Trip Profile
Budget Category LUXURY $400-700 per person
Perfect For
Luxury Romantic Beach All Inclusive Relaxation Family
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
7.0/10
Romance
9.0/10
Adventure
4.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
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Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May-June, November
Airport
ANU - V.C. Bird International Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (USD accepted)
English

When to visit Five Islands

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May-June, November
Off season
July-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Five Islands quick facts

Main airport
ANU - V.C. Bird International Airport
Language
English
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (USD accepted)
Typical daily cost
$400-700 per person
Budget category
Luxury

Getting around Five Islands

Most visitors rely on resort shuttles, taxis, and rental cars to get around Five Islands and explore Antigua. The area is relatively compact with resorts providing most amenities on-site.

Rental car

Recommended if you plan to explore beyond your resort, visit local beaches, or dine at restaurants outside the resort area. Driving is on the left side with generally good roads.

Public transit

Limited public bus service exists but is not practical for tourists, as routes are infrequent and don't serve resort areas directly.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available, but taxis are readily accessible through resorts with fixed rates to popular destinations around the island.

Local tips for Five Islands

Insider tips

  • Book dinner reservations at resort restaurants early, especially during peak season as tables fill up quickly.
  • The western peninsula offers the island's best sunset views, so plan evening activities accordingly.
  • Many resorts include airport transfers, but confirm this when booking to avoid surprise taxi costs.
  • Local taxis use fixed rates between destinations, so agree on the price before starting your journey.
  • Resort beaches can get busy mid-morning, so enjoy the most peaceful beach time early morning or late afternoon.
  • Most resorts offer complimentary water sports equipment, so take advantage of kayaks and snorkel gear.
  • Tipping is appreciated at resorts even when gratuities are included in all-inclusive packages.
  • The trade winds provide natural air conditioning, so request oceanfront rooms for the best breeze.
  • Resort spas book up quickly during peak season, so schedule treatments upon arrival.

What to pack

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm tropical weather
  • Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF
  • Comfortable sandals and water shoes for rocky beach areas
  • Elegant resort wear for upscale dining
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces and evening breezes
  • Underwater camera for snorkeling and water activities
  • Insect repellent for outdoor evening activities
  • Beach bag and waterproof phone case

Sample itinerary: 5 days in Five Islands

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival & Resort Orientation
Morning: Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport and transfer to your Five Islands resort. Check in and take a tour of the resort facilities and amenities.
Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy lunch at the resort. Spend time at the beach getting acclimated to the Caribbean sun and warm waters.
Evening: Watch the sunset from your resort's beachfront and enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the resort's restaurants.
Day 2 — Beach & Water Activities
Morning: Start early with snorkeling at nearby reefs or try kayaking in the calm waters. Many resorts provide complimentary equipment for water sports.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach with a good book or indulge in a spa treatment. Take advantage of the resort's pool areas and beach service.
Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant and enjoy live entertainment or dancing at the resort's bar or lounge.
Day 3 — Island Exploration
Morning: Take a rental car or organized tour to explore St. John's, Antigua's capital, including the colorful market and historic sites.
Afternoon: Visit Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about Antigua's naval history and enjoy the restored Georgian architecture.
Evening: Return to Five Islands for dinner and enjoy the peaceful resort atmosphere under the stars.
Day 4 — Adventure & Culture
Morning: Join a catamaran cruise or sailing excursion to explore Antigua's coastline and nearby islands, often including snorkeling stops.
Afternoon: Continue the boat excursion or return for lunch and visit local artisan shops or take a rainforest canopy tour.
Evening: Experience local cuisine at a nearby restaurant or participate in a beach barbecue at your resort.
Day 5 — Relaxation & Departure
Morning: Enjoy a final morning at the beach or pool, perhaps with a couples massage or spa treatment to conclude your vacation.
Afternoon: Pack and check out of your resort, allowing time for last-minute shopping or a final swim before your departure transfer.
Evening: Depart for V.C. Bird International Airport for your return flight home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Five Islands

The best time to visit Five Islands is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May-June, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Five Islands is $400-700 per person per person. Five Islands is generally considered a luxury destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Five Islands. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Five Islands is ANU - V.C. Bird International Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is Eastern Caribbean Dollar (USD accepted).

Essential items to pack for Five Islands include: Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm tropical weather, Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF, Comfortable sandals and water shoes for rocky beach areas, Elegant resort wear for upscale dining, Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection, Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces and evening breezes, Underwater camera for snorkeling and water activities, Insect repellent for outdoor evening activities. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Five Islands: Book dinner reservations at resort restaurants early, especially during peak season as tables fill up quickly.. The western peninsula offers the island's best sunset views, so plan evening activities accordingly.. Many resorts include airport transfers, but confirm this when booking to avoid surprise taxi costs.. Local taxis use fixed rates between destinations, so agree on the price before starting your journey.. Resort beaches can get busy mid-morning, so enjoy the most peaceful beach time early morning or late afternoon..