Is Antigua Safe? Everything You Need To Know Before You Go!
Is Antigua safe to visit?
For the last three winters, we have lived in Antigua with our toddler and baby. We can honestly say that we wouldn’t keep coming back if we didn’t think that it was safe in Antigua.
So our answer to the question is yes, Antigua is a safe destination within the Caribbean Islands to visit!
Using our local knowledge we’ll talk through some of the things to consider when discussing if Antigua is safe. Things such as hurricanes are avoidable (most people don’t visit in the summer), and with a little practical common sense, you too should enjoy a safe visit.
A Quick Guide On How To Stay Safe In Antigua
During our post, we will cover quite a few topics with recommendations on how to keep yourself safe in Antigua. Here are our top tips from a local to keeping safe:
- Avoid hurricane season which runs from May to November each year
- Take authorised taxis
- Be careful to avoid common scams that specifically target tourists
- Avoid touching manchineel trees
- Try not to drive at night
- Wear good quality mosquito repellent
- Always leave your accommodation wearing sun protection
A Bit About Antigua
Antigua is an island that is part of the country Antigua and Barbuda. It is a popular place to visit for winter sun, sand and sea. And, the island has a reputed 365 beaches all on the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
With lots of fun activities ranging from swimming with stingrays to rum tastings there is lots to keep you entertained and probably make you want to dash to book your next trip.
Before you book your sunshine escape to Antigua you might be wondering, “Is it safe to visit Antigua?”. Our article is here to discuss everything you need to know about safe travel to Antigua.
Do We Think Antigua is Safe to Visit?
Is it safe to visit Antigua? Yes, we would definitely say that it’s a safe country.
We’ve spent several winters living in Antigua as a family with our young children and personally, we have never encountered any safety issues. We follow normal precautions such as not leaving valuable items on the beach. The same rules that we follow in all countries that we visit.
Statistically, Antigua is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean with a relatively low crime rate. When petty crime does occur, it rarely affects visitors to the island. As well as crime rates there are also health and hurricane risks to consider. With careful planning, most risks can be mitigated.
We have provided you with some great information and tips below on how to keep safe during your visit to the popular destination of Antigua!
How To Check If Antigua Safe?
Before we travel we always check for travel advisories, a good place for these is your local government foreign office websites. You’ll see that the United States government has issued a level 1 travel advisory (its lowest level). The Canadian government has also put Antigua at a low level as does the United Kingdom.
You’ll find that most world governments agree that Antigua is a safe place to visit. However, it would still be advisable to exercise common sense regarding safety.
Is There Much Crime in Antigua?
Antigua is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean with a relatively low crime rate. However, it does still have its fair share of common crimes including:
- Pickpocketing
- Bag snatching
- Robbery
Most of the violent crime on the island is a result of the international drug trade and affects local street gangs. Antigua relies on the tourist industry, therefore tourists are usually safe when it comes to gang fights.
Petty Theft
Like most countries, Antigua has its fair share of petty theft such as bag snatching and pickpocketing. You should use the same precautions you would use when travelling to any other country.
If you are at the beach I would always recommend that you do not leave valuable personal items on the beach such as your phone and wallet. Make sure to have a small waterproof bag with you that you can put your valuables in when you want to go swimming.
Another good idea is that when you are out and about you use a bag that is difficult to snatch. Try to avoid leaving your bags open as you walk around.
Theft increases during popular street and beach parties such as Carnival. If you are at a street or beach party then please take extra precautions to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
Robbery
On the UK government website, it does warn about the risk of robbery. It recommends that you avoid wandering around at night especially if you are alone. If you have had a couple of alcoholic drinks then make sure that you are with a group of trusted friends and in well-lit areas.
Whilst there aren’t any particular danger spots in Antigua, it is advised that some places such as isolated beaches at night should be avoided. Parts of St John’s such as Market Street, Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay can also be unsafe and should be avoided.
Please remember, if you feel uncomfortable anywhere then you should leave immediately.
Is It Safe for Kids In Antigua?
Yes, Antigua is safe for children of all ages and there’s so much for them to see and do! You will find that the locals love children, so you should expect them to want to stop you and chat with you and your kids. At the weekends families like to gather where all kids, local and tourist, hang out together to play.
Babies and toddlers need good SPF50 and UV swimwear when they’re in the sun. It also gets very hot in Antigua and it is important to keep your kids well hydrated. We should also mention that both of our sons have been breastfed and we have always felt comfortable feeding in public.
Top tip from a local: Not all of the beaches have great shade, so we’d recommend bringing a travel shade with you that you can pop up when it’s required.
Are There Any Health Risks in Antigua
Antigua has a lot of mosquitos that as well as giving you a nasty bite are also carriers of some very nasty diseases. You should use mosquito repellent to keep safe and wear long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers.
There is no need to take anti-malarial medication as Antigua does not have malaria. You should avoid being bitten excessively and be careful that bites do not become infected if scratched. There are regular cases of dengue fever, so this will help to protect you.
Both of our sons are particularly prone to being bitten by mosquitos so we have got them each their own pop-up mosquito tents to sleep in.
