week-long explosion of pan, calypso and soca music. It's just the best time to be in Antigua as the whole island is buzzing. You can head to the beach, wash off and join the party again! There's always somewhere to eat and have fun.

Are there any volunteering opportunities on the island?

Yes, there are! There are turtle patrols, bird and lizard surveys, biosecurity opportunities on the offshore islands. We encourage any visitors to offer a contribution to the islands' conservation efforts as conservation work can be very costly.

How do you get between Antigua and Barbuda on the ferry?

You can get the ferry from the Heritage Quay in St John's, Antigua, and it takes 90 minutes to cross between the two islands.

What are your recommendations for visitors to do on the islands?

Anreka: The frigatebird sanctuary in Barbuda is a must-see place to visit, as well as the pink-sand beach. For somewhere to eat, I'm torn between Uncle Roddy's and Wa'Omoni's. At Wa'Omoni's you can try the local food like crab, lobster and conch, as well as roast dumpling with fried fish and bush tea. You can't get more local than that and it's getting getting up for on a Saturday morning!

Arica: I would recommend going to Galleon Bay in Nelson's Dockyard National Park, as you can snorkel along green turtles. If you swim out a bit further you can see the coral trees and nurseries we have planted there, which are beautiful.

Desley: If I had to recommend one thing, it would be to get the iconic view from Shirley Heights. You might have seen it online but it doesn't compare to being there yourself, feeling the breeze in your face, you're smelling the salt water and you're drinking your rum punch. It's the perfect way to end a day in Antigua and enjoy that incredible sunset.