Antigua & Barbuda Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Island Drives

So, thinking of exploring Antigua and Barbuda at your own pace? Very understandable. Very few things can quite compare to hitting the road and finding hidden gems these islands hide. Like your chance to decide on a whim if that little beach bar looks inviting. Driving lets you soak it all in so completely, that is for sure. That said, let’s peek at a selection of awesome driving adventures you might want to try on these Caribbean islands. A driving adventure lets you experience the culture up close.

1. The Fig Tree Drive Adventure

Basically, the Fig Tree Drive is a scenic route winding through Antigua’s rainforest, so almost like a green hug from nature itself. Very curvy roads provide peeks into the lush heart of the island, filled with banana trees and mango groves. The experience gives you a chance to sample local fruit directly from roadside vendors. That stop might depend, basically, on what’s ripe and available. Very often, those small stalls offer friendly faces and interesting stories from the vendors themselves. And honestly, who doesn’t love a snack picked right from a tree? Just remember this is one of those things that will feel amazing.

What to Expect

Really, expect slow speeds and tight turns, so actually, you can enjoy the scenery without a rush. That could be considered a plus, right? Sometimes you come across really fantastic viewpoints to pull over. That said, keep an eye out for wildlife sightings too; basically, you’re surrounded by it. Actually, you will be driving though it. Anyway, make sure your vehicle is equipped for hills as they get a bit steep. This is really about savoring the natural beauty and basically, finding a slice of Old Antigua. Like your grandparents told you about the beauty they experienced while driving on beautiful curvy roads. Just in a way, more interesting.

2. Coastal Cruise: English Harbour to Shirley Heights

Driving from English Harbour toward Shirley Heights? You get so very stunning views of the coastline, it’s practically a post card view coming to life. Very scenic drive offers amazing vistas of the harbor filled with fancy yachts. It’s quite a dramatic climb leading to Shirley Heights so just like winding higher and higher with anticipation of what comes next. Very popular spot hosts the Shirley Heights Lookout which, frankly, on Sundays includes a legendary party. Clearly, that viewpoint will make the most impressive impact you might expect from seeing the sunset all along Antigua’s beautiful waters.

Planning Your Trip

Going to Shirley Heights on a Sunday? Oh, expect larger crowds and more festive vibes, actually it can get really busy, so it might be wise to arrive early to get parking. So actually during the day there’s very nice, small, friendly spots and bars along the harbor where you can enjoy lunch by the water and basically prepare for what comes next: the perfect views. Almost your day would be about more then going sightseeing; so, it’s soaking up the ambiance. Plus, very important – cameras ready so actually, make sure that thing is charged.

3. Antigua’s West Coast Beaches Tour

Basically, Antigua has 365 beaches, more or less, one for every day, basically the joke always goes. Really? Spend one day testing a few while cruising the west coast to see which one you consider your favorite, that’s not a waste. Very nice journey from north to south exposes a string of powdery beaches and secluded bays, or vise versa. Very diverse scenes include popular spots like Darkwood Beach along with calmer gems actually. Some have restaurants so that kind of goes without saying, others feature very limited facilities which tends to make them perfect for avoiding all of the usual things, that could be anything! To truly escape the crowd, consider spending time at a lesser-known location.

Beach Hopping Tips

So, bringing your swimsuit, a towel, and sunblock is kinda something you have to do on a west coast tour. Almost a fact really, so be aware: some beaches ask a small fee to enter or just like to use their facilities. Frankly, arrive in morning if you seek quieter settings as lots of beaches attract people once the day gets on, or whatever. But so very clearly, arriving when the beach opens you might enjoy an hour alone! This is kind of one of the perks some people don’t account for. A really nice relaxing hour alone on beautiful sand, it’s awesome.

4. Devil’s Bridge and the Northeast Coast

Really, the northeast coastline brings together drama to any road adventure, as a matter of fact, mostly through Devil’s Bridge. Actually, it’s natural rock arch that has been sculptured by the pounding waves for ages! What? Seeing that in action will be a highlight, honestly. Still? Many blowholes around create a cool natural performance, kinda spouting water high into the atmosphere like a mini geyser so to speak. Not to say: swim around this area is not allowed since waters become turbulent and tricky very fast; it makes up for nice pictures from afar so actually, get safe angles to document. As long as the tide isn’t bad, it might be okay. That said the area is really nice for just kicking back and enjoying a really different part of the island.

Safety and Scenery

Honestly, while Devil’s Bridge tends to look amazing to watch, just stay well back of the edge actually. So, like that could be something obvious to repeat: surfaces often are very wet and can get too slippery too, so basically, be a little careful. Next? Just outside Devil’s Bridge, discover Long Bay’s pretty sandy sweep where you can chill safely at waters so kinda finish up day properly here or something. Honestly that can be great. The long drives will often leave people wanting some water and it kind of works nicely. Especially to experience two locations within relative driving proximity. Still amazing, if you ask me.

5. Barbuda Exploration

Seeing Barbuda often requires taking the ferry over; still? A great island day out! What? You probably will wish to secure local transportation ahead given rentals end limited. That? Driving through Barbuda seems more subdued in nature because everything comes at gentler pace but is nice because gets way far from everyday’s hustle actually. You will have chance viewing Frigate Bird Sanctuary while at Codrington Lagoon (typically you need a tour on smaller boats!) actually. Barbuda appears as perfect spot to see untouched stretches and natural scenes.

Getting Around

Anyway, roads are often less developed so it tends to be a better idea selecting bigger SUVs and driving somewhat more mindfully. Actually there seems to be certain beaches as Princess Diana Beach in where one can spend whole days simply marveling at ocean sights. It kind of becomes very clear why someone would chose such special spot to relax actually. Barbuda does give one true experience while moving little further away from standard traveler routes therefore one must ready to discover the calm not easy seen anymore somewhere close by today so very try discovering hidden slice found near. But again remember that even at popular destinations the beach alone, often looks very clean, and even, untouched!