DestinationsNorth AmericaAntigua and BarbudaSaint MaryBolands

Bolands

CitySaint Mary, Antigua and Barbuda

Bolands is a tranquil coastal village on Antigua's west coast, offering a serene escape from the island's busier resort areas. Nestled along the shores of the Caribbean Sea, its golden-sand beaches — especially the nearby Jolly Beach — are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and ge…

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Best time to visit Bolands

"The best time is from December to April when Antigua enjoys dry, sunny weather with temperatures 28-30°C (82-86°F). This is the peak tourist season, so book accommodations early. May to June offer lower rates and still good weather, though with brief afternoon showers. July to November is rainy season, with higher humidity and a slight risk of hurricanes (especially August-October). For calm seas and great snorkeling, June and July are excellent. If you prefer fewer crowds and budget travel, consider mid-April to June."

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Know before you go

Getting there

V.C. Bird International Airport

20 km away

Getting around

"Bolands is compact and walkable for errands, but to explore the island you’ll need transport. Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares before riding; a typical trip to St. John’s costs about $25-35 USD. Rental cars give the most freedom (drive on the left; require a temporary permit available from rental agencies). Local ‘buses’ are minivans running fixed routes between villages — cheap ($1-2 USD) but infrequent and uncomfortable. Bicycles and scooters can be rented in Bolands. For island hopping to Barbuda, take a flight or ferry from St. John’s. Ridesharing apps are not available."

Stay safe

"Bolands is a safe, quiet village with low crime rates. Petty theft (bag snatching, unattended items) can occur, especially on beaches and in tourist spots. Avoid walking alone late at night on dark, unlit roads. Lock rental cars and stow valuables out of sight. Scams are rare but be cautious of unsolicited tour guides or timeshare pitches. Police presence is moderate; emergency response times are reasonable. The main safety concern is road conditions — potholes and stray animals require careful driving. Swimming conditions: most beaches have gentle waves, but always heed local warnings and never swim alone after dark."

Police

999

Ambulance

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical services are basic in Bolands; serious cases are referred to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre in St. John’s (about 20 minutes away). Pharmacies are available, but bring essential prescription medications. Tap water is chlorinated and generally safe, but stick to bottled water for sensitive stomachs. Mosquitoes are present year-round, especially at dawn/dusk; use repellent and consider antimalarials if visiting rural areas (though malaria risk is low). Sun protection is essential — high SPF, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. No mandatory vaccinations for Antigua, but routine vaccines (MMR, DPT) are advised. Health insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Antiguans are warm and friendly. Greet people with ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ before starting a conversation. Dress is casual — light, breathable clothing for the heat, but avoid swimwear in shops or restaurants. Remove hats when entering churches. Public displays of affection are fine, but overt drunkenness is frowned upon. Tipping is customary: 10-15% in restaurants, though some add a service charge. When visiting local homes, bring a small gift (fruit, rum, or sweets). Politics and religion are sensitive topics; avoid harsh criticism. Punctuality is relaxed; ‘island time’ means events may start 15-30 minutes late."

English (official)Antiguan CreoleEnglish

Costs and practicals

Timezone

America/Antigua
Local time 21:35

More facts

Population

1657

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Bolan, Boland Village, Bolands, Bolans, Bolants, Bolehnds, bo lan si, bolaindaza, bolaindsa, bolanidisi, bolyandasa, boransu, bwlands, bwlandz, bwlanz, bwlynڈz, Μπόλαντς, Болэндс, بولاندز, بولاندس, بولانز, بولینڈز, बोलैंड्स, বোল্যান্ডস, ਬੋਲੈਂਡਜ਼, ቦላንድስ, ボランス, 博兰斯