Top 10 Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
Horror Locations in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are known for their stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history. But did you know that these Caribbean islands also have a dark side? From haunted cemeteries to ghostly ships, here are some of the most spine-chilling places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda – if you dare.
1. La Recoleta Cemetery, St. John’s – Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent figures in Antiguan history, including former governors, bishops, and war heroes. But it is also said to be home to some restless spirits who wander among the tombs and mausoleums. Some of the most famous ghosts of La Recoleta Cemetery include its old caretaker, David Alleno, who is said to have worked at the cemetery for 30 years before killing himself, and Rufina Cambaceres, a 19-year-old girl who was found lifeless by her family and subsequently buried in the ornate cemetery. However, legend has it that she was not really dead, but had fallen into a cataleptic state, and woke up inside her coffin only to die of suffocation.
2. Fort James, St. John’s – Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
Fort James is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in Antigua, built by the British in the 18th century to protect the harbor from French attacks. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. But it is also a place where history and horror collide. Visitors have reported hearing eerie sounds of cannon fire, footsteps, and voices coming from the empty fort. Some have even seen apparitions of soldiers in red coats patrolling the grounds or hanging from the gallows. If you’ve arrived on a cruise, you may already have spotted the intimidating cannons pointing out at sea that still sit at the fort.
3. The Andes, Deep Bay – Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
The Andes was a merchant ship that sank in Deep Bay in 1905 after catching fire. The ship was carrying a cargo of pitch, which fueled the flames and made it impossible to save. The crew managed to escape, but the ship went down with its load and now lies at the bottom of the bay, creating an artificial reef that attracts many fish and divers. However, some divers have also encountered something more sinister: the ghost of the captain of the Andes, who is said to still haunt his sunken vessel. Some have seen him standing on the deck or in his cabin, while others have felt his presence or heard him moaning.
4. Betty’s Hope, Pares – Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
Betty’s Hope was one of the first and most successful sugar plantations in Antigua, established in 1650 by Sir Christopher Codrington. The plantation was named after his daughter Betty, who died young and was buried on the site. The plantation prospered for over 300 years, but also witnessed the brutal exploitation and oppression of enslaved Africans who worked there. Today, Betty’s Hope is a museum that showcases the history and heritage of sugar production and slavery in Antigua. But it is also a place where some say the spirits of the past still linger. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots, hearing whispers or cries, and seeing shadows or figures dressed in colonial or slave clothing around the plantation.
5. Devil’s Bridge, Willikies – Haunted Places in Antigua and Barbuda
Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch that spans over a turbulent section of the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern coast of Antigua. The bridge was formed by centuries of erosion from the waves and wind, creating a spectacular sight that draws many tourists. However, Devil’s Bridge also has a dark history: it was a place where many enslaved Africans chose to end their lives by jumping into the water rather than enduring the horrors of slavery. Some locals believe that their souls still haunt the bridge, and that anyone who walks over it will be cursed or possessed by the devil.
