We like to mix up romantic sunsets and dinners with fun adventure activities like zip-lining and swimming with stingrays. I’m pretty sure that we’ve managed to try out the best Antigua has on offer for couples.

Antigua is a beautiful island to visit on honeymoon and so we’ve chosen our ten favorite couples things to do to share with you. We’ve also suggested five amazing resorts to stay at for your honeymoon that we’ve tried and tested.

Why Visit Antigua As A Couple?

The Caribbean is definitely one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and Antigua is no exception to this.  A honeymoon in Antigua is perfect for couples who not only love spending time near the water but also want an easy to reach destination.  Lots of direct flights go to Antigua, it’s just 3 hours from Miami, 4 hours from New York, 4.5 hours from Toronto and 8.5 hours from London!

Antigua has 365 beaches, yes, one for every day of the year, we’ve yet to find them all!  With so many beautiful beaches to pick from you can enjoy relaxing as a couple and take in sunset after romantic sunset.  If you’re looking for something more adventurous or high energy then it has lots to offer such as hiking, zip lining and scuba diving.

The best time of year to visit Antigua on honeymoon is to come in their winter which is between December and April.  It’s still gorgeously hot and it’s a lot drier than the summer months when it rains, and it’s also outside of hurricane season.

Head To  A Beach And Enjoy A Sunset Followed By Dinner

One of our favourite things to do together as a couple is to pick a great beach for sunset and then have a meal somewhere afterwards. 

There are lots of beaches to choose from, and because they are all quite different, we’d really recommend choosing a variety to visit.  If you can, then you should always take snorkel gear with you as you never know what you might get to see.  You’ll quite often spot marine life such as turtles and rays. 

There are three main beaches that we enjoy for sunset and dinner:

Valley Church Beach followed by dinner at Sheer Rocks

Valley Church Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Antigua.  It’s got stunning white sands with turquoise waters and usually isn’t very busy.  After you’ve relaxed, then Sheer Rocks is perfect to visit for a romantic meal.  It is one of the most luxurious and award winning restaurants on the island (we usually enjoy the a la carte menu), with impeccable service. 

Runaway Beach followed by dinner at Casa Roots

Runway Beach is a cool little located just around the corner from Dickenson Bay.  You can always pop round to Dickenson if you want a little more action!  After sunset Casa Roots is a beautiful restaurant to try that serves amazing food using quality local ingredients.  They prepare dishes that combine French and West Indian cuisine and have an gorgeous atmosphere to match.

Galleon Beach followed by dinner at Loose Cannon

Galleon Beach just happens to be our local  beach and one of our favourites to visit too.  This is a stunning bay, has some of the top snorkelling on the island and is just moments away at Pillars of Hercules. It’s definitely a little more party that the other two beaches. What we love about Loose Cannon is that it has a great combination of Ibiza style beach vibes with tasty food; owner Colin has Michelin stars at his restaurant back in England.  Think beach cabanas, cocktails, DJ’s and saxophone players!  If you’re looking for some extra fun there there’s the Rum Academy there too where you can make your own custom rum (after a tasting or two!).

Book A Couples  Massage

I used to be a massage therapist and spa director, so there is nothing I love more than us taking time out together as a couple and indulging in a luxury massage.  It’s wonderful to be able to start your vacation with a therapist working out your tension so that you can feel very relaxed.  I think that it’s important to maximise relaxation when you are on honeymoon as a couple.  Arranging the logistics of a wedding is stressful!

Pretty much all of the resorts in Antigua will offer couples massages, and some, such as Royalton Antigua even offer a beach massage service which is divine!

Zip Line Through The Rainforest

I had to include this as I’m super conscious that there are only so many massages, sunsets and romantic meals that some couples might like to enjoy.  Carl and I are the sort of couple that loves to take part in adventure activities together, we’re not really sunbathers.  Funnily enough, pre-kids we had a bit of a zip lining thing going on where we’d find one in each country that we visited!

