The islands Antigua and Barbuda are small, sandy oases at the eastern edge of Caribbean. If you're hunting blue seas, brighter than the skies overhead, with a green palm tree fringe and white beaches, don't look further. St. Johns, Antigua's main city, bustles with boat-related activity and tourist amenities to make your stay on the island a pleasant one. Having dined sensibly on fresh seafood and local specialties, retreat to one of Antigua's beaches for an afternoon nap and stroll through the surf.

Reefs protect the best swimming spots from deep ocean swells, and also shelter resident sea life. Dive with the barracuda at popular sites punctuated with colorful corals and fish. Known as the ?Shipwreck Capital of the World', even snorkellers can explore the rusting coral covered wreck of steamer Jettias where it nearly breaches the surface.

Balance a healthy diet of sunshine and saltwater with a tour of Antigua's cultural attractions. Explore historic Nelson's Dockyard and Fort Berkley near English Harbour on the south coast once you've exhausted the sights and sounds of St. Johns.

Barbuda emerges from the sea 25 miles to the north of Antigua. Small and less developed than Antigua, Barbuda is protected by an extensive network of reefs, making an approach by air popular. Helicopters make the run over from Antigua, settling down to roost on an island popular amongst bird-watchers and those seeking solitude. Beaches are pristine and often deserted, mostly because many are not easily accessible from the land side. Codrington Lagoon is a nesting site for frigate birds and visitors can access the ruckus of mating season by boat.