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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. Historic Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and is totally worth visiting. It also happens to be one of the main historical destinations in Antigua, and yes, Nelson did live there at one point. We live in English Harbor and absolutely love heading to Nelson’s (as its called by locals), to have a drink and people watch as the yachts come and go. Make sure to check the availability of your cruise line excursions before your cruise.
The Sexiest Beaches in the Caribbean to Visit Right Now
Antigua beaches are ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The island has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and all of them are open to the public. Learn about the history of the island on a fascinating tour created by the Historical Society of the Museum of Antigua. Explore streets in St. John’s that date back to the late 18th century, and learn about the architectural detail on the Georgian and Victorian buildings that are dotted around the city.
Visit The Cathedral
At other times, you just want to find the nearest best beach to relax on. The island was an important colonial base of the Royal Navy, with English Harbour serving as its headquarters. In more recent years, English Harbour has become the capital of international yachting and sailing, and those activities are responsible for a surge in population during the winter months. The season opens in December with the Antigua Yacht Show and ends in May with Antigua Sailing Week, one of the largest annual regattas in the Caribbean.
Best Things to Do in Antigua Cruise Port
If you are planning a cruise to Italy, be sure Milan is on your list of cities to visit. So far, Antigua Cruise Port has already welcomed 42 ships and 91,706 cruise passengers in January. That includes P&O’s Arvia cruise ship, which had its first turnaround call of the year, and SeaDream II, which had its first home-porting operation with the company.
Antigua Cruise Port records busiest month ever - Cruise and Ferry
Antigua Cruise Port records busiest month ever.
Posted: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Final Thoughts On Antigua Cruise Port
The outlet host eateries, duty-free shopping malls, bars, and gift shops. This neatly organized port area with clean streets and plenty of amenities serves as a nice introduction to Antigua. You can expect a beautiful lobster lunch, a spot of island hopping, snorkeling, and plenty of sun, sea, and relaxation. You may not think that there would be much high-end or duty-free shopping on an island such as Antigua, but au contraire.
The ferry drops you in the middle of 14 miles of unspoiled pink shell beaches -- including one that used to be a favorite of Princess Diana; it's now named in her honor. Antiguans like to boast that they have 365 beaches -- one for each day of the year. And while no one counts to ensure the accuracy of this catchy marketing claim, the squiggly shaped island indeed is full of beachy gems, each with its own unique appeal.
Related Cruises
Discover Nelson’s Dockyard, which features gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century architecture but also buzzes with modern eateries and shops. On an Antigua cruise, explore St. Johns island beaches, snorkeling, and more. 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.
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. The highest risk is in early September -- so there's little need to worry during peak cruising season.
Head to Carnival
This is a brilliant day out if you’re keen on exploring the natural landscape of Antigua, other than the beach. The Pillars of Hercules are a stunning natural wonder carved by the power of the ocean over thousands of years. From the pillars, you can explore private beaches, plenty of snorkeling opportunities, with sightings of rare fish species. For an amazing island dining experience, you want to schedule a visit to the Island Beach Bar. Also known as Turner’s Beach Bar, located on Turner’s beach, it’s the perfect spot for delicious island cuisine.
Antigua (St John's) cruise port is located on the northwestern coast of Antigua, in the capital city of St. John's. All of the city’s iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the cruise terminal. If you don’t feel like straying very far, pop across to Radcliffe Quay, connected to the docking terminal by a boardwalk.
We must have been at least 20 times to visit Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary. This is a great activity to do with kids as they get to brush the donkeys. As an added bonus you’re also supporting a local charity at the same time.
Sometimes if there are no shows, last-minute bookings can be accommodated. Weight restrictions apply so make sure you read all the information before booking. 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 next to the English Harbour and Freeman’s Bay, Falmouth Harbour covers a large area consisting of several beaches and peaceful bays (Deep Bay, Pigeon Point Beach, Windward Bay…).
There are no amenities available at this location, however, adjacent to the beach is the famous 5-star Carlisle Bay Resort. The distance between Antigua cruise port and Darkwood beach is 12 km/7.5 miles, approximately a minute drive. Located in the southwest of the island, Darkwood Beach is a white sandy beach ideal for those in search of peace and good snorkeling. Many of them will offer to pick you up at a specific time to take you back to the port.
If you’re interested in sampling local delicacies, add conch water or goat water to your list (it’s a type of soup). Sara Young is the author of Big Adventures With Little Feet, a family travel blog with the key aim to inspire parents to travel with their kids. She loves exploring the world with her sons and giving them big adventures, whether that’s hiking or skiing, sailing or surfing. She and her family spend the winters in Antigua in the Caribbean, where her boyfriend works as a yacht captain. However, if you’re feeling adventurous then it is possible to walk to them from Galleon Beach. One of the highlights of diving in Antigua is the sheer diversity of marine life you’ll encounter.
In Antigua, British, Creole, and West Indian flavors come together to spice up local ingredients and fresh seafood. Must-try dishes include fungi— a cooked cornmeal paste similar to Italian polenta— and ducana dumplings made of sweet potato. If you wander the harbor front, you’ll find traditional English fish and chips paired with locally brewed Wadadli beer.
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. There are many shore excursions available from the cruise port, including snorkeling and diving adventures, catamaran cruises, and island tours. Most cruise ships dock at the Heritage Quay pier, which is within walking distance of the terminal. This is one of the most prestigious tax-free shopping areas in the Caribbean with a variety of different shops to choose from. It comes alive when there are cruise ships docked, and you can watch steel bands and enjoy other local entertainment as you browse.
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