A coastal ecosystem haven

Thanks to the remarkable geography and coastal ecosystems that Antigua & Barbuda is blessed with, tropical eco-tourism remains at the heart of our culture and economy.

The foundations of our nation’s tourism industry were laid when the US Army constructed our first airstrip. As it happens, in the second half of the twentieth century, my grandfather, Nick Fuller, built the first beach hotel in Antigua. The Lord Nelson Beach Hotel was built on the premise of immersing guests in nature. Right from the outset, private excursions to the offshore islands of the North Sound were the highlight of most visitors’ stays.

The North Sound boasts 22 picturesque islands adorned with turtle grass beds and colourful coral reefs, creating one of the world’s most diverse biodiversity hotspots. Today, it has been designated a Marine Protected Area, and a wide range of ecotours is available there, from thrilling kitesurfing adventures at one end of the spectrum to super yacht charters at the other. Often, the two go together. Furthermore, the list of tours and excursions based around the wonderful natural wildlife shows that unfold around the clock keeps growing.

It’s about a 50-nautical-mile trip right around the island of Antigua, and there are various circumnavigation-type tours available. No matter where you find yourself during one of these round-the-island trips, you will see people enjoying the natural beauty of this very unique island.

And unique our island nation is! We have more offshore islands than most other islands in the Caribbean archipelago, and we also have more bays, coves and inlets than our neighbours. Beaches are what we are famous for, and we truly have some wonderfully spectacular ones. But it’s the combination of these pristine shores with the surrounding offshore islands that truly sets us apart. It’s no wonder that we have so many things to do and see while you’re visiting Antigua.

Whether you’re drawn to scuba diving or snorkelling, birding or beaching, kitesurfing or kayaking, sportfishing or sailing, Antigua & Barbuda offers an array of coastal attractions and high-quality excursions that will keep you busy and happy for years to come.

Beaches are what we are famous for, and we truly have some wonderfully spectacular ones. But it’s the combination of these pristine shores with the surrounding offshore islands that truly sets us apart.

Article written by Eli Fuller, the owner of Adventure Antigua, one of the island's premier water-based excursion companies.