ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA GEOGRAPHY
Antigua and Barbuda, the heart of the Caribbean
Land of sun, sea and sand
Located in the middle of the Caribbean chain, West Indies
If you come once, you’ll want to come again
Antigua belongs to the group of the islands that compose the Caribbean. With the passing of the centuries these islands were denominated in different ways:
• Antille, mythological name that derives from Antilia, Atlas’ daughter,
• Western Indies, name that evokes the historical error of Christopher Colombus, who believed to have reached the Indian coast,
• Caribbean, recent name that remembers the ancient pre-Columbian people of the Caribs.
• Western Indies, name that evokes the historical error of Christopher Colombus, who believed to have reached the Indian coast,
• Caribbean, recent name that remembers the ancient pre-Columbian people of the Caribs.
The two main islands and the uninhabited Redonda, a rocky outcrop 20 miles southwest of Antigua, make up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, about 17 degrees north of the equator. Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. The island of Antigua is relatively flat with the highest point being Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island, has an area of only 68 square miles and lies approximately 30 miles due north.
On frequent clear days, you can see Montserrat volcano smoking to the southwest, while Guadaloupe's shores are visible on the southerly horizon.
Antigua and Barbuda is situated in the Tropics, which means no Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. Instead there are only two seasons: the Dry Season spanning from January to May and the Rain Season lasting from June to December. Despite the contrast of the seasons, summer-like conditions prevail everyday. There are no rivers, streams or lakes but there is a lagoon in Barduda and a man-made reservoir to help serve Antigua’s water needs. There is also a lush rain forest on the southern side of Antigua that is a sight to see. The Eastern side of the islands is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Deep blue waters, high waves and a lot of wind make it ideal for surfing. In contrast, the calm and serene Caribbean Sea bathes the islands’ western shores. The warm, crystal clear, aquamarine waters calmly approach and retreat from the white sandy beaches. Perfect for sunbathing or just a lazy day enjoying the beauty of nature. Many coral reefs inhabit the coasts of the islands and provide a splendid array of colors and marine creatures for the snorkel lover.