Overview:

Prickly Pear Cays is a small group of islands located in the North Sound of Antigua-and-Barbuda, 10 miles from the mainland. The cays are made up of two clusters of islands, the "Outer Cays" and the "Inner Cays". The cays are home to a diverse selection of wildlife and habitat including some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Caribbean. With its calm waters and lack of development, this largely uninhabited area makes it perfect for fishing, snorkeling and kayaking. The Cays are a popular tourist destination for day trips, and can also be accessed via overnight boat trips from Antigua. The Cays are renowned for its pristine beaches and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal spot to relax and get away from it all. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

1. Secluded setting - The Prickly Pear Cays are a small, isolated tropical paradise located in the Caribbean Sea between the islands of Antigua and Barbuda. 2. Breathtaking beauty - The Prickly Pear Cays feature clear turquoise water, bright white-sand beaches, lush foliage, and stunning coral reefs. 3. Outdoor activities - Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. 4. Spectacular wildlife - The cays are home to a variety of marine and land animals including tropical fish, sea turtles, sting rays, and various birds. 5. Unspoiled nature - The Prickly Pear Cays remain largely unspoiled due to their remote location, making them an ideal nature retreat. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The history of Prickly Pear Cays in Antigua and Barbuda dates back thousands of years. The first known settlers to inhabit the islands were the Arawak Indians from South America, who were believed to have arrived between 600 BC and 800 AD. In 1493, Christopher Columbus famously discovered the islands and claimed them for Spain. This paved the way for European and African colonization. Prickly Pear Cays was initially inhabited by African slaves brought in by the British East India Company during the colonial era. In 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act abolished slavery in the British colonies, and many of the former slaves made their way to Prickly Pear Cays. They thrived here and established a successful fishing industry on the islands. Today, the two largest inhabited islands in the Prickly Pear Cays are Barbuda and Prickly Pear Island. The main industries on these islands are currently fishing, seafood processing, and tourism. There are several resorts, boat charters, and other recreational activities on these islands as well. The Prickly Pear Cays are also popular among sailors and divers who appreciate the rich, vibrant marine life surrounding the islands. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Prickly Pear Cays are a small group of uninhabited islands located off the northwest coast of Antigua. 2. The six islands are only accessible by boat and the two most popular are Prickly Pear and Long Island. 3. The islands are a protected nature reserve and are home to an abundance of wild birds, sea turtles, and fish. 4. It was believed that the islands were first inhabited by Arawak Indians in the 16th century. 5. The islands are surrounded by the clearest, shallowest, and most accessible waters in the Caribbean, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. 6. Prickly Pear Cays are also a popular spot for sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. 7. The uninhabited islands have no electricity but offer plenty of scenic landscapes including white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical jungle. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era