Port Guide | Antigua and Barbuda | Dive Deep
St. John's

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.

Antigua and Barbuda has 6 Travel Advisories
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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
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
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
Antigua's Black Pineapple Plantation Visit
N/A
Discover Antigua's famous sweetest black pineapple plantations.
Distance from Terminal: 7 miles
Shirley Heights Sunday Evening BBQ
Shirley Heights, Antigua
Weekly sunset barbecue party rich with music and spectacular sunset views.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Local Antigua Cooking Class
Various locations, St. John's
Learn Caribbean culinary secrets and indulge in local flavors.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
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
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
Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation Excursion
Pares, Antigua
Step back to colonial-era sugar plantations to understand Antiguan history.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Ziplining through Rainforest | Editor Highlight

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
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
Ziplining through Rainforest
Fig Tree Drive, Antigua
Thrilling zipline adventure through dense Caribbean forest canopy.
Distance from Terminal: 7 miles
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Redcliffe Quay, St John's, Antigua
Relaxing Caribbean catamaran cruise displaying vibrant sunsets.
Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles
Mount Obama Hiking Adventure
Mount Obama, Antigua
Hike the tallest mountain in Antigua for magnificent panoramic views.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Stingray City Interaction
Seaton's Village, Antigua
Unique chance to swim and feed gentle rays in their natural habitat.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Overnight Trips
Frigate Bird Sanctuary Tour
Codrington Lagoon, Barbuda
Day trip witnessing majestic frigatebirds in their natural island sanctuary.
Distance from Terminal: 38 miles
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
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.