The zip line course in Antigua is fantastic fun as you can go from one part of the tropical rainforest to another.  If you’re going to go, then I’d highly recommend taking the full package that includes the ziplines and aerial walkway so that you can have the full experience.

Take A Helicopter Ride

Yes, I’m putting another curveball out there and choosing to add a helicopter ride as a very cool thing to try as a couple in Antigua!  

For my recent 40th birthday Carl surprised me with a helicopter ride into the skies for a complete island tour of Antigua and it was amazing!  From the sky you can get an amazing feel for the size and feel of the island.  The water is so clear from above that you’ll see the beautiful reefs from above.  So that you can understand what you are seeing your pilot will also act as a tour guide.  What really was incredible about it was looking down over the beautifully clear seas was being able to see turtles and stingrays from above.

Our friends have also take helicopter rides over to Barbuda for lunch at Nobu, and others have flown over Montserrat and it’s volcano – both are very cool rides to try!

Swim With Stingrays

The helicopter ride leads me swiftly onto one of our other cool activities for couples on honeymoon in Antigua to try, which is swimming and snorkelling with stingrays.  The tour that they offer at Stingray City is so much fun, and you don’t need to be able to swim as you can stand waist deep in the water.  

The stingrays will gracefully glide right next to you in the water.  You’re also given some snorkelling gear so that you can swim alongside them.

You’ll also have an opportunity to hold one, which is an amazing experience.  The guide will also show you how to hold them carefully so that you keep them in the water as it’s important that they stay wet.  And you’ll also get a chance to feed them which is pretty cool too.

Learn to Cook Like a Local 

If you visit Antigua and find that you enjoy the local food then taking a cooking class is great fun. Carl and I like to learn to cook as a couple by taking part in a local cooking class.  We both love tasty local food and it means that we can take some flavours home with us when we leave.

We’ve tried this great cookery school on the island that is called Nicole’s Table.  Living in Antigua means that we eat lots of tasty jerk flavoured food and she has a brilliant “All About The Jerk” class that we’ve tried and tested.

Drive Around Antigua In A Dune Buggy

Since I’ve already put a helicopter ride onto our list of best things in Antigua to try on honeymoon, I wanted to add on a cool driving tour.   Antigua is super fun to drive around as it’s small and feels slightly off the beaten path at times.  However, rather than take a car, jeep or taxi you might want to mix it up by taking this fantastic dune buggy tour of part of the island.

It’s an off-road excursion across Antigua that takes in some of the top sites such as Betty’s Hope, Devils’ Bridge and Long Bay Beach.  We loved the tour as it gave us a totally different view of the island as we raced about in our buggy.

Sailing Around The Island

Carl is yacht captain so we’ve had a lot of opportunities to sail around Antigua and to visit some of the beautiful bays and beaches from the sea.  Some of our favourite spots to go sailing include Carlisle Bay and Green Island.  Sailing is such a romantic experience to enjoy on a honeymoon!

There are several ways that you can get out onto the water when you visit Antigua on your honeymoon.  You could decide to take a tour of the island on a boat such as those organised on the Wadadli Cats or Xtreme Circumnav.  

Wadadli Cats is a great option if you’re up for a party boat atmosphere, they have  good food and punchy rum punch.  Alternatively, the great thing about Xtreme Circumnav is that it goes around the whole island in one day and stops at Rendezvous Beach which is an off the beaten track paradise of a beach on the south coast of Antigua only reachable by boat or 4×4..

Alternatively, you could charter a private sail or motor yacht so that you can head wherever you’d like to go.  There are some beautiful bays with amazing snorkelling that you could have all to yourself to relax and swim in.  There are lots of fun spots to head to, one of our favourites is to head to Green Island where you can often spot turtles swimming by the moore up yachts and has a great restaurant called Reef Restaurant.

Dance At Shirley Heights Lookout

If you like music and dancing as much as we do, then this is a must do experience on the island that you shouldn’t miss out on.  The Shirley Heights party happens every Thursday and Sunday night from 4:30pm..

