Lovely islands abound within the Caribbean! In the event you’re making an attempt to determine which island to go to, needless to say your selection might be nearly totally decided by the kind of trip you need. There’s a lot to think about if you’re contemplating two locations, resembling Antigua and Saint Lucia, that are each situated within the japanese Caribbean.
Antigua is an island nation that’s made up of two islands (Antigua and Barbuda). This island is east of Saint Kitts and Montserrat. Saint Lucia, alternatively, is to the south of Antigua, close to Martinique. Each of those islands are recognized for his or her gorgeous pure magnificence, wonderful seashores, vibrant tradition, and thrilling adventures.
Antigua is usually flat and has the stereotypical Caribbean panorama, whereas Saint Lucia is characterised by its dramatic volcanic landscapes and luxurious greenery. Neither of those islands is missing in pure magnificence, so your choice might come all the way down to how these islands evaluate in particular areas, which we’ll focus on on this put up!
Professional tip: Undecided which of those islands is best for you? Take a look at our listing of things Saint Lucia is known for. We’ve additionally compiled an inventory of things Antigua is known for which may be helpful in your trip planning.
Seashores: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
The seashores are a giant cause why 1000’s of individuals go to the Caribbean yearly. A number of the finest seashores within the area may be present in Antigua and Saint Lucia. With 365 seashores that fluctuate in dimension, Antigua seemingly has essentially the most seashores of any Caribbean island. Saint Lucia, alternatively, has about 19 seashores, every of which is distinct and delightful. Relating to a seaside trip, it’s a win on both of those islands.
Antigua seashores
Antigua is well-known for a lot of fantastic issues, together with its stunning seashores. The entire island’s seashores, which characteristic powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters, are open to the general public. A number of the best beaches in Antigua have palm timber and different forms of timber for shade, and also you’ll finish your day with the purest sense of tranquility at a lot of the seashores on this island. Whether or not you need to loosen up, take within the surroundings, go snorkeling, or take part in water sports activities, Antigua has a seaside for you.
Listed below are just a few of our favourite Antigua seashores:
Dickenson Bay – Dickenson Bay is situated in Antigua’s northwestern parish of St. John. That is considered one of Antigua’s most stunning and pristine seashores, and there’s loads to do there, together with water sports activities. Dickenson Bay is surrounded by beach resorts, nice procuring, eating places, bars, and lounges.
Fort James Seashore – Fort James Seashore on Antigua’s western shore is a kind of seashores that takes your breath away at first sight. This seaside is as undeveloped because it will get, however there are just a few eating places and bars close by. This seaside is right for a extra tranquil expertise.
Pigeon Level Seashore – The secluded Pigeon Level Seashore is situated in English Harbour on Antigua’s southern tip. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from St. John’s (the capital) to this seaside. Pigeon Level seaside is shady, has calm, clear waters, and is right for snorkeling.
Ffryes Seashore – Ffryes Seashore may be discovered on the western coast of Antigua. Touring to this seaside from St. John’s will take about half-hour. Ffryes Seashore is on the quiet aspect however there are just a few locations to eat and drink within the space. (Word: the waters listed below are a bit rougher than different seashores on the island).
Professional tip: Forward of your journey to Antigua you would possibly need to get acquainted with among the finest things to do in Antigua. This consists of crusing, seaside hopping, and heading out on nature explorations.
Saint Lucia seashores
Saint Lucia has beautiful sandy seashores, although not as many as Antigua. The seashores in Saint Lucia are unfold out throughout the island, with most of the hottest situated within the excessive north or far south. Saint Lucia’s seashores stand out extra as in comparison with these in Antigua, with breathtaking surroundings that features the majestic Pitons, historic websites, vibrant greenery, and extra.
A few of our favourite Saint Lucia seashores embrace:
Pigeon Island Seashore – This seaside is close to the Pigeon Island National Park in Saint Lucia and it’s nice for snorkeling and climbing. You pays a small charge ($8 USD for adults, $3 USD for teenagers 5-12) to benefit from the seaside space contained in the park, or you possibly can loosen up on the seaside space close to the Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Reduit Seashore – Positioned within the north of Saint Lucia, Reduit Seashore is gorgeous, well-kept, and standard. This seaside can get a bit crowded on cruise ship days, however there’s loads of area alongside these shores plus seaside chair leases. The sunsets are spectacular, and there’s additionally a seaside bar (Spinnakers).
