What to Do in St. John’s, Antigua on a Cruise

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

St. John’s, Antigua: A Cruise Destination with Something for Everyone

St. John’s, Antigua is a beautiful Caribbean island with a rich history and culture. It’s also a popular cruise destination, thanks to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. John’s has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at St. John’s, Antigua, and explore some of the best things to do on a cruise to the island. We’ll cover everything from exploring the city’s historic landmarks to swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. So if you’re planning a cruise to St. John’s, Antigua, read on for all the information you need to know!

Activity Description Cost
Snorkeling at Devil’s Hole Explore the crystal-clear waters of Devil’s Hole, a natural swimming hole located just off the coast of St. John’s. You’ll see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. $30
Hiking the Cinnamon Hill Trail Take a hike up Cinnamon Hill Trail for stunning views of St. John’s and the surrounding Caribbean Sea. You’ll also pass by a variety of tropical plants and animals. $20
Visiting the National Park Explore the beautiful scenery of the National Park, which is home to a variety of hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife. $15

St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, is a charming port city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in St. John’s, from exploring the historic city center to taking a day trip to one of the many nearby attractions.

Things to Do in St. John’s

  • Visit the historic city center. St. John’s is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Government House, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Old Market Square. You can take a walking tour of the city center to learn more about its history and culture.
  • Explore the National Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The National Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the former Court House building. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Antigua and Barbuda’s history.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront. The waterfront is a great place to enjoy the views of the harbor and the city. There are plenty of restaurants and shops along the waterfront, and you can also find a number of public art installations.
  • Visit the Shirley Heights Lookout. Shirley Heights Lookout is located on a hill overlooking the city. The lookout offers stunning views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch at the lookout.
  • Go shopping at the Heritage Quay Marketplace. The Heritage Quay Marketplace is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. The market offers a wide variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, and other goods.
  • Enjoy the nightlife at one of the many bars or restaurants. St. John’s has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, and you can find live music and entertainment at many of them.

Day Trips from St. John’s

In addition to the many things to see and do in St. John’s, there are also a number of day trips that you can take from the city.

  • Visit the English Harbour National Park. The English Harbour National Park is located about 10 miles from St. John’s. The park is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Nelson’s Dockyard, which was once the headquarters of the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean. You can take a guided tour of the dockyard, or you can explore it on your own.
  • Take a boat trip to the Baths. The Baths are a natural rock formation located on the island of Virgin Gorda. The Baths are a popular tourist destination, and they are known for their crystal-clear waters and their unique rock formations. You can take a boat trip to the Baths, or you can hike there from the nearby town of Spanish Town.
  • Go snorkeling or diving at the Devil’s Hole. The Devil’s Hole is a deep underwater cave located off the coast of St. John’s. The cave is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles. You can go snorkeling or diving at the Devil’s Hole, or you can take a glass-bottom boat tour of the cave.
  • Visit the Nelson’s Dockyard National Historic Site. The Nelson’s Dockyard National Historic Site is located in English Harbour. The dockyard was once the headquarters of the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean. You can take a guided tour of the dockyard, or you can explore it on your own.
  • Hike the Half Moon Bay Trail. The Half Moon Bay Trail is a popular hiking trail that leads to Half Moon Bay. The trail offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding islands. You can hike the trail in either direction, and it takes about two hours to complete.

St. John’s is a charming port city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in St. John’s, from exploring the historic city center to taking a day trip to one of the many nearby attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. John’s has something to offer everyone.

What To Do In St John’S Antigua On A Cruise?

St. John’s, Antigua is a beautiful Caribbean island with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in St. John’s, whether you’re on a cruise or staying for a longer period of time.