You’ll need to head to Shirley Heights Lookout by around 5pm (in winter) because the sunsets between 5:30-630pm depending when you visit.  The magic of going up to the top of the lookout is listening to the steel band playing as the sunsets over English Harbour.  The scene below will be beautifully framed by flashes of pinks and purples.

After sunset, their steel band is then replaced by a fab local band that plays pop covers.  It won’t be long until the dance floor is crowded with everyone having fun and the rum punch is flowing!

The rum punch is very “punchy”  and we’ve known people who wouldn’t normally like to dance start to dance after a few!  Food wise there’s a delicious BBQ grill that has meats ranging from chicken to beef to lobster.  You should buy your food tickets as soon as you get there, as it gets very busy after sunset.

Escape to Barbuda

Antigua is one island that’s part of the country called Antigua and Barbuda, and most say that Barbuda is Antigua’s little pretty sister.  Whilst it’s only a short express ferry boat ride from Antigua over to Barbuda it has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere about it.  Or, you could always take that helicopter ride I mentioned earlier!

For a small island, Barbuda has plenty to do. You can choose to rock climb, hike and explore the caves in the Two Foot Bay National Park.  Or, you alternatively you can go camping, bird watching, snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding.  And because there is almost no light pollution, you can stargaze at night together.  

As a honeymoon couple you might just choose to eat some tasty lobster freshly caught on the island and then simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches on the island, such as the famous Princess Diana Beach.  Or, perhaps you fancy visiting the amazing pink beach that stretches from the aptly named Pink Sand Beach all the way to Cedar Point Beach.

The Five Best Resorts Couples Coming To Antigua On Their Honeymoon

Antigua is an amazing island to stay at for your honeymoon as it’s got some fabulous all-inclusive luxury resorts to pick from.  The island has a really high concentration of adult only resorts which are perfect destinations for a honeymoon when you want to avoid the chaos of kids!  

Coco Bay Resort

Located on the south-west of the island, Coco Bay Resort overlooks one of the prettiest beaches in Antigua.  

This exclusive, adults-only, all-inclusive resort is as an ideal choice for both couples and honeymooners visiting Antigua.  Fun fact: one of our best friends flew out from the UK to get married there!  

It’s also home to the award winning Sheer Rocks Restaurant, which is regularly voted one of the Best Restaurant in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal.  This is one of our favourite places to eat in Antigua because the food is amazing and the views are beautfiul!

Spanning over 10 acres, this quiet and intimate retreat offers rooms with beautiful private views of the blue Caribbean ocean and features romantically designed cottages and suites.

Hermitage Bay Resort

If you’re looking for an intimate 5-star experience in Antigua then look no further than Hermitage Bay Resort. It is set in a secluded bay, with some beautiful dark-wood cottages hidden in the lush hillside.  The beautiful location will transport you to your own personal honeymoon paradise whether you decide to stay for a few days or a couple of weeks.

You can chosoe to  relax in your very own luxury beachfront suite, and dine on delicious freshly prepared food.  Then why not take some time out for a couples’ treatment in the Garden Spa – absolute honeymoon bliss!

Don’t miss out on visiting their Boonji Spaceman sculpture which is an incredible 22ft statue of a space man located at the end of the jetty in the resort. 

Hodges  Bay

Hodges Bay is one of the newest resorts to open in Antigua and is delivering 5 star luxury for couples with a personalised and informal flare.   It sits within 8 acres of lush tropical gardens and is on one of the world’s most pristine coral sand beaches.  This resort is really incredible in every way.

If the beaches by the resort aren’t enough, and yo fancy something different then you can escape to their private island called Prickly Pear.  There you can relax under a cabana and order cocktails.  You can take a 5 minute boat ride there, or if you’re feeling energetic you can opt to kayak out.  We regularly sail past Prickly Pear Island and never see anyone there, so you could have your own honeymoon castaway moment!

This resort is not an all-inclusive, however, it does have everything you’ll need at the resort such as restaurants to pick from.  Fun fact: Some accommodations even come with their own dedicated butler service.

