Can you take shells from Antigua: 10 things you have to do in Antigua and one you don’t

We are spoiled for life now. Beaches will never be the same again after experiencing what Antigua has to offer.

It is hot all the year round; you just need to mind the rainy season, and expect showers or even storms from June to November. The rains do get worse September onwards, so its best to stick to the summer months if you can. The trade winds are on tap to provide some relief from the heat, making the climate more comfortable even during the warmer months.

The very best time to visit is during Carnival, which is at the end of July and early August, but you will still have a ball if you don’t make it then. Tropical Sky offer some great packages (including Virgin Atlantic Flights), and an all inclusive resort, such as the Verandah Resort and Spa, is a good place to base yourself.

It isn’t all about the beach though, there is much more to the island than beautiful, unspoilt and wonderful peaceful stretches of sand. Some of Antigua’s most beautiful and visible beaches are easily accessible from the main road, making them perfect for spontaneous visits. If you can afford to, we would recommend either taking advantage of daily rental for cars ($60 in our resort per day), or hiring a car for the week. There is enough to do around the island for you to want to be able to get out and explore beyond the few beaches on or near your resort.

Who wouldn’t want to go to a place where you can get sunsets like this from your balcony?

But what CAN you do on Antigua then?

Introduction to Antigua

Antigua is a true gem in the Caribbean, renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea life. The island is a haven for nature lovers, with a diverse array of fish, birds, and other wildlife to discover. Thanks to its warm, sunny weather year round, Antigua is the perfect vacation destination for anyone looking to escape to paradise. The official currency here is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, and entry requirements are straightforward: you’ll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and confirmation of your accommodation. Once you arrive, you can dive into a world of adventure, from snorkeling and diving to boat tours that whisk you away to nearby islands like Bird Island and Green Island. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Antigua has it all.

Before we explore our favourite 10 things to do – here are some of the popular ideas we came across before we visited the country:

1. Experiencing Cades Reef snorkelling

There are some that have commented that this reef is dying, but we saw no evidence that this was causing a problem for the quality of snorkelling there. The reef must be reached by boat from Cades Bay, and you will probably need a tour to gain access to it, but its worth every single penny. Stunning, and worth more than one trip if you can. Watch out for Mount Obama too when you visit, you can see this from the bay. Locals call it Buggy Peak. South Coast Horizons do a tour here.

2. Screaming in the Antigua Rainforest

You obviously think of Antigua as being somewhere to visit the beach, but the island also has a rainforest off Fig Tree Drive, one of the main roads on the island. You can do a walk and a zip line tour within the trees. Do check it out, if just for the experience of zipline-ing through a rainforest. How many people can say they’ve done that? The Antigua Rainforest Company are the providers, and run tours regularly at 9am, 10am and 11am. The Screamer’ zipline is a staggering 325ft across and 300ft high – wonder where it gets its name…

3. Petting at Bethesda Donkey Sanctuary

Donkeys used to be a major problem on the island, as people used them for labour, but then let them lose. In particular, they caused road traffic accidents for those living on the island. Bethesda was created to give these animals a place to go, and has become a tourist attraction in its own right. It is free to enter, so why not give the Donkeys a petting?

4. Learning about slavery at Betty’s Hope

Antigua used to be a major producer for Sugar, and has a fascinating history as a result. Betty’s Hope is one of the earliest sugar plantations in Antigua, dating back to 1651, and is a key part of the country’s colonial history. The site has an old sugar plantation and museum, which is a must to see when you come. We would all do well to remember the slave trade, so we continue to combat it worldwide today.

5. Scaring yourself with D-Boat water park fun

Whether you are after a party, or a big kid, this boat is a great place to have some fun in a unique place while you are on the island. A water park on a refurbished oil tanker – what’s not to like! ;-)

6. Watching the power of the sea at Devil’s Bridge

On the East of the island, Devil’s Bridge is a stunning natural rock formation and a visible natural arch carved by the sea, which has an interesting history. Be careful you don’t get too close to the edge though…. Despite its name, this is a wonderful place to sit and watch the natural power of the sea. It even captivates the young, as well as the young at heart.

7. Exploring English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard

English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard are gems. Nelson’s Dockyard is a restored, and still working Georgian dockyard, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a strong historical connection to Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is a stunning place to see Antigua at its best. Beautiful blue sea, hard-working men and women, and stunning boats moored in the harbour. Take a little extra time, and walk around to the forts on the headline for an unspoilt view and a special treat.

8. Mixing with the rich and famous on Montserrat, and some of the other outlying islands

Montserrat is a Volcanic island, and exclusive, with beautiful beaches that even Princess Diana found enticing. It is worth a visit on a tour if you can manage to stretch your budget, perhaps also taking in Barbuda and some of the other surrounding islands, including Bird Island, Green Island and St. John. St. John’s Harbour is a notable location, and some protected areas like St. John may have restrictions on removing shells, so always check local rules. The later are popular for snorkelling.

9. Partying at Shirley Heights Lookout

If you are looking for a real taste of the Caribbean, then this is a must for you. Shirley Heights is an old military lookout and gun battery that has been restored and turned into a place to see the island and have fun. It offers wonderful views of Falmouth and English Harbour. Most importantly though, on Sunday nights, there is a barbecue and a steel band (4-7pm), or reggae playing (7-10pm). It’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset and soak up the Caribbean atmosphere.

10. Shuffling at Stingray City

If you only have the money for one tour, this is it. A once in a life time experience of handling, and seeing, so many beautiful Stingrays in their natural habitat. The kids, and the adults were captivated. Spend time away from the crowds and you will be rewarded. Tropical Adventures provide a tour here. Oh, and you have to shuffle, otherwise you’ll walk on the Stingrays.

And the one thing that you DON’T want to do on the island?

Make sure you don’t collect the gigantic Conch shells from the local beach and then put them in your hand luggage. They WILL get confiscated at customs because they are sharp and could easily be used as a weapon. It really is amazing how easy it is to turn a conch shell into a makeshift knuckleduster.

If you plan to bring seashells or sea glass back to the USA, check the rules for each country you visit, as some shells are illegal to export or import, and a declaration may be required at customs. Shells placed in your bag, whether checked or carry-on, may be subject to inspection, and some items brought from Antigua have been confiscated at the airport – as we found. While some people guess or are supposed to know the rules, it’s best to check official guidance, as regulations can differ between countries. Online travel forums and threads often discuss whether it is legal to bring seashells from Antigua, but the safest approach is to declare any shells at customs. Some stores in Antigua sell shells and sea glass, but even purchased items may be subject to border protection rules in the USA and other countries, especially for larger shells like conch.

The local government has played a significant role in rebuilding efforts after hurricanes, especially on Barbuda, working closely with the community to restore the island and support local people.

When visiting local markets, you’ll find a wonderful variety of fresh Caribbean vegetables, and rum is a popular local product, with several varieties produced on the island.

Trust me and my family.

As a travel enthusiast and a qualified counsellor, I’m excited to have share my knowledge about the beautiful island of Antigua. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Antigua is a great place to visit in the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, explore the island’s fascinating past, or hop between nearby islands, Antigua offers something for every traveler. In this section, we’ll explore the top things to do in Antigua, from discovering the pristine beaches and islands to uncovering the stories behind historic sites like Nelson’s Dockyard. Get ready to fall in love with this incredible island.

Let me know if you go to Antigua, and what you think of it, and if you tried any of these places. We’d love to hear your thoughts as well.

We were given a press discount for travelling to Antigua with Tropical Sky and Virgin Atlantic; all opinions are our own.

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