St John's Antigua

Table Of Content

• Escape the Crowds at Valley Church Beach
• Island Essentials
• Final Thoughts On Antigua Cruise Port
• Shopping and Food
• Discover off-the-Beaten Track Paradise at Half Moon Bay

Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. Getting around Antigua is easy, affordable and considering that English is the official language communicating couldn't be more straight forward. In fact, unless you ask locals for directions the residents of St John's will not approach the cruise passenger. Location is what makes us the first economic gateway between North America and Europe. If you can only do one trail out of these, then do the Reef Bay Trail which is the most popular on the island.

Escape the Crowds at Valley Church Beach

The main shopping scene in St. John is set at Mongoose Junction, the wharfside village and at Coral Bay. Some of the most popular trails include Reef Bay Trail, Lind Point Trail, Bordeaux Mountain Trail, Ram Head Trail, and Cinnamon Bay nature trail. A day trip to the park will create some of your most memorable experiences in St. John.

Island Essentials

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. Located in a national park, this swath of beach is untouched and protected and sits perfectly off-the-beaten-track. Snorkelers can also enjoy their time here with calm waters to explore near the edge of the bay.

Final Thoughts On Antigua Cruise Port

Celebrity Cruises offers as many 37 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 38 cruise excursions. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has available 14 shore excursions. Oceania Cruises organizes 18 shore excursions, Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, and Princess has 21 excursions available. Redcliff Quay (a quaint and elegant spot in St. John's) is a must-see, particularly if you like to taste local flavors. 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. Be it on the mega-ships of Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, or the intimate luxury of Regent, Crystal, Seabourn, or Silversea.

For yet another spot to take in the beauty of Antigua, Shirley Heights is a must-visit location. This is the highest and most scenic point on the entire island — originally known as Boggy Peak. It’s a challenging climb, but both beginners and experienced hikers can easily complete the track. Otherwise, explore the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda or take your pick from an eclectic mix of restaurants to refuel for lunch. You will be wowed by epic public art displays, pop-up activities, and live entertainment. Our team of local experts is ready to tailor recommendations for your visit to Saint John.

Shopping and Food

Heritage Quay attracts many cruise passengers, with over 30 prestigious duty-free shops, a food court, and a casino. 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. 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. If you're looking for things to do in Antigua, there's no shortage of options.

Discover off-the-Beaten Track Paradise at Half Moon Bay

Antigua Expecting Best Cruise Season Since Pandemic - Caribbean Journal

Antigua Expecting Best Cruise Season Since Pandemic.

Posted: Sun, 08 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Nature lovers will love touring the mangrove at Hurricane Hole.This side of the island was hard hit by the hurricane Irma and Maria of 2017 but is quickly recovering. One of the most popular landmarks in this town is the Emmaus Moravian Church. This church built in the 17th century bears a rather dark and interesting history. Find out about these things to do in St. John, USVI for cruise ship visitors who are on a vacation in the Caribbean which includes the U.S. There is a wide range of shopping located in Uptown Saint John, not far from the docks.

Discover These Things to Do in Antigua With Cruise Hive

If you are visiting the island of 365 beaches, you need to spend your day at the beach! With so many amazing beaches to choose from, there is the perfect option for everyone. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent after a spot of luxury shopping, why not embark on a yacht cruise around the island of Antigua?

Virgin Islands National Park

Following the city tour, get a taxi to one of the beaches listed above. This tour is approximately 3-hours and includes transportation to and from the cruise port. If you are taking a tour, exit the cruise port area, then meet at a pre-arranged spot with your guide. When you get off the ship, proceed through the port to the taxi stand if you are going somewhere on your own. The St John’s Antigua cruise port is very clean and modern, with souvenir shops, bars, and local merchants.

To make your hiking trip early, this tour includes transportation and a guide so you can ensure you are safe and don’t miss any turns. Jolly Beach – Similarly to Dickenson Bay, Jolly Beach offers amenities such as a bar and shops. There will be crowds, but you can easily find your own space on the mile of beach.

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. 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.

Welcome to historic Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada - the only city on the magnificent Bay of Fundy. With natural wonders as vibrant and diverse as the people that live here, we promise a charm you won’t find anywhere else. The currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) more locally called “EC”.

Saint Johns Antigua Cruise Port

Table Of Content

• Water Taxis
• Redcliff Quay
• Ferry Schedules & Times
• I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise
• See all Antigua Excursions
• Antigua (St John's) Cruise Port Guide Review (
• Take A Helicopter Ride
• Shop Til’ You Drop at Heritage Quay

There are lots of stunning boutique shops offering locally sourced products from artworks to clothing. We support this exceptional initiative which targets the international cruise market. We are confident that we have the product and the facilities to support increased vessel and visitor activity and to position Newfoundland and Labrador as a premiere global cruise destination. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.

Water Taxis

The exit gates of all three piers are around 500 feet (150 meters) from the cruise ships' gangways. Be aware that port security will check your boarding pass at the gates to the piers on your return. Antigua (St John's) cruise port is located on the northwestern coast of Antigua, in the capital city of St. John's. Trunk bay named after the turtles of the island is perfect for everyone.

