What Are the Best Excursions in Antigua? 5 Unmissable Moments for Your Bucket List
There can be no doubt there are some amazing things to see and do here. So we thought we’d give you a hand and countdown our top excursions in Antigua.
These top excursions in Antigua will leave you feeling like the king or queen of the world on this incredible island. Plus, because the island is only just over 108 square miles, every activity on the island is within reach no matter where you stay.
But when you can go anywhere and do almost anything, what do you choose to do?
One option is to be overwhelmed by choice and stay put on your sun lounger. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a solid option. But if you want more from your trip, then why don’t we distill this island of options into a top 5 picks? So you know comprehensively which activities to get on your island itinerary?
Let’s get into it.
Brief Overview of Antigua
As we mentioned, Antigua encompasses 108 square miles of beautiful coastline – and crams a whopping 365 beaches into that areas. No wonder it’s one of the top Caribbean holiday destinations.
With one dazzling Caribbean beach for every day of the year, if you’re an advocate of the classic fly and flop break, the island is a must. But, beyond the beaches, a vibrant colonial history, rum-infused mellowness, and the finest sunsets known to mankind all show why this charming island is rapidly becoming so popular.
Adventure-seekers, romantics, and beach lovers, this five-point introduction highlights exactly what you need on your Antigua to-do list. So let’s tell you more about these incredible activities.
Top 5 Excursions in Antigua
If you have a holiday in Antigua on the horizon, then you need to have these excursions on your to-do list – regardless of how long your stay is.
- Visiting St John’s
- Stunning views at Shirley Heights
- Nelsons Dockyard
- Ziplining through the rainforest
- All the beaches
What Makes Them So Good?
While you may be thinking there’s sooo much to do in Antigua, why are we narrowing it down?
Well, firstly, it’s a good inquiry. But we don’t all have time to burn on holiday. And with 365 awesome beaches in Antigua, it can sometimes be difficult to pull yourself away from the shore.
However, if you’ve managed to pick up a cheap Caribbean holiday in Antigua with Blue Bay (wink, wink) then chances are you probably have enough leeway left in your budget for some unique experiences. If so, this is what you should be booking.
1. Visit St John’s
A popular port for Caribbean cruises, marvel at a kaleidoscope of candy-hued colonial cottages that lead the way to market stalls filled with tropical fruits, and duty-free shops.
Antigua’s capital, St. John’s, is an authentic Caribbean wonder. There are so many amazing things to discover in St John’s. Of course, there are more beaches in the capital. But, away from the sand, you could also go hacking your way around the Cedar Valley Golf Course or discover more about the island’s rich heritage at the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, Fort James or Fort Barrington.
Alternatively, take the chance to slip in some retail therapy at Heritage Quay.
2. Stunning Shirley Heights
Widely regarded as one of the best views in Antigua, head to Antigua’s hillside for a front-row seat to the island’s incredible sunset. But there’s more than just vistas to appreciate at this restored former gun battery.
For the best experience of Shirley Heights, we recommend heading to the lookout at 4 pm on Sundays. From 4-10 pm on the final day of the week, the viewpoint is alive with steel bands, boutiques, delicious BBQ food and rum shacks.
Enjoy the stunning views out over English and Falmouth Harbours with a cocktail in hand and music in your soul. If there’s a better way to end the week, we don’t want to know about it.
3. Nelson’s Dockyard
On your way down from Shirley Heights you’ll be in the perfect spot to head for Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. This extensively restored Georgian-era marina is the top sightseeing draw on this diverse island.
Granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2016 it’s extraordinarily atmospheric, boasting a museum and vibrant restaurants, bars and more.
Named after the famous British Naval officer, the Dockyard is full of incredible stories from history. We recommend booking on a tour to learn more about it’s colourful past.
4. Ziplining Through the Rainforest
What could be cooler than whizzing through the air over the top of one of the most incedible stretches of rainforest in the world?
The Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour is a unique eco-tour through the island’s lush rainforest. The only zip adventure on the island, the team positioned just above the village of John Hughes have been sending thrill-seeking tourists hurtling through the canopy for over a decade.
Experience a breathtaking aerial journey through the verdant jungle, high above the trees. With 12 lines to choose from, you can elect to be as daring as you like – but do you have the stomach to take on ‘The Screamer’? A 325 ft across 300 ft high wire that is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced.
5. 365 Beaches
Okay, so all the beaches might be a stretch for your average one-week, ten-day or even two-week getaway.
But you have to make sure your excursions in Antigua include a trip to at least some of the stunning stretches of sand. Every single one of Antigua’s 365 beaches are made up of powder-white sands and enamel-blue waters.
Moreover, they’re all entirely accessible to the public, so go on, dip your toes in the sea and soak up the Caribbean sun.
Discover More About 4 Adults-Only Antigua Resorts We Love
Those were our top picks for excursions in Antigua. But if you want to find out more about this awesome island and those excursions then check out what happened when Charlotte had 3 days exploring Antigua.
Or, if you’ve seen enough, how about we tell you which resorts you should have on your Antigua getaway radar? Click the button below and we’ll take you on a tour of our top four.