Galley Bay Resort

With its 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, private white sand beach and crystal blue ocean views the all-inclusive Galley Bay Resort can lay a sizable claim to being one of the best located all inclusive resorts in Antigua. 

With an incredible selection of facilities including boats and tennis courts, as well as on beach dining options to choose from.  You’ll find that there really is no reason to leave the resort.  Both adventure and relaxation are on the Galley Bay Resort menu at this award-winning tropical paradise. Check current rates. 

Sandals Grand Antigua Spa and Resort

If you’re looking for somewhere which is still relaxing but has a little more action and variety then Sandals Grand Resort adult only all-inclusive is definitely the place for you.  

My friends stayed there recently and said that the food delicious and that there was plenty to do on-site choose to do.  This won’t come as a surprise when you hear that as well as having land and water sports activities.  It also has six bars, seven restaurants and six pools to choose from – you’ll never be short of  things to do there!

The great thing about its location on Dickenson Bay is that it has a whole selection of extra activities, bars and restaurants outside of the resort  that you can enjoy.  You could hire a BBQ boat for the afternoon, or even swim out to the floating Kon Tiki Bar for a drink or two! Check current rates. 

Final Thoughts On Visiting Antigua For Your Honeymoon

It’s easy to see why Antigua is one of the most popular islands for couples on their honeymoon to visit.  It has some incredible luxury resorts to pick from, and over 365 beaches to visit and enjoy.  So, whether you are looking to take time out and relax on the beach or two, or to add in some extra adventure, Antigua really does have everything you need!

Guest Author: Sara Young is the author of Big Adventures With Little Feet, a family travel blog with the key aim to inspire parents to travel with their kids. She loves exploring the world with her sons and giving them big adventures, whether that’s hiking or skiing, sailing or surfing. 

Read Next:

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9 Incredible Honeymoon Destinations

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Antigua is a beautiful Caribbean island with plenty to offer.

From exploring historic sites to enjoying water sports and relaxing on pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s discover the best activities to make the most of your time in Antigua on a cruise port day!

10 Things to Do in Antigua Near Cruise Port

There are plenty of activities to do in Antigua near the cruise port or a short enough drive away. Here are just a few suggestions: 

1. Visit St. John’s

St. John’s is perfect if you want to learn about the island’s culture and past.  

This capital city has many landmarks such as St. John’s Cathedral, a magnificent Anglican church.

The Antigua Museum on Long Street is also worth a visit for its exhibitions on the island’s culture, heritage, and natural environment. 

For a taste of local life, head over to the Public Market on Market Street for fresh produce, spices, crafts, and other goods. 

You can also shop at popular spots like Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay.

St. John’s is the perfect gateway if you love beaches and nature. 

From the cruise port, you can easily reach Dickenson Bay or take a short drive to scenic spots like Fort James Beach. 

2. Swim with Stingrays

A trip to Antigua is not complete without swimming with stingrays at Stingray City. 

It’s the only place you can swim with stingrays unless you’re lucky when you go snorkelling and diving. 

You can swim, snorkel, and even feed the stingrays.

These tours usually include transportation to and from the stingray habitat, snorkeling equipment, and briefings on safety and stingray behavior. 

3. Visit Nelson’s Dockyard

If you’re on one of the cruises to Antigua and Barbuda, don’t miss out on Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for those interested in history and maritime culture. 

This naval complex has roots dating back to the 18th century when it served as an important outpost for the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean. 

Today, you can explore the restored buildings, including warehouses, officer quarters, and sail lofts.

The dockyard now includes museums, shops, restaurants, and galleries, creating a lively atmosphere.

Visitors can take walks along the waterfront and enjoy views of English Harbour. 

4. Relax at Dickenson Bay

For cruise goers ready to relax, head to Dickenson Bay.

Located on the northwest coast of Antigua, it’s famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. 

This spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities. 

If you’re looking for adventure activities, you can snorkel, jet ski, and parasail here.

The bay is also lined with different beach bars, restaurants, and resorts. 