Anse Chastanet – Soufriere’s Anse Chastanet Beach is serene and lovely, making it an excellent location for a calming swim or scuba diving in Saint Lucia. Simply past the shoreline of this seaside is a blinding reef and nice views of the Pitons. Touring time from Castries (the capital) to Anse Chastanet Seashore is round 90 minutes.
Anse des Pitons – Positioned on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia, this seaside has probably the greatest coral reefs within the Caribbean. Throughout a go to right here you possibly can count on calm waters, minimal crowds, chairs, and umbrella leases, facilities, and gorgeous views as this seaside is ready on the foot of the Pitons.
Actions: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
There’s no brief provide of actions you could strive in Saint Lucia and Antigua. For the vacationer that desires to strive numerous water sports activities, these islands may be the perfect getaway location. Whereas Saint Lucia stands out extra by way of diving sights, each Antigua and Saint Lucia supply water sports activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, jet snowboarding, and extra.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Diving is feasible on each Saint Lucia and Antigua as these islands each have vibrant coral reefs and attention-grabbing marine life. Right here’s what you possibly can count on on every island.
Snorkeling & scuba diving in Antigua
The calm waters of Antigua are stuffed with stunning coral reefs that you simply’ll be capable to discover by way of a snorkeling or scuba diving journey. Listed below are a few of our favourite dive spots on this island:
Deep Bay – Deep Bay’s waters are calm, shallow, and excellent for snorkeling. The Wreck of the Andes, a 3-masted sailboat that sits in 35 toes of water, is the principle attraction right here. The sunken boat is residence to crabs, lobsters, and different sea creatures.
Galleon Seashore – This secluded seaside is an efficient possibility for off-the-beach snorkeling. Lovely coral formations may be discovered on the correct aspect of the seaside, and beneath the waves, you possibly can count on to see blue tangs, yellowtail snapper, barracuda, angelfish, and infrequently turtles and stingrays. There are two shipwrecks on this space.
Cades Reef – This can be a 2-mile barrier reef off the coast of Antigua. The water right here is heat and crystal clear and also you’re more likely to see numerous reef fish. Generally divers right here report sightings of moray eels, nurse sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, and far more. You’ll must take a ship to get to Cades Reef.
Prickly Pear Island – You can take a brief boat trip from St. John’s to Prickly Pear Island for a diving journey in Antigua. If you arrive on this uninhabited island, you possibly can dive in and see the corals, sea sponges, sea followers, and tropical fishes up shut.
Snorkeling & scuba diving in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a diver’s paradise with dive websites for each skilled and novice divers. Lovely coral buildings, thrilling barrier reefs, and shipwrecks may be discovered all around the island, significantly on the east coast. There are a great deal of locations the place you possibly can snorkel proper off the seaside too. Under are among the hottest snorkeling and scuba diving spots in Saint Lucia:
Anse Chastanet – Positioned in Saint Lucia’s south (Soufriere), this space has among the finest snorkeling on the island. There are two giant reefs on both aspect of the seaside, and you may count on to see giant faculties of fish, octopus, giant starfish, flounder, trumpetfish, and different marine life.
Rodney Bay – In the event you go to both finish of Reduit Seashore in Rodney Bay, you will discover some nice snorkeling spots. In some areas, coral and fish may be seen proper off the seaside, and whereas snorkeling, you possibly can see tropical fishes, crabs, eels, and extra.
Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Seashore) – Snorkeling websites within the south of Saint Lucia like Anse Des Pitons are perfect for each snorkeling and scuba diving. This dive web site is situated between the Piton mountains and it’s fairly gorgeous. Count on to see quite a lot of sea life.
Picture credit score: Fokke Baarssen/Shutterstock.com
Pigeon Island – Divers can lease snorkeling tools from the seaside, making this a handy snorkeling location. There’s numerous coral and delightful tropical fish on this space, in addition to quite a lot of locations to dive. Water footwear are beneficial.
Insider tip: You can have entry to among the best snorkeling in Saint Lucia with the all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. Sandals Resorts presents visitors free snorkeling and scuba diving (as much as 2 tanks per day).
Excursions
Antigua and Saint Lucia are wonderful locations for these searching for journey. These islands present quite a lot of thrilling excursions and excursions which can be positive to be highlights of your trip. Right here’s what to look ahead to by way of journey on each of those islands.
Excursions and excursions in Antigua
Antigua is filled with thrilling alternatives, from crusing to climbing. A wide range of day journeys, together with visits to pure wonders just like the Pillars of Hercules, can help you get out and discover the various panorama on land. You also can go ziplining, discover caves, and guide boat excursions to any of the various small islands off the coast of Antigua, resembling neighboring Barbuda.
