Antigua and Barbuda / Watersports

Antigua has good watersports. Different beaches have their specialities, see below, and of course most hotels have some sports equipment for loan or hire, but the liveliest general beach is Dickenson Bay. A general watersports operator there is Tony’s Watersports & Bar next to Sandals.

Snorkelling

There are many opportunities for snorkelling around the coast of Antigua. In such shallow, coral based seas there are plenty of reefs close to shore and most hotels carry snorkelling equipment. Snorkelling is included on the day sails and kayaking eco trips. On the Atlantic side the usual stops are on Green Island and Bird Island. On the Caribbean coast you will usually stop at Cades Reef, which is partly designated as a National Park, or a reef and a wreck off the Royal Antiguan hotel at Five Islands.

Sports Fishing

The Antigua and Barbuda Annual Sport Fishing Tournament attracts big game anglers and is held in May of each year around the Whit weekend. The waters around Antigua, depending on the time of year see tuna, kingfish, wahoo and dorado. If you are more interested in bonefish, then they can be found in Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon.

For deep sea/sports fishing boat charters in Antigua try:

Overdraft, English Harbour - A fully equipped, 40ft fiberglass fishing boat (single Detroit-Diesel) with Capt Frank Hart at the helm, which is available for 6 anglers for up to eight hour charters, with drinks included.

Obsession, Falmouth Harbour - A 45ft Hatteras Convertible operated by Capt Derek Biel (IGFA certified) since 1991. The boat has twin Detroit-Diesels 8V-71, Rupp outriggers, international fighting chair, custom built rods from 20-80 lbs with PENN spinning reels and ALUTECNOS single and two speed reels. The boat is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate up to 6 anglers for half or full day charters with drinks included. Overnight fishing trips to Barbuda can also be arranged.

Surfing

Antigua is not among the leading islands in the Caribbean for surfing but gets some good swell off the Atlantic in the south-east of the island. The best beach is Turtle Bay, but there are occasionally swells from the west, in which case the best breaks are at Galley Bay and at Sand Haven south of Dickenson Bay.

Scuba Diving

Please see our Special Interest - Scuba section.

Contributors: Deana Bellamy