Fun things to do in Antigua and Barbuda

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The Nevis Pier is where most of the cruise ships dock in St. John's. During our visit to Antigua we were docked here along with another cruise ship. The pier is short 5 minute walk and ends at the shops. From here you can walk through town, catch a taxi or find a day tour.

Redcliffe Quay is another large shopping area right next to the Nevis Pier. This is where you'll get hawked to buy tours, goods and taxi tours. Once you get through the melee of people you can explore the shops full of souvenirs, clothing, local crafts and duty free items.

Hertitage Quay is the place for duty free shopping in St. John. The location is perfect; right next to the pier so all the cruise ship dollars can be spent up in their shops. The shops sell everything from camera equipment, jewelry and of course duty free liquor. Several restaurants are located throughout for a sit down meal, quick bite or just a drink.

My wife and I enjoyed doing some shopping here at Abbott’s, Fashion dock and Island Arts as well as enjoying some beer at the B-Hive. It is quite busy here especially if there are multiple cruise ships in port but that happens in any Caribbean port of call.

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St. John is a popular cruise port destination; so of course there is tons of duty free shopping. Just steps away from the pier are tons of jewelry and liquor stores to chose from. Personally I find the prices on liquor and jewelry to be the best in St. Maarten but you can still haggle down the prices here.

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We took another catamaran tour in Antigua. This excursion was booked through Celebrity and since there were only 16 of us and the boat was much larger we had a lot of space on this boat. It also had a large canape over it which was really nice when we needed some shade.

The company that runs the tours was very professional and everyone was very friendly. They provided finger sandwiches before we reached our snorkeling spot and lunch after we swam and snorkeled. It was a delicious buffet of local cuisine.

What I remember most about this outing is the amazing color of the water in Antigua. In a word: Wow. I've put together a travelogue so you can see some more photos of this outing.

On every annual visit I take to the island, I make sure to flip through the latest "Life in Antigua and Barbuda guide" online. I can plan all my activities, shopping and accommodations using it. I do try to mix it up when it comes to areas I stay in, and hotels. From all inclusives to B&Bs. I like to diversify the experience.

I usually grab one of the printed guides (its a freebie) upon arrival, but the online flip version is available at http://westindiespublishing.com.

Highly Recommended!!!

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We were in Antigua on a cruise ship. I picked this ship's tour because my husband was in the Navy and I thought he would be interested in the dockyard. We also planned to look in the marina for sailboats like ours just as we have done on other Caribbean islands.

Originally called "His Majesty's Antigua Naval Yard", Nelson's Dockyard is a National Park around a harbor called "English Harbor" - a really good protected harbor for boats. It was a boat repair facility for the Royal Navy.

Actually, it was not named "Nelson's Dockyard" until after the British Navy abandoned it and turned it over to the Antigua government. Nelson WAS based here at English Harbour from 1784 to 1787. He was temporary Commander-in-Chief of the Leeward Islands for a short time.

Although we had rain showers earlier, by the time we got to the Dockyard, it was sunny. A local guide took us through the Dockyard. She was very good and informative. We toured the Mast House and other shipyard areas such as the Wet Dock and ended up at the Copper Kettle for a drink before we went back to our ship.

The old Boat House and Sail Loft was partly destroyed by a hurricane in 1871. All that remains of the original building are the massive boat house pillars. Reconstruction of Nelson's Boatyard continues up to this day of places such as the Seaman's Gallery built in 1778 (now a boutique and restaurant), the Pay Office (shops) and the 1788 Pitch and Tar Store (the Admirals Inn).

Devils Bridge is a worthwhile visit in Antigua. Located in the Southeast side of the island, surrounded by both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. In fact it can easily be seen where both meet. The rough Atlantic Ocean battering against the shoreline has created Devils Bridge (pictured above). The deep swells and raging waters are continuously crashing into Devils Bridge most of the year. Many people go to visit this sight and some, those who are more daring, actually walk across the bridge. It is advised not to do this, as if you fall into the Ocean there it is near impossible to escape the currents without serious injury. There are various stories of people who have fallen in and never escaped, although many of these are possible fictional. It's better to be on the careful side!

Devils Bridge area is mostly rock with some surrounding greenery and there is a small bay to one side. There is more or less always a strong breeze that will keep you cool, but this can make the strength of the sun deceiving. If you have the patience then you will be able to get some great photos of the waves splashing up against the bridge.

Nature working is magic to create an exciting and beautiful landscape.