Antigua – A Halal-Friendly Destination

The two Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda together make up a country that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico, off the coast of South America. The larger of the two main islands that comprise Antigua and Barbuda is Antigua. It’s a lovely getaway, and many visitors take pleasure in the lively island culture as well as the serenity brought by the nearby oceans. Below are listed halal-friendly experiences that make Antigua – A Halal-Friendly Destination.

How To Get To Antigua

By plane or boat, your visit to Antigua will surely meet all your expectations and more.

Flying to Antigua

The most convenient method of transportation is without a doubt flying. Despite the absence of a national carrier, there are numerous direct flights that often travel to and from V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda.

The following international airlines serve the airport:

Caribbean Airlines (from Kingston, Barbados, Trinidad)

From the US: American Airlines/American Eagle (Charlotte, NC; San Juan, Puerto Rico), Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), United Airlines (Newark, NJ), JetBlue (New York-JFK)

From Canada: Air Canada (Toronto), Antigua Airways (Toronto)

From Europe: British Airways (London Gatwick), Condor (Frankfurt, Germany), Virgin Atlantic (London Gatwick)

From Africa: Antigua Airways (Lagos, Accra)

Related: Flight Deals

By cruise ship

Antigua and Barbuda receive a lot of cruise ship visitors. Passengers on Antigua enjoy a quick stroll via Heritage Quay into the center of St. John’s. With its several harbors and consistent trade winds, Antigua is a great place to cruise. Long, shell-filled beaches can be seen on the sister island of Barbuda.

If you are on a Caribbean cruise rather than just going to Antigua, a stop there is probably going to be the highlight of your trip. Your first encounter with Antigua will be in St. John’s Port, the island’s capital and center of excellent leisure and entertainment options.

Even though seeing the St. John’s neighborhood is highly advised, going on a tour with the tour guide from your cruise ship will be a fantastic approach to exploring the majority of Antigua during your brief vacation. Black Watch, Club Med, Windstar, and other renowned cruise lines are among those that go to Antigua.

Related: Book Royal Caribbean Cruises

Exciting Activities to Do While on a Cruise in Antigua

Explore Antigua Cruise Port Area

St. John is home to Antigua’s cruise port, which is sufficiently large to hold four cruise ships. The colorful buildings at the cruise terminal make it rather appealing. Duty-free retail centers, gift stores, cafés, and pubs can all be found here. The port area is clean, well-maintained, and stocked with facilities to make cruise passengers feel comfortable and at home.

Go Hiking in Shirley Heights

Shirley Heights is one of the numerous viewing locations in Antigua. Although the hike is challenging, it will be worthwhile. You will have breathtaking views of English Harbour and the peak once you reach the summit. It is a fantastic location to see the sunset. Shirley Heights becomes a party area on Sunday evenings.

Visit Nelson’s Dockyard

The oldest Georgian dockyard that is still in use is Nelson’s Dockyard. It was built in the 18th century and is located at English Harbour. It has undergone restoration throughout the years and currently has a magnificent marina and Georgian architecture. Restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, and other stores abound on the marina. You may even access a museum about the dockyard and a number of lookout points.

Visit the Forts of Antigua

There are numerous forts in Antigua that are still standing colonial relics. The majority of the forts are found near the shore, with Fort Berkeley being the most well-known. This little fort is located at English Harbour’s entrance. Make sure you climb the fort’s summit for beautiful views of the marina and the ocean. Fort Barrington, located at the summit of Goat’s Hill, is the other fort that you ought to visit. It provides expansive views of the area and lets you take in a recreation of the colonial era.

Hercules Pillars

Use a boat to get to English Harbour so you can see Antigua’s distinctive coastline. Additionally, it will allow you to see the Pillars of Hercules, a group of tall, weathered boulders that resemble people standing guard over the harbor. The vista is breathtaking and can only be experienced by taking a boat to English Harbour or going snorkeling.

These are just a few of the beautiful Antigua attractions you may experience when you take a Caribbean cruise. As the island is encircled by coral reefs and is abundant with aquatic life, you may also go snorkeling. You can also choose to go snorkeling off-shore at Cades Reef, Great Bird Island, and the Andes.

Halal-Friendly Experiences

Resorts

Any of the island’s finer resorts will have no trouble catering to a halal diet; just let them know in advance, and they’ll make all the necessary arrangements.

Hotels

You can also notify any major hotel in advance and the hotel will not have an issue in accommodating halal food alongside their regular menus.

Related: Last Minute Hotel Deals

Restaurants

If you want to occasionally venture outside the hotel or resort, there are many additional possibilities available. Antigua has a sizable number of Arabic people. Therefore, you can also find small restaurants in St. Johns that follow the guidelines for a halal diet. Always make sure to ask restaurants they will sometimes confirm their chicken is halal but not all items are always, halal.

Self-catering

Another halal option is self-catering while on holiday. If you go on a self-catering holiday stay in self-catering accommodation, where you can make your own meals.

When buying your own ingredients look for the company Sadia. Their poultry is a big import and is distributed all over the island with clear halal signs. Available from 1st choice supermarkets and most of the little corner grocery shops. Just ask if they have Sadia chicken.

Island provisions (wholesale cash& carry) import a variety of halal meat and poultry. Island provisions have a variety of halal meat from Australia and Brazil all clearly labeled and in wholesale quantities – you just tell them what you want and how much you want and they cut it down to your price/weight so there are no issues.

All in all, whatever type of stay you plan on, Antigua is great with a little bit of planning. When you’re Muslim and want to travel to the Caribbean, Antigua is the spot for you.

Mosques In Antigua

Antigua Mosque – 4569+HJ9, American Road, St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda International Islamic Society Masjid – 457F+532, Piggotts, Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua a halal-friendly destination