It is also advisable to avoid sea urchins where possible. Sea urchin spikes can also be painful and you might need treatment to remove them.
Top tip from a local: Bring plenty of mosquito repellent with you, as sometimes there is a shortage on the island.
Is The Tap Water Safe to Drink in Antigua
No, the tap water in Antigua is not safe to drink. You should always use either filtered or bottled water during your visit.
Are There Hurricanes in Antigua?
Hurricane season can occur anytime between May to November. There is roughly a 33% chance of a hurricane hitting Antigua in any one year. In 1997 Hurricane Irma caused widespread destruction throughout the Caribbean and destroyed large parts of Antigua and neighbouring Barbuda.
Most tourists tend to avoid visiting Antigua during hurricane season to avoid the hurricanes and the humid hot weather of the summer months.
Safety Tips For Staying Safe in Antigua
Take authorised taxis
This way you know that you will not be overcharged as a tourist and also you will be safe. You can easily book them through your hotel and be sure to agree to your fee in advance. Most of the taxi drivers in Antigua are really friendly and will be up for showing you their favourite local spots on their private tours!
Be careful to avoid common scams that specifically target tourists
Antigua suffers from some petty crime. This can happen on the beach, so always make sure that you agree to a fixed price before taking any services. Always be cautious before handing over any large bill notes and make sure that they have the correct change before parting with your cash.
Avoid touching manchineel trees
They are usually sign-posted, we know as there is one at our local beach. These trees are highly poisonous and can lead to symptoms ranging from skin rashes to blindness to death.
Try not to drive at night
The reason we’ve said this as there is virtually no street lighting on the island so it’s difficult to see much when you drive. The added problem is that roads are badly potholed and no one walks on the pavements – there are just too many obstacles to avoid in the dark!
Use mosquito repellent
Using a good quality mosquito insect repellent will help you to avoid being bitten excessively. You need to be careful as Antigua does from time to time have dengue fever and zika virus outbreaks which infect people through mosquito bites. Remember, bring lots as the island sometimes has shortages!
Always make sure to buy travel insurance before you visit
Antigua has a really good private medical facilities, which we’ve had to use a few times with the kids. However, the costs of medical services can soon mount up, so you should make sure that as you make your travel plans that you have a good cover of travel insurance before you visit.
Where To Stay In Antigua?
We’ve found the great thing about Antigua is that there is lots of accommodation to choose from depending on your budget and where you want to be based. You can choose to base yourself on a private island away from the crowds. Or, choose Dickenson Beach which is in the middle of the action.
We’ve selected a few option for you to choose from:
📍 Luxury: Jumby Bay Island, Long Island – this resort can be found on Long Island which as a private island is the perfect escape from the world. It’s managed by the world famous Oetker Collection so it’s all-inclusive on a totally another level!
📍Mid Range: St James Club – we like this resort as it’s got everything you would expect from an all-inclusive without breaking the bank. Complimentary water sports, pickleball courts and lots more to keep you (and your family) entertained.
📍 Budget: Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Resort – the perfect place if you’re looking for a simple resort and are planning on being out and about exploring. If you’re into sailing then the location in English Harbour is a winner.
FAQ’s About Is Antigua Safe
Yes, however you should take care not to walk around alone and in the dark. There are some party areas on the island, such as English Harbour, if you do have a few drinks then do so responsibly and stay alert. You should always remain with a group of friends when out at night like you would in any country.
Most tourists tend to avoid visiting Antigua during hurricane season to avoid the hurricanes and the humid hot weather of the summer months.
Yes it is safe to swim at most beaches in Antigua and it’s one of the best things to do for free! Please be warned that currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. We would always advise checking with locals before swimming at any beaches. Also take care not to swim too far out to sea.
Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative in the Caribbean. However, more LGBT+ travellers to Antigua that we spoke to reported that there are no issues.
Yes and no, as it really does depend on how you like to travel and what you like to spend your money on. If you have a smaller budget then it’s totally possible to visit Antigua, you just need to be a little conscious of where you choose to spend your money. And also, what you need to spend it on and look for less pricey options.
The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, locally known as EC. Everything is advertised in EC, however, you can also spend US Dollars too. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and tour companies accept credit cards.
There is public transportation in Antigua, however, it’s not the best connected services and can be a very slow way to travel around the island. This is why we always suggest that rental cars are the easiest and most fun way to see Antigua. You can pick and choose where you go, and with so many beaches to choose from you can pick the less touristy ones by going there with you own wheels. Just be aware that the road conditions vary between roads and that some have a lot of potholes.
The best time to visit Antigua is in the winter between December to April. It’s a good temperature and it’s much drier than the summer. Another reason is that it’s outside of hurricane season so it’s a lot safer to visit.
The cruise ships dock in Saint John which is the capital of Antigua and the location of the Antigua Port Authority.
Final Thoughts on Is Antigua Safe
The bottom line is – yes Antigua is definitely a safe place to travel to. Whilst Antigua isn’t totally risk free it is most definitely a safe place to visit. It is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean.
With some many fun and exciting activities to try you really shouldn’t miss out on visiting it. We hope that you decide to visit Antigua and wish you safe travels!
