Antigua & Barbuda
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
10
Coastline
153 KM
Cost of living
Capital
St John's/ Codrington
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Perfect Palmetto Point
- Uncrowded conditions
- Sailors paradise
- Deluxe tourism services
Negatives
- Very inconsistent
- Shallow, uneven coral reefs
- Lack of land access spots
- Uber expensive
Where to surf in Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are located on the Leeward side of the Eastern Caribbean, ideally positioned in the NE corner of the island range. Mostly low-lying, these islands lack the central range of mountains common to much of the Caribbean. The highest point, Boggy Peak, is just 402m (1,319ft). The rocky coastline of the two islands has numerous bays and inlets, some of which have been turned into harbours. The water offshore is shallow, reducing the impact of the swell and cutting the number of surfable spots down to around ten. Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda is strictly luxury only. Most hotels are self-contained, all-inclusive resorts, the majority of which are owned by Americans.
Surf spots in Antigua & Barbuda
Research the 10 surf breaks in Antigua & Barbuda and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Antigua & Barbuda.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Antigua & Barbuda
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 269,000
- Population
- 97,929
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- XCD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 268
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 180 days.
Getting There
Fairly cheap flights and special package deals to VC Bird International Airport (ANU) with Virgin, BA, US Air, AA, Continental, Delta, BWIA and Air Canada.
Getting Around
Renting a car is crucial in Antigua, it costs about $50 per day. Visitors need a special permit to drive in Antigua that costs $12 and is valid for six months. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Very small 8 person planes fly to Barbuda (BBQ), LIAT is the major inter-island carrier. The Barbuda Express ferry takes 90 min and costs $50 return. Rental cars in Barbuda are expensive ($80) and hard to get. Stay in the Palmetto Hotel or walk.
Accommodation
Mainly luxury self-contained hotels or all-inclusive resorts like Galley Bay start at $575/n. Beach hotels under $100 will be hard to find. $50 rooms at the Capuccino Lounge in St-Johns. Barbuda had high-end tourism but Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic storm ever, destroyed most buildings and infrastructure in Sept 2017.
Activities
English and Falmouth Harbours become lively from Dec to April, culminating in the Antigua Sailing Week, a world-class regatta since 1967. Calypso and Soca music are big. Barbuda is home to an abundance of birdlife and great snorkelling and scuba diving.
Hazards & hassles
Reefs are shallow and dangerous with staghorn coral. Be careful when it's small. Many remote breaks can only be accessed by boat. Barbuda will take a long time to be rebuilt and cater for tourists again.
Handy Hints
Turtle Surf Shop sells accessories, boards and SUP board rentals are available. Kiteboarding is big on the enclosed waters of Nonsuch Bay. Take a strong board for small reef waves or fast beachbreaks.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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