With postcard-perfect beaches and breath-taking crystal clear seas, many visitors to Antigua and Barbuda are happy to enjoy the comfort of their sun lounger.
However, visitors looking for a more active break this Spring will be pleasantly surprised by what Antigua and Barbuda can offer beyond the beach.
Antigua’s sheltered bays provide the perfect conditions for water-based sports, while the rugged tropical landscape and lush rainforest provide picturesque hiking paths and cycling routes. The destination is known for being a favourite of the sailing fraternity, however it’s also growing in popularity for kite-surfing, windsurfing, fishing and diving. The destination enjoys a packed sporting calendar, hosting Antigua Sailing Week (23- 29 April), the ‘Run in Paradise’ half-marathon (29 May) and the Antigua Sports Fishing Tournament (14- 15 May) all this Spring.
Get on Board with Antigua’s Sailing Action
23- 29 April
Antigua is internationally renowned for sailing. The yachting season runs from December to April, during which time the island hosts three of the world’s most prestigious yachting events; Antigua Sailing Week, The Classic Yacht Charter and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show. Antigua Sailing Week (23- 29 April) is the longest running and most famous of the regattas in the Caribbean. Spectators and seafarers alike are invited to soak up the glamour and glitz of the sailing world as well as the races themselves which can be watched from several vantage points around the island. For those wanting a more hands-on experience, Antigua and Barbuda’s calm waters are ideal for chartering your own private yacht to explore the coastline and neighbouring islands. Sailing excursions are available to suit all levels of competence. The Antigua Yacht Club in Falmouth Harbour offers dinghy sailing courses under the expert tutelage of Antigua’s very own Olympic competitor, Karl James. For more information please visit; www.antiguayachtclub.com
Take a Hike
Antigua has a number of coastal and rainforest hikes to suit all abilities, as well as several experienced hiking groups which visitors are welcome to join. The 5AM Hikers meet every Saturday, hiking from 5am to 8am, covering roughly 4 miles of open country. The route changes each week however the end destination is always somewhere where the Antigua sunrise can be appreciated. The Antigua Hash House Harriers is another established hiking group, started by a group of British expatriates who now meet every other Saturday. The Harrier trail is marked ahead of time by ‘hares’ and the ‘hounds’ or hikers can choose to run, walk or jog the route. There are also several informal hiking groups and many of the frequently used trails are well signposted and maintained making them easy to navigate without a guide. The hike to Boggy Peak, Antigua’s highest peak and a symbolic landmark (renamed Mount Obama in 2008), is a great way to experience the diversity of Antigua’s landscape. A typical route to the top of Boggy Peak will take you through the farmland of Orange Valley to the summit for panoramic views of Antigua and the surrounding islands, and then down through the rainforest trails to lush Christian Valley, home to mango tree groves. For more www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-directory/5am-hiking-club/
Antigua Sports Fishing Tournament
14- 15 May
From marlin to kingfish, the waters surrounding Antigua are blessed with abundant sea life prime for reeling in. The destination also enjoys a vibrant sports fishing community with popular tournaments throughout the year, established fishing charters and several fishing tour operators. The annual Sports Fishing Tournament, held from the 14-15 May, is a great opportunity to fish alongside local enthusiasts and see some of the incredible winning fish which are brought in. Spectators can enjoy live music and local food. Anglers in Antigua have the option of deep sea fishing (or trawling), reef fishing and inshore fishing. Those who prefer calmer waters can stay closer inland and drop a line or do some fly-fishing. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or simply want to get out on the water to experience the beauty of the sea, fishing in Antigua is an ideal way to take in the scenery and explore the waters with the added excitement of reeling in a big catch. For more information please visit; www.antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com
Diving & Watersports
Both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks providing excellent conditions for spectacular shallow diving and snorkelling. Antigua offers many PADI certified dive centres and has a large selection of dive sites. Cades reef is an extensive formation which stretches for more than two miles, with abundant fish life whilst the site around Deep Bay will allow you to get up close to the Jetias wreck which sank in 1817 and the 80-year-old Andes Wreck. Antigua’s warm crystal clear waters and calm waters also make it a great destination to try kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddle boarding with several island operators and hotels offering rentals and lessons. For more information please visit; www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
Run in Paradise with the Antigua Half Marathon
29 May 2016
As an increasing amount of people choose to combine their holiday with a challenging sporting event, Antigua’s ‘Run in Paradise’ half marathon offers the perfect combination of a half-marathon experience with beautiful beaches and resorts for post-race relaxation. The ‘Run in Paradise’ Half Marathon attracts both local and international runners, and winds along the scenic northern coast of the island, showcasing beaches and historical sites en-route. Participants will run from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea taking in some of Antigua’s most beautiful sights along the way, finishing on Fort James Beach. For more information please visit; https://www.runinparadise.com/
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