Beaches

Antigua's most romantic activity is a trip to one of its splendid beaches. Some of the most popular spots are Dickenson Bay, where you'll find beach bars and watersports action; Hawksbill beaches on Five Island peninsula, home of a clothing-optional beach; and Runaway Beach, also lively with watersports activities.

If it's beach seclusion you're after, then consider a visit to Antigua's sister island, Barbuda. Day-trips to this un-commercialized island, popular with bird watchers because of its population of frigate birds, are available from several operators.

Barbuda lies about 30 miles north of Antigua. To take advantage of Barbuda's beautiful beaches, you'll find guided daytrips available from several tour operators in Antigua. Barbuda Tours/Earls Tours, located in St. John's, offers a guided look at the island's top sights including Martello Tower, the Bird Sanctuary, and more. To arrange a tour, call 268-461-7388 or 268-462-0742. You'll also find several Barbuda residents who offer guided tours. Call George Burton (268-460-0103) or Hilroy Thomas (% 268-460-0015) for information on setting up a tour of the island sights customized to your interests.

You can also book with Carib Airlines (869-465-3055; www.candoo.com/carib). The airline offers charter flights to the island, with four- , five- , or seven-passenger planes.

Another option is to arrive via powerboat. The 1-hour trip from Antigua is offered by Adventure Antigua (268-727-3261 or 268-560-4672; www.adventureantigua.com; adventureantigua@yahoo.co.uk). This day-trip departs from the west coast of Antigua early in the morning for a day of snorkeling and exploring in Barbuda, along with a visit to the bird sanctuary. Tours cost US $150 per person.

Underwater Delights

Nature lovers will find plenty of activity on Antigua. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities. Certified divers can enjoy a variety of dives, from walls to wrecks. Some of Antigua's top scuba sites include:

• Sunken Rock: Advanced divers appreciate this deep site, with a maximum depth of over 120 feet. The dive begins at 40 feet in a coral canyon that descends a sandy ledge. Divers then proceed down a drop-off to the bottom of the ocean. Barracuda, amberjack, and rays are usually found here.
• The Chimney: Located southwest of Antigua, this dive features a small cave at a depth of 60 feet, with sponge-filled gullies descending to 80 feet. Look for large parrotfish, lobsters, eels, and nurse sharks in the vicinity.
• Thunderhead: Just a short boat ride from the west coast hotels, this shallow site lies in 35 feet of water, making it popular with beginning divers. This wreck-strewn site features artifacts (medicine bottles and chamber pots have been found here) as well as hard corals.