In Antigua, you’ll be capable to:
See The Pillars of Hercules – This can be a pure limestone formation a brief distance from Galleon Seashore. Sculpted by wind, rain, and crashing waves, the cliffs that make up the Pillars of Hercules are a pure geological marvel.
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Tour Hell’s Gate Island – Positioned northeast of Antigua, Hell’s Gate Island is a small island. This pure landmark is well-known for its caves and engaging rock formations. At this web site, a tour information is required, as are sturdy footwear.
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Hike Mount Obama – Mount Obama is Antigua’s highest level. It was beforehand often called Bogey Peak, but it surely was renamed in 2009 to honor the achievements of black individuals. This 1,319-ft peak was named after U.S. President Barack Obama and it’s attainable to see Saint Kitts and Montserrat from the highest.
Zipline by way of the rainforest – With gorgeous vistas, a zipline journey is at all times a good suggestion within the Caribbean. You can join a ziplining tour in Antigua throughout which you’ll be capable to see the rainforest from an aerial perspective. You can discover zip strains as tall as 350ft in Antigua.
Excursions and excursions in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is an adventurer’s dream. There’s a lot to do on this island for many who get pleasure from exploring. A few of these choices embrace visiting waterfalls, occurring dive excursions, exploring Saint Lucia’s finest climbing trails, and even visiting the island’s well-known ‘drive-in volcano’! Listed below are a few of our favourite Saint Lucian adventures:
Hike Gros Piton – Climbing Gros Piton is an thrilling journey. On the bigger of the 2 Piton Mountains, the attraction right here shouldn’t be solely the hike but in addition the breathtaking views from the highest. The Gros Piton hike can take between 3-6 hours to finish.
Picture credit score: Fokke Baarssen/Shutterstock.com
Hike Pigeon Island – Pigeon Island, situated to the north of Saint Lucia, is a enjoyable place to go to. This space not solely has seashores, but in addition a nationwide park and some eating places serving scrumptious native delicacies. A day journey to Pigeon Island means that you can climb the fort, loosen up on the seaside, and snorkel.
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Trek to waterfalls – In Saint Lucia, a waterfall journey is a should. Not like Antigua, Saint Lucia has a number of waterfalls you could go to throughout your trip. Toraille Waterfall, Diamond Falls, and Piton Falls are among the many hottest.
Discover Soufriere – Soufriere is a well-liked vacation spot for guests to Saint Lucia as a result of it presents quite a lot of thrilling actions. Guests can get pleasure from excursions to naturally heated swimming pools and dust baths on the Sulphur Springs, in addition to tour the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, on this energetic geothermal volcanic mountain.
Professional tip: Saint Lucia has gained quite a few honeymoon locations on the earth and is residence to among the finest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. This island is a best choice for {couples} searching for romance.
Nightlife
Each Saint Lucia and Antigua are pleasant through the day and after the solar units. These islands have a variety of nightlife choices, together with bars, lounges, and even resorts that present day and evening leisure, resembling Sandals Resorts. Neither of those islands has an enormous membership tradition, however you can see thrilling issues to do at evening. Right here’s what you possibly can count on:
Nightlife in Antigua
Although Antigua shouldn’t be an enormous clubbing vacation spot, it is possible for you to to seek out just a few laidback golf equipment which can be enjoyable, particularly on nights when particular occasions are being hosted. You’ll additionally be capable to go to open-air beachside bars and late-night eating places, significantly in St John’s, Dickenson Bay, and English Harbour.
Cloggy’s and Mainbrace Pub in English Harbour are two of the most well-liked bars on the island. Attempt Abracadabra in English Harbour or The Coast Nightclub in Dickenson Bay for an evening of dancing. In order for you an amazing meal, go to the Shirley Level Lookout — on Sundays, they serve good BBQ. Sandals Grande Antigua is a wonderful selection for a resort the place visitors can get pleasure from day and evening leisure with out having to depart the resort.
Nightlife in Saint Lucia
The nightlife in Saint Lucia is numerous. You can attend a road social gathering one evening, such because the Gros Islet Friday Evening Avenue Celebration, after which go to an out of doors membership or live performance the subsequent! One of the best of Saint Lucian nightlife may be present in areas like Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, and Castries, particularly on weekends.
