Lovely islands abound within the Caribbean! If you happen to’re attempting to determine which island to go to, remember that your alternative shall be nearly completely decided by the kind of trip you need. There’s a lot to think about if you’re contemplating two locations, reminiscent of Antigua and Saint Lucia, that are each positioned within the jap 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, then again, is to the south of Antigua, close to Martinique. Each of those islands are recognized for his or her gorgeous pure magnificence, superb seashores, vibrant tradition, and thrilling adventures.
Antigua is generally flat and has the stereotypical Caribbean panorama, whereas Saint Lucia is characterised by its dramatic volcanic landscapes and plush greenery. Neither of those islands is missing in pure magnificence, so your determination might come all the way down to how these islands examine in particular areas, which we are going to focus on on this publish!
Skilled tip: Unsure which of those islands is best for you? Take a look at our checklist of things Saint Lucia is known for. We’ve additionally compiled a listing of things Antigua is known for which may be helpful in your trip planning.
Seashores: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
The seashores are an enormous motive why 1000’s of individuals go to the Caribbean yearly. A number of the greatest seashores within the area could be present in Antigua and Saint Lucia. With 365 seashores that adjust in measurement, Antigua probably has essentially the most seashores of any Caribbean island. Saint Lucia, then again, has about 19 seashores, every of which is distinct and exquisite. In relation to a seaside trip, it’s a win on both of those islands.
Antigua seashores
Antigua is well-known for a lot of great issues, together with its stunning seashores. All the 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 kinds 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 calm down, take within the surroundings, go snorkeling, or take part in water sports activities, Antigua has a seaside for you.
Listed here are a couple of of our favourite Antigua seashores:
Dickenson Bay – Dickenson Bay is positioned in Antigua’s northwestern parish of St. John. That is considered one of Antigua’s most stunning and pristine seashores, and there’s lots 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 type of seashores that takes your breath away at first sight. This seaside is as undeveloped because it will get, however there are a couple of eating places and bars close by. This seaside is good for a extra tranquil expertise.
Pigeon Level Seashore – The secluded Pigeon Level Seashore is positioned 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 good for snorkeling.
Ffryes Seashore – Ffryes Seashore could 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 facet however there are a couple of locations to eat and drink within the space. (Observe: the waters listed below are a bit rougher than different seashores on the island).
Skilled tip: Forward of your journey to Antigua you would possibly need to get conversant in among the greatest things to do in Antigua. This contains crusing, seaside hopping, and heading out on nature explorations.
Saint Lucia seashores
Saint Lucia has pretty sandy seashores, although not as many as Antigua. The seashores in Saint Lucia are unfold out throughout the island, with most of the hottest positioned 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 mountain climbing. You’ll be able to pay a small price ($8 USD for adults, $3 USD for youths 5-12) to benefit from the seaside space contained in the park, or you may calm down on the seaside space close to the Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Reduit Seashore – Situated within the north of Saint Lucia, Reduit Seashore is gorgeous, well-kept, and in style. This seaside can get just a little crowded on cruise ship days, however there may be loads of house alongside these shores plus seaside chair leases. The sunsets are spectacular, and there may be additionally a seaside bar (Spinnakers).
Anse Chastanet – Soufriere’s Anse Chastanet Beach is serene and lovely, making it a really perfect location for a soothing swim or scuba diving in Saint Lucia. Simply past the shoreline of this seaside is a stunning reef and nice views of the Pitons. Touring time from Castries (the capital) to Anse Chastanet Seashore is round 90 minutes.
Anse des Pitons – Situated on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia, this seaside has among the finest coral reefs within the Caribbean. Throughout a go to right here you may 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 which you can attempt in Saint Lucia and Antigua. For the vacationer that wishes to attempt numerous water sports activities, these islands could be the perfect getaway location. Whereas Saint Lucia stands out extra by way of diving sights, each Antigua and Saint Lucia provide 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 may count on on every island.
Snorkeling & scuba diving in Antigua
The calm waters of Antigua are crammed with stunning coral reefs that you just’ll be capable to discover through a snorkeling or scuba diving journey. Listed here are a few of our favourite dive spots on this island:
Deep Bay – Deep Bay’s waters are calm, shallow, and ideally suited 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 dwelling to crabs, lobsters, and different sea creatures.
Galleon Seashore – This secluded seaside is an effective possibility for off-the-beach snorkeling. Lovely coral formations could be discovered on the best facet of the seaside, and beneath the waves, you may count on to see blue tangs, yellowtail snapper, barracuda, angelfish, and sometimes 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 prone to see numerous reef fish. Typically divers right here report sightings of moray eels, nurse sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, and way more. You’ll have to take a ship to get to Cades Reef.
