The Caribbean travellers finest resource

Email this page to:

Close

Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Cruise

By Sara Macefield

Antigua boasts a rich maritime history, so it is fitting that this – the largest of the Leeward Islands – is such a popular stop for cruise ships. It offers the perfect mix of beaches, shopping and historic attractions to keep visitors occupied. The capital, St John’s, is one of the few places in the Caribbean that strikes the right balance of catering well for tourists without sacrificing its own identity. In addition to the usual jewellers and boutiques are local shops and handicraft stalls.

Nelson’s Dockyard, the old Georgian dockyard where Nelson was stationed, and which has been restored with shops and restaurants, is a 30-minute drive away. As part of a longer tour, visitors can take in nearby Shirley Heights with its fabulous views and Fig Tree Drive, regarded as one of Antigua’s most scenic routes with its views of old sugar mills and traditional churches. Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation, the island’s only remaining working sugar mill, offers a window into Antigua’s past while a more adrenalin-fuelled alternative is provided by the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour.

Large cruise ships dock in the centre of St John’s, and passengers step off into the attractive pedestrianised Heritage Quay shopping area where taxi drivers tout island tours. A five-minute walk away is the more atmospheric and quieter Redcliffe Quay. Smaller vessels moor at English Harbour or Falmouth.

Local companies offering tours include St James Travel & Tours.

Cruise on Antigua and Barbuda

Browse Cruise on other islands

Anguilla | Aruba | Barbados | Bonaire | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Curacao | Dominica | Grenada & Carriacou | Jamaica | Montserrat | Nevis | Saba | St Barthélemy | St Kitts | St Lucia | St Martin/St Maarten | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Tobago | Trinidad

Or read our other island guides

Anguilla | Antigua | Aruba | Bahamas | Barbados | Bermuda | Bonaire | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Cuba | Curacao | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Grenada and Carriacou | Guadeloupe | Haiti | Jamaica | Martinique | Montserrat | Nevis | Puerto Rico | Saba | St Barthélemy | St Eustatius | St Kitts | St Lucia | St Martin/St Maarten | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Tobago | Trinidad | Turks & Caicos Islands | US Virgin Islands

island_map View on map

Antigua and Barbuda’s weather

Antigua and Barbuda weather chart

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

  1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, the oldest functioning naval facility in the world
  2. Party at Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday at sunset followed by barbecue and live music
  3. Stay at the spectacular Jumby Bay
  4. Hop over to Barbuda for stunning beaches and excellent birdwatching
  5. Race a yacht to nearby Montserrat for the day

Antigua and Barbuda Events

View calendar