Sightseeing in Antigua and Barbuda
Including Martello Tower and River Fort, Nelson's Dockyard, and Redonda Island. On the map.
The vibe
The island's colonial past and lush landscapes give a sense of stepping into a living museum, where cobblestone streets and pastel houses echo stories of sailors and sugar plantations. The dry season from December to April offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring. Tourists flock to the historic sites, but the crowds are manageable, and locals often guide you through hidden corners.
Martello Tower and River Fort, Barbuda
Barbuda
Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A historic 19th-century coastal defense tower built by the British to protect Barbuda from foreign invasion and shipwrecks. Standing near the island's southern coast, it is one of the few historical stone structures remaining on the island.
Access. Reached via local transport or tours after taking the ferry or flight from Antigua to Barbuda.
Notes. Remote site; bring water and sun protection.
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour
Antigua
giggel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A beautifully restored 18th-century British naval dockyard set within a deep, secure natural harbor in Antigua. Visitors can explore the historical stone buildings, which now house museums, restaurants, and active yachting facilities, offering a tangible link to the island's maritime past.
Access. Easily reached by taxi or rental car from St. John's, taking about 30 to 40 minutes across the island.
Notes. An entry fee applies as it is part of a national park.
Redonda Island
Redonda
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A dramatic, uninhabited volcanic rock rising steeply from the Caribbean Sea southwest of Antigua. While rarely landed upon due to its protected status and sheer cliffs, it remains a famous legendary landmark visible from the southwestern shores of Antigua.
Access. Viewed primarily from coastal lookouts or specialized boat charters from the mainland.
Notes. Landing requires permits due to strict conservation and wildlife protection laws.