Port Guide | Antigua and Barbuda | Dive Deep

St. John's

Author Image for Samantha Cruz

Samantha Cruz | Editor

Published on 2025-07-03

Welcome to St. John's, Antigua, that rare Caribbean gem where pirate lore meets cricket obsession and rum punch flows almost as freely as unsolicited taxi offers. As your floating condo gently heaves into dock, you'll quickly notice Antigua's capital has brushed off centuries of colonial drama with casual swagger, converting former naval strongholds into cozy beach bars and lively rum shacks. Your ship's gangway is essentially a portal to a land proudly boasting 365 beaches-one for every day of your unwritten pirate memoirs. Shake off your sea legs browsing the delightfully chaotic stalls at Heritage Quay market, or boldly venture further afield to Nelson's Dockyard, once the stomping grounds of a certain cantankerous young naval captain and now possibly the Caribbean's coolest UNESCO site. Raise a glass, chat up a cricket fan, and settle into Antigua's relaxed pace because, after all, there's absolutely no rush in paradise.

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Notes from the Editor

St. John's is known for its vibrant culture, historical sites, and beautiful beaches. Don't miss the local markets and the famous Nelson's Dockyard.


Where do cruise ships dock in St. John's?

Port Name St. John's

Country Antigua and Barbuda

Region Caribbean

Ship Terminal Heritage Quay

Port Type Dedicated port

Accessibility The terminal is approximately 0.5 miles from the city center, accessible by foot or local transport.

What's the weather like in St. John's?

Best Season to Visit Winter (December to April)

Climate Tropical climate with warm, dry winters and hot, humid summers.

Weather Notes The winter months are generally dry and pleasant, while the summer months can experience occasional rain and tropical storms.

Temperature Range 75F to 85F (24C to 29C)

High Temp 88F

Low Temp 68F

Average Temp 78F

What do I need to know about St. John's?

Language English

Currency East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population approximately 22,000

Timezone AST (UTC-4)

How do I get around St. John's?

Taxis, local buses, and walking are common options for transit around St. John's.


What are The Best Things to do in St. John's?

Discover what you should do while you're in St. John's.


Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Carnival at Antigua Recreation Grounds

Factory Rd, St. John's, Antigua

Experience colorful costumes, energetic music, and vibrant parades at Antigua's biggest cultural celebration.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Crowded Performance Outdoors Music Iconic Walking-Distance Touristy Photo Op

Seafood BBQ on Dickenson Bay Beach

Dickenson Bay, Antigua

Enjoy freshly grilled Caribbean-style seafood, barefoot dining on golden sands.

Distance from Terminal: 3 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Water Budget Food Tour Walking-Distance Touristy Photo Op

Cricket Match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Sir Sydney Walling Hwy, North Sound, Antigua

Witness a memorable cricket match, a beloved Caribbean pastime.

Distance from Terminal: 4.5 miles

Accessible Relaxing Crowded Outdoors Tickets Required Iconic Photo Op

Antigua's Black Pineapple Plantation Visit

N/A

Discover Antigua's famous sweetest black pineapple plantations.

Distance from Terminal: 7 miles

Relaxing Tour Outdoors Nature Rural Reservations Needed Food Tour Photo Op

Shirley Heights Sunday Evening BBQ

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Weekly sunset barbecue party rich with music and spectacular sunset views.

Distance from Terminal: 10 miles

Relaxing Crowded Outdoors Reservations Needed Food Tour Music Iconic Photo Op

Local Antigua Cooking Class

Various locations, St. John's

Learn Caribbean culinary secrets and indulge in local flavors.

Distance from Terminal: 2 miles

Relaxing Workshop Indoors Reservations Needed Tickets Required Food Tour

Historical and cultural landmarks

Antigua Rum Distillery Tour

Factory Rd, St. John's, Antigua

Sample authentic Antiguan rum and learn traditional distilling methods.

Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles

Workshop Tour Indoors Tickets Required Drinks Touristy

Nelson's Dockyard Heritage Tour

Dockyard Drive, English Harbour, Antigua

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in British naval history.

