Antigua – A mecca for Sailing – Boat charter – Scuba diving – Deep sea fishing – Kite-surfing – Windsurfing – Waterskiing – Snorkelling – Kayaking - Eco adventure tours – Catamaran cruises – Swimming with stingrays – Whale watching – Off road quad biking – Hill walking – Golf – Major sporting events – Festivals – Day trips to other islands – Helicopter tours to nearby Montserrat – Heritage tours and visits to local attractions – and much much more…
Local Attractions
Betty Hope’s Sugar Plantation – 7 miles NE of Carlisle Bay, 45 minutes by car
Founded in 1674 – First plantation on the island to introduce large scale sugar cultivation – Now a fully restored sugar mill devoted to charting the history of the sugar era.
English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard – 6 Miles East of Carlisle Bay, 20 minutes by car
Antigua’s graceful and evocative historic district – Now with myriad interesting shops and restaurants – Incredible natural harbour, focused on the fifteen square miles of Nelson’s Dockyard national park which was developed by Nelson as a base for the British Navy in the 18th century – Today all the buildings have been completely restored – Only working Georgian dockyard in the world – Contains a small museum The Admiral’s House – Heritage tours available.
Fig Tree Drive – 1/2 mile North of Carlisle Bay, 2 minutes by car
Antigua’s most spectacular drive through the hills and rainforest behind Carlisle Bay – Banana, mango and coconut groves along the route - Magnificent views.
Great Bird Island – 14 miles North East of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car and 15 by boat
A tiny island paradise around 3km northeast of Antigua – Just 20 acres in size – Home to an amazing number of birds and a variety of endangered creatures – Also rare lizards, brown pelicans, West Indian whistling ducks and red-billed tropicbirds.
Green Castle Hill – 13 miles North of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
A one hour climb brings rewards of a fantastic three way view of Antigua – Impressive 180 foot rock formations often referred to as ‘megaliths’.
Indian Town National Park – 15 miles East of Carlisle Bay, 45 minutes by car
Indian Town Point
Believed to have been an Arawak campsite prior to the arrival of the European colonists – Park includes Devil’s Bridge, a 30 foot natural limestone arch carved by the sea – Worth visiting at high tide when the rougher waves of the Atlantic force huge geysers of water through boreholes in the rocks – Guided tours available.
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John's – 13 miles North of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
For those interested in the very early history of the island - Housed in the colonial Court House – Features displays on both the Arawak (35-1100 AD) and colonial artifacts discovered through archaeological digs on Antigua and Barbuda.
Shirley Heights – 5 miles East of Carlisle Bay, 25 minutes by car
Approximately 487 foot high bluff overlooking English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour – Formally used as a colonial observation post to ward off attack from the sea – Breathtaking views across the harbour and far across the Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadaloupe – Gun emplacements and ordnance buildings have been converted into a restaurant – Live Caribbean music and barbecues every Sunday – Small museum with excellent audio visual show on the history of the island.
St John’s – 13 miles north of Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes by car
Capital of Antigua – Largest city of Antigua and Barbuda – Dominated by the white baroque towers of St John’s cathedral – Many colourful shops – Vibrant markets – Numerous local arts and crafts – Colourful tropical fruits – Clothing and jewellery – Duty free shopping at Heritage Quay.
Carlisle Bay is delighted to help you with any arrangements for activities around the island during your stay, including car hire. Please ask Guest Assistance on arrival.
