4 to 5 hours ashore
St. John's and Dickenson Bay
- Walk the shops at Heritage Quay and St. John's.
- Taxi a short way north to Dickenson Bay.
Rather book it? A short catamaran sail.
Antigua shore excursions
An island said to have a beach for every day of the year, plus the historic naval dockyard at English Harbour and sailing on calm blue bays.
Getting ashoreMost ships dock at Heritage Quay or Redcliffe Quay in downtown St. John's, steps from the shops. On busy days, some use the Deep Water Harbour terminal about a mile from town.
Antigua port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Heritage Quay and Redcliffe QuayRight in downtown St. John's, with shops at the pier.
Deep Water HarbourUsed on busy days, about a mile from town.
Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour are on the far side of the island, about 40 minutes away.
Taxis
Taxis wait at the port, with fixed fares posted for many common destinations. Confirm the fare, and the currency, before you leave.
Money
Eastern Caribbean dollars. Many businesses and drivers accept US dollars.
Language
English.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Antigua
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Nelson's Dockyard
- Drive about 40 minutes to Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour.
- Take in the view from Shirley Heights.
Rather book it? An island tour with the dockyard.
9 hours or more
Catamaran around the island
- Sail along the coast with snorkel and beach stops.
Rather book it? A round-the-island catamaran day.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Antigua tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Antigua tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for St. John's Antigua, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Antigua tours from Shore Excursions Group
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Scout's notes on Antigua
Short port days
Dickenson Bay and other northwest beaches are about 15 minutes from St. John's. Catamaran and snorkel cruises and the Stingray City Antigua sanctuary are popular half-day trips.
Long port days
Nelson's Dockyard, a restored 18th-century naval base and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 40 minutes south at English Harbour. Tours often add the Shirley Heights lookout above it. Half Moon Bay on the east coast is a quieter, scenic beach farther out.
Getting back on time
Roads to the south and east coasts are narrow and winding, so allow at least an hour back from English Harbour. Taxis use posted fixed rates; confirm the fare and pickup time before you set off.
From fellow cruisers
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