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I'm not sure if this is a picture of the 1939 Sandy Island Lighthouse or not. It looks like the description which says that it is aluminum skeletal tower with gallery. I took the photo from the cruise ship and the lighthouse in question is located on a low island about 2.5 miles west of the entrance to the harbor of St. John's, Antigua. If it is Sandy Island, the station was established in1875 and is active; focal plane 52 ft; gives one long (1.5 s) white flash every 15 seconds. The lantern has been removed. The original lighthouse was a triangular wood skeletal tower. After suffering damage from several hurricanes, it was replaced by a more substantial wood skeletal tower in 1882.
We did see the 1920 Danish Motorfyrskib IV Black Swan 1920 (photo 2). Decommissioned around 1970 and converted to a tall ship the 67 ft wood lightship, now rigged as a 2-masted ship painted black with white trim. The converted vessel was originally named Rana and berthed at Hadsund, Denmark. More recently, the ship was sold and sailed to Antigua, where it appears as a tourist attraction, a faux pirate ship named the Black Swan. (The light tower and lantern were removed and are displayed at the Motorbadsklub in Copenhagen.) The ship is available for day cruises, weddings, and private charters. When in port, it is moored on the St. John's waterfront. Vessel open to paying customers.
Photos 3, 4 and 5are of a lighthouse in St. Johns which was built around 1905. It was intended as a lighthouse, but never activated. The St. John's light consists of a 39 ft. round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. This light was apparently built as part of a project to develop a large sugar refinery near St. John's. It was intended as the rear light of a range, but it proved to be in the wrong position for that purpose, and it was never commissioned. Located behind Island Motors, an auto dealership on Independence Street, on a hill several blocks behind the waterfront of St. John's. Site open, tower closed.
Updated Apr 11, 2010
Phone: +1 (268) 562-7946
Website: http://piratesofantigua.com/
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A large area close to the airport, bought by texan billionaire Allen Stanford, has developed into a well-kept park with several facilities. While the high-class restaurants, the cricket grounds and the finance center are not on my list of preferred attractions, the park itself was. It offers you a nice place to walk around while waiting fro your flight.
An observation tower is open fot he public. However, you can only climb its steps together with one of the staff members. But that’s no problem, especially if it’s a beautiful girl who explains everything about the surrounding area.
If you don’t like the beautiufl artificial world of Mr. Stanford, the only option is heading back into the terminal and look around in the crowd. Outside of the airport, there’s only a road with its main attraction being a windmill ruin….
Updated Aug 1, 2008
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When at Shirley Heights, take a minute and see the old graveyards. There are two of them: One (larger one) close to the road at the beginning of Carpenter Rock Trail. The other one is behind the ruins of the old cistern, at the beginning of Jones Valley Trail. These 18th century graveyards were abandoned and the tombstones are missing or damaged. Many of the inscriptions were washed away. The graveyards give you an impression about death during this time of the British Empire. The people buried there are mainly soldiers who died from tropical diseases.
Written Apr 4, 2008
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Many organised tours won't take you to Devil's Bridge, but if you hire a car or get a friendly taxi driver, it's a fascinating place to go, especially if you like watching raw ocean power!
Devil's Bridge is just a rocky stretch of the east coast where the Atlantic ocean is always quite rough. The way that the rock falls means that the waves come under the rock and spurt out of the holes that have formed further inland. Prepare for spray!
Written Jan 23, 2007
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With so many beaches to choose from, and just 1 day in Antigua, it was vital we made a good choice for our 2 hour stop! We enlisted the help of Sean John our personal local tour guide for the day & of course, having lived in Antigua all his life, he chose well! Even so, I can't imagine there is actually a 'bad' beach on the island.
Turner's Beach was quiet when we visited in April. The beach bar & restaurant was busier! (See my restaurant tip.) A typical long stretch of white sand, clean calm sea, a car park & a breeze. What a great beach!!
Updated Mar 12, 2006
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We stumbled across Darkwood Beach whilst driving through Fig Tree Drive one day.
What a find !! - In comparison to other beaches on the island this beach was deserted most times we visited. It really was like being left alone on a desert island.
The water at Darkwood Beach was crystal clear - so much so that you could see fish swimming around you.
This beach comes highly recomended. Although it is out of the way there is an excellent little beach bar at the end of the beach that serves up snacks and cold drinks.
Written Aug 13, 2004
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Whether you have hired your own jeep or taking an excursion Fig Tree Drive is a great scenic drive.
Whilst on Antigua we decided to rent a jeep from Dollar and what an experience the Fig Tree Drive was. Our first couple of days on the island saw torrential rain and as you can see from the photo at times it was like driving through rapids.
After you have completed the drive through Fig Tree Drive carry on driving for around 20 minutes and you will arrive at Darkwood Beach .... in our opinion the best beach on the island.
Updated Aug 13, 2004
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this small drinking hole is on the way to St. Johns from the Jolly Harbour villas. It is on the right hand side on the way to St Johns and looks just like a small hut but do stop!
Lynn owns this pub/bar and sells all different types of drinks. She also has loads of cats and kittens.
It is right in the middle of the rainforest, truly idyllic
Written Feb 22, 2004
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i cannot find words to describe this beach. It is featured in many of the books about the island, but you have to see it to believe it.
It is on the west coast, near the jolly harbour and jolly beach resorts. It has its own bar, and there is a lady who sells t-shirts and gifts (shes lovely).
Very friendly staff, i bet they dont realise that they are living in pure paradise.
The food is great also!
When we went there was a tropical storm which lasted about a quarter of an hour, really made it very special.
Written Feb 22, 2004
There is great windsurfing on the north side of the island, a small shack with an crazy frenchman offering lessons at resonable rates with reasonable gear. The wind is good, and consistant, the water warm and shallow enough in close that the beginner won't have to concentrate on swimming. Its just near the airport on the north side of the island, though I cannot remember the name of the bay.
Harmony Hall, on the south end, is a fanastic resort with a beautiful view. Its quite out of the way, but the restaurant is worth the trip, and it makes for a great afternoon.
Written Aug 26, 2002
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Reviews and photos of Antigua and Barbuda attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Antigua and Barbuda sightseeing.
There is great windsurfing on the north side of the island, a small shack with an crazy frenchman offering lessons at resonable rates with reasonable gear. The...
28 members live in Antigua and Barbuda
Q: Need to provision a Sail boat in couple of weeks. We are chartering out of Jolly H. Where are the best prices for staples such as...
A: thanks for your help but we are the crew..there are plenty of provisioning services there but the whole idea is to do it your self and safe$ We always do our own stuff...
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