Devil’s Bridge Antigua – Everything You Need to Know By A Local
What is Devil’s Bridge in Antigua?
Carl’s job as a yacht captain brings us to Antigua each winter. Our kids and I join him living here, and our eldest even goes to the local pre-school. This gives us a great chance to explore the island and find out all of the fun things to see and do.
Antigua has a reputed 365 beaches all on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. With hundreds of fun activities ranging from swimming with stingrays to rum tastings there is lots to keep you entertained.
However, no visit to Antigua would be complete without a visit to Devil’s Bridge! Using our local knowledge, here’s is everything you need to know before you visit.
A Quick Guide To Devil’s Bridge in Antigua
- You can reach Devil’s Bridge in Antigua using a GPS or Google Maps
- There is no entrance fee to visit and the car park is free
- The nearest best beach is Long Bay
- The Annual Kite Festival happens every Easter Monday
- You can not swim at Devil’s Bridge as there are strong currents
What Is Devil’s Bridge Antigua?
Your first question before you visit might be, is it an actual bridge? Yes it is! It is a natural curved arch carved out by the sea over thousands of years.
It was formed as part of the Antigua formation, a geological division of the flat north-eastern part of Antigua. The bridge developed when a soft part of the limestone was eroded by the action of Atlantic breakers over countless centuries.
Waves continue to break over the arch forcing water out through the naturally occurring blow holes below.
How Did Devil’s Bridge in Antigua Get Its Name?
Sadly the Devil’s Bridge history is full of tragedy. Locals believe it to be a place where enslaved Africans would go to commit suicide in a bid to escape the horrors of slavery.
Historians have suggested that the reason this area had so many suicides is because there is no land mass between the location of Devil’s Bridge and the West Coast of Africa. They believe that the enslaved Africans knew which direction they came from and hoped that by jumping from Devil’s Bridge that the Atlantic current would return them home.
The arch was named “Devil’s Bridge” as locals believed that the devil must live there. The Atlantic waters are very rough and it was a known fact that anyone who fell off the bridge would never make it out alive.
How To Get To Devil’s Bridge in Antigua
It is located near to the town of Willikies on the Atlantic Coast. You can find it here, or type Devil’s Bridge in Antigua into your GPS.
You don’t need to take a tour guide to visit and can easily drive yourself there. There is plenty of parking by Devil’s Bridge in Antigua. There are also plenty of little shops for souvenirs, snacks and water.
The Annual Kite Festival at Devil’s Bridge in Antigua
The reason that we love going to Devil’s Bridge in Antigua is to go to the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival. It happens every year on Easter Monday and is free to visit.
For the festival they tether massive kites to the ground in all shapes and sizes. It’s a great day out for kids of all ages as there are lots of activities and food stalls there. Be sure to arrive there early as it does get busy and parking spaces soon fill up.
My eldest son has always really enjoyed watching the kites each year.
Is Devil’s Bridge in Antigua Safe?
As with all natural formations, you should be aware that you visit them at your own risk. It is not advisable that you walk on top of the arch. The limestone formation of the arch can be very slippery because of the waves and blowholes.
Sadly there have been some recent fatal accidents at Devil’s Bridge in Antigua. If you do decide to walk across the bridge then take care with your footing as it can get very wet and slippery.
You should absolutely not swim there. The sea is rough and the current is strong. Considering the local legend and how it got its name, there is no really no reason that you should be tempted to swim there!
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
December to April are the driest months in Antigua, so that would be the best time to visit Devil’s Bridge in Antigua. Hurricane season can occur anytime between May to November. Most tourists tend to avoid visiting Antigua during hurricane season to avoid the hurricanes and the humid hot weather of the summer months.
Things To Do Nearby
Long Bay Beach is very close to Devil’s Bridge Antigua and is located here. It’s one of our favourite family friendly beaches and is a great spot for swimming and snorkelling. It can be easily reached by car and there is plenty of parking there. There are also shops that sell souvenirs, snacks and drinks.
Stingray City is just a 15 minute drive from Devil’s Bridge in Antigua. It’s a great activity for kids of all ages. Our son has been there each winter as he loves it so much!
FAQ’s
Whats the best way to get around Antigua?
The best way to get around Antigua is with a rental car. You can explore at your own pace, swim at less touristy beaches, find hidden gems, and have the best adventures. Be aware of potholes and drive during the day for the best Antiguan driving experience.
Is Antigua expensive?
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.
Final Thoughts on Devil’s In Bridge Antigua
If you are visiting the island then Devil’s Bridge in Antigua is a must see attraction. The best time of year to see it is at the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival which happens every year on Easter Monday.
If you combine a visit to Long Bay Beach and/or Stingray City then you’ve got a great family friendly day out.