Redcliff Quay

Nelson's Dockyard is a top highlight for those who like to visit historical landmarks. The Port of St. John’s is at the centre of a growing cruise ship industry and serves as a port of call for trans-Atlantic (North), Adventure Expedition, and home-porting itineraries. The port is part of the waterfront of a world-class city with an enticing mixture of urban and cultural experiences. And we are in easy driving distance of natural and geological wonders that enchant people from around the globe. At half a mile-long Cinnamon Bay is the largest beach on the island. It features a long stretch of silky coral sands with nice turquoise waters.

Ferry Schedules & Times

Then take a ferry from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Cruz Bay in St. John. The latter route is preferable as its shorter, frequent, and more comfortable. Experience the ecology and history of Antigua through entertaining guides as you sail, hike, swim and snorkel.

I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

You can find it in an old courthouse which was built in the 1750s. The best days to visit when it’s super busy with lots of local vibrancy are either a Friday or Saturday when it’s super busy with lots of local vibrancy. Outside the Heritage and Redcliff Quays, you will find yourself in downtown St. John's. This small town (with around 30,000 souls) has a charm of its own and safe to walk around and explore on your own. Locals go about their business and will not harassing visitors but if you need any help with directions they are very friendly. Whether you want a short 330-minute walk in a shaded tranquil bird, flora, and fauna paradise.

Originally a shipbuilding hub primarily due to its ice-free harbor in winter, Saint John continues to thrive in the shipping and fishing industries. The city was virtually destroyed by a fire in 1877, and the Victorian-era rebuilding is still seen throughout Uptown Saint John with its historic churches and brick pathways. Antigua’s fascinating past is revealed in its capital city, St. John’s, build by British traders. It can fit four ships at a time, that’s why it gets so busy at times.

Fast-Growing Antigua Cruise Port Welcomes Another Ship - Caribbean Journal

Fast-Growing Antigua Cruise Port Welcomes Another Ship.

Posted: Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Most of the ships dock at Heritage Quay, a place that has almost all the attractions nearby, with no need of other transportation means. Amongst Antigua's top attractions, the Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Betty's Hope Plantation, and Devil's Bridge are must-see sites to visit. St. John's is within walking distance of the cruise port and has a few interesting historical landmarks to explore on your own. And the beaches of Antigua are unanimously rated among some of the best in the Caribbean. There are many shore excursions available from the cruise port, including snorkeling and diving adventures, catamaran cruises, and island tours. The Port of St. John’s is a major port of call for trans-Atlantic (North), Adventure Expedition, and home-porting itineraries.

Take A Helicopter Ride

If you don’t feel like straying very far, pop across to Radcliffe Quay, connected to the docking terminal by a boardwalk. When we visit a new country we always like to explore the local markets to try the local fruits and vegetables. St John’s is no exception to this and has the wonderful Public Market Complex. You can have a wander and see most of the main attractions in less than a couple of hours. 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. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Antigua.

There are several independent cruise charters that operate from the island, but one that is worth mentioning is the family-owned and operated Creole Antigua Tours. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or prefer snorkeling, this is a family-friendly spot known for its impeccable visibility and a huge diversity of sea creatures. While you’re in Antigua, it only makes sense to explore its incredible underwater sea life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. The reward at the summit of Mount Obama is unhindered, panoramic views across Antigua.

For challenging hikes, try Cinnamon Bay trail, Reef Bay Trail, Bordeaux Mountain, and Johnny Hall Trails. Trunk Bay is not only the island’s best beach but one of the best in the Caribbean! Trunk Bay is a quarter mile stretch of silky coral sands and warm, crystal clear waters. It’s located in the Virgin Island National Park and is beset in a scenic backdrop adding to the charm of the place. Made in a beautiful tropical island structure, Mongoose Junction is a beautiful shopping complex that offers a relaxed shopping experience.

You can also go on a clear kayaking expedition to discover the underwater world of the stunning Caribbean island. Catching a bird’s eye view is also possible on a parasailing adventure. Combined with swimming, and boating all these water sports are an interesting way to spice up your beach day in St. John USVI. It has plenty of beautiful beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Hawksnest, Salt Pond and many others. The best and fastest way to get acquainted with all of St. John is on an island tour. Brunswick Square – Also located in Uptown Saint John, within walking distance of the pier, Brunswick Square is a typical shopping mall, with three levels of national and local shops.

I highly recommend this 3-hour city tour that hits the highlight of St John. Since it’s only three hours, it can be combined with another activity during your one day itinerary. There is a large beach bar, beach chairs for rent, and amazing people watching.

Before hurricane Irma and Maria, Cinnamon used to have restaurants, camping grounds, lots of amenities and water concessions. However, the hurricanes wiped out the buildings and structures on the beach. When on an island like St. John where 2/3 of land is covered by forest then you are bound to explore nature. The Virgin Island National Park located on the northern side of St. John covers 60% of the island. The major ruin is on the right side and there is plenty of parking space.