The Perfect Antigua and Barbuda Itinerary

During our trip, we spent 3 days in Barbuda and 4 in Antigua. While splitting time between two islands requires extra planning with young ones, Barbuda’s charm made it well worth the effort. Here is our list of best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda with kids!

Family Friendly Beach Carribean
Priincess Diana Beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 1

BARBUDA | Landing in Paradise & Unwind

Drop your bags, feel the island breeze, and savor the freshest lobster before playing on one of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches.

In the morning, take the first ferry or plane to Barbuda, then check into your accommodation. We highly recommend to stay at Barbuda Cottages. By then, it should already be lunch time so head to the laid-back Shak-a-Kai Beach Shack for a relaxing lobster lunch by the sea. Enoch, the owner, will grill and serve you the best local lobster in the country — hands down, this was the best we had during our entire trip and we tried a few different places! Afterward, feel the holiday magic unfold as you spend the afternoon playing on the soft sands of Princess Diana Beach (see picture), where the turquoise water is as calm as it is inviting. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner at Uncle Roddy’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, renowned for its fresh seafood and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Note: If you are eager to try Shak-a-Kai’s famous lobsters, be sure to make a reservation here at least one day in advance as Enoch’s stocks are limited and you have to order in advance.

antigua and barbuda itinerary
11-Mile Beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 2

BARBUDA | Boat Adventure

Sail through the mangroves to spot majestic frigate birds, then enjoy lunch on the beach before relaxing on Barbuda’s dreamiest sands.

Begin your day in Barbuda by hiring a local boatman for the day and explore Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Mangrove Restaurant within the beautiful Barbuda Belle Hotel, where you can relax with your toes in the sand while your little ones play on the beach. In the afternoon, unwind at the pristine 11-Mile Beach, and for a unique touch, ask your boatman to take you to the serene Pink Sands Beach for sunset. The perfect blend of exploration and relaxation for an unforgettable family escape!

Note: To organize your private boat tour, feel free to choose a boatman from this list. Also, be sure to inform the Mangrove Restaurant ahead of time about your visit and request a table right on the beach for the ultimate experience!

Barbuda Cottages Beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 3

BARBUDA | A bit of History and Luxury

Sail through the mangroves to spot majestic frigate birds, then enjoy lunch on the beach before relaxing on Barbuda’s dreamiest sands.

Start your day in Barbuda with a guided tour to the scenic Two Foot Bay Cave, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Next, head to the serene Fishing Creek Bay Beach, perfect for playing in the clear turquoise waters. In the afternoon, make your way south to indulge in a late lunch at the iconic Nobu Restaurant and enjoy sushis while your little ones play in the sand nearby. Spend the afternoon unwinding on Princess Diana Beach, considered the most beautiful stretch of sand in the country. As the day winds down, head to Barbuda Cottages Beach for a stunning sunset. If you are not staying at the cottages, public access is available on the right. Enjoy a well-deserved cocktail at Uncle Roddy’s while soaking in the breathtaking sunset views.

Note: To arrange your private guided tour, you can choose a driver from this list. While it’s possible to drive there yourself, we recommend confirming the route with your hotel or a guide beforehand. There is limited cellular service in Barbuda, and we found out that Google Maps may not always provide accurate directions on the island.

Family travel antigua
Darkwood Beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 4

ANTIGUA | Heading back to Antigua

Taste local flavors and spend a blissful afternoon on Darkwood Beach.

the morning, return to Antigua and check into your new accommodation. Head to Aunty Cavell’s Restaurant for a taste of local cuisine – the food was excellent! – then spend the afternoon relaxing at the beautiful Darkwood Beach nearby. End your day with a delightful dinner at The Fox House Bar & Restaurant, where you can enjoy exquisite Caribbean flavors in a charming, relaxed setting. Bonus: There is a patio where your little ones can play while waiting for the food.

