Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour

Nelson’s Dockyard is the largest of Antigua’s National Parks and is still used today as a working dockyard for numerous yachts and ships. The restored eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings of the Dockyard are presently home to shops, hotels and marina businesses. Outside the dockyard, historic forts dot the landscape of the park accessible by hiking trails which allow visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic and natural beauty. There is endless opportunity to capture the beauty of the parks. With many glorious boats in the dockyard, the beautiful harbour, the historic sites and the unforgettable views will leave you in awww.

Betty’s Hope was a sugarcane plantation in Antigua. It was established in 1650, shortly after the island had become an English colony, and flourished as a successful agricultural industrial enterprise during the centuries of slavery. It was the first large-scale sugar plantation to operate in Antigua and belonged to the Codrington family from 1674 until 1944. Christopher Codrington, later Captain General of the Leeward Islands, acquired the property in 1674 and named it Betty’s Hope, after his daughter.
Betty's Hope is no longer operational as a plantation. However, the structures which consist of the twin windmills, the Cistern Complex have been restored in serviceable condition, the Great House (Buff or Estate House) in ruins, the Boiling House where sixteen copper hoppers which were used to boil cane juice to produce crystalline sugar, and the Still House, a distillery was used for manufacturing rum. A visitor center has been created by converting a former cotton house storeroom into a museum. This includes various aspects of the plantation's history and shows early estate plans, pictures and maps, artifacts and a model of the central site to giving an overview of the of "Betty's Hope". A interesting peak into Antigua’s history.

Devil's Bridge is a natural arch carved by the sea from soft and hard limestone ledges of the Antigua formation, a geological division of the flat north-eastern part of Antigua. A bridge was created when a soft part of the limestone eroded away by action of Atlantic breakers over countless centuries. During calm days, you can enjoy a walk on the rocks that form the bridge and on days when the water is shooting up, enjoy the sea sprays. Devil’s Bridge is quite an experience.

Long Bay on the east coast offers fine white sand and crystal blue waters, making it a great place for snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun. You'll find coral reefs in water so shallow that you can actually walk out to them. Along the beach are Long Bay Hotel and Pineapple Beach Resort.

Valley church beach is a popular destination for many. It has lovely water and good facilities. The beach has quite grainy sand which is very soft. One of Antigua’s 365 pristine white sand beaches, located in the Jolly Harbour area. Swim, snorkel, relax or just bury your feet in the powder like sand and enjoy the views.

Dow’s Hill has an interpretation centre offers a knowledgeable 15 minute video presentation on the history, culture and heritage of Antigua and Barbuda. It takes you back to a time that have made Antigua what it is today. It offers a fascinating insight into the Antiguan way of life and if you are looking for an introduction to Antigua, we strongly recommend visiting Dow’s Hill for a relaxed and informative start to your visit on the island. Café and gift shop on site.

Drive up to Shirley Heights and stroll around the old military fortifications. The buildings have been adapted to function as a restaurant and bar. A spectacular view over English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour greets you, showing a scene that is often used as the iconic image of Antigua. A visit to Shirley Heights is considered one of the must do events in Antigua.

High above English Harbour in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park sits the Blockhouse, a brick ruin. On a perch overlooking the southeastern coast of Antigua, the circa-1787 site encompasses an officer’s quarters and those of servants, as well as stables. An ammunition-storage space, a catchment and a cistern have been restored in recent years. A great piece of Antigua’s history.