Falmouth and English Harbour on Antigua’s south coast holds some of the most important and interesting historical remains in the Caribbean and is now the region's leading yachting centre. The chief attraction is the eighteenth-century Nelson's Dockyard, which was the key facility for the British navy that once ruled the waves in the area. Today it's a living museum where visiting yachts are still cleaned, supplied and chartered. Nearby are several ruined forts as well as an abundance of attractive colonial buildings on the waterfront, several converted into hotels and restaurants.
Across the harbour from the dockyard, there is further evidence of the colonial past at Shirley Heights, where more ruined forts, gun batteries and an old cemetery hold a commanding position over the water.
The area also has a handful of spots worth a visit, including the massive military complex at Great Fort George, high in the hills above Falmouth, and the wonderful Rendezvous Bay – outstanding in an area with a paucity of good beaches – a short boat ride or less than an hour's hike from Falmouth.
Things to See and Do
* Nelson’s Dockyard
* Shirley Heights
* Great Fort George
* Rendezvous Bay
* Beaches and watersports
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Language – English
Land Area – 207 km² Antigua
Population – 80,000 Antigua
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 1 -268
Port Location – St John’s has a deep-sea harbor served by cruise liners from the USA, Puerto Rico, the UK, Europe and South America. Many smaller ships sail to other Caribbean islands. Taxis are available for transfer to Falmouth.
Transport Links - VC Bird International (ANU), formerly Coolidge International, located on the northeast corner of Antigua, is 8km northeast of St John’s. The airport provides access to major international centers, such as Frankfurt/M, London, Miami, Montréal, New York and Toronto, with feeder services to all the Eastern Caribbean islands, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Rental cars are available for touring around this area of the south coast. There are frequent buses between St John's and English Harbour, handy if you just want to explore Nelson's Dockyard, but to get up to Shirley Heights you'll certainly need your own transport or a taxi. The bus network is small, and buses are infrequent.