Note: Be sure to book a table in advance or come early – as early as 5PM – at The Fox House as they tend to fill up quickly. To book a table at Aunty Cavell, you can call: +1 268-783-0384.

Shirley Heights Lookout
Shirley Heights lookout

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 5

ANTIGUA | Antigua from above


Step into Antigua’s rich history before indulging in a beachside lunch and catching the island’s best sunset with live music.

In the morning, explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and charm. For lunch, unwind at Loose Cannon Beach Bar, sipping a cocktail while your little ones build sandcastles on the shore. This beach club is conveniently located on Galleon beach, where the shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for family fun. Spoiler: this is one of the most toddler-friendly beach of Antigua along with Mamora Bay. As the day winds down, make your way to Shirley Heights Lookout for a breathtaking panoramic view of the marina. If you are visiting on a Thursday or a Sunday, stay for the lively atmosphere with live music and a delicious BBQ night!

Note: As always in Antigua, be sure to reserve a table in advance at Loose Cannon Beach Bar, as it fills up quickly. If you are with little ones, do not hesitate to request a table on the beach for the best experience.

Long bay beach
Long bay beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 6

ANTIGUA | Exploring the Eastside


Start your day at Long Bay’s shallow waters, enjoy a delicious meal at The Reef, and end with fun waves at Half Moon Bay.

In the morning, start your day at Long Bay Beach, where crystal-clear waters and soft sand set the perfect tone. Then, take a short trip to The Reef Restaurant on stunning Green Island, where you can savor delicious Italian cuisine while enjoying the serene beachfront setting. Alternatively, visit Long Bay Restaurant & Bar or Smiling Harry’s Thirst Quencher on Half Moon Bay for authentic local food. End your day at Half Moon Bay Beach, where you and your little ones can splash in the waves and soak up the unspoiled beauty of this iconic spot.

Note: As always in Antigua, be sure to reserve a table well in advance at The Reef Restaurant, given their restaurant is exclusively accessible by boat. They offer water taxi services at $10 USD per person for a round trip and this services must be booked at least 48 hours in advance (as of Dec 2024).

Antigua & Barbuda itinerary
saint garusi beach

Antigua and Barbuda itinerary Day 7

ANTIGUA | Discovering the West


Find a secret cove, indulge in the ultimate lunch experience at Sheer Rocks, then unwind with a massage on Jolly Beach.

Start your morning at Pearns Point Bay, a secluded gem with pristine waters. While we initially planned to visit both Pearns Point Beach and Queen’s Beach, the sea was too choppy for our toddler during our visit — though others have found it calm depending on the season. Instead, we discovered the tranquil Saint Garusi Beach (see picture), where we had the beach to ourselves. With natural shade from scattered trees, it’s an ideal picnic spot. For a more indulgent option, head to Sheer Rocks Restaurant and soak in breathtaking views over Coco Bay. In the afternoon, unwind on the soft sands of Jolly Beach, and for a perfect end to the day, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at Body Care Massage Therapy on the quieter southern end of the beach.

Note: Make sure to book your massage at least a day in advance by texting or calling +1 268-773-6199.

Captivating Moments

The Perfect Antigua and Barbuda Itinerary in pictures

Shack a Kai Lobster Barbuda
SHack-a-KAI (BARBUDA)
Fresh Lobster
PINK Sands (BARBUDA)
Donkeys in Barbuda
Barbuda vibes
Sheer rocks restaurant cocobay antigua
SHeer rocks (ANTIGUA)
Nobu Barbuda
NOBU (BARBUDA)
Antigua travel guide beach
jolly beach (ANTIGUA)

Unlock More Antigua & Barbuda Secrets: Explore Our Full Guides

For more on Antigua & Barbuda, a peaceful off-the-beaten-path Caribbean destination explore our other posts for detailed guides and insider tips.

The Ultimate Antigua Travel Guide
The Ultimate Barbuda Travel Guide
The Perfect Antigua and Barbuda Itinerary

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