Mariette Williams
As Women's History Month draws to a close, it seemed a good time for me to spotlight Pink Panther Safari, an inspiring enterprise in Antigua led entirely by women.
During a recent visit to the island, I booked an afternoon excursion with this tour company. The Pink Panther Safari makes a bold statement not just with its signature neon-pink Jeeps but through the barrier-breaking women behind the wheel.
My journey began at Hammock Cove Antigua, where a custom-modified, vibrant pink 4x4 picked up our small group of travelers. Some of our stops that afternoon included some of Antigua's most popular attractions, such as Devil's Bridge, a limestone archway; Betty's Hope, a former sugar plantation; and Shirley Heights, a former military lookout, which now provides stunning views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Our last stop was Turner's Beach for refreshments and a quick swim.
Our guide didn't just point out the scenery; she explained how the mineral-rich volcanic soil produces the island's black pineapples, recounted centuries-old Antiguan folklore and pointed out the medicinal properties of the roadside flora. It was a typical Pink Panther experience: a high-energy, immersive tour delivered with local expertise.
Where you can book a tour
The Pink Panther Safari partners exclusively with Elite Island Resorts, which includes the following properties: The Verandah Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Hammock Cove Antigua and St. James's Club & Villas, Antigua. The safari excursions are reserved for resort guests through the concierge or guest programming.
"At Elite Island Resorts, we are deeply committed to creating opportunities within the communities we call home," says Sanjay Ambrose, Managing Director of Elite Island Resorts in Antigua. "The Pink Panther Safari, offered only at our resorts, is a powerful example of that, as a women-led experience that not only showcases the beauty of Antigua but also elevates local voices and talent. Supporting and platforming women-operated businesses allows our guests to connect with the island while celebrating the people who make Antigua so special."
The importance of this women-led business extends far beyond a unique photo op. According to the World Bank Group, women typically reinvest up to 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities. Connecting your clients with local tour companies creates a "multiplier effect" that lifts the surrounding community. By supporting women-led businesses like Pink Panther Safari, we can better ensure the Caribbean's most valuable resource, its people, are in the driver's seat of the region's economic future.