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Activities: Boating, Cricket,
Tennis, Diving and Snorking,
Eco-Tours, Windsurfing, Hiking
and Birdwatching, Golfing, Fishing
and Hunting, Riding
Boating:
Sailing has been a central part of Antigua's culture for centuries,
ever since the British under Horatio Nelson made English Harbour
their Caribbean base. Today, the stately Georgian architecture of
Nelson's Dockyard hosts a more pleasure-seeking fleet--the international
racing boats, recreational yachts, and classic sailboats of Antigua's
annual Sailing Week. With such a rich marine tradition, its no surprise
that boats of all sorts can be hired in Antigua. Most hotels have
Sunfish or Sailfish, and a number of companies hire yachts. top
Cricket:
Antiguans are more than a little devoted to cricket. The island
has historically been a very strong contributor to West Indian and
international cricket, and the Antigua Recreation Ground is one
of the finest places in the Caribbean to take in a local, regional,
or international match. Devotees of the game can visit the Antigua
and Barbuda Museum for a look at the infamous cricket bat of Vivian
Richards, native Antiguan, former captain of the West Indies Cricket
Club, and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Matches can be
found almost anywhere on the island, at almost any time. top
Tennis:
Although more recently established than its sailing counterpart,
Antigua's annual Tennis Week draws an impressive field of international
competitors to the island in May of each year. Quite a few of the
island's hotels have excellent facilities. top
Diving and Snorkeling:
Antigua & Barbuda has hundreds of wrecks to explore and good
shelf diving. Arrange for diving equipment through your hotel or
guest house. top
Eco-Tours:
Take the opportunity to explore the wild side of Antigua and Barbuda.
Mangrove swamps, birdwatching and reef snorkeling are available
on-island. top
Windsurfing:
Dickenson Bay is the center of all windsurfing activity on Antigua.
In January and July, the annual Windsurfing Antigua events are held
there. top
Hiking and Birdwatching:
Hiking has not been much developed as an organized activity, although
Antigua has many trails and tracks that are well suited to it. Most
of the popular hikes lead to one or another of the island's many
hilltop fortifications: Fort George sits atop Monk's Hill, and Fort
Barrington (captured by the French in 1666) is on the promontory
at Deep Bay. The Historical and Archaeological Society frequently
arranges group hikes.
Much of the appeal of the natural environment in Antigua and Barbuda
is the multitude of bird species to be found there. The Frigate
Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda, though accessible only by boat, is the
largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean and contains over 170 species;
Long Island and Great Bird Island also offer outstanding opportunities
for birdwatchers. top
Golfing:
There are two golf courses on the Antigua: an 18-hole, 70-par course
at the Cedar Valley Golf Club and another at Jolly Harbour. The
K-Club on Barbuda also has its own 9-hole course. top
Fishing and Hunting:
Sportfishing, bonefish in Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, hunting of
deer, boar, various gamefowl on Barbuda. Licenses and gun permits
must be obtained in Codrington Village. The Antigua and Barbuda
Annual Sport Fishing Tournament is held in May of each year. top
Riding:
There are several stables in Antigua. Arrangements for riding can
be made through your hotel. top
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