Antigua and Barbuda is one of the lesser-known yet unique island countries in the world. The twin islands located in the Lesser Antilles feature an abundance of beautiful beaches, stunning mountains covered in green vegetation, and luxurious resorts positioned beside the mesmerizing water bodies surrounding the islands. For travelers willing to skip the overcrowded islands for a more peaceful island vacation in Antigua and Barbuda, here are some unique things to do in this island country.

11 Visit The Highest Point In Antigua

Boggy Peak, located in the Sherlock mountains, is the highest point on the island of Antigua. The peak also known as Mount Obama stands at a height of 402 m (1,319 feet) and visitors to this elevated viewpoint will be met with stunning views of the island's shoreline and the lush vegetation surrounding the island.

10 Explore Hells Gate Island

Hells Gate Island - a small island in Antigua and Barbuda is an exciting day trip travelers in the country should take at least once. On the island, one can visit the beautiful beach, dive in the warm water, and then proceed to explore the Devil's bridge where one will be met with the sight of a unique rock arch and several blowholes.

9 Go Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Antigua and Barbuda brings adventurers close to the sea creatures of the island. Scuba divers here will experience warm waters filled with an abundance of coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and lots of fish. Spots are available for all levels of Scuba divers so no one is left out of this experience.

8 Go Biking

Biking is an exciting thing to do in Antigua and Barbuda as the island features lots of trails for both beginners and experienced bikers. With biking, adventurers can easily circle the island, visit interesting attractions, or participate in a local race, while getting some good exercise.

7 Go Hiking

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are not just beaches and water but also lush forests with hiking trails suitable for enjoyable hikes. The islands offer different types of hikes from easy strolls to difficult treks. Many of the trails go through remote areas and lead to beautiful beaches as well as other interesting natural attractions. Mount Obama trail - one of the most exciting trails leads to the highest point in Antigua and is best suited for experienced hikers as it stretches for up to 4 miles and takes several hours to complete. Other places in the island country to find exciting hikes include - Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Fort Barrington National Park, and Devil’s Bridge National Park.

Related: Most Dangerous Hike In The World? How To Hike Mount Huashan

6 Visit Barbuda

While Antigua is the largest and most popular of the two islands, Barbuda also features its own unique experiences. One unique attribute about this smaller sister island of the island country is its untouched nature. Most of the beaches are located in remote places and with little or no disturbance from humans, these shorelines retain their natural appeal. Visitors to Barbuda can begin by enjoying the serenity of the island’s beautiful white-sand beaches before taking a boat ride to the Codrington Lagoon to see one of the world’s largest colonies of Frigate Birds. Many of the beaches are great spots for snorkeling as the waters are usually crystal clear with an abundance of sea turtles as well, colored fish, and other interesting sea creatures.

5 Take A Cruise

Cruising is a must-do thing in Antigua and Barbuda as it is an opportunity to witness the beauty of the island from the sea. This experience will have visitors riding on crystal clear turquoise water to remote islands and other natural attractions for more unique adventures.

4 Visit A Beach

Beaches in Antigua are so abundant that if one had to visit one every day, it would take a whole year to visit them all. Many of the beaches are characterized by crystal clear turquoise water, pristine white sand, surrounding lush forests, and endless views of blue skies. Darkwood Beach, Fort James Beach, and Coral Bay are some of the most beautiful beaches to explore while in Antigua and Barbuda.

Related: The 10 Best Caribbean Islands, Ranked By Their Beaches

3 Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a unique and natural way to explore Antigua and Barbuda. With many ranches on the island, one can easily rent a suitable horse and proceed to explore the island like a cowboy. Many horseback riding tours will have adventurers riding through scenic trails and beautiful white sand beaches on horseback. Swimming in the beach water with horses is also one of the unique things one can experience while horseback riding in Antigua and Barbuda.

2 Eat The Local Dishes

Eating a local dish is the first thing one should do in Antigua and Barbuda as it is the ultimate first activity one can do in such a unique island destination. Not just any dish, however, but the island’s best dishes some of which include - Fungee & Pepperpot, and Antigua Butter bread. Here, many restaurants make dining an exciting thing to look up to as they are positioned along beautiful beaches, offering guests an opportunity to savor the unique flavors while glancing at mesmerizing views.

1 Kayak On The Water

An island like Antigua and Barbuda surrounded by magnificent water bodies should be explored from the water. While ships are available to take adventurers on such an exciting adventure, kayaking is a more peaceful and relaxing way to explore the water around the islands. Adventurers kayaking in Antigua and Barbuda will be opportune to paddle through the island’s mesmerizing turquoise water while enjoying views of surrounding vegetation, nearby mountains, cute sea creatures, and endless views of the sky.