Have you ever cruised to Antiqua? Antiqua is a beautiful diamond that offers stunning nature and some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

I can still sense the beauty of the white sand beach, affordable cold beer, and gorgeous views from the Antiqua. That place used to have a healing effect on my mental state while I was working on a cruise ship that was sailing out of San Juan. That was the port the ship visited every seven days, and I was always looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the tropical breeze and beautiful nature scenery. When you are working on the cruise ship, this moment for us is a perfect balance from the hectic working schedule on board the ship. Even if I had a two-hour break from work, I would run to get off the ship every time we dock in Antiqua's sensational port. I will try to provide you with the best things to do in Antiqua, one of my favorite places in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean island of Antigua is idyllic, with its breathtaking pink and white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and welcoming culture. Over 50,000 cruise passengers visited in January last year, making the port of Antigua an important gateway for tourists seeking to experience the island's beauty. 

Where do cruise ships dock in Antigua?

Antigua cruise port is found in the bay at St. John's Harbour, on the stunning northwest coast of the island. Cruise ships dock at one of three piers in the port, with sufficient space for up to five vessels.

Heritage Quay is used by most cruise ships. Redcliffe Quay and Antigua's most recently developed Nevis Street Pier also exists. Being such a popular resort, sometimes Antigua cruise port can get very busy. On these occasions, cruise and cargo ships also have the option to dock at Deep Water Harbour port, which is 1.5km from St. John's.

If your cruise ship docks at one of the three central piers, you can disembark and easily walk to Antigua's cruise terminal at Heritage Quay. 

Nearby, at Redcliffe Quay, you will discover craft shops, bars, and restaurants, making the area around Antigua's cruise terminal a pleasant place for visitors to spend a few hours. If you are a crew member and don't have much time for the longer tours, you should consider just strolling around this area to chill and get some fresh air.

How to get to Antigua from the cruise port

If you are wondering how far Antigua is from the cruise port, then you'll be pleased to know that getting from Antigua cruise port to the city center is easy. St. John's, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, is right next to the cruise port and is quick and convenient to reach on foot.

For this reason, and the fact that all of the city's prominent landmarks are within walking distance, there aren't any shuttle buses to take you downtown. 

If you want to explore more of the island and head to some gorgeous beaches further afield, the best option is to take a taxi. 

Is there anything near Antigua cruise port?

When looking at what to do in Antigua's cruise port, St John's is a great place to start, with the area being safe and enjoyable to walk around on your own. As well as the area around Heritage and Redcliffe Quay, there are plenty of other things to explore in Antigua's capital.

As your cruise ship sails into the bay, you will see St. John's Cathedral, its twin towers, and baroque style. However, a closer look is undoubtedly worthwhile. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda provides a fascinating insight into the island's history.

Cruise port location

The dock is right in St John's, the capital in the northwest. Antigua can get quite busy: spillovers are accommodated at the commercial berth. Ships also anchor inside and outside Falmouth Harbour in the southeast, with passengers tendered ashore.

It's easiest to book a ship-sponsored excursion on board before arrival, but it's equally possible and more flexible to book a tour independently on arrival. If you are a crew member try to see some of the tour options that usually come with a lower price. Ask the crew coordinator on board or in MSA for information about booking the tour in Antiqua.

Many drivers know local history and culture well, so they make entertaining companions and will adapt the tour for you, stopping at local shops and sites of interest. Always agree on the price before a taxi journey, and remember to book a return trip. Local buses, while easily found at the bus terminus and inexpensive (standard fares), are not particularly comfortable or relevant to tourists - they're there to serve local needs, so don't go to the beaches, for instance. 

Best beaches for visitors

Antigua is rimmed with superb sand, so there are limitless beaches, and ships offer organized excursions to various beaches. Dickenson Bay is 15 minutes drive to the north of St John's and the island's liveliest beach, with watersports operators and bars. Or try Jolly Beach, 20 minutes south of town, a superb stretch of sand with sports and a beach bar. And for classic Caribbean beaches, head to the southwest with its remote stretches of perfect sand, each with a rickety beach bar. 

What to see and do?

Antigua has a range of excursions, from zip-lining and Jeep safaris to horse rides along the beach, but where the island shines is in its boat-borne trips. For kids, there are visits to Stingray City, self-drive (by an adult) boat trips with Reef Riders, and kayak and snorkeling trips, all in the shallow waters and mangroves of the northeast.

Most companies offer a leisurely catamaran or single-hull sailing trip, which will sail to a remote beach and include snorkeling and sometimes a lobster lunch. Seabourn has a good example, running along the west coast, with a reef visit and a beach stop with drinks on board. There is even a competitive sailing tour in which rival boats race against one another.

Another thing Antigua does well is its handful of enjoyable food tours. The Villas at Sunset Lane offers a culinary day tour showing off Caribbean food. Rosmac will give you a delightful and illuminating tour of her herb garden and the plant's medicinal qualities. The Taste of Antigua rum tour with Royal Caribbean International includes tasting three different Antigua rums.

Several enchanting attractions across the island are far from St. John's, although no more than an hour's drive away. These offer excellent options for what to do in Antigua on port days.

Nelson's Dockyard is a popular attraction on the south of the island in Saint Paul Parish, about a 50-minute drive from Antigua cruise port. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fascinating insight into the island's culture. 

Also on the south of the island, and near Nelson's Dockyard, is Shirley Heights. Hike to the lookout point for incredible views of the English Harbour and mountain, which are spectacular at sunset.

Dickenson Bay

Find soft powder sands sloping into tranquil waters, sheltered by the reef. Dickenson Bay is often regarded as the best beach in Antigua and is just over three miles from Antigua cruise port.

Galley Bay

Galley Bay has wide, expansive sands and a natural feel. It is also the nesting site for sea turtles and is just over four and a half miles from Antigua cruise port.

Fort James

The closest beach to Antigua cruise port, but still breathtakingly beautiful. You'll find beach facilities such as loungers, parasol rentals, changing facilities, and restaurants here. Fort James is around two and a half miles from the port.

Jolly Beach

One of the longest beaches on the island, Jolly Beach perfectly encapsulates Antigua's paradisal feel. As a west-facing beach, 6 miles from Antigua cruise port, it also offers the most spectacular sunsets. 

This place is great for every passenger or crew member since it offers some fabulous places to refresh and recharge your batteries. Take advantage of it, and always stay safe! Ensure you always keep the clock on the ship's time so you will arrive on time for the ship's departure! God bless you!