Tropical Gems In A Turquoise Sea: Land Of Sea And Sun
The seas around the islands are perfect for sailing and once a year, a sailing regatta is held. If you love to sail, Antigua is for you.
Antiguans say that there are 365 beaches on their island, one for every day of the year. Whether true or not, there is no lack of beaches on which to sun or bathe.
The English speaking natives are fun-loving and friendly. Be sure to check out the cruise excursions on your ship and don't waste of moment of your shore time.
This lens is one of a series that the author is providing on over twenty cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Each lens will include general information on the destination, suggested shore excursions, and video and photographic illustrations where appropriate.
The cruise ships dock right in St. John's and it is easy to take a walking tour of the city if you choose not to take a shore excursion.
The last time I was in St. John's Antigua, this was my choice. I was with my family and we spent much of the day roaming through the St. John's Cathedral area, the shops, and just enjoying the atmosphere of the city. All of these were a few short blocks away from the pier and could easily be seen at a leisurely pace.
We arrived on the Carnival Destiny ship. Once we get off the ship we were able to walk directly into the Downtown Market area, where the shops are specifically set up to cater to the tourists. On board ship there will usually be a list of shops which your crew recommends. You can always check this out prior to leaving the ship.
Most of your shopping can be done within a few blocks area. As you can see from the photo that follows, when you look back after passing through this area, you can see the docked ships in the background.
There is also a museum within a few blocks if you are inclined toward a more cultural adventure. And, for those real scholars, there is a book store nearby.
Downtown St. Johns Market Area
As you leave the immediate shopping area at the dock, you can continue on at your own pace to explore the city. It is usually very crowded when the ships are docked but the walk through the streets and shops is pleasant.
You'll notice from the street scene below that the Antiguans love what I call "Caribbean Colors" for their houses and business buildings. It even carries over into car colors [ see photos below].
Shore Excursions
Each cruise line has their own list of shore excursions specific to the port and time they are going to be in port. To check out a list for the Antigua port of call for Carnival Cruise Lines. click on the link here.
There are direct links to Carnival's site and the photos which accompany these links are from these descriptions.
Best Of Antigua 3.5 Hours Indulge yourself in the magnificent colonial history of Antigua. See old sugar mills set in the green rolling hills as you travel aboard an air conditioned motor coach; stop at the Block House standing 400 feet atop sheer cliffs overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean; move on to Shirley Heights Lookout, the most southerly point in Antigua; and the principal fortification of the British fleet stationed at English Harbor. Make your final stop at Nelson's Dockyard, named after Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and built in 1725 to provide a base squadron of ships patrolling the West Indies maintaining England's sea power. Be provided a short walking tour to explore the Admiral's Inn, museum, mystery pillars, bakery and admire the sleek yachts tied to the old stone quay side. A complimentary beverage will be offered at an 18th century Inn.
Devils Bridge And Beach 4 Hours Stop at Devil's Bridge while on your journey to the beach, see this natural limestone arch formed by the powerful swell of the Atlantic breakers on the rocks. Marvel at the view as you learn how this arch obtained its curious name. Relax and enjoy the sun, sand and swimming while at Dian Bay, home to two of Antigua's 365 white sand beaches. Enjoy a complimentary drink, beach chair and umbrella that are provided for you at the beach.
Stingray Sensation 3 Hours Enjoy the opportunity to swim with majestic stingrays at Antigua's famed Stingray Village. On this exciting excursion you will: Take a short scenic bus ride across Antigua's rugged countryside to the land base at Seaton's. Transfer by boat to Stingray Village. Participate in a short orientation and begin exploring the world of the stingrays. Swim around the sand bar in approximately 4 feet of water. Feed, pet and meet the various stingrays that come to check you out. Transfer back to the land base for a refreshing rum or fruit punch before your ride back to your ship.
Kayak & Snorkel Eco Adventure 4.5 Hours Discover the enchanting island of Antigua while enjoying a fun mix of kayaking, boating, reef snorkeling, and guided nature walks. You begin your excursion at Mercer's Creek kayaak clubhouse on Antigua's east coast, board a motorboat to arrive at kayak site, get to paddle through mangrove alleys, learn about flora & fauna, swim, take guided nature walk to photograph panoramic views, and sample the island's nutmeg rum.
See Antigua By Sea 6.5 HoursCircumnavigate Antigua's magnificent coastline aboard a sate-of-the-art luxury catamaran and be whisked away to a secluded island. Board the five star catamaran, the Excellence, listen to the calypso and reggae music as you pass by Jumby Bay, Bird Island and the natural spectacle of Devel's Bridge. You will have an open bar, lunch served, and three hours of relaxation on the beach or to explore the reefs. See other Antiguan sites on the western coast enroute back to the pier.