Prickly Pear Island – You’ll be able to take a brief boat experience from St. John’s to Prickly Pear Island for a diving journey in Antigua. Once you arrive on this uninhabited island, you may 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 could be discovered all around the island, significantly on the east coast. There are a great deal of locations the place you may snorkel proper off the seaside too. Beneath are among the hottest snorkeling and scuba diving spots in Saint Lucia:
Anse Chastanet – Situated in Saint Lucia’s south (Soufriere), this space has among the greatest snorkeling on the island. There are two giant reefs on both facet of the seaside, and you’ll count on to see giant colleges of fish, octopus, giant starfish, flounder, trumpetfish, and different marine life.
Rodney Bay – If you happen to go to both finish of Reduit Seashore in Rodney Bay, you will discover some nice snorkeling spots. In some areas, coral and fish could be seen proper off the seaside, and whereas snorkeling, you may 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 positioned between the Piton mountains and it’s fairly gorgeous. Anticipate to see a wide range 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 exquisite tropical fish on this space, in addition to a wide range of locations to dive. Water footwear are beneficial.
Insider tip: You’ll be able to have entry to among the best snorkeling in Saint Lucia with the all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. Sandals Resorts presents friends free snorkeling and scuba diving (as much as 2 tanks per day).
Excursions
Antigua and Saint Lucia are wonderful locations for these in search of journey. These islands present a wide range of thrilling excursions and excursions which might 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 stuffed with thrilling alternatives, from crusing to mountain climbing. A wide range of day journeys, together with visits to pure wonders just like the Pillars of Hercules, will let you get out and discover the various panorama on land. You may also go ziplining, discover caves, and ebook boat excursions to any of the various small islands off the coast of Antigua, reminiscent of 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 – Situated 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 potential to see Saint Kitts and Montserrat from the highest.
Zipline by the rainforest – With gorgeous vistas, a zipline journey is at all times a good suggestion within the Caribbean. You’ll be able to join a ziplining tour in Antigua throughout which you’ll be capable to see the rainforest from an aerial perspective. You will discover zip traces 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 take pleasure in exploring. A few of these choices embrace visiting waterfalls, happening dive excursions, exploring Saint Lucia’s greatest mountain climbing trails, and even visiting the island’s well-known ‘drive-in volcano’! Listed here are a few of our favourite Saint Lucian adventures:
Hike Gros Piton – Mountaineering Gros Piton is an thrilling journey. On the bigger of the 2 Piton Mountains, the attraction right here is just not solely the hike but additionally 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, positioned to the north of Saint Lucia, is a enjoyable place to go to. This space not solely has seashores, but additionally a nationwide park and some eating places serving scrumptious native delicacies. A day journey to Pigeon Island means that you can climb the fort, calm down 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 which you can 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 a wide range of thrilling actions. Guests can take pleasure in excursions to naturally heated swimming pools and dust baths on the Sulphur Springs, in addition to tour the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, on this lively geothermal volcanic mountain.
Skilled tip: Saint Lucia has received quite a few honeymoon locations on this planet and is dwelling to among the greatest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. This island is a best choice for {couples} in search of 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, reminiscent of Sandals Resorts. Neither of those islands has an enormous membership tradition, however you’ll discover thrilling issues to do at evening. Right here’s what you may count on:
Nightlife in Antigua
Although Antigua is just not an enormous clubbing vacation spot, it is possible for you to to search out a couple of laidback golf equipment which might 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. Strive Abracadabra in English Harbour or The Coast Nightclub in Dickenson Bay for an evening of dancing. If you need an ideal meal, go to the Shirley Level Lookout — on Sundays, they serve good BBQ. Sandals Grande Antigua is a wonderful alternative for a resort the place friends can take pleasure in day and evening leisure with out having to go away the resort.
Nightlife in Saint Lucia
The nightlife in Saint Lucia is various. You’ll be able to attend a avenue occasion 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! The most effective of Saint Lucian nightlife could 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 may calm down and socialize. Verve in Rodney Bay is well-known for its out of doors membership ambiance. Rodney Bay has a wide range of eating places and bars for a extra laid-back evening out. You’ll be able to 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, take heed to reside music, or take part in karaoke, Saint Lucia is prone to have all of it.
