Antigua
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands and is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.
Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.
Travel Tips
Things To Do
There are lots of FREE things to do at Sandals Grande Antigua, but if you would like to venture off of the property, there are great excursions available.
Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.
Travel Tips
- Tipping/Gratuities: No tipping allowed at Sandals, however outside of resort is the same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
- Telephones: Calling the U.S. is easy from Antigua and Barbuda. Most hotels offer USA Direct calling service, or can connect you with a U.S. operator for calling home.
- Taxes: Antigua & Barbuda has a US$28.00 airport departure tax.
- Electricity: 110 volts is available at Sandals Grande Antigua, hairdryers provided in each room/suite.
- Appropriate Attire: Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants.
- Customs and Import: The importation and wearing of camouflage clothing is prohibited in Antigua and Barbuda. Visitors should leave such items at home to avoid confiscation.
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.
- Currency/Money: Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.
- Banks: Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
- Medical Facilities: There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island, a hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are widely available.
- Passports & Immigration: U.S. passport is required for entry, not to expire less than six months prior to departure from Antigua.
Things To Do
There are lots of FREE things to do at Sandals Grande Antigua, but if you would like to venture off of the property, there are great excursions available.