Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2015 / January 2016 | Page 55

TRAVEL

n
West Indian whistling duck. We were then
entertained by a local Barbudian, who
appeared in a local boat to quietly give
us a very interesting and humorous talk
as we all sat in our respective long boats
observing the wildlife. I was amazed to
learn that some birds regularly migrated
from Canada each year to enjoy the
warmer climates before returning to their
homeland when the wetter and cooler
climate arrived.
Although there are accommodation
options in Barbuda we have always
preferred our base to be in Antigua.
The capital of St. Johns has two exciting
water front developments to explore, the
Heritage Quay and the neighbouring
Redcliff Quay which is a charming

contrast of carefully restored 18th
century buildings. On the southwest
coast there is Jolly Harbour which has
developed into a major marina and
shopping centre, but it is perhaps the
English influence at Nelsons Dock Yard
and English Harbour which retains the
most fascination. The surrounding hills
lead to the ruined fortress of Shirley
Heights, where tourists gather to watch
the sun go down. These all combine to
make Antigua unique in the Caribbean.
Beautifully planned hotels and
properties have been developed around
the coastline such as St. James Club,
The Mill Reef Club, Sandals and the
Jolly Beach Harbour and Resort Marina
to name but a few. The locals are warm

and friendly and their love of life,
carnivals, sailing and cricket make the
Island a centre of fun and activity. Fish
are in abundance, for both observing
and eating. Perhaps my most dramatic
encounter was on my visit to Stingray
City, located out in the ocean off Antigua,
whilst undertaking a circumnavigation of
the Island by speedboat. A large platform
area is permanently erected in the ocean
where stingrays are regularly cared for
and fed and tourists are invited to swim
with the stingrays, which I undertook
with considerable trepidation, but all was
fine provided you gave them, as advised,
the respect of their territory. Indeed a
wonderful location!

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