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The town is located at the end of Falmouth Harbour (island's southern coast) and has population under 1,000. To the east of Falmouth Harbour is the similarly sized town English Harbour. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is housed in the cool shade of the old colonial Court House, constructed in 1747 on the site f the first city market and is the oldest building still in the use in the city. It is a display for the Arawak and colonial artefacts recovered on archaeological digs on the islands. Other ships dock in the neighborhood, at Redcliffe Quay, surrounded by old Georgian buildings, now cafes and boutiques.
What’s to do in St John’s the Capital of Antigua
The cathedral is located next to Mount St John’s Medical Center, approximately 1 km/0.6 miles from Antigua port. This church is located on St Mary’s Street, a 5-minute walk from the port. Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country located in the middle of the Leeward Islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Walking the main streets of St. John's, the cruise passenger will not miss imposing buildings such as the Ebenezer Methodist Church on St. Mary's Street, and numerous banks with well-known international names. But you will need to walk to the end of Market Street (to the south) if you would like to explore a typical West Indian Public Market with its colorful stalls and lively bargaining.
Saint John’s
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This is the major marketplace on the island where you can experience the authentic, local vibe. Less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise piers, you’ll stumble upon this magnificent 19th-century Baroque church whose two cupola-topped towers dominate the town’s skyline. The port of Antigua is located in the island’s capital St. John, tucked in a peaceful scenic bay located in the northwest of the island. Within walking distance, less than 10-minute walk from the pier, the Anglican St. John's Cathedral is a must-see, which has been under restoration for some time. As you sail into St. John's the magnificent towers dominated the skyline and you will see these baroque structures as you walk around. Heritage Quay attracts many cruise passengers, with over 30 prestigious duty-free shops, a food court, and a casino.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Antigua by Cruise Ship
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Situated in the northeast of Antigua, this small islet is home to various endangered species including a racer snake. The islet is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and snorkeling activities. Located next to the English Harbour and Freeman’s Bay, Falmouth Harbour covers a large area consisting of several beaches and peaceful bays (Deep Bay, Pigeon Point Beach, Windward Bay…). Falmouth Harbour Marina is a popular spot filled with yachts, eateries, and several hotel resorts. This impressive reef is part of Antigua National Marine Park that spreads along the south coast of Antigua, southwest of Carlisle Bay Beach. It is a beautiful reef where you can spot pufferfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and other aquatic wildlife.
Nearby, you can take a dip into the glimmering waters of Long Bay Beach, surrounded by several eateries and hotel resorts. If you are booking the Prickly Pear Island tour (with open bar and buffet) through your cruise line, keep in mind the availability is very limited so make sure to book your all-inclusive beach day in advance. Snorkel equipment is usually included in all-inclusive tours, however, make sure you bring your own in case it isn’t. This imposing cathedral is the main Roman Catholic cathedral built at the end of the 20th century. It features a modernist style and octagonal shape with a bell tower in the center.
Heritage Quay
As of July 2020 a new cruise pier has been completed, ready to accommodate Oasis-class ships. The currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) more locally called “EC”. You’ll find that most things will be priced in EC, and higher-priced items such as tours and accommodation will also be advertised in US dollars. As a family we love to sail and one of the best places to learn is in Antigua. So, we have a membership at the National Sailing Academy in Falmouth Harbour. Or, if you can sail already then you can hire boats of different sizes and types and sail over to Pigeon Point Beach.
The cruise port is well-connected to the city center, allowing easy access to various attractions, shopping areas, and dining establishments. In fact, the island proclaims to have as many beaches as there are days in the year. On these beaches the sugar-white sand blends with clear turquoise clear waters in idyllic settings backed by resorts, restaurants, grills, and bars offering all kinds of water-sports and activities.
Shopping in Antigua

Known for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this island paradise has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences. This stunning white sandy beach is located on the southwest coast of the island between Valley Church Beach and Darkwood Beach. It is a great beach for swimming as it is tucked in a calm Ffryes Bay boasting beautiful turquoise waters.
Home Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips
Don’t miss the opportunity to pair your meals with refreshing tropical drinks. Taste the island’s signature rum punch, made with a blend of rum, fruit juices, and spices, or indulge in a cold beer produced locally at Antigua’s very own brewery. Antigua’s national sport is cricket, if you love it as much as the locals do then you should head to the stadium to watch a match. We’ve been a few times and even though we aren’t all huge cricket fans, we’ve still really enjoyed it.
While a French warship was passing en-route to Guadaloupe, the British evacuated the entire town fearing a possible attack. Port St Johns (locode CASJF) has a deepwater harbour and capacity to handle the world's largest passenger liners. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or a novice looking to try something new, Antigua offers a plethora of options to choose from. Immerse yourself in the stunning marine environment, feel the rush of adrenaline, or simply enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the Caribbean Sea – the choice is yours. These historical sites provide a glimpse into Antigua’s past and offer unique insights into the island’s culture, colonial heritage, and significant events.
Although drivers are required to show a rate card (fares are officially fixed), make sure you agree on a fare before entering the taxi. For a half-day tour, you shouldn't be paying more US$ 120 (for the taxi with as many as 4 passengers). Taking a cruise to Antigua is an amazing opportunity to discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Caribbean destination. Yes, St. John’s is mostly walkable in the central area where shops, restaurants, markets, and historical sites are located. The distance from the cruise port to most beaches in Antigua is around 5-10 kilometers.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a place to soak up the sun, the beaches of Antigua will not disappoint. It’s important to note that the cruise port in Antigua operates with a high level of security and safety measures to ensure the well-being of all visitors. The tourism authorities work closely with local law enforcement to provide a secure environment for tourists to enjoy their time on the island.
It was cultivated with the arrival of the British entrepreneur Sir Christopher Codrington, who exploited Antigua for large-scale sugar cane production using African slaves. You can still see around 100 stone towers from the sugar mills dotted around the island and visit Codrington’s house, Betty’s Hope. At Heritage Quay Terminal there are also specialty restaurants and bars. The new itinerary (first-time for Crystal Cruises) included as destinations Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries), Trinidad (Port-of-Spain), St Maarten (Philipsburg), BVI Tortola (Road Town). Enjoy this small, personalized, tour on a comfortable air-conditioned bus while seeing the sights of Antigua including Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley’s Heights, a pineapple farm and much more.... By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your time in Antigua and ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to this Caribbean gem.
A road links Falmouth Harbour with the nearby city Liberta (Antigua's 4th-largest town - after Saint John's, All Saints, and Piggotts). Among the most-popular cruise shore excursion offers is Monks Hill on which is one of the 40 forts built by the British during Antigua's occupation in the 19th century. This Fort was created as a refuge in case the French attack Falmouth Harbour.
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