Car Tag With Slogan "Land Of Sea And Sun"
Map View of Antigua and Barbuda
Downtown Shopping Area In St. John's, Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda General Information
Antigua and Barbuda (Spanish for "Ancient" and "Bearded") is an island nation located on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major islands Antigua () and Barbuda() and a number of smaller islets. All are close neighbors within the middle of the Leeward Islands, and are located roughly 17 degrees north of the equator.
Antigua has a population of 82,000, comprising chiefly a mixture of people of West African, British, and Portuguese descent.
The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. To the south of Antigua and Barbuda lie the islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. Montserrat lies to the southwest; Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Eustatius are to the west, and Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin and Anguilla are to the northwest.
Local Weather And Time In Antigua
History of Antigua And Barbuda
The history of Antigua and Barbuda can be separated into three distinct eras. In the first, the islands were inhabited by three successive Amerindian societies. The islands were neglected by the first wave of European colonisation, but were settled by England in 1632. Under British control, the islands witnessed an influx of both Britons and African slaves. In 1981, the islands were granted independence as the modern state of Antigua and Barbuda.
Helpful Books For Antigua & Barbuda Information
Caribbean By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide To Cruising The Caribbean with Giant color pull-out map
Covers the destinations with solid detail and from the cruiser's perspective. --Travel Trade, New York
With her crisp writing and in-depth reporting, she's created a terrific series of guides. --Cruise Critic, August 9, 2007
CaribbeanInspired.com--This book is a comprehensive and informative guide to Caribbean ports. An essential guide to the Caribbean.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/23/2009) 
Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call (Frommer's Complete)
The ship is only half of the cruise experience--the other half is the time you spend ashore. Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call offers the most complete guide to all the ports, with a critical, insider's look at all the organized shore excursions offered by the cruise lines themselves, Since it usually makes more sense to explore on your own, we'll take you to all the best beaches, golf, water sports, shopping, dining, and casinos--the attractions and activities that can easily fit into your limited time, starting from the cruise docks. You may only have a few hours, but we'll make sure you know exactly how to hit the highlights on your own. You'll also get a complete rundown of all the major ports of embarkation and maps of each destination.
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 11/23/2009)
The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, 2nd Edition: A cruise lover's guide to selecting the right trip, with all the best ports of call (Special-Interest Titles)
What's really included in your cruise fare? What cabins are the best-and the worst? What cruise line has the largest standard cabins, even at the lowest price levels? Which cruise line's ships have rock-climbing walls?-Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, 2nd Edition answers all these questions and many more! Linda Coffman, our resident Cruise Diva, has been dishing out cruise-travel advice for more than a decade and has the answers to all your cruise questions. An avid cruiser, she spends most of her time cruising in the Caribbean and knows all the inside info on all the ships and even the best things to do while ashore!
Amazon Price: $23.95 (as of 11/23/2009)
The Antigua and Barbuda Companion
This is the definitive guide and compulsory reading for any visitor to the twin islands. With its captivating text and vibrant pictures, The Antigua and Barbuda Companion illuminates the sights, sounds, and smells that make this twin-island state such an appealing vacation destination.
This detailed and comprehensive book offers pre-departure travel tips, historical background, information and tips about popular activities, lodging, dining, as well as a listing of events and holidays. It includes the author's expert advice on must-see sites and how to get the most out of a short trip. Helpful maps and stunning color photography punctuate the indepth text.
The book also serves as a perfect memento for the armchair traveler or for the visitor who has just returned.
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 11/23/2009)
Antigua, Barbuda St. Kitts & Nevis Alive (Antigua, Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis Alive!)
hese sunny islands offer glorious beaches, delightful restaurants, exciting nightlife and a wealth of great places to stay, many right on the sand. Join this husband-and-wife team as they show you the very best of these islands.
"Dawn to Dusk" sections focus on the best daytime delights, such as terrific watersports, sightseeing, white sand beaches and fascinating museums. "After Dark" sections take you to the best nightclubs, piano bars, cocktail lounges and beach cookouts. Hundreds of places to stay and eat are profiled in detail, based on repeat visits by the authors. In-margin icons allow you to see at a glance which activities are being discussed. Maps. Index.
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 11/23/2009)
St.John's Cathedral
View From Front Of Cathedral
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More Sea Adventure In Antigua
Cruise Trip Toolbox
"Know Before You Go"
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It's Your Turn Now!
I intend to continue adding more material to this lens. Any suggestions as to items of information that would benefit you that I do not have already, let me know with a brief comment here.
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Reply
- WorldVisionary WorldVisionary Sep 26, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
- Nice lens - thanks for joining the Everything Caribbean Group!
by anthropos
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