Lesser Antilles Travel Guide
A detailed travel guide to Lesser Antilles, including places to visit, things to do, hiking/biking routes, where to stay, what to buy, and more.
- Introduction to Lesser Antilles
- List of Places to Visit in Lesser Antilles
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Lesser Antilles
- Best Things to Do in Lesser Antilles: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Lesser Antilles
- Food and Drink Scene of Lesser Antilles
- Where to Stay in Lesser Antilles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Lesser Antilles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Lesser Antilles
- Best Time to Visit Lesser Antilles
- Do’s and Don’ts of Lesser Antilles
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Lesser Antilles: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Lesser Antilles
- Where to Go Next from Lesser Antilles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Lesser Antilles
Lesser Antilles is a beautiful chain of islands in the Caribbean, located in North America. The region comprises a total of 20 islands and is divided into two groups: the Windward Islands in the south and the Leeward Islands in the north. Lesser Antilles is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage.
List of Places to Visit in Lesser Antilles
Here’s a list of must-visit places in Lesser Antilles:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Grenada
- Dominica
- Martinique
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Barbados
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Lesser Antilles has a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore it through its museums and historical places. Here are few places that you must visit:
- The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
- Fort Rodney in St. Lucia
- Fort Duvernette in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Fort George in Grenada
- The Kalinago Barana Autê in Dominica
- Balata Church in Martinique
- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Nicholas Abbey in Barbados
Natural Attractions of Lesser Antilles: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Lesser Antilles is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The region offers a range of natural attractions, including:
- The Pitons in St. Lucia
- Tobago Cays in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Grand Etang National Park in Grenada
- Boiling Lake in Dominica
- Montagne Pelée in Martinique
- Nevis Peak in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Hunte’s Gardens in Barbados
Hiking/Biking Routes of Lesser Antilles
The region offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails. Here are a few routes that you can explore:
- Shirley Heights Trail in Antigua and Barbuda
- Tet Paul Nature Trail in St. Lucia
- Vermont Nature Trail in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Morne Gazo in Grenada
- Boeri Lake Trail in Dominica
- La Caravelle Nature Trail in Martinique
- Nevis Peak Hike in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Jack-in-the-Box Gully in Barbados
Best Things to Do in Lesser Antilles: Activities and Tours
If you are looking for activities to do, here are some things that you can explore:
- Snorkeling and Diving
- Zip-lining and Canopy tours
- Sailing and Yacht Charters
- Whale and Dolphin Watching
- Beach Hopping
- Soca Music Festivals
Week-Long Itinerary for Lesser Antilles
Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the must-see attractions of Lesser Antilles:
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Antigua and Barbuda | Visit Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights |
| Day 2 | St. Lucia | Hike to The Pitons and experience the Sulphur Springs |
| Day 3 | St. Vincent and The Grenadines | Snorkel at Tobago Cays Marine Park |
| Day 4 | Grenada | Visit Grand Anse Beach and hike at Grand Etang National Park |
| Day 5 | Dominica | Hike to Boiling Lake and explore the Trafalgar Falls |
| Day 6 | Martinique | Have breakfast at Les Gorges de la Falaise and visit Balata Church |
| Day 7 | Barbados | Visit Harrison’s Cave and enjoy the Barbados Jazz Festival |
Food and Drink Scene of Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles region boasts of delicious food and drinks. You must try:
Must-Try Dishes
- Callaloo Soup
- Roti
- Flying Fish and Cou Cou
- Saltfish and Dumplings
- Stew Peas
Local Beverages
- Rum Punch
- Banks Beer
- Ting
- Mauby
Where to Stay in Lesser Antilles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Lesser Antilles offers different types of accommodation. Here are some places where you can stay:
- Jumby Bay Island in Antigua and Barbuda
- Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia
- Petit St. Vincent Resort in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada
- Secret Bay in Dominica
- Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa in Martinique
- Park Hyatt St. Kitts in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Crane Resort in Barbados
What to Buy in Lesser Antilles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you want to bring a piece of the Lesser Antilles home with you, here are some local products that you can buy:
- Batik clothing in Antigua and Barbuda
- Cocoa in St. Lucia
- Pottery in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Nutmeg in Grenada
- Carib crafts in Dominica
- Rhum in Martinique
- Batik prints in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Conk Shells in Barbados
Local Culture and Customs of Lesser Antilles
The people of Lesser Antilles are known for their warm hospitality and rich culture. Here are a few customs and traditions that you should be aware of:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Respect local traditions and cultural values
- Ask for permission before taking photographs
- Use a moderate tone of voice in public places
Best Time to Visit Lesser Antilles
The best time to visit Lesser Antilles is between December and April. The weather during this time is warm, and you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Lesser Antilles
Here are some things you should do and avoid during your trip to Lesser Antilles:
Do:
- Carry light clothing and comfortable shoes
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Try local cuisine and beverages
- Carry appropriate swimwear
- Purchase local products
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing in public places
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
- Drink and drive
- Litter on beaches
- Engage in illegal activities
Safety and Health
Safety in Lesser Antilles
Lesser Antilles is a safe region, but you still need to take precautions. Here are a few safety tips:
- Always carry your ID and travel documents with you
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Carry only necessary cash and credit cards
- Use safe modes of transportation
Health in Lesser Antilles
Here are a few tips to keep in mind for a healthy trip:
- Stay hydrated and drink bottled water
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent
- Carry necessary medications and first aid kit
- Avoid eating street food
Getting to Lesser Antilles: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Lesser Antilles
Here are few airports near Lesser Antilles:
- V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda
- Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia
- Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada
- Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica
- Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport in Martinique
- Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados
Bus Stations Near Lesser Antilles
Public buses are the cheapest way to travel within Lesser Antilles. Here are some bus stations:
- St. John’s Bus Station in Antigua and Barbuda
- Soufriere Bus Terminal in St. Lucia
- Kingstown Bus Terminal in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
- Grenville Bus Station in Grenada
- Roseau Bus Terminal in Dominica
- Orange Bus Station in Martinique
- Basseterre Bus Terminal in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Princess Alice Bus Terminal in Bridgetown, Barbados
Other Options
You can also travel between islands via ferry, private charter, or small planes.
How to Get Around in Lesser Antilles
Here are some ways to get around Lesser Antilles:
- Public buses
- Taxis
- Car rentals
- Bicycle rentals
- Walking tours
Where to Go Next from Lesser Antilles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
After exploring Lesser Antilles, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can explore:
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Puerto Rico
- Guadeloupe
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
Conclusion
Lesser Antilles is a beautiful region that offers a range of natural attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural heritage, and delicious food. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Lesser Antilles has something to offer for everyone!
