TRAVEL INFORMATION

ARRIVING BY AIR

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua is served by major airlines such as British Airways , Continental Airlines , Air Canada , Delta , US Airways , American Eagle , and Virgin Atlantic  as well as regional airlines such as LIAT  and Caribbean Airlines . The smaller regional airlines, Winair  and Carib Aviation , have flights from Antigua to Barbuda and Montserrat.

Caribbean Helicopters  operates from Antigua to Montserrat.

GETTING AROUND

V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua is a major regional airline hub. Antigua and Barbuda are connected by air and sea, with daily flights and ferry service. Daily flights from Antigua land at Gerald’s Airport in Montserrat. Taxis are readily available on all three islands, while cars can also be hired on Antigua and Montserrat.

Traveling by car is the most practical and flexible way of exploring the Caribbean isles. Car rentals are widely available, and major international rental companies have franchises on most islands. Driving here can be challenging. Hazards include poorly paved and pot-holed roads, stray animals on the road, and local drivers who have no concern for the safety of other road users. It is advisable not to drive at night. Cars drive on the left side of the road.

CRUISES

The Caribbean is a top year-round destination for cruise ships. More than 20 cruise lines offer a vast range of ships and itineraries. The ships sail at night and berth at their next port of call before dawn, permitting visitors to explore ashore by day. Cruise companies sell a wide range of group-oriented shore excursions, but it is often cheaper and more fun to make your own arrangements ashore. Special theme cruises are a popular option. More details are available from Cruise Line International Association .

The port of St. John’s welcomes large cruise ships on a regular schedule. Antigua has three protected harbors with marinas and immigration checkpoints for yachts wanting to tour the coastline and visit Barbuda.

FERRIES AND SAILBOATS

Surprisingly few ferries serve the region. Ferries link Puerto Rico to both the Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands, which are connected by ferry to the British Virgin Islands. Trinidad and Tobago are also connected by ferry. Sailboat charters are a popular way of exploring the islands. Yachts can be chartered with or without crews on virtually every island, although it is wise to book your sailing vacation in advance from a reputable company such as the Caribbean Yacht Rental  or Ed Hamilton .

Barbuda and Antigua are also linked by a Barbuda Express Ltd . daily ferry.

PACKAGE DEALS AND ORGANIZED TOURS

Air fares can vary greatly from season to season, between airlines and ticket wholesalers, and according to time of year. The further in advance you buy your ticket, the cheaper it usually is. Air-hotel packages are available for every island. These inclusive vacations tend to be cheaper than independent travel. Most major airlines offer inclusive packages, as do many companies in Europe and North America.

If you are interested in a beach vacation, there are special tours that may appeal to visitors. Most islands offer a variety of watersports and there are several package deals. Popular themed vacations include birding, hiking, cycling, scuba diving, and sportfishing.

DIRECTORY

ARRIVING BY AIR



AIR CANADA



AMERICAN EAGLE


  • www.aa.com


BARBUDA EXPRESS LTD.



BRITISH AIRWAYS


  • www.ba.com


CARIB AVIATION



CARIBBEAN AIRLINES



CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS



CONTINENTAL AIRLINES



DELTA



LIAT



US AIRWAYS


  • www.usairways.com


VIRGIN ATLANTIC



WINAIR


CRUISES


CRUISE LINE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION


  • 910 SE 17th Street., Suite 400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
  • Tel: 754 224 2200.
  • www.cruising.org


THE CRUISE LINE LTD.


FERRIES AND SAILBOATS


CARIBBEAN YACHT RENTAL



ED HAMILTON