The Antiguan Experience

St. John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, a country located in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea, it is the commercial center of the nation and the chief port of the island of Antigua. As you approach St. John's, the skyline is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures.

Depart the pier area and set off through the villages of Antigua discovering their individual and interesting qualities.

Your first destination is a private home with an amazing and wonderful history. Be provided a history lesson about this property and the stories that accompany it. When you arrive you will find yourself on the top of a panoramic vista overlooking a valley that is dotted with cows and sheep. The home may look modest from the outside but you will be astounded upon stepping inside. Artifacts from the original settlers who bought the land in the 16th century surround you. The owner, who is also a direct descendant of the original family, will graciously walk you through the areas of her home that are open to you and will answer questions about her prized collections. Endemic trees and medicinal herbs are grown in the backyard and not only will your guide provide knowledge on the healing powers of these plants, but you will also enjoy a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea.

Continue on to a local pineapple farm where you will get to see the production of this important crop. You will see the fruit in all of its stages of growth, and even get to enjoy it later on when you are at the beach, but next you are headed to Fryes Estate.

At the estate you will see two of the island's oldest sugar mills, now in ruins and immensely picturesque. We can't let you forget that you're on a Caribbean island and, therefore, your next stop will be a beautiful beachfront setting.

Whether you prefer to lounge on a chair in the shade of an umbrella and gaze at the azure blue water or jump into it, you'll love this refreshing Antigua Coast excursion on a private beach of white sand. Families will enjoy the beach games or water sports activities while building up hearty appetites. Luckily, this free time is followed by a delicious and typical West Indian lunch. The food is tantalizing and the staff are very welcoming as you dine in the midst of the music of steel pans and a local artist reciting poetry.

Explore And Discover Barbados Island

Departing from the pier area, your Barbados tour begins with a drive over to the East Coast of Barbados. The first stop will be Cherry Tree Hill, situated 850 feet above sea-level. This spot offers an excellent view of the "Scotland District," which covers the parish of St. Andrew and is named after the Patron Saint of Scotland. The road to Cherry Hill is lined with mahogany trees, which were introduced into Barbados after the Treaty of Paris in 1763. From there you will make your way to Morgan Lewis Windmill for a photo stop. The windmill is on the top 100 endangered historical sites in the world.

As you come down onto the coastline, you will travel through Cattle Wash and make a stop in Bathsheba, named for its great beauty and home of the Soup Bowl, a favorite stop for surfers in Barbados. Your next stop will be St. Johns Church, one of the oldest churches on the island, set on a cliff and capturing spectacular views. This classic Gothic church with stunning architecture was built in 1836 on a cliff face 800 feet above sea level. It commands spectacular views of the east and southeastern coastal regions. Within the churchyard is the tomb of a distant relative of Constantine, the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople.

From this Gothic church, you will journey down past Gun Hill Signal Station, an old military defense station on the island, where you will see the famous White Lion coral stone carving. Your next stop will be the first British built garrison in the West Indies, St. Ann's Fort. Built in 1705, the garrison served as the regional headquarters of the British Navy, which then expanded to include barracks and even a parade ground. For the better part of a century, this fort was the largest British Colonial garrison and is also known for being the place where the flag of the independent nation of Barbados was first unfurled on November 30th, 1966.

Once on the South Coast, stop at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island on Carlisle Bay, where you can purchase lunch. Then take a memorable journey in a snorkel boat to swim with the turtles and snorkel at a shipwreck. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, turtles are seen on most trips to Carlisle Bay on this 90 minute snorkeling tour. Under the surface of the sea, Carlisle Bay comes alive with vibrant tropical fish in abundance, sea horses, sea turtles, octopus, rays, and much more! This unique array of marine life is due in part to the six different ship wrecks in the water as shallow as 12 feet. The wrecks are obviously another important contributor to the popularity of Carlisle Bay. For those seeking an adventure, you will not be disappointed with the sight of these sunken treasures. The boat is equipped with a bar, bathrooms, and a fun waterslide. Please be sure to wear your swimsuits and bring a beach towel for this excursion. After your beach time, you will return to Bridgetown.