Exploring Antigua And Barbuda: A Cruise Stop Guide

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean island nation with a lot to offer. From its 365 beaches to its rich history, there's plenty to do and see in this ultra-colourful location. Here's a quick overview of what you can experience during your cruise stop in Antigua and Barbuda.

First, the capital city of St. John's is a great place to start your exploration. With its colourful buildings, bustling markets, and lively entertainment, it's just a short walk from the cruise port. You can wander through the streets, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, and enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants like Alligators Bar and Restaurant or Hemingways.

Beyond St. John's, there are plenty of natural wonders to discover. You can hike to the summit of Mount Obama for panoramic views, explore the Pillars of Hercules, a stunning natural wonder carved by the ocean, or relax on one of the many pristine beaches, such as Half Moon Bay or Valley Church Beach.

For history buffs, Antigua and Barbuda offers a glimpse into its past with sites like Betty's Hope, a 17th-century sugar plantation, and Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restored old stone buildings.

With its mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, Antigua and Barbuda is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a dive into history, this island nation has something for everyone.

Explore St. John's, Antigua's capital

St. John's, the capital of Antigua, is a bustling town that welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruise ship passengers during the winter months. The city is known for its colourful buildings and busy, bustling streets and markets—the perfect place to soak up local life away from the resorts.

St. John's is a small city, easily explored on foot. Wander through the streets and take in the vibrant paintbox colours of the shops, houses, and restaurants, with hand-painted lettering and pictures outlining menus or price lists. The people are open and friendly, and the smells of fresh fruit stands and cooking food fill the air.

The market is a must-see, with its weird and wonderful tropical fruits and vegetables. The shops, restaurants, and wine bars of Redcliffe Quay, a centuries-old quay that has been beautifully restored to its Georgian glory, are also worth a visit. For those interested in history, the Antigua and Barbuda Museum, located in an old courthouse built in the 1750s, offers a chance to learn about the island's origins and history up to its independence in 1981.

St. John's also has a variety of restaurants serving local cuisine. Sample Caribbean flavours at Hemingways, Papa Zouk, or Cuties, or try a cooking class at Nicole's Table to learn how to cook local jerk-style dishes.

For those who enjoy shopping, Heritage Quay is a colourful, tax-free shopping street starting at the end of the cruise ship dock. It comes alive when cruise ships are docked, with steel bands and other local entertainment. For high-end shopping, this is one of the best areas to find the best prices on luxury items.

St. John's also has a rich cricket history, with the Old Recreation Ground, affectionately known as "The Rec," a must-visit for cricket fans. The cathedral, perched on a high hilltop, offers wonderful views of the city and the harbour.

With its mix of colourful landmarks, rich history, and vibrant local culture, St. John's is a captivating city to explore and the perfect gateway to the rest of Antigua's charms.

Discover Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge is a stunning natural rock arch in eastern Antigua, located on the Atlantic coast near Indian Town Point, to the east of Willikies. The bridge is composed of limestone rock, formed by millions of years of ancient reef formation and seawater erosion. The rugged terrain is the result of the Atlantic's waves crashing into the east coast of Antigua, creating a natural arch or bridge, with numerous geysers and blowholes surrounding it.

Devil's Bridge offers a glimpse into Antigua's natural formation and history. It is rumoured to have been the site of mass suicides of slaves during the slavery era. The story goes that slaves would jump off the bridge and try to swim back to Africa. This harrowing history forms an important part of the island's past.

When visiting Devil's Bridge, it is important to take precautions as the area can be dangerous. Keep a safe distance from the edge, and if you have children, ensure they are closely supervised. The ground can be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear and watch your step.

Devil's Bridge is a popular tourist attraction, with some vendors selling souvenirs and touristy items. There are also toilets available on-site, although there may be a small fee to use them. The bridge is located about 22.3 km from the airport and 21.4 km from St. Johns, making it easily accessible for those arriving by cruise ship.

The drive to Devil's Bridge takes you through scenic and bucolic countryside, offering a relaxing escape from the beaches. While the bridge itself may not be as impressive as some other natural arches, the windswept scenery and wild waves of the Atlantic are definitely worth witnessing. There is also a swimmable beach nearby, making it a great destination for a half-day trip on the island.

Visit Heritage Quay

Heritage Quay is a bustling shopping complex in the heart of St John's, Antigua's capital city. It is conveniently located right next to the cruise port, making it a popular destination for cruise passengers. The Quay offers a wide range of duty-free shopping and dining experiences, with two floors of shops selling everything from jewellery and designer clothing to local crafts and souvenirs.

