Overview:

Pelican Island is a small uninhabited island located in the Caribbean off the coast of Antigua-and-Barbuda. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Pelicans, iguanas, wild donkeys, and several species of tropical fish all call Pelican Island home. The island is accessible only by boat and offers a unique beach destination for visitors looking to explore beyond the mainland. Popular activities include snorkeling, swimming, nature hikes, kayaking, and simply taking in the serenity of this beautiful part of the world. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

1. Pelican Island is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of northeast Antigua and Barbuda. 2. It is the smallest of the inhabited islands in Antigua and Barbuda, with a population of about 10 inhabitants. 3. The island is a nature reserve which is home to many species of rare birds, including the critically endangered Magnificent Frigatebird and White Cheeked Tern. 4. The island is accessible only by boat and there are no vehicles on the island, making it an ideal spot for bird watching, snorkeling, and fishing. 5. A walking trail allows visitors to see the diverse wildlife on display on the island, including iguanas, tortoises, lizards, and a variety of other small animals. 6. There is also a plenty of beach to explore both on the eastern and western side of the island. This allows visitors to experience a relaxing day on the beach or take part in activities such as kayaking, swimming, paddle-boarding, and boating. 7. Pelican Island is a must-visit tourist attraction for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. It offers an amazing opportunity to observe rare birds and sea creatures in one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

Pelican Island is a tiny uninhabited island off the coast of Antigua and Barbuda. The island is located just off the tip of the northeast point of the island of Antigua. It is a tiny flat island, just 0.01 square miles in size, and mostly surrounded by sand flats and coral reef. Pelican Island has a rich history. The island is believed to have been used by the native Arawaks for fishing and that they may have considered it to be a sacred place. It was also used by French soldiers during the 18th century as a base for a navigational station. By the end of the 1800s, the island had experienced various European settlements and ownership changes, including Norwegian and Dutch settlers. During World War II, the island was converted into a base for the Royal Air Force. After the war, it was abandoned and left uninhabited. In the late 1960s, Pelican Island was purchased by a local businessman and turned into a private island. The businessman developed the island into a resort and restaurant, and it soon became a popular tourist spot. The resort closed in 1989, and the island was left abandoned again. Since then, the island has become a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The calm and shallow waters around the island are an important breeding ground for many species of fish and other marine life. Its white sandy beaches are pristine and its beautiful scenery attracts even more nature lovers. The island remains legally owned by the original businessman, but tours of the island are organized for interested visitors. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Pelican Island is an uninhabited island lying off the northern coast of Antigua & Barbuda in the Caribbean Sea. 2. The island is part of the national park system and is protected as a nature reserve in order to preserve the local species and ecosystem of the Caribbean. 3. The island is home to a large variety of animals such as pelicans, frigate birds, boobies, Antiguan raccoons, iguanas, bats, and over 120 species of fish. 4. Pelican Island is also a popular nesting site for brown boobies and other seabirds. 5. In 2016, a total of 4,073 visitors including tourist and locals visited the island to enjoy the flora and fauna. 6. The island also serves as the spawning ground for a variety of marine species including loggerhead marine turtles, green sea turtles, and hawksbill turtles. 7. In addition, the island is also a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming due to rich coral reefs and depths reaching over 20m. 8. The island is accessible by guided boat tours offered by local tour operators. 9. Pelican Island is owned by the local government of Antigua & Barbuda and is designated as a protected Ramsar site. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era