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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.
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.
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.
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.
Eco-Tours
Take the opportunity to explore the wild side of Antigua and Barbuda.
Mangrove swamps, birdwatching and reef snorkeling are available
on-island.
Windsurfing
Dickenson Bay is the center of all windsurfing activity on Antigua.
In January and July, the annual Windsurfing Antigua events are
held there.
Windsurfing Antigua Watersports.
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.
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.
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.
Riding
There are several stables in Antigua. Arrangements for riding
can be made through your hotel.
Kiting
For Kiting go to: www.kiteantigua.com
Weddings
For a local operator to help organise your wedding, go to: www.adventureantigua.com
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