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Antigua Attractions

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Activities

Antigua Attractions

Betty's Hope, a picturesque ruin just outside the village of Pares on the eastbound route to Long Bay, was Antigua's first sugar plantation (from 1650). You can tour it Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm (US$2/£1.05 for adults, free for children). Exhibits in the visitor's center trace the sugar era, and you can also see the full restoration of one of the original plantation's two windmills.

Indian Town is one of Antigua's national parks, on the island's northeastern point. Over the centuries, Atlantic breakers have lashed the rocks and carved a natural bridge known as Devil's Bridge. It's surrounded by numerous blowholes spouting surf, a dramatic sight. An environmentally protected area, Indian Town Point lies at the tip of a deep cove, Indian Town Creek. The park fronts the Atlantic at Long Bay, just west of Indian Town Creek at the eastern side of Antigua. Birders flock here to see some 36 different species. The park is blanketed mainly by the acacia tree, a dry shrub locally known as "cassie." A large, meadowed headland around Devil's Bridge makes a great spot for a picnic. Arm yourself with directions and a good map before you start out.

Another major attraction is the Dow's Hill Interpretation Center. The only one of its kind in the Caribbean, the center presents multimedia presentations that cover six periods of the island's history, including the era of Amerindian hunters, the era of the British military, and the struggles connected with slavery. A belvedere opens onto a panoramic view of the park.

The best gambling joint on island is Grand Princess Casino, Jolly Harbour, spread across three floors, offering a lot more than gambling. You can dine in the first-class Bellagio Restaurant, patronize an Internet cafe, get down in a dance club, enjoy flashy Las Vegas entertainment in a lounge, or even work out at the rooftop fitness center. The most glamorous place to go is the St. James's Club at Mamora Bay, which has the island's most flamboyant gambling palace. Other action is found at King's Casino on Heritage Quay, the only casino in St. John's proper.

Antigua Activities

Fishing - Many anglers visit Antigua just for the big-game fishing offshore, where wahoo, tuna, and marlin abound.

Parasailing - Parasailing is gaining popularity on Antigua. Facilities are available during the day, Monday to Saturday, on the beach at Dickenson Bay.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & Other Watersports - The reefs that fringe Antigua are home to beautiful, brilliantly colored fish. Many of the island's beaches have clear, pure, calm waters that make for great snorkeling. The most popular, such as Dickenson Bay, have concessions where you can rent snorkel gear and other equipment if it isn't available from your hotel.

Hiking - The best nature trail on Antigua, a well-tended footpath, goes up the hill from English Harbour to Shirley Heights, beginning at the Galleon Beach Hotel. Follow the sign that points to the lookout. The trail is marked with tape on the branches of trees. Eventually you reach a summit of nearly 150m (490 ft.), where you're rewarded with a panoramic view.