Car Hire in Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda

The two small yet idyllic islands which make up this nation differ massively in size and population density. Antigua is far larger (108 square miles compared to 68), is home to the majority of the 80,000 strong population and has a far broader range of accommodation options. Barbuda is restricted to the more upmarket guest. The sandy beaches are home to a range of water-sports, with enthusiasts flocking to purpose built resorts. Large catamarans offer tours around the island’s 365 beaches, with plenty of snorkelling opportunities.

Despite a colourful past with swashbuckling galore, there is not a great deal to see in terms of culture. A few museums celebrate the colonial history and its shortcomings, but this hardly seems a worthy distraction from the landscape, sporting interests or culinary indulgences. The islands are governed with strong environmental concern to remedy the problems of increased tourism.

A carnival takes place on Antigua every year late July to August, consisting of floats, street parades and all-night parties. Some years the government offers a cash prize for the best decorated house at Christmas, making for some quite spectacular neon displays.

Language

The official language is English. The majority of locals speak Antiguan Creole, a hybrid of West African languages and English arising from the colonial history of the nation.

Currency

East Carribean Dollar (XCD). £1 to 5 XCD, $1 to 2.7 XCD and €1 to 3.5 XCD (15/08/06).

Weather

Seasonal variations are subtle and the temperature sits above 20˚C throughout the year. The North East Trade winds which make for the superb sailing opportunities also prevent the temperature from becoming unbearable and keep the mosquitoes at bay. Rainfall is highest in September to November, although storms are most likely to occur between June and November.

Attractions

Sport – As the setting of one of the Caribbean’s main race events, the Antigua Sailing Week, the nation provides great opportunities for the spectator, in addition to being one of the most picturesque places to have a go yourself. Flotilla holidays depart from here to the surrounding island destinations. Cricket is played with passion here and standards are high even in impromptu beach games, however regardless of skill it’s well worth getting involved with.

Mountains– The bumpy trip inland is well worth the effort given the extensive wildlife and colourful and medicinally useful flora. The altitude also provides the best sunset views, with many tours organising for these to be enjoyed with some rum punch and a steel band.

St Johns – The capital is made up of brightly renovated warehouses, new plaza complexes and the remnants of some baroque architecture. The cathedral and museum give a good outline of the nation’s history. It’s a vibrant mix of the many aspects of the island and is a good base for the activities on offer.

Barbuda – Accessible by plane or boat, the smaller island seems almost deserted apart from the massive bird population, making it of most interest to ornithologists or those able to stay at one of the few luxurious resorts.

Shopping

The main tourist shopping areas are to be found in Antigua’s capital St John’s. The old slave-port of Redcliffe Quay in the south of the city is made up of brightly painted Georgian warehouses where you can trawl through garish souvenirs and oversized clothes for something worth buying. Heritage Quay provides a duty free haven for the hoards of cruise ship travellers which disembark there.

Nightlife

A large proportion of visitors stay at the nations many resorts. These often provide evening entertainment which ranges from rum-punch fuelled beach parties to more family orientated affairs such as beach cricket evenings. St John’s has its own range of lively clubs and bars where varying degrees of embarrassing dancing take place. Massive sound systems support nightly street parties outside the cities although the cultural barriers may be far harder to overcome here, than in the more tourist orientated areas.

Driving

Those with a valid driving licence can obtain a 6 month license driving permit for $12 USD at time of writing (August 2006). Driving is on the left and the speed limit is 40 mph although this is not widely enforced. Major roads are reasonably well kept but care must be taken for pot holes and those flaunting the speed limit. It is also worth noting that many vehicles without functioning indicators and or brake lights use the roads (as do animals). Drink driving is not uncommon but police can hand out fines of up to $200 XCD for reckless driving so it is best to avoid alcohol altogether if planning to drive.

Food and Drink

The national dish is 'pepperpot', which consists of dumplings with squash, okra, aubergine, spinach, pumpkin, and salted meats. The seafood is fantastic and comes either heavily seasoned or barbequed. With the amount of meat, pulses and dumplings on offer, constipation is a common complaint so plenty of fruit, fibre and water should be consumed as a preventative measure. The national beer is Wadaldli, which is relatively weak, probably a good thing given the amount of rum that is consumed by locals and tourists alike.

Tourist Information

Department of Tourism
Corner of Nevis Street & Friendly Alley,
P.O. Box 363,
St John's,
Antigua.
Tel: +1268 462 0480
Fax: +1268 462 2483
deptourism@antigua.gov.ag

Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association
Island House,
Newgate Street
P.O. Box 454,
St. John's,
Antigua
Tel: +1268-462-0374
Fax: +1268-462-3702
ahta@candw.ag

Destinations

We provide car hire in the following locations within Antigua & Barbuda:

Antigua	Jolly Harbor	St. Johns
Antigua Airport	Jolly Harbor Airport	V.c. Bird Airport
Golden Grove	Leeword Islands

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