Overview:

Great Bird Island is a small, remote island surrounded by crystal clear waters located 5 miles off the coast of Antigua. The Great Bird Island Nature Reserve, established in 1996 covers an area of 71 hectares. The island consists of dry scrubland and features many wild birds including red-billed tropic birds, masked boobies, brown noddy terns, and frigate birds. The island is also home to large populations of lizards, hermit crabs and nesting seabirds. It is an important site for nesting Antillean manatees, the only species of manatee found in the Caribbean. The reserve provides protection to the waters surrounding the island, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

1. Breathtaking Views: Great Bird Island is a small, secluded island off the coast of Antigua that offers unparalleled views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. From early in the morning until the glorious sunsets, visitors to Great Bird are able to take in and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape and horizon. 2. Rich Marine Life: The waters that surround Great Bird Island are home to a rich variety of marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in the area, where visitors can observe a variety of tropical fish, stingrays, and turtles. 3. Secluded Beach: A postcard-perfect palm-lined beach lies on a small promontory at Great Bird Island. The beach provides an ideal spot to relax and watch the amazing sunrises and sunsets that sweep over the island. 4. Unspoiled Nature: The island is home to an array of unspoiled natural habitats, which span a range of different climate zones and landscapes. Visitors can explore unique bird species including Frigate Birds, Pelicans and Terns, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. 5. Interesting Historical Sites: Great Bird Island is home to a number of interesting historical sites, including the ruins of the old windmill built in the early 19th century. Wandering around, visitors can visit the picturesque red-roofed church, the old plantation house and the remains of a sugar mill among other fascinating sites. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

Great Bird Island is a small island located off Antigua's northwest shore, where English Harbour is located. It is one of the islands in the chain of the Lesser Antilles. Great Bird Island was first visited by Europeans in the 15th century when the explorer Christopher Columbus, an Italian sailor, sailed to the area. He documented the island's richness in sea life, birds, and other animals such as iguanas. However, the island was not inhabited until the late 1600s by a group of French and British settlers led by British Royal Navy Admiral Sir Christopher Myngs. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, Great Bird Island became a hub for piracy in the Caribbean. Many pirates hid in its harbor and coves and took refuge in the local settlements. This period of piracy ended with the overthrow of the French and British empires in the region in 1814. The British used Great Bird Island as a base to protect English Harbours and overall Caribbean islands from the French, during the hostilities of the Napoleonic Wars. A military hospital was even built on the island for wounded soldiers. Great Bird Island began to draw tourists in the 20th century, with a hotel built nearby in the late 1930s. The island has since grown into a popular tourist destination for snorkeling and diving. It is home to a protected reserve for Anhinga, a rare species of nest-building birds. In addition to the bird reserve, the island also has several rare plant species. Today, Great Bird Island is famous for its reefs, soft white sand, and clear turquoise waters. The island offers a full day experience including kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming around the Great Bird and Little Bird Islands. Its coastal beauty, exotic wildlife, and rich history, make Great Bird Islands a popular stop for tourists from around the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Great Bird Island is a tiny Caribbean gem, lying off the northeast coastline of Antigua and Barbuda. 2. With an area of just over two acres, the island is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife, and is a popular destination for eco-tourists. 3. Great Bird Island is a part of the Green Island group of islands, which also includes Bat, Bird, Green, Maiden and Maiden's Rocks. 4. Great Bird is ringed by beautiful pure white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. 5. This small island paradise is a breeding ground for seabirds, with around 20 species having been recorded. 6. The bird known as a Bananaquit, a Caribbean relic bird, can be found on Great Bird Island. 7. The island is also home to turtles, making it an important nesting site. 8. The most common turtles visiting the island are the leatherback, hawksbill and green species. 9. Additionally, the island is home to an array of lizards, reptiles and butterflies. 10. Great Bird Island is a part of the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Protected Area, which includes protection from encroaching development. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era