Saint Johns

Cruise ships enter Saint John's heart, Antigua's largest town and most visited cruise port. The small town can handle four large ships at once and becomes busy. Most ships dock at Heritage Quay, with most St. John’s sights an easy walk away.

Some ships moor at adjacent Redcliffe Quay, more atmospheric for its old Georgian cafes and boutique buildings.

When several ships visit, some use Deep Water Harbour Terminal, 1.5km from St. John’s, reached by taxi or walking. A few smaller vessels anchor at English Harbour on the south coast.

In July 2020, a new cruise pier was completed to accommodate Oasis-class ships.

In-transit cruise passengers who stay less than 24 hours are not required to present a visa.

Take a printable map with you.

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda's capital and largest city, is defined by St. John's Cathedral’s evocative white baroque towers. Built in 1845, this is its third incarnation after earthquakes destroyed earlier structures in 1683 and 1745. For about half the island’s annual visitors, many arriving by boat, the towers are their first Antigua sight. A recently completed cruise dock and several hotels support this lively shopping and dining hub.

Fort James is a historic fort at St. John’s Harbour entrance, with panoramic sea and city views.

Barbuda Express uses an innovative wave-piercing design for maximum high-speed comfort and a 90 minutes journey in nearly all weather. It operates 5 days a week between St Johns and Barbuda.

Taxis operate across Antigua. Fixed fares apply between the airport, harbor, many hotels and destinations, available on arrival. V.C. Bird International Airport fares include Nelsons Dockyard--US$21, Shirley Heights--US$21 and St. John's--US$7. Drivers also serve as sightseeing tour guides. For jobs lasting at least 2 hours, hourly rates are US$24.00 or EC$64.00. Waiting costs US$5.00 or EC$12.00 per ½ hour.

Car hire may be expensive because a $20 temporary driving permit is required in addition to rental cost.

Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and the great majority lie in the calm, protected waters on the island's Caribbean side. Every beach is open to the public, so visitors need only locate the one that best suits their taste. Exploring independently is the best way, although a companion is wise for especially isolated locations. Taking a taxi is the easiest beach transport, and many drivers offer a specific collection time for returning to the port.

Shirley Heights Lookout is famous for English and Falmouth Harbours panoramas, sunset views, and the island's best-known Sunday barbecue and live music party.

Antigua Rain forest Canopy Tour is a unique eco-tour through lush rain forest, an unforgettable journey high above the trees.

Nelson's Dockyard and the English Harbor rank among Antigua's premier tourist attractions, and no island visit would be complete without seeing this restored Georgian yard named after the famous English Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Immediately ashore are two duty-free indoor/outdoor malls, Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay, along with local-craft and souvenir stalls. Heritage Quay is a shopper's paradise with two floors of duty and tax-free merchandise, offering travellers value and savings against Europe and USA retail prices. Electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals and china, designer clothing and footwear, swimwear, sporting equipment, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewellery, high-end watches and other souvenirs are among the goods…

On Friday and Saturday mornings, visit the vibrant farmers market on the city’s southern edge, where folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits and a buzzing crowd create a lively morning.

Antigua uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (E.C.), but most town vendors readily accept U.S. dollars.

Exchange rate: US$1 equals EC$2.70.

Antigua's main language is English.

Holiday information.