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Antigua at a glance

Cruise portSt. John’s
Walk toHeritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay
CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar, US dollars widely accepted
DrivingOn the left
Best forBeaches, history, island drives
Time you needA full port day
Amy Davoli, CTA, Travitude Travel Group travel consultant
Amy Davoli, CTATravel & Cruise Consultant

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Top Things to Do in Antigua

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

Dickenson Bay

Amy’s pickBeach

Amy has been to Antigua twice, and she says the beach at Dickenson Bay is beautiful! It’s a long stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise water on the northwest coast, one of the closest great beaches to the cruise port, with beach bars, restaurants and water sports along the sand.

From the port
A short taxi ride north
Water
Calm and turquoise
Along the beach
Bars, restaurants, water sports
Good for
Swimming and relaxing
Tip: All beaches in Antigua are public, so you can enjoy Dickenson Bay without booking a resort day pass. Agree on your taxi fare before you go.

Drive the island

Amy’s pickAdventure

On her first trip, Amy rented a car and drove the island, stopping at a beach and a blowhole along the way. It was the first time she ever drove on the “wrong” side of the road! Devil’s Bridge, a natural limestone arch on the east coast, is the island’s best-known spot for blowholes, where waves shoot up through the rocks.

Driving
On the left
You’ll need
A temporary local driving permit
Don’t miss
Devil’s Bridge blowholes
Or
Book an island tour instead
Tip: Not comfortable driving on the left? An island tour or taxi driver covers the same highlights, with no stress about the roads.

Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights

HistoryViews

Across the island in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard is a beautifully restored Georgian naval dockyard and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of shops, cafés and yachts. Just above it, the Shirley Heights lookout has one of the most famous views in the Caribbean.

Where
English Harbour, south coast
UNESCO
Nelson’s Dockyard
Best view
Shirley Heights lookout
Getting there
Tour, taxi or car
Tip: It’s a drive from St. John’s, so pair the Dockyard and Shirley Heights on one island tour and keep an eye on your all-aboard time.

More Things to Do in Antigua

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Sunset over the harbour in St. John's, AntiguaShop Heritage Quay

Right beside the cruise pier, Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay have duty-free shops, local crafts and restaurants, so it’s easy to explore on foot.

Stingray gliding through clear turquoise Caribbean waterSwim with stingrays

Stingray City Antigua is a popular excursion where you can wade with friendly southern stingrays in shallow water.

Fresh lobster and local food in AntiguaTry local food

Look for fresh lobster, saltfish and fungee (Antigua’s national dish) and an ice-cold Wadadli, the local beer.

Free Things to Do in Antigua

Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.

FreeWaterfront shop beside the harbour canal in St. John's, AntiguaWander Redcliffe Quay

Stroll this restored 19th-century waterfront quarter near the cruise pier, where old stone warehouses now hold shops, galleries and cafés.

FreePalm trees along the sandy shore of Fort James Beach, St. John's, AntiguaRelax at Fort James Beach

This long, peaceful beach is a popular spot with locals and cruise visitors, just a 5 to 10 minute drive from the cruise dock.

Know Before You Go in Antigua

  • Driving on the left: Renting a car? You’ll need a temporary local permit, usually arranged by the rental company.
  • Agree on taxi fares first: Fares are often negotiated, so confirm the price before you get in.
  • US dollars accepted: The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).

Antigua FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

What is there to do in Antigua on a cruise?

Spend the day at a beach like Dickenson Bay, drive or tour the island to Devil’s Bridge, visit Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights, or shop Heritage Quay right by the pier.

What are some free things to do in Antigua?

Some of our favourite free things to do in Antigua are wander Redcliffe Quay and relax at Fort James Beach. Stroll this restored 19th-century waterfront quarter near the cruise pier, where old stone warehouses now hold shops, galleries and cafés.

Are the beaches in Antigua public?

Yes, all beaches in Antigua are public, so you can visit beaches in front of resorts too.

Can you rent a car in Antigua?

Yes. They drive on the left, and you’ll need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company can usually arrange.

Do I need a passport for a cruise to Antigua?

Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with shore excursions.

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