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It is incredible as they actually (when hungry) move much faster than you expect them to. When we went they seemed to enjoy the attention they were given when getting a little rub on their shell or neck. 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.
Discover off-the-Beaten Track Paradise at Half Moon Bay
However, as you walk in you can feel the atmosphere which helps to bring it to life this historic site. 📍 Stingray City and Laviscount Island – this fun half-day tour combines 2 of our favourite animal experiences; snorkelling with stingrays and feeding giant tortoises. 📍 An off-road dune buggy tour of Antigua – we love to try different ways to take an island tour. This one is great fun as you go through the tropical rainforest off-road. 📍 A Boat tour to Barbuda – this is the best way to visit Barbuda.
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Entering into the beautiful port area one is greeted by a burst of colorful buildings featuring lively outlets. 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. Most major cruise lines such as Carnival, the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises, cruise to the island regularly. This is another fantastic tour if you’re interested in learning more about Antigua’s naval history. Fort Berkeley was integral to the defense of Antigua during the reign of the British Empire.
Antigua Cruise Port chalks up 15,000 passengers in a day - Seatrade Cruise News
Antigua Cruise Port chalks up 15,000 passengers in a day.
Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Destinations & Ports

Specific request (ours is usually an omelette for Cameron) then they are usually happy to help. You can comfortably wander around on your own, taking in all the sights and sounds. Antigua uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (E.C.), although most vendors in town will readily accept U.S. dollars. A bit farther away (about a five-minute walk), you'll find Scotia Bank, RBC Bank and CBC First Caribbean Bank -- all with ATMs -- at the intersection of High and Market streets. This colourful-lined street starts at the end of the cruise ship dock. This is one of the most prestigious tax-free shopping areas in the Caribbean with a variety of different shops to choose from.
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The English arrived in 1632, establishing sugar plantations and bringing African slaves; slavery was fully abolished in 1838. Great Britain held the island until 1981, when Antigua (pronounced "An-tee-gah") achieved independence. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #antigua — you may see them right here. The currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) more locally called “EC”. You’ll find that most things will be priced in EC, and higher-priced items such as tours and accommodation will also be advertised in US dollars. There are also lots of amazing boat tours that you can take to explore places such as Cades Reef which is one of the main coral reefs in Antigua.
Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach Cruise
Antigua prepares to celebrate 500,000 cruise passenger arrivals Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean
Antigua prepares to celebrate 500,000 cruise passenger arrivals Loop Caribbean News.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
But if you prefer to visit during the quieter, shoulder season, you may want to consider scheduling a cruise for May or June. Both of these seasons are the best time to visit the Eastern Caribbean. With its palm-tree-lined coastline, powdery, white sand beach, and a chance of spotting dolphins, this is the Caribbean in a nutshell — without the madding crowds. If you’re interested in learning a little more about Antigua’s heritage, then this is a worthwhile experience. It is named after the daughter of a former plantation owner and is one of the largest plantation sites in Antigua. This is a definite must-see when visiting this island nation and is almost a rite-of-passage when exploring Antigua.
Explore Antigua’s Mangrove System
The most ideal time to sail from Antigua is during the spring (March to June). It tends to get very hot during the summer months and very rainy during the winter, so it’s best to avoid those months if you want to enjoy comfortable weather during your cruise. If you’re arriving by cruise ship to Antigua cruise port then there are lots of fantastic options of things to do. You could decide to stay local in St John’s, the capital of Antigua. Or, you could head off and explore some of the best things to do on the such as taking a tour, relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches or taking in some history at Nelson’s Dockyard.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Antigua that will capture your heart and spirit and make you fall in love with the Caribbean. A crucial part of your cruise experience is preparing and booking your trip well in advance. Your ship is likely to dock at either Heritage or Radcliffe quay. The first thing that greets you once you disembark from your ship is the beautiful metallic island tunes, played tirelessly by an island band at the piers exit. You can expect a beautiful lobster lunch, a spot of island hopping, snorkeling, and plenty of sun, sea, and relaxation. If you can only visit during the day due to your cruise schedule, be sure to indulge in the locally caught lobster which is caught, split and grilled right on the beach.
Beaches
This may be one of the more tourist-driven attractions in Antigua, but it’s ideal if you love a dash of adrenaline and want to explore the island’s lush rainforest, too. No longer a working sugar mill, but a museum of sorts, a visit to Betty’s Hope gives you a good idea of the role Antigua played in escaping the system of slavery. If you’re interested in sampling local delicacies, add conch water or goat water to your list (it’s a type of soup).
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.
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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. 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.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent after a spot of luxury shopping, why not embark on a yacht cruise around the island of 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. 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.
Plus, get a glimpse of some impressive yachts as they sail in and out of the bay. 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.
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