Procuring: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Antigua and Saint Lucia each have nice alternatives for procuring, whether or not you’re on the lookout for requirements or one thing distinctive. Each locations have a good number of impartial boutiques and regionally made artisanal items, however not so many luxurious objects. Handmade crafts, clothes, linens, and jewellery are plentiful. Responsibility-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, you need to go to Redcliffe Quay, a shopping mall with boutique shops and eating places. In Saint Lucia, you may go to locations like La Place Carenage in Castries and the Rodney Bay procuring malls (Bay Stroll and JQ Procuring 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 objects. These markets could 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 Complicated and the Vendor’s Mall. In Saint Lucia, you may go to the Castries Arcade for souvenirs and different regionally made objects.
Insider tip: On the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in among the greatest Antigua food and drinks as a part of your trip. Sandals Grande Antigua presents friends entry to a number of eating places together with connoisseur choices, that are good for a romantic trip.
Local weather: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
A trip surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on an island with great white sand seashores, luxurious resorts, and infinite methods to have enjoyable is a sensible choice any day of the yr. 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 may count on nice climate for almost all of the yr.
Antigua and Saint Lucia have the identical peak season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. The climate is often at its greatest this time of yr (extra dry and fewer rain), and there may be additionally extra exercise. The “moist” season on these islands lasts from June to November, with barely extra rain however nonetheless loads of sunny days.
Skilled 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 various cultures. As these islands are each melting pots of comparable cultures, they expectedly have so much in widespread. 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 without doubt one of the cultural celebrations that happen on each of those islands. Carnival is claimed to have developed over time, and the celebration is related 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 without doubt one of the most necessary cultural celebrations in Antigua. On at the present time, there’s a grand parade in addition to an out of doors honest the place native drinks, meals, and handmade crafts are bought. This occasion contains reside music and dancing.
Skilled tip: Along with the Saint Lucia Carnival and Antigua Carnival, there are different various 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 actually is an enormous consideration for anybody planning a trip. In that regard, it might 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 might 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 here are among the native dishes you would possibly need to attempt 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 type of meals you’ll need to attempt at the least as soon as throughout your keep.
Conch – Conch is ready in varied methods by the islands and, in Antigua, you may attempt 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 light-weight 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 a lot of meals and drinks to attempt, 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 you could attempt for those who go to Saint Lucia. This dish is usually made with lamb, beef, pork, or saltfish, with dumplings often added. Bouyon additionally comprises floor provisions reminiscent of 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 performed accurately, it’s fairly tasty and value attempting in Saint Lucia.
Insider tip: The all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia are among the many great things Saint Lucia is known for. These resorts provide friends a bunch of high quality inclusions together with a number of eating places the place they’ll be capable to attempt the perfect Saint Lucia food and drinks. You’ll have entry to among the greatest 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 techniques. To get round on each islands, minibusses, taxis, and automobile leases can be found. You’ll be able to even journey round these islands by ferry or personal boat. As Antigua and Saint Lucia are comparatively small, you need to have few, if any, accessibility points.
Saint Lucia is kind of a bit bigger than Antigua general. In some components of Saint Lucia, significantly within the south, the roads are fairly winding. That is because of the mountainous inside of the island. In consequence, getting from one facet 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 tough by way of navigation. In Antigua, you’re usually by no means greater than 45 minutes away out of your vacation spot.
Economic system & foreign money: Antigua vs. Saint Lucia
Antigua and Saint Lucia each use the Jap Caribbean Greenback as their foreign money (XCD). The Jap Caribbean Greenback is the regional foreign money. It’s administered by the central financial institution of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It needs to be famous that the Jap Caribbean Greenback is linked to the U.S. greenback. The change fee for the U.S. Greenback to the Jap Caribbean Greenback is about $1 USD to $2.70 XCD, though this will change every now and then. Although these islands have their very own foreign money, most companies additionally settle for USD.
Although Antigua and Saint Lucia use the identical foreign money, 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 % 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. If you happen to do enterprise out and have no idea the way in which again to your resort, it is suggested 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’ll in your hometown. This may be beneficial for any trip in a international territory.
The place would you prefer to go?
Image: Sandals Grande Antigua on Dickenson Bay in Antigua.
Now that you recognize what to anticipate from Antigua and Saint Lucia, your last determination will in the end depend upon the kind of trip expertise you’re on the lookout for. After considering the variations in tradition, meals, seashores, topography, and different elements, you can also make an knowledgeable determination about which trip vacation spot is greatest for you. Once 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 will let you take pleasure in a soothing all-inclusive trip. At Sandals Resorts in Antigua and Saint Lucia, {couples} will take pleasure in 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 can even advocate the perfect issues to do on both of those islands!