Distance from Terminal: 10 miles

Tour Outdoors Reservations Needed Tickets Required UNESCO Architecture Photo Op

Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation Excursion

Pares, Antigua

Step back to colonial-era sugar plantations to understand Antiguan history.

Distance from Terminal: 11 miles

Tour Outdoors Rural Architecture Walking-Distance Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Market Street Open Air Bazaar

Market Street, St John's, Antigua

A bustling market offering local crafts, spices, and street food.

Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles

Crowded Outdoors Urban Budget Street Food Market Walking-Distance Photo Op

Yoga at Half Moon Bay Beach

Half Moon Bay Beach, Antigua

Morning yoga session on tranquil secluded beach.

Distance from Terminal: 17 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Remote Spiritual Car Needed

Visit to Devil's Bridge Natural Rock Formation

Devil's Bridge, Antigua

Admire nature's power at a natural limestone arch shaped by waves.

Distance from Terminal: 15 miles

Outdoors Nature Remote Photo Op

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Ziplining through Rainforest | Editor Highlight

Author Image for Samantha Cruz

Samantha Cruz | Editor

Published on 2025-07-03

Best Time to Go

Morning

Cost

$50-$150 USD

Activity Level

Moderate

Where to Book

Online

Strap yourself into what amounts to a glorified adult diaper secured to a steel cable and hurtle through the lush Caribbean rainforest canopy near Fig Tree Drive at speeds that will have your internal monologue oscillating between exhilaration and existential dread. Ziplining here isn't merely sightseeing; it's a gleefully irresponsible existential experiment-one moment you're gazing serenely at emerald leaves and chattering monkeys, the next you're flying, heart-in-mouth, convinced evolution never intended humans for such aerial absurdities. Morning departures are best-think 9 am, before the sun cranks up the jungle heat and humidity enough to make Tarzan sweat through his loincloth. Book at least two days ahead: the combination of tropical paradise and controlled recklessness is remarkably popular. Expect to drop around $100 per person, and don't forget insect repellent, closed-toe shoes, and a GoPro or smartphone (tightly secured-the jungle floor famously doesn't return dropped items). Is it worth it? Absolutely-if only for the wicked grin you'll flash when casually recounting how you zipped over the treetops, nearly kissed a curious toucan mid-air, and faced down primal fears you didn't even know you had.

Beach Horseback Ride at Fort James Beach

Fort James, St. John's, Antigua

Romantic horseback riding experience along the scenic shores.

Distance from Terminal: 1.8 miles

Active Relaxing Outdoors Nature Water Photo Op

Segway Tour to Fort James

Fort James, St. John's

Explore picturesque coastlines and historical Fort James via Segway.

Distance from Terminal: 1.8 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Touristy Photo Op

Ziplining through Rainforest

Fig Tree Drive, Antigua

Thrilling zipline adventure through dense Caribbean forest canopy.

Distance from Terminal: 7 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Reservations Needed Wildlife Bucket-List Touristy Photo Op

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Redcliffe Quay, St John's, Antigua

Relaxing Caribbean catamaran cruise displaying vibrant sunsets.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Relaxing Tour Outdoors Water Photo Op

Mount Obama Hiking Adventure

Mount Obama, Antigua

Hike the tallest mountain in Antigua for magnificent panoramic views.

Distance from Terminal: 8 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Remote Bucket-List Photo Op

Stingray City Interaction

Seaton's Village, Antigua

Unique chance to swim and feed gentle rays in their natural habitat.

Distance from Terminal: 11 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Water Wildlife Bucket-List Touristy Photo Op

Overnight Trips

Frigate Bird Sanctuary Tour

Codrington Lagoon, Barbuda

Day trip witnessing majestic frigatebirds in their natural island sanctuary.

Distance from Terminal: 38 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Remote Reservations Needed Wildlife Photo Op

A Little Extra

Heritage Quay Duty-Free Shopping

Heritage Quay, St John's, Antigua

Unique Caribbean fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs duty-free shopping.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Accessible Crowded Indoors Urban Walking-Distance Touristy

Antigua and Barbuda Regional Tip

Gluten-Free Many local dishes naturally exclude gluten but always clarify as flour-based thickeners can be common—ask specifically about gravy or sauce preparations.

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