Activities and Attractions

 

The Beach is just the Beginning

Antigua – A mecca for sailing – Boat charter – Scuba diving – Deep sea fishing  – Kite-surfing – Windsurfing – Waterskiing – Snorkelling – Kayaking – Eco adventure tours – Catamaran cruises – Swimming with stingrays – Off road quad biking – Hill walking – Golf – Major sporting events – Festivals – Day trips to other islands – Helicopter tours to nearby Montserrat – Heritage tours and visits to local attractions – and much much more…

 

 

Local Attractions

 

Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation – 12 miles north east of Carlisle Bay, 45 minutes by car
Founded in 1674 – First plantation on the island to introduce large scale sugar cultivation – Now a fully restored sugar mill devoted to charting the history of the sugar era

 

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour - 3 miles east of Carlisle Bay, 15 minutes by car

Unique eco-tour through Antigua's lush rainforest – A series of zip lines and suspension bridges allows you to travel high above the trees – Opportunity to have a bird's eye view of the flora, fauna and numerous bird species

 

English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard – 6 Miles east of Carlisle Bay, 20 minutes by car
Antigua’s graceful and evocative historic district – Now with myriad interesting shops and restaurants – Incredible natural harbour, focused on the fifteen square miles of Nelson’s Dockyard national park which was developed by Nelson as a base for the British Navy in the 18th century – Today all the buildings have been completely restored – Only working Georgian dockyard in the world – Contains a small museum The Admiral’s House – Heritage tours available

 

Fig Tree Drive – 1/2 mile north of Carlisle Bay, 2 minutes by car
Antigua’s most spectacular drive through the hills and rainforest behind Carlisle Bay – Banana, mango and coconut groves along the route - Magnificent views

 

Bird Island – 14 miles north east of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car and 15 by boat

A tiny island paradise around 3km northeast of Antigua – Just 20 acres in size – Home to an amazing number of birds and a variety of endangered creatures – Also rare lizards, brown pelicans, West Indian whistling ducks and red-billed tropicbirds

 

Green Castle Hill – 13 miles north of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
A one hour climb brings rewards of a fantastic 360 degree view of Antigua – Impressive 180 foot rock formations often referred to as ‘megaliths’

 

Indian Town National Park – 15 miles east of Carlisle Bay, 45 minutes by car

Indian Town Point – Believed to have been an Arawak campsite prior to the arrival of the European colonists – Park includes Devil’s Bridge, a 30 foot natural limestone arch carved by the sea – Worth visiting at high tide when the rougher waves of the Atlantic force huge geysers of water through boreholes in the rocks – Guided tours available

 

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John's – 13 miles north of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
For those interested in the very early history of the island - Housed in the colonial Court House – Features displays on both the Arawak (35-1100 AD) and colonial artifacts discovered through archaeological digs on Antigua and Barbuda

 

Shirley Heights – 5 miles east of Carlisle Bay, 25 minutes by car
Approximately 487 foot high bluff overlooking English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour – Formally used as a colonial observation post to ward off attack from the sea – Breathtaking views across the harbour and far across the Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadaloupe – Gun emplacements and ordnance buildings have been converted into a restaurant – Live Caribbean music and barbecues every Sunday – Small museum with excellent audio visual show on the history of the island

 

St John’s – 13 miles north of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
Capital of Antigua – Largest city of Antigua and Barbuda – Dominated by the white baroque towers of St John’s cathedral – Many colourful shops – Vibrant markets – Numerous local arts and crafts – Colourful tropical fruits – Clothing and jewellery – Duty free shopping at Heritage Quay

 

Helicopter Tours - 3 miles west of Carlisle Bay, 20 minutes by car

See all of Antigua's coastline from deserted offshore islands to rugged bays – Visit Montserrat and get up close to its active volcano and see the charred remains of its now deserted capital city – Create a custom tour to your specifications

 

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Click here for: Water Sports

 

Carlisle Bay is delighted to help you with any arrangements for activities around the island during your stay, including car hire.  Please ask Guest Assistance on arrival.