Rodney Bay is Saint Lucia’s nightlife epicenter. There are quite a few bars, golf equipment, and lounges on this space the place you possibly can loosen up and socialize. Verve in Rodney Bay is well-known for its out of doors membership environment. Rodney Bay has quite a lot of eating places and bars for a extra laid-back evening out. You can dine after which go to one of many many bars for drinks. JJ’s Paradise is a cool spot to take a look at for those who’re within the Castries space. Whether or not you need to dance, hearken to stay music, or take part in karaoke, Saint Lucia is more likely to have all of it.
Purchasing: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Antigua and Saint Lucia each have nice alternatives for procuring, whether or not you’re in search of requirements or one thing distinctive. Each locations have a good number of unbiased boutiques and domestically made artisanal items, however not so many luxurious gadgets. Handmade crafts, clothes, linens, and jewellery are plentiful. Obligation-free procuring is feasible on each islands.
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If you wish to see what Antigua has to supply by way of luxurious procuring, it’s best to go to Redcliffe Quay, a shopping mall with boutique shops and eating places. In Saint Lucia, you possibly can go to locations like La Place Carenage in Castries and the Rodney Bay procuring malls (Bay Stroll and JQ Purchasing Mall). In each Castries and Rodney Bay, you’ll be capable to discover jewellery shops, clothes boutiques, and eating places.
Whereas in Antigua or Saint Lucia, it’s a good suggestion to go to the native markets for genuine native gadgets. These markets may be discovered all around the islands, and the vast majority of them are open day by day. Weekends, significantly Saturdays, might have extra distributors and choices. Common procuring facilities in Antigua embrace the Heritage Quay Advanced and the Vendor’s Mall. In Saint Lucia, you possibly can go to the Castries Arcade for souvenirs and different domestically made gadgets.
Insider tip: On the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from among the finest Antigua food and drinks as a part of your trip. Sandals Grande Antigua presents visitors entry to a number of eating places together with connoisseur choices, that are excellent for a romantic trip.
Local weather: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
A trip surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on an island with fantastic white sand seashores, luxurious resorts, and countless methods to have enjoyable is a good selection any day of the 12 months. Even higher if the vacation spot you determine on is nearly at all times sunny. This may be stated for each Antigua and Saint Lucia, two islands with a heat, tropical local weather. On both of those islands, you possibly can count on nice climate for almost all of the 12 months.
Antigua and Saint Lucia have the identical peak season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. The climate is often at its finest this time of 12 months (extra dry and fewer rain), and there’s additionally extra exercise. The “moist” season on these islands lasts from June to November, with barely extra rain however nonetheless loads of sunny days.
Professional tip: For extra particulars on the best time to visit Antigua and the best time to visit Saint Lucia, try these articles earlier than you go.
Tradition: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Antigua and Saint Lucia have numerous cultures. As these islands are each melting pots of comparable cultures, they expectedly have so much in frequent. Carib, Arawak, West African, and British cultural traditions can all be present in Antigua. Saint Lucia’s cultural traditions are a mix of Carib, African, English, French, and Dutch influences.
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Carnival is among the cultural celebrations that happen on each of those islands. Carnival is alleged to have advanced over time, and the celebration is linked to the liberation of individuals of African descent from colonialism on this area. Each Antigua and Saint Lucia have creole influences of their cultures, however whereas Antiguan creole is a hybrid of West African languages and English, Saint Lucian creole is a mixture of English and French.
By way of cultural celebrations, Saint Lucia yearly observes Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day). The Rose Competition and the Feast of La Marguerite are two different festivals celebrated in Saint Lucia. Wadadli Day is among the most vital cultural celebrations in Antigua. On this present day, there’s a grand parade in addition to an out of doors truthful the place native drinks, meals, and handmade crafts are bought. This occasion consists of stay music and dancing.
Professional tip: Along with the Saint Lucia Carnival and Antigua Carnival, there are different numerous and exhilarating cultural festivals that happen all throughout the Caribbean. Learn our Caribbean Carnival calendar for extra info on them!
Meals: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Meals definitely is a giant consideration for anybody planning a trip. In that regard, it could be reassuring to know that each Saint Lucia and Antigua have a wealthy meals tradition. On both of those islands, you’ll be capable to discover signature dishes which can be tasty and distinctive. Because the delicacies on these islands has West African and European influences, chances are you’ll discover some similarities in addition to many variations.
Listed below are among the native dishes you would possibly need to strive in Antigua:
Fungee and Pepper Pot – That is the nationwide dish of Antigua and it’s a hearty stew made with yams, candy potatoes, okra, and extra. Fungee (a cornmeal and okra-based bread ball) and pepper pot is a kind of meals you’ll need to strive at the very least as soon as throughout your keep.
