Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Chimney:
Located southwest of Antigua, this
dive features a small cave at a depth of 60 feet, with
sponge-filled gullies descending to 80 feet. Look for
large parrotfish, lobsters, eels, and nurse sharks in
the vicinity.
Thunderhead:
Just a short boat ride from the west
coast hotels, this shallow site lies in 35 feet of water,
making it popular with beginning divers. This
wreck-strewn site features artifacts (medicine bot-
tles and chamber pots have been found here) as well
as hard corals.
Island Sights & Museums
Antigua is rich in historic attractions as well. The most visited
is
Nelson's Dockyard National Park
. Built in 1784, this
dockyard was the headquarters for Admiral Horatio Nelson. To-
day you can retrace its history at the
Dow's Hill Interpreta-
tion Centre
or at the complex's two museums:
Admiral's
House
and
Clarence House
(
268-460-1026). The latter was
the former home of Prince William Henry, later known as King
William IV.
Shopping
The primary shopping area on the island is in
St. John's
, near
the cruise ship terminal. This area doesn't have the charm of
many Caribbean shopping districts, and is somewhat littered,
smelly, and dirty. Still, it's worth a two- or three-hour excursion
to have a look at the goods offered in the small boutiques.
Along the waterfront you'll find the most tourist-oriented shop-
ping, with duty-free wares such as fine jewelry, perfumes, and
liquor. Look for
Gucci, Colombian Emeralds, Little Swit-
zerland,
and other fine shops at
Heritage Quay
. Besides
these pricey gift items, you'll also find a good selection of tropi-
cal prints and batik fabric sportswear (made on the island) sold
in this area.
Caribelle Batik
has an excellent selection of
shirts, skirts, and shorts in tropical colors.
Nearby,
Redcliffe Quay
is a more scenic place to shop and
have a drink or lunch. You won't see the duty-free shops of Heri-
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