Here are some of the top things to do in St. John’s on a cruise:

  • Visit the National Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The National Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the former Court House building in the city center. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Antigua and Barbuda’s history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day.
  • Explore the historic district. The historic district of St. John’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district is home to many historic buildings, including Government House, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Old Treasury Building.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront. The waterfront of St. John’s is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the views of the harbor. There are also many shops, restaurants, and bars along the waterfront.
  • Visit the Shirley Heights Lookout. The Shirley Heights Lookout is located on a hill overlooking St. John’s. The lookout offers stunning views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding countryside.
  • Go swimming, snorkeling, or diving at one of the many beaches near St. John’s. There are many beautiful beaches near St. John’s, each with its own unique charm. Some of the most popular beaches include Dickenson Bay, Long Bay, and Half Moon Bay.
  • Visit one of the many rum distilleries on the island. Antigua is known for its rum, and there are many distilleries on the island that offer tours and tastings. Some of the most popular distilleries include the English Harbour Rum Distillery, the River Antoine Rum Distillery, and the St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Distillery.

Additional Tips:

  • The best time to visit St. John’s is during the dry season, which runs from December to May.
  • The currency in Antigua is the East Caribbean dollar.
  • The official language in Antigua is English.
  • There are many taxi companies in St. John’s, and they are a convenient way to get around the city.
  • There are also a few car rental companies in St. John’s, but it is important to note that the roads in Antigua can be narrow and winding.

St. John’s, Antigua is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re on a cruise or staying for a longer period of time, there are many things to see and do in St. John’s. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

What are the top things to do in St John’s, Antigua on a cruise?

  • Visit the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Antigua. See the restored 18th-century British naval dockyard, which is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums.
  • Take a hike up Shirley Heights for stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Hike through the rainforest and past the ruins of an old military fort, and enjoy a picnic lunch at the top.
  • Go snorkeling or diving at the Devil’s Hole, a natural swimming pool surrounded by coral reefs and home to a variety of marine life.
  • Visit the English Harbour Yacht Club, a historic waterfront club that offers stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a drink at the bar or have lunch at one of the restaurants.
  • Take a catamaran cruise to the nearby island of Barbuda, known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring the island.

What is the best way to get around St John’s, Antigua?

The best way to get around St John’s is by taxi or by bus. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Buses are also a good option, and they are much cheaper than taxis. The bus system is well-organized and easy to use.

What is the best time to visit St John’s, Antigua?

The best time to visit St John’s is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with very little rain. The peak tourist season is from December to April, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to November.

What is the currency in St John’s, Antigua?

The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). The US dollar is also widely accepted, and most businesses will accept either currency.

What is the language spoken in St John’s, Antigua?

The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English. However, many people also speak Antiguan Creole, which is a blend of English, French, Portuguese, and West African languages.

Is it safe to visit St John’s, Antigua?

St John’s is a safe city to visit. The crime rate is low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, just as you would in any other city.

What are the best hotels in St John’s, Antigua?

There are many great hotels in St John’s, Antigua, to suit all budgets and needs. Some of the most popular hotels include:

  • The Halcyon Cove Resort & Spa
  • The Verandah Resort & Spa
  • The Curtain Bluff Resort
  • The Carlisle Bay Hotel & Spa
  • The Jumby Bay Island Resort & Spa

What are the best restaurants in St John’s, Antigua?

St John’s has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from local cuisine to international favorites. Some of the most popular restaurants include:

  • The Blue Crab
  • The Pelican Grill
  • The Plantation House
  • The Ginger Cafe
  • The Saffron Restaurant

St. John’s Antigua is a beautiful island with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do, from exploring the historic city center to relaxing on the beach. Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or a relaxing getaway, St. John’s Antigua has something to offer everyone.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • St. John’s Antigua is a popular cruise destination, and there are many things to see and do in the city.
  • The city center is home to many historic buildings, including the Government House and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
  • The island is also home to some beautiful beaches, including the famous Dickenson Bay.
  • There are many other things to do in St. John’s Antigua, including hiking, snorkeling, and fishing.

If you’re looking for a beautiful island with a lot to offer, St. John’s Antigua is a great option. With its historic city center, beautiful beaches, and plenty of other activities, there’s something for everyone in St. John’s Antigua.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.