Conch – Conch is ready in varied methods by way of the islands and, in Antigua, you possibly can strive conch fritters, conch chowders, and conch curries. You’ll discover varied conch dishes served at roadside stops in Antigua, in addition to in among the native eating places.
Souse – Souse is a lightweight soup made with pickled pig trotters, sizzling peppers, onion, garlic, and varied greens and seasonings. This clear broth is usually served chilly.
Whereas visiting Saint Lucia, there are lots of meals and drinks to strive, and we have listed a few of our favorites beneath:
Inexperienced figs and saltfish – That is Saint Lucia’s nationwide dish. This dish is filling and scrumptious, made with salted cod, inexperienced bananas, greens, and spices.
Bouyon – Bouyon is a hearty and scrumptious soup that it’s essential to strive for those who go to Saint Lucia. This dish is usually made with lamb, beef, pork, or saltfish, with dumplings sometimes added. Bouyon additionally incorporates floor provisions resembling inexperienced fig, candy potato, pumpkin, carrots, and extra.
Smoked herring and breadfruit – This Saint Lucian favourite is made with smoked herring that has been well-seasoned and it’s served with a breadfruit and cucumber salad. When achieved accurately, it’s fairly tasty and value making an attempt in Saint Lucia.
Insider tip: The all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia are among the many fantastic things Saint Lucia is known for. These resorts supply visitors a bunch of high quality inclusions together with a number of eating places the place they’ll be capable to strive the most effective Saint Lucia food and drinks. You’ll have entry to among the finest things to do in Saint Lucia out of your resort too!
Transportation: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Each Saint Lucia and Antigua have good public transportation programs. To get round on each islands, minibusses, taxis, and automotive leases can be found. You may even journey round these islands by ferry or non-public boat. As Antigua and Saint Lucia are comparatively small, it’s best to have few, if any, accessibility points.
Saint Lucia is sort of a bit bigger than Antigua general. In some elements of Saint Lucia, significantly within the south, the roads are fairly winding. That is as a result of mountainous inside of the island. Because of this, getting from one aspect of the island to the opposite can take longer. It takes roughly one and a half hours to journey from Gros Islet within the excessive north of Saint Lucia to Vieux Fort within the south.
Antigua is much less difficult by way of navigation. In Antigua, you’re usually by no means greater than 45 minutes away out of your vacation spot.
Financial system & forex: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Antigua and Saint Lucia each use the Japanese Caribbean Greenback as their forex (XCD). The Japanese Caribbean Greenback is the regional forex. It’s administered by the central financial institution of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It must be famous that the Japanese Caribbean Greenback is linked to the U.S. greenback. The alternate price for the U.S. Greenback to the Japanese Caribbean Greenback is about $1 USD to $2.70 XCD, though this may change infrequently. Even supposing these islands have their very own forex, most companies additionally settle for USD.
Although Antigua and Saint Lucia use the identical forex, your greenback might go additional in Saint Lucia than in Antigua. Saint Lucia is considerably cheaper than Antigua. On common, a visit to Saint Lucia is 40 p.c cheaper than a visit to Antigua.
Security: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Each Saint Lucia and Antigua are secure locations to go to. Crime on these islands is comparatively low. Very like vacationing in some other vacation spot, it is very important keep alert and on guard, particularly for those who select to exit at evening. In the event you do enterprise out and have no idea the way in which again to your resort, it is strongly recommended to take a taxi again.
When strolling alone at evening on both of those islands, it’s a good suggestion to keep barely larger ranges of alertness than you’d in your hometown. This might be beneficial for any trip in a overseas territory.
Where would you prefer to go?
Image: Sandals Grande Antigua on Dickenson Bay in Antigua.
Now that you understand what to anticipate from Antigua and Saint Lucia, your remaining choice will in the end rely upon the form of trip expertise you’re in search of. After considering the variations in tradition, meals, seashores, topography, and different components, you can also make an knowledgeable choice about which trip vacation spot is finest for you. If you’ve determined the place to go, the subsequent step is to determine the place to remain.
Image: Sandals Grande St. Lucian on Pigeon Island Seashore in Saint Lucia.
A trip on both of those islands will can help you get pleasure from a calming all-inclusive trip. At Sandals Resorts in Antigua and Saint Lucia, {couples} will get pleasure from eating at a number of connoisseur eating places, bars together with swim-up bars, land and water sports activities, day and evening leisure, and extra. The employees at these resorts are pleasant and accommodating, and so they also can suggest the most effective issues to do on both of those islands!