Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. A common tag line used to encourage others to our shores. But there is more to the beaches, clubs, culture and occasional fetes. If you are a lover a nature then I invite you to rediscover a part of the island through Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tours.

Situated in Fig Tree Drive a wonderful, thrilling and exhilarating adventure awaits you and dependent on your physical fitness you will be eager to do it all over again, granted you give yourself ( well in my case) a few weeks before.

Upon arriving in the AM, we were first greeted with displays of souvenir t-shirts that read “Me Don Do Dat- Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour”. And trust me, after the experience you will be saying that proudly too.

There were also many photo displays of happy customers zipping across the Rainforest. As we waited for our tour to begin, we enjoyed the luscious green scenery and also spotted a few of the zip lines that we soon would be conquering.

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tours offers its guesst an opportunity to zip across nine zip lines, take a leap of faith (which just happens to be a 25ft controlled descent) and then a challenge course with nine elements, all located — of course — within the Antiguan rainforest.

It was time for us to face the music. Our journey began at an historical pump house where we were outfitted with our harnesses, helmets and gloves. This followed a brief demonstration by one of the rangers on how to ‘zip’ across those lines.

We were then taken across a suspension bridge, followed a narrow path and made our way to our first location where everyone was more than eager to recommend someone else to go first.

Watching those who zipped across the lines before me, made it seem so easy... until it was my turn. Butterflies were brewing in my stomach and then I looked down for a short second, (note to self: don't look down). However after mustering the courage to take my first leap, I was on my way (with screams) across the gorge on the state-of the art double lines.

As mentioned before there are nine zip lines, so by the time you get to the third one, you already start losing count. Only one of the zip lines was named “The Scream” and without fear of failure I definitely belted one out as I went across.

I found the next and longest zip line measuring over three hundred feet and suspended hundreds of feet in the air, most daunting. But after conquering my fear every other line seemed like a piece of cake until it was time to take “The leap of faith”. Every starting point takes place in some cute little tree house structure up in the tree tops. The key to conquering the “The leap of faith” is to LEAP and no procrastination.

It was finally time for us to head to the Challenge course which had nine elements, aptly named, ‘The Cat Walk', 'The Elvis Dangle', 'The Burma Bridge Dam', 'Post Man Walk' and 'Indiana Jones Bridge’ just to name a few.

Our starting point was in two tropically hidden tree houses. Looking at some of the elements of the course it seemed like it would be a breeze. But as they say “looks can be deceiving” and we were certainly deceived. After making our way across three of the elements, with wobbly legs and a lot of laughter my friend and I proved that the safety measures did work, when we fell off one of the courses and was safely hanging for a few minutes, before the Rangers helped us up.

Just when we thought we were through, we had to encounter the 'Stairway to Heaven', which to me was the most challenging. As the name states, the 'Stairway to Heaven' consists of just about one-hundred and fifty steps climbing up to higher ground where we began.

Were we glad to see higher ground again, and despite our body aches we had a wonderful experience and with the assistance of rangers (Gus, Hawk and Courtney). The experience was definitely fantastic. So the only thing left to say is – “Me Don Do Dat — Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tours”.

Enjoy the 365antigua.com team's photo gallery as they take on the ziplines at the Antigua    Rainforest Canopy Zipline Tour. Click here.

The full canopy tour takes approximately 2.5 hrs to complete. Be sure to wear durable footwear. It is highly recommended to book in advance. While they will take up to 16 people, groups of 8-10 are the best size to keep things moving along at a good pace. Because it is a rainforest, a little rain doesn't get in the way of having a good time. There is a weight restriction of 260lbs and folks from 7 yrs to 70 yrs in good health are welcome to zip. Antiguans, students and residents should call to see when discounts are available.

For more information about the Antiguan Rainforest Canopy Tour, call 562-6363, email at: arc@candw.ag or visit their website at antiguarainforest.com.