Are you planning a luxurious retreat to fabulous Antigua? If so, you are like many of the world’s most well-heeled and wealthy. A top destination for both the rich and famous, it also rates highly with many other types of travelers. This is because of the island’s fantastically diverse and vibrant culture and history, its unforgettable music and atmosphere, its fantastic beaches (there are 365 of them), and its delicious foods. It is a truly scenic island with authentic rainforest, naturally formed sea arches, and ideal water sports conditions.
Those are all great reasons to pay a visit, but we have five further reasons why you definitely want to book your next visit to Antigua in the spring season. While you may hear suggestions that it is only in May through November that the very best conditions are found, we have a list of valid reasons to consider booking your holiday from late February and into April.
The Events
In March of each year, the island plays host to the impressive Antigua Tinman Rohr Triathlon. This involves incredibly well-trained athletes participating in the ultimate competition. They do a 1.9 km swim in the ocean, a 90 km cycle race in the hills and along the coast, and finish it up with a 21 km run. They do a later Run in Paradise marathon in May, but it is the Triathlon that is so impressive to watch and fun to participate in while it happens.
Of course, April is a huge month for Antigua because of the prestigious Classic Yacht Regatta. This brings some of the most beautiful sailing vessels into Falmouth Harbour for four days of racing and lots of fun nights of formal and casual events. Sailing Week also takes place in April, and it is five days of world-class racing and lots of upscale evening events.
The Absence of Spring Breakers
For unknown reasons, Antigua is often overlooked by the enormous spring break crowds that flood other appealing spots. If you wish to enjoy a family holiday or a getaway that is without the noise and crowds so common to the spring break period, this is a great reason to choose Antigua.
The Snorkeling
Here’s another lesser known reason to visit Antigua during your spring vacation – it has an astonishing amount of snorkeling. With 365 beaches, it is likely that most have impressive water sports, but Antigua might easily be described as a snorkeler’s paradise, and you can enjoy relatively empty waters if you visit ahead of the regular seasonal crowds. This is particularly the case for those who want to experience the beauty of Cades Reef. It also means that activities often associated with snorkeling, such as charter sailing adventures are less crowded, making a sunset sail out of Falmouth Harbour far more pleasant.
The Saturday Market in St. John’s
Though a lot of travelers head to St. John’s for its amazingly upscale shopping in addition to its full-sized duty-free malls, those “in the know” head to the Saturday Morning Market in St. John’s. At the best of times it is quite busy, and during peak seasons in early summer it can be uncomfortably crowded. However, spring visitors that head to this Market Street destination often find it far more relaxed and much less crowded. The same vendors and food stalls appear, but you are not dealing with the usual throngs, especially if you arrive in the morning and depart around midday.
The Peaceful Hikes
Did you know Antigua has formal hiking groups? The 5AM Hikers and the Antigua Hash House Harriers are both groups that welcome visitors to join in, and it is during the spring season that the conditions are ideal for some of their most challenging hikes, offering astonishing views.
Though Antigua is wonderful at all times, in the spring season and ahead of the crowds it offers perfect weather, more peaceful experiences and many fun events.