When we first decided to return to Antigua, I must say I was a little disappointed. There were so many other places to explore, and we spent a long time on the island last year. See previous blogs:
Antigua: Adorable and Historical
Antigua and Its Beautiful Bays
Nevertheless, for several reasons, we found ourselves back in Antigua and, you know what, I enjoyed every minute of it. Antigua is more developed than some of the other islands. The countryside is a little like the BVIs as it has less tall mountains and rain forests. Nevertheless, it has its own beauty of rolling hillsides, colorful houses and quaint churches…and pastures with cows! You don’t see this on many of the windward islands.
Since Antigua’s history has always been associated with the British as the island was never occupied by the French, Dutch or Spanish. Much of its architecture is based on colonial British history. The Anglican churches fascinated me.
Beaches Galore!
The island is not as vertical; therefore, the land gently meets the water with some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. Crystal clear water with white sandy beaches abound around the island. Antigua boasts of 365 beaches! That’s a lot of beaches for such a small island. Reefs protect several of the bays which allows for calm water with amazing breezes such as around Green Island.
Of course, many of the beaches include lovely waterfront restaurants and bars where it was easy to find a burger, fish sandwich, etc. and a tropical drink. It was so relaxing to sit, eat and watch the waves glide onto the shore.
Mystic Beach outside St. John was a very happening place and the food was pretty good too.
Ron was our first visitor when we arrived in Antigua. Initially the wind was not conducive to sailing very far. Thus, we took him around to some of the unique Antigua landmarks such as Shirley Heights, an old fort, Falmouth, English Harbour, and Devils Bridge.
Shirley Heights, Falmouth and English Harbour
The views from Shirley Heights of Falmouth and English Harbour and surround bays were amazing!
Devil’s Bridge
We also found some new places to explore such as Fort James outside the capital of St. John. They were shooting a BBC movie next to the fort, and try as we may to become a part of the film, we were thwarted at every turn to wait for a shot and then proceed.
The wind finally laid a bit. So we motored-sailed around to beautiful relaxing Carlisle Bay where we had the same view as the $700 a night condos, but from the water. It was a great getaway! We swam and paddle boarded, and generally relaxed. Turned out the bay was filled with 3 other Texas boats. We are everywhere!
We also spent one night at Deep Bay to snorkel the next morning. However, we didn’t know they would play music until 0400 on Saturday night! Wow, it never ended. We snorkeled the next day, but the sandy beach made the visibility hazy at best. Nevertheless, we did spy a spotted eel hiding in the rocks.
Once we returned to Jolly Harbour, we were greeted to an excellent surprise. Our friends on SY Sur L’eau, Krissy and John had arrived. They invited us over to a gourmet dinner of Sea Bass. The food was delectable, but catching up with our friends was wonderful!! It made my heart glow for days!
Ron finally had to leave us and return to the frigid land of Texas, but we so enjoyed his visit to the historical island of Antigua.
Oh and if you are ever in Jolly Harbour and find yourself in need of a haircut, mani/pedi or massage, be sure to look up Sharmone. She has a cute shop at the Castle Hotel across the street from the marina or on some days she works in the shop at the marina complex.
Well that’s a wrap for Antigua in 2024. Irene and Bill arrived yesterday and it looks like, God willing, we are headed to Guadeloupe at 0400 tonight!
Farewell until next time!
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