The Antigua cruise port of St. Johns almost guarantees that visitors will find plenty of beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
It isn't an official guarantee. It's just that the island has 365 beaches or one for every day of the year.
Cruise visitors will find that the beaches are not right by the docks as they might find in other destinations such as Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Getting to the better beaches will require transportation via pre-arranged excursion bus, taxi or car rental.
However, they probably will find that beaches are quiet, peaceful and uncrowded because there are so many of them.
Three beaches near St. Johns are Runaway Bay, Dickinson Beach and Miller's Beach (also known as Fort Bay Beach).
St. Johns Antigua Tour
It is possible to shop, dine and spend time at the beach during a cruise visit. Anyone who doesn't have interest in a beach will find plenty of shopping right by the Antigua cruise terminal.
Heritage Quay is the main shopping area. It has many stalls filled with colorful things to buy, some local and some not. Negotiating over price is common and accepted.
Redcliffe Quay is next to Heritage and provides many additional shopping and dining opportunities. Walk a little farther and you will find yourself on well-maintained streets with more traditional shopping.
U.S. currency and most major credit cards are accepted everywhere. Tipping is common with a recommended range of 10 to 15 percent. English is the official language.
Attractions
Like most Caribbean islands, Antigua has strong roots in Old World history. The island's main historic district and one of its most popular attractions is English Harbour.
Antigua's historic district was built as a base for the British navy in the 1700s until its closure in 1889. It is now part of the 15 square miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.
Shirley Heights has numerous gun emplacements and military buildings that overlook English Harbour.
Fort James is located at the entrance of St. John's Harbour, which makes it a quick excursion for anyone visiting Antigua for the day by cruise ship.
Getting Around
Taxis are lined up right near the Antigua cruise terminal. Rates are negotiable.
Be aware that the farther away from the docks you go, the lower you can negotiate a rate.
There is no public transportation by bus. Most of the car rental agencies are located at the airport, but a few are near the docks including a Hertz.
Click Antigua cruise port for more tips about the area, what to do and what to see.
Go to Antigua vacations for attractions, weather, car rentals and more.
Scott Bateman is a professional journalist who publishes a guide to best Caribbean vacations.
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