Antigua and Barbuda / Island Tours

With its large numbers of visitors there are plenty of tours of Antigua and they cover all the things that you expect, from shopping in St John’s to the historic sites, with stops along the way to beach bars and local restaurants. If you would like to see the some of the island’s excellent bays and reefs, then there are also plenty of sailing trips, see Antigua Day Sails. Another option is to go by helicopter which will give a spectacular view of the whole island from above.

It is also fun to make the trip over to Barbuda and there is a day sail excursion on the catamaran, Excellence, see below.

Other recommended tours of Antigua include:

Tropical Adventures - They operate a variety of excursions including their Island Safari for off-road tours in open-top jeeps and Eco-Kayak, a paddling eco and snorkel trip. They also offer the Tiami sailing and Excellence boat trips.

Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure, Seatons Village - A half day trip exploring the North Sound Marine Park by kayak and motor boat, plus reef snorkelling and a hike at Bird Island. Minimum age 7 yrs.

Estate Safari & Classic Jeep Tours - Choose from the off–the-beaten track estate safari or the more historical classic tour in air-conditioned jeeps. Lunch included.

Caribbean Helicopters - See Antigua from the air with either a 20-minute half island trip or a 30-minute full island tour. They also operate a 45 minute aerial tour of Montserrat and its volcano. A donation from each Montserrat trip goes towards aid for Montserrat.

Excellence, Tropical Adventures - A day trip to Barbuda are operated by the luxury high speed catamaran. There is a choice of either a tour of Barbuda by sea or a land tour and includes lunch (lobster when in season) and drinks.

Happy Trails Antigua - A family-run jeep tour business operated by Ann Marie Williams and her son Gareth, which offers a range of combination off-road tours in 4x4 air-conditioned Toyota Prado jeeps. Tours include historical forts such as Fort Barrington or Fort Berkeley, visits to Nelson’s Dockyard or Betty’s Hope sugar estate. All tours include a beach stop for a simple chicken lunch and swimming. There is also a “combo tour” which includes Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights followed by a drive through the rainforest to Canopy Tours where you do the zip wires and have lunch. Refreshments, as well as freshly baked banana bread and homemade rum punch, are provided on all tours as well.  Private, personalised tours can also be arranged.

Contributors: Deana Bellamy