As one of the family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, families having a holiday in Antigua and Barbuda won’t complain about the lack of activities they can do here as a group. This island country has a lot to offer to people of all ages that acquiring citizenship by real estate investment and staying here for long periods of time repeatedly can be quite an appealing option.
Aside from its many beautiful beaches and other natural and man-made attractions, Antigua and Barbuda have a citizenship by investment program that allows foreigners to own residential property in the country. These estates can come in the form of a villa, condo, apartment, or house.
In addition to owning a second home, which you and your family can stay in for your holidays and which can serve as your future retirement abode, by choosing a government-approved residential property, you can get an Antigua and Barbados passport. This document will allow you to travel to more than 130 countries visa-free or with visa upon entry.
Your spouse and children can also apply for their Antigua and Barbuda passports at the same time that you do.
Where to Go in Antigua With Your Family
Once you have made Antigua and Barbuda your official second home, here are the eight best places you have to visit first with your family:
1. Dickenson Bay
Begin your family excursion in Dickenson Bay, Antigua, and Barbuda’s most famous beach.
Dickenson Bay boasts clear, calm blue waters. Your kids will love swimming or splashing on the seashore.
The beach has powdery white sand as well. Because of this, everyone will love walking on the shore to look for seashells and other small creatures and building sandcastles. The coastline is also the perfect place to enjoy the fantastic panorama of the nearby green hills and glorious sunsets.
If you and your kids want to try something exciting, you can go jet skiing. Hire a guide to ensure you and your family will be safe as you go on a tour or zip around the beach.
2. Half Moon Bay
Located in Saint Philip Parish, Half Moon Bay is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Antigua and Barbuda, and even in the Caribbean. This is because it is one of the few coastlines that have crystal pink sand.
You and your family will love spending a lot of time in Half Moon Bay since it is not yet too developed and commercialized. As such, there are fewer crowds. Everyone will love exploring the beach and doing their own thing in this lovely paradise.
The azure waters here are calm as well since there is a huge reef that helps protect the bay from the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this, the beach is an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Valley Church Beach
Another must-visit beach in Antigua is Valley Church Beach, which can be found in Jolly Harbour.
Like Half Moon Bay, Valley Church is not as busy as the other beaches. Because of this, you and your family can relax once everyone has gotten their fill of snorkeling, swimming, floating, and splashing.
The powdery sand highlights a pinkish hue. Combined with the calm azure waters, Valley Church Beach is also one of the most picturesque beaches you will find in Antigua and Barbuda.
4. Stingray City
If your kids are looking for something more exciting or love sea creatures, bring them to Stingray City.
Located in St. John’s, Stingray City is home to Southern rays, one of the gentlest marine creatures in the world. You and your family will have the chance to swim with, feed, pet, and take photos of the stingrays.
The area also boasts spectacular coral reefs, which are home to various colorful tropical fish. You and your family can see them up close by snorkeling in the clear blue beach.
5. Wadadli Animal Nature Park
If your kids want to get up close and personal with some flora and fauna in Antigua, bring them to the Wadadli Animal Nature Park.
The park houses a variety of animals, which include land turtles, ducks, geese, peacocks, rabbits, horses, monkeys, and parrots. You will also find an abundance of plants here, thereby making it one of the greenest spaces in the country.
To explore the park, you can drive or go by foot (which is highly recommended) and follow a walking trail. The grounds have a circular layout, which means you will return to the entrance at the end of the tour.
6. Nelson’s Dockyard
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only Georgian port that has been open and working since the eighteenth century, Nelson’s Dockyard is Antigua’s most treasured and preserved treasure.
Colorful ships of different sizes are constantly moored in the harbor. As such, you and your family will be treated to amazing sights that you simply must take photos of.
Nelson’s Dockyard is also a park, which means that it has other attractions, including the Dockyard Museum.
Historic forts and other natural scenery surround the park as well. Make sure you and your family explore these places, too.
7. Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre
Knowing more about the history and culture of Antigua and Barbuda is a must if you and your family will be spending a lot of time in this country.
Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre has unique, fascinating multimedia presentations that take viewers on a journey through the country’s history. These productions cover six periods, which include the Amerindian era, the era of the British military, and the present.
After the presentations, head to the viewing platform to enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area and the English Harbour.
8. Shirley Heights
If you and your family want to see spectacular 360-degree views of both the English and Falmouth Harbours, make sure you visit Shirley Heights.
Shirley Heights is a reconditioned military lookout and artillery battery located in the English Harbour. It is the perfect place to watch the sun set over Antigua.
If you and your family are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the green flash, a green jet of light that appears on the skyline for a split second as the sun sets behind the ocean.
There is no lack of fun, family-oriented things to do in Antigua and Barbuda. Because of this, it is the perfect place to enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle, have a second home, and spend your holidays with your loved ones.
AUTHOR BIO
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.