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However, plans are in place to develop the surrounding area to create an additional full-service cruise port. Antigua owns an average high temperature of a pleasant 81 degrees, but it's a slightly less hospitable climate in the summer when the trade winds die down. Antiguans celebrate these slower summer months with the annual Carnival at the end of July and beginning of August. The island is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, with a direct hurricane hitting about every seven years on average.
Top Sights & Attractions on Cruises to Antigua
At the remote (and beautiful) Seaforth Beach, the Pig’s Paradise team bring their little piglets to visit you. You’ll have a chance to swim with the pigs and bottle-feed them their milk. The main experience at Lavinscourt Island is feeding and petting the giant tortoises that live there as part of a breeding programme. It is incredible as they actually (when hungry) move much faster than you expect them to.
Where Is The Cruise Terminal And Where Do Ships Dock?
You should also have some local currency on hand for purchases at smaller shops and markets. For history buffs, Redcliffe Quay is a must-visit spot with charming colonial-style buildings housing boutiques, galleries, and dining options. The preferred docking point for top cruise lines is Heritage Quay, although Redcliffe Quay and Nevis Street Pier are also options.
Shore Excursions
When we went they seemed to enjoy the attention they were given when getting a little rub on their shell or neck. If you’re keen on history then a visit to this sugar plantation is a must on your list of things to do in Antigua. This particular plantation dates back to 1651 making it one of the oldest in Antigua. We love learning about the history of Antigua, and the best place to head to is the Antigua and Barbuda Museum. 📍 Stingray City and Laviscount Island – this fun half-day tour combines 2 of our favourite animal experiences; snorkelling with stingrays and feeding giant tortoises.
Caribbean
Besides tourism, another major industry is investment banking - some of the world's largest financial institutions have offices here. Antigua offers a seamless blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for cruise ship passengers. By following the tips shared, respecting the environment, and embracing the laid-back island lifestyle, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Did you know that if you kiss a stingray you’ll get 7 years of good luck? Get up close with these friendly creatures at Stingray City Antigua, a privately-owned site located on the island’s east coast a 35-minute drive (18 km/11 miles) from the cruise port.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Admire the mixture of architecture, old churches, war memorials, a fish market, and notable landmarks either on a guided walking tour or on your own. Walking tours normally last a couple of hours, so you will have plenty of time after to enjoy other activities. Antigua (St John's) cruise port is located on the northwestern coast of Antigua, in the capital city of St. John's. The area around Redcliffe Quay is more tasteful, scenic and pleasant for browsing, but it's still touristy. Within easy walking distance of the dock, you'll see several downtown landmarks, including the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, built in 1845.
Water Sports and Activities
This Caribbean Cruise Port Is Becoming a New Homeporting Destination - Caribbean Journal
This Caribbean Cruise Port Is Becoming a New Homeporting Destination.
Posted: Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Here, you can shop for unique souvenirs, designer clothing, jewelry, and much more. Using our local knowledge and experience we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Antigua (St John’s) cruise port. And all the things you’ll want to know to explore the Caribbean island of Antigua on a cruise. We’ve also selected the best 22 things to do in Antigua for you to choose from to show you what a great place it is. The tour starts on Fig Tree Drive road, located around 14 km/8.7 miles or a 30-minute drive from Antigua cruise port. If you have any medical issues, or back/neck problems, you shouldn’t select this tour as it is considered a strenuous activity.
Covid-19 advise for cruises to Antigua (St John's) cruise port
Locals go about their business and will not harassing visitors but if you need any help with directions they are very friendly. Typical tours like the ones to the Shirley Heights Lookout the Nelson's Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or the Betty’s Hope sugar plantation are a must. A Beach Break is combinable with a visit to Stingray City or the Canopy Zipline Adventure.
Beaches
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the island’s origins, exploring these sites will help you develop a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Antigua’s history. These are just a few examples of the numerous breathtaking beaches you can explore in Antigua. Remember that many of the beaches are public, allowing you to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Local specialties to look out for include sweet Barbuda lobster and the delicious Antigua black pineapple. Traditional dishes include saltfish and chop-up, which is a mix of callaloo, eggplant, and okra. This imposing Anglican cathedral has stood in its hilltop position since 1845, on the site where two previous places of worship existed. It was built in the Baroque style, with two white, 70-foot towers crowned by gleaming cupolas.
However, as you walk in you can feel the atmosphere which helps to bring it to life this historic site. Fly over Monserrat, the island devastated by the Soufriere Volcano in 1997, and get close to the still-active volcano. See the devastated areas evacuated and off-limits that are only accessible via aerial tour. Besides Shirley Heights, Obama Mount (aka Boggy Peak) and Ridge Trail are other popular hiking spot – With an elevation of 402 m (1,319 ft), this is the highest peak of Antigua. The hike is more of an easy/moderate walk up the hill through the lush forest and National Park that lasts 1-3 hours. On the way to the reef, you’ll cruise along Jolly Harbour, Valley Church Beach, Coco Beach, Ffryes Beach, Darkwood Beach, and a few others.
Year-round sunshine, a bounty of natural beauty and miles of pristine beaches, make Antigua and Barbuda one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean. Antigua’s exceptional geography and tropical mountains create a natural beauty that encourages exploration of the island’s rainforests, tropical gardens and breathtaking views all around. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting historical sites, attending colorful festivals, exploring art and craft galleries, and interacting with the friendly locals.
Port St Johns Antigua cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club. Discover the rich colonial history at Nelson's Dockyard, soak up the sun on pristine beaches like Dickenson Bay, or venture into the lush rainforest of the Fig Tree Drive. Indulge in the mouth watering flavors of Caribbean cuisine, immerse yourself in local traditions, and let St. John's captivate your heart.
It has several starting points including Cades Bay, and Christian Valley (from the Village of Jennings). Carlisle to Rendezvous Bay Walk is also interesting and offers beautiful views of the coast. Nestled on the east coast, near Devil’s Bridge, Nonsuch Bay is a tropical bay lined with white powdery beaches known for kitesurfing and a luxury Nonsuch Bay Resort. Located on the south coast of the island in English Harbour, Freeman’s Bay is a popular area for snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing. Located in the southwest of the island, Darkwood Beach is a white sandy beach ideal for those in search of peace and good snorkeling.
The relentless rain, wind and crashing waves have over time carved them out. They’re impressive to see and one of our top locations for some great snorkelling. Antigua is one of the only places in the world where you can take a tour out to a sandbar in the sea to swim and interact with stingrays. You don’t need to be able to swim and kids of all ages are welcome (under 5’s are free).
Together with Nelson’s Dockyard, Dow’s Hill Interpretive Centre, and Clarence House, Shirley Heights makes up the UNESCO Heritage Site known as the Antigua Naval Dockyard. It is the location of the barracks at the time that Nelson’s Dockyard was an active Naval base. Once inside you’ll get a chance to learn more about the origins of the island through to its independence in 1981. The cathedral was built in 1845 to replace the one that was destroyed in an earthquake. The interior woodwork has recently been restored to all its former beauty. The Rec, as it is affectionately known, is now run-down and more of a relic than a sports field.
