Are you dreaming of a family vacation in paradise? There are so many amazing tropical islands you can visit that your family will love. However, I recommend the tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda. These islands are located in the heart of the Caribbean. They are about a thousand miles to the east of Jamaica. And half that distance from Trinidad on the coast of South America. If you’re dreaming of a tropical island vacation, it may be time to consider traveling to Antigua and Barbuda! Today, I am sharing a couple things you should consider doing when you choose Antigua and Barbuda travel for your next family vacation.

Dreaming of Antigua and Barbuda Travel for Your Family Vacation?

Antigua Travel

The island of Antigua was born out of the sea by a volcano about 30 million years ago. Therefore, this is a young island in geologic time.

Reefs formed on the northern flank of this volcanic island. Therefore, the greater part of Antigua is low lying and is composed of limestone rock.

The highest point of Antigua is 1,319 feet in the south-west and is called Boggy Peak.

Antigua is 108 square miles. The population of this island is almost 80,000.

Since there are so many people on this island, your family will never have a problem finding something to do. This is why so many people like yourself choose Antigua travel over Barbuda.

Things to Do in Antigua

Visit Nelson’s Dockyard National Park – One of the Best Things to Do While Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This 18th century British naval base is still in use today.

I recommend exploring the museum to learn more about the maritime past of Antigua. Then head out on a hike on one of the trails within Shirley Heights. Those hiking trails offer gorgeous panoramic views of the island.

Relax on a Beach – Much Easier in Antigua than Barbuda During Travel!

There are 365 beaches on Antigua. This is quite a few more beaches than Barbuda has for your family vacation.

Dickenson Bay is the perfect spot if your family loves beach activities and cocktails. Half Moon Bay is known for its pink sand. And Darkwood Beach is one of the best beaches for snorkeling.

I recommend doing a little beach hopping, so you can find your favorite beach in Antigua for your family vacation.

Here are the top beaches for Antigua and Barbuda travel. 

Explore St. John’s

The capital city of Antigua is St. John’s. This beautiful city is full of historical buildings, St. John’s Cathedral, and local markets.

I recommend shopping in the local markets. They are also the perfect place to purchase fresh local produce and duty-free items.

You won’t find as large of a city when you travel to Barbuda, so if you want to experience this area, you must visit Antigua.

Foods you must try while traveling to Antigua and Barbuda. 

Barbuda Travel

Barbuda became separated from Antigua by about 28 miles when the sea-levels of the world rose considerably in about 10,000 BC. This island is 62 square miles in size.

The limestone Highlands of Barbuda rise to only 125 feet. It is relatively unpopulated with only approximately 1,300 people.

Today, parts of Barbuda are geologically flooded, which forms interesting lagoons. This island may be the largest breeding and nesting colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the world.

Barbuda supports a tremendous diversity of native habitats. Reef-fringed Barbuda may be one of the best kept ecological secrets in the West Indies. The island’s rugged scenery, beautiful beaches, (one at least 12 miles long), lagoons, and abundant wildlife may be a resource as valuable as its fisheries.

Traveling to Barbuda is perfect if you want solitude and plenty of time to relax. Of course, you can combine travel to Antigua and Barbuda to get the best of both worlds during your family vacation!

Things to Do in Barbuda

Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary – Unique Experience in Barbuda Not Antigua Travel

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located within Codrington Lagoon. This sanctuary is one of the world’s largest nesting colonies for frigate birds.

Take a boat tour through the lagoon to see these fabulous birds up close.

Have Fun on Pink Sand Beach

There may not be as many beaches on Barbuda, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun in the sand during your family vacation.

Over at Pink Sand Beach, your family can have plenty of adventures. Walk along the crushed coral shoreline. Snorkel in the crystal-clear water to see marine life. Or take a scenic boat tour to learn more about the area.

There is so much happening in Antigua and Barbuda. You can do it all or do as little as you want during your family vacation.

Check out these other tropical destinations for your next family vacation! 

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary in Antigua, Barbuda, or somewhere else?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.