For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Heritage Quay is a shopper's paradise. You can find a variety of duty-free items, including electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals and china, designer clothing, swimwear, sporting equipment, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewellery, and high-end watches. It is also a great place to purchase souvenirs, with several stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs.

In addition to shopping, Heritage Quay also offers a variety of dining options. You can choose from restaurants serving international cuisine to waterfront bars and fast-food joints. Be sure to sample some of the local specialties, such as sweet Barbuda lobster, Antigua black pineapple, and traditional dishes like saltfish and chop-up.

The Quay comes alive when cruise ships are docked, with local entertainment such as Steelband performances adding to the vibrant atmosphere. It is worth noting that the shops in Heritage Quay are primarily aimed at cruise passengers, with prices that may be higher than in other parts of the city.

Overall, a visit to Heritage Quay offers a convenient and enjoyable shopping and dining experience for cruise passengers looking to explore the vibrant city of St John's.

Explore local cuisine

Antigua and Barbuda's local cuisine is heavily influenced by its Caribbean identity, as well as its history as a British colony. The national dish is fungee (pronounced "foon-jee"), a boiled yellow cornmeal and okra dish, similar to polenta, that is served with a variety of soups, stews, and meats. It is often paired with pepper pot, a flavourful stew of meat and vegetables, to make the national dish.

Other local dishes include ducana, a sweet dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, coconut, sugar, flour, and spices, cooked in banana leaf packages; saltfish and chop-up, a mixture of sautéed salted cod with onions, peppers, garlic, and tomato sauce, served with a side of boiled eggplant, spinach, and okra; and seasoned rice, a one-pot meal of rice and red kidney beans seasoned with salted meats and chicken.

For a sweet treat, try the ducana dumpling with stewed saltfish, or a raisin bun and cheese—a sweet, spiced bun served with butter and a slice of salty "Cress" cheese, a processed cheddar product. Wash it down with a glass of bush tea (herbal tea) or ginger beer, a spicy, non-alcoholic drink made with ginger, sugar, and essence, sometimes with a twist of lime or lemon.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, head to one of the over 100 restaurants in Antigua, serving everything from exotic, local dishes to West Indian, Italian, French, Chinese, and Swiss-German fare. The sister island of Barbuda is famous for its impeccably fresh seafood, and an opportunity to dine in local homes and village shops makes for an authentic experience.

For a more casual meal, try one of the colourful waterfront cafes, beach bars, or fast-food outlets. Sample some local fare, like a Johnny cake—a crisp, deep-fried patty with a soft, fluffy inside—or wander the busy bustling streets and markets of St. John's to soak up the local atmosphere and discover the weird and wonderful tropical fruits and vegetables on offer.

Tour Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully restored naval dockyard in English Harbour. It was once the home of the British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars and served as the headquarters of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson from 1784 to 1787. The dockyard combines history, heritage, and environment with scenic beauty, beaches, and sailing opportunities. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit:

• Getting There: Nelson's Dockyard is located in English Harbour, about a 30-40 minute drive from the cruise port in St. John's. You can take a taxi or local bus (#17) to get there. The bus costs $1.50 USD, and taxis may offer a discounted rate if you share with other passengers.
• Entrance Fee and Hours: The entrance fee is $15 USD, which covers entry to all sites, including Shirley Heights and Dow's Hill. The site is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• What to See and Do:
• Dockyard Museum: Visit the museum to see artefacts from Nelson's time, including his telescope and tea caddy.
• Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre: Watch a 15-minute presentation on the history and culture of the island and learn about the 8th of March Project, which commemorates the enslaved and free Africans who worked in the dockyard.
• Admiral's House Museum: Explore this historic site and learn more about the history of Antigua.
• Scenic Views: Hike up to panoramic Shirley Heights for breathtaking views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. You can also hike the Carpenter's Trail from Shirley Heights down to Galleon Beach.
• Restaurants and Shopping: There are restaurants, cafes, and shops within the dockyard, including a bakery, bars, and boutique accommodations. You can also purchase local crafts and souvenirs.
• Yachts and Marina: Stroll along the marina and admire the millionaire yachts docked there.
• Tours:
• Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the site. Tours are offered by the park service and are included in the entrance fee.
• Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: This highly-rated tour takes you on an adventure around the island, including a stop at Nelson's Dockyard.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as it can get very hot.

Frequently asked questions