Making the most of Falmouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Falmouth Harbour is a spacious, sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay. Activity centres on two areas: the harbour’s north side, home to the small village of Falmouth, and the more visitor-focused east side, where most restaurants are found. The east side is an easy walk from Nelson’s Dockyard.
The New Falmouth Pier is a new addition and the exclusive port of entry for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
After leaving the ship in Falmouth, use the taxi stand inside the secure port area, where a board lists destination and tour fares. Walk through the port to the right, near the ship’s berth and beyond the first building with shops, to find it. Taxis within the secured area will be reputable.
Getting around
Taxis operate across Antigua. Fares between the airport, harbour, and many hotels or destinations are fixed and can be obtained on arrival. From V.C. Bird International Airport, sample fares are US$21 to Nelsons Dockyard, US$21 to Shirley Heights and US$7 to St. John’s. Taxi drivers are also qualified sightseeing tour guides; tour rates are available via the above link.
There are plenty of buses from St John’s to Falmouth and English Harbour. They cost about EC$3, take around 30 minutes, start early and usually run until roughly 7pm. The 4pm to 5pm rush hour is especially busy, while Sunday services are very limited.
A return water taxi from the dockyard across the harbour to Galleon Beach costs US$12.
Nearby places
Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Most lie within the calm, protected water on the island’s Caribbean side, and all are public. The question is not access but finding the beach that suits your taste. Exploring independently is the best approach, although isolated places are wiser with a companion. Antiguans understandably keep their own favourites quiet, so use these as starting points and get specific directions before setting out.
The Antigua Rain forest Canopy Tour is a distinctive eco-tour through the island’s lush rain forest, taking you on a memorable journey high above the verdant trees.
Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbor are among Antigua’s leading attractions. A visit to the island would not be complete without seeing this restored Georgian yard, named for the English Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Money
Antigua’s currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (E.C.), though most town vendors will readily take U.S. dollars.
EC$2.70 equals US$1.
Staying connected
Wi-fi is available throughout the port and marina.
Opening Hours and
Holiday information.