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This inhabited island offers you the opportunity to relax on a sugar-white powdery beach, swim in shallow crystal-clear waters, and snorkel. The cruise terminal is right by St. John's and therefore there isn't a shuttle bus as all the historical landmarks of the city are within walking distance. Currently, as many as five cruise ships may dock simultaneously in Antigua. The exit gates of all three piers are around 500 feet (150 meters) from the cruise ships' gangways.
Go on a Catamaran Tour
St John’s is no exception to this and has the wonderful Public Market Complex. This centuries-old quay has been beautifully restored to all its Georgian glory with its stunning historical area with turquoise, red and yellow waterfront buildings. There are lots of stunning boutique shops offering locally sourced products from artworks to clothing. On the island, you’ll find many restaurants offering international dishes as well as typical Caribbean cuisine that includes dishes such as seasonal rice and jerk meats. You can choose to go for a cooking class or embark on a scenic cruise that includes grilled lobster as part of the experience. This uncrowded beach is located on the south shore of Antigua and offers you a picture-perfect setting, soft white sands, and great snorkel opportunities.
Antigua Cruise Port Welcomes First Ship of 2023-24 Season - Cruise Industry News
Antigua Cruise Port Welcomes First Ship of 2023-24 Season.
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What is the Best Beach in Antigua From Cruise Port?
Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal, and there are also shuttle buses and private tours available. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown, you can explore the colorful local markets, do some shopping, or sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. Thanks to its charm and diversity, there are many things to do in Antigua, an island state that appeals to visitors traveling on all cruise lines.
Covid-19 advise for cruises to Antigua (St John's) cruise port
Take an insight into Antiguan history at this simple museum located a 5-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal. Learn about the formations of the islands, the indigenous people, colonization history, and their fight against the brutality of slavery. Antigua is a very safe cruise port for passengers, with many attractions to enjoy. Nelson's Dockyard is a top highlight for those who like to visit historical landmarks. The second St Johns port's cruise ship terminal is located at one of town's oldest parts, dating back from the 17th century. The docking area used to be among the busiest Caribbean trading centers in the 18th century.
Visit St. John’s
When it is crowded, some ships dock at the Deep Water Harbour Terminal, which is 1.5 km away from St. John’s, so people often take a taxi from there. Located in the West Indies, Antigua is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean regions and the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. A favorite tourist destination, Antigua is the highlight of Southern and Deep Southern cruise itineraries, as well as transatlantic routes. Located İn St. John’s harbor, Antigua Cruise Port is the gateway to the city. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your flip-flops, and get ready to explore the wonders of Antigua. Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax and unwind, Antigua will exceed your expectations and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Shopping and Food

From exploring historic sites to enjoying water sports and relaxing on pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Since gaining independence, Antigua has all but abandoned its agricultural heritage in favor of a tourist economy. The island can hold its own in the duty-free shopping category, but the real highlights lie well beyond the capital and port town of St. John's. A well-known local attraction is Sweet T's Ice Cream Parlour (within walking distance from The Catamaran Hotel Antigua). At various times during the year, special events are enjoyed by villagers and tourists, such as Sweet T's fishing tournament, and yearly anniversary party. Shopping is easy as there are no restrictions once you prove your travel status.
Caribbean
The island has a beach bar and a restaurant where you can indulge in delicious lobster, conch, chicken, and other Caribbean specialties. Tourists have also the opportunity to snorkel around the coral reef before returning to Antigua. The only way to get to Stingray City is through an organized shore excursion. In this area, you can also find several eateries and bars such as Island B-Hive Sports Bar, Cheers Antigua, and Delicieux Cafe.
Visit Nelson’s Dockyard
We love this great school called Nicoles Table where you can learn to cook local jerk style. She runs all sorts of classes, from curries to jerk and much more in between. One of the highlights of diving in Antigua is the sheer diversity of marine life you’ll encounter.
Tips for Visiting Antigua on Cruise Day
Antigua’s cruise port is conveniently located in the capital city of St. John’s, making it easy for cruise ship passengers to explore the island. With its well-developed infrastructure and array of attractions, Antigua provides a memorable experience for cruisers looking to make the most of their time ashore. When you visit Antigua you won’t want to miss the white sandy beaches and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Because we are beach lovers we’ve recommended our top beautiful beaches that are easy to reach from the Antigua cruise port. They are all easy to reach and less than a 25-minute drive from St John’s.
Car rental is widely available, though you’ll need to buy a local permit. Additionally, the cruise port offers a variety of transportation options to explore the island. You can choose to rent a car, hire a taxi, or join organized shore excursions to visit the island’s iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and hidden gems.
The official currency in Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), although the U.S. dollar is accepted in a variety of places as well. The East Caribbean dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of EC$2.7 to US$1. Keep a few EC$ handy if you’re shopping in markets or from street food stalls; if you pay in U.S. dollars, you will probably be given change in local currency.
Specific request (ours is usually an omelette for Cameron) then they are usually happy to help. There is a wide variety of water activities and snorkeling tours combined with beach stops, snacks, drinks, lunch, or just relaxing sailing across the Caribbean Sea options offered to the visitors. Located on the northwest coast of Antigua, it’s famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
You can also explore historic sites like Nelson's Dockyard and Fort James, or take a scenic island tour to see more of Antigua's natural beauty. To explore outside of the central area, you should use taxis, a rental car or tours. When people think of Antigua, they often think of the beautiful beaches. Visitors can also obtain day passes at Jolly Harbour Resort for access to their facilities, which include pools, restaurants, and recreational activities. Situated on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, it offers breathtaking sights of crashing waves and the coastal landscape.