Antigua Sections Getting There Where To Stay Activities Visitor Tips Getting Married Scuba Diving Weather Maps Information Request Antigua CTW Main	Description Antigua is famed for the countless, silky beaches lapped by iridescent azure seas and cooled by lyric breezes. Surrounded by dramatic reefs, there's fabulous safe diving, swimming and watersports. The waters of Antigua are perfect for sailing. During late April/ early May, Antigua Sailing Week goes into full swing, This is a major yacht-racing event and attracts hundreds of boats. The Antigua Yacht Club holds races throughout the year. For those "Lan Lubbers", tennis golf, cricket, hiking and horseback riding and much more are available. Immerse yourself in an exotic, amiable world at the heart of the Caribbean geographically, socially, culturally and spiritually. This naturally charming resort island is the largest in the Leeward islands with its serene, small sister island, Barbuda 26 miles to the north. Retaining an eminence amongst those more selective visitors, the traditions of a high proportion of repeat visitors, the traditions of service, a smiling face, superb cuisine and a wonderful variety of accommodation are ensured. Entertainment is both local and cosmopolitan and soft Caribbean sounds can be heard throughout the island. Summer carnival is the cultural and entertainment highlight of the year and one of the liveliest! Barbuda is one of those very few islands in the Caribbean that remains--and probably will remain for some time--so undeveloped as to seem positively deserted at times. With the exception of the guests of the island's small number of accommodations, the population seems largely to consist of the graceful frigate birds. As the birds possess a marked preference for the northwest lagoon, Barbuda's seemingly endless white and pink sand beaches are left to the peaceful wanderings of those lucky enough to visit here. Antigua is almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks. The southern and eastern coasts of Antigua is surrounded by shelfs, providing excellent conditions for spectacular shallow diving and snorkeling. There is little or no current in most places, the water is warm and clear, and tropical marine plants and animals are diverse and plentiful. History The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Antigua/Barbuda At A Glance - Language: English (official), local dialects Government: Constitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament Capital: Saint John's Size: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Climate: Tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Electricity: 110 & 220 are used Currency: East Caribbean Dollar Driving: Drive on left. Valid driver's license required Rentals: International and local auto rental companies available
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