5. Go Snorkelling at English Harbour

On your cruise day, don’t miss English Harbour in Antigua.

The water is super calm and clear, making it a perfect place to go snorkeling. 

You’ll see lots of fish and sea animals like turtles and rays because the water is so clear. 

You can go snorkeling by yourself or with a group where someone shows you around. 

There are beautiful coral reefs just under the water where you can see lots of different sea creatures. 

It’s a really fun place for people who love nature and want to see all kinds of colorful fish and corals.

If you want to snorkel in different places, you can opt to go on a snorkeling tour. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. Explore Devil’s Bridge National Park

Devil’s Bridge National Park is a must-visit for cruise ship passengers stopping in Antigua.

It’s a natural landmark, formed from limestone over centuries of exposure to the sea. 

Situated on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, it offers breathtaking sights of crashing waves and the coastal landscape. 

The park has different trails and lookout points that you can discover on your own.

This park is also rich in history and folklore.

There are many captivating stories about how this bridge plays into Antigua’s past and its significance within local culture.

Just stay away from the edge of the rocks as you don’t want the waves to splash you or you fall over.

7. Swim at Pig Beach

Antigua’s Pig Beach is a one-of-a-kind attraction where tourists can swim and interact with friendly pigs. 

It’s a short drive from St.John’s but I would not recommend you to drive yourself. 

The Google Maps location is not accurate and the dirt roads were affected by Hurricane Tammy so they’re hard to navigate. 

Instead, you can take a standard taxi or a boat taxi to reach the beach. 

Once you’re there, there’s so many things to do!

You can feed, pet, and snap photos with the pigs while enjoying the stunning beach and crystal-clear waters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8. Get a Day Pass to a Resort

One of the best things to do in Antigua on a cruise is get day passes to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. 

At Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, guests can purchase day passes for access to their beautiful beaches, inviting pools, and all-inclusive amenities. 

Curtain Bluff Resort also offers day passes for visitors to experience their exclusive facilities, including stunning beaches, water activities, and gourmet dining options. 

Carlisle Bay provides day passes for guests seeking upscale resort amenities such as pristine beaches, swimming pools, and fine dining experiences.

Visitors can also obtain day passes at Jolly Harbour Resort for access to their facilities, which include pools, restaurants, and recreational activities.

If you’re staying on the island for more than a day, Antigua has an amazing variety of affordable luxury accommodations.

9. Go on a Catamaran Tour

Wadadli Cats provide one of the best Antigua shore excursions!

They offer catamaran tours around the island the island. 

You can pick from three exciting cruises. 

A Circumnavigation of the entire island, a shorter tour of Cades Reef or a private charter to Great Island Bird. 

Whichever one you choose, you’ll explore the beautiful bays, barrier reefs and crystal clear waters.

10. Try Local Cuisine

On your cruise day, don’t miss out on trying the food in Antigua!

It is some of the best I’ve ever had. 

From fresh seafood options like conch fritters and grilled lobster, to fiery jerk chicken, there is a wide range of different foods for you to try.

They have special dishes like pepperpot, fungi, and saltfish.

If you have a sweet-tooth, they also have great natural juices and coconut tarts.

Trying Antiguan food is a must to understand its culture and hospitality.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Antigua?

Cruise ships dock in St. John’s Harbour. 

The preferred docking point for top cruise lines is Heritage Quay, although Redcliffe Quay and Nevis Street Pier are also options. 

During peak times, the harbor can get busy. Sometimes they also use the Deep Water Harbour port, just 1.5km away from St. John’s.

A popular stop for many cruisers is the Heritage Quay Shopping Center, a duty-free shopping mall.

For history buffs, Redcliffe Quay is a must-visit spot with charming colonial-style buildings housing boutiques, galleries, and dining options. 

How Many Ships Can the Antigua Cruise Port Handle?

The Antigua Cruise Port can accommodate up to five cruise ships at a time. 

Popular cruise lines that visit Antigua include Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. 

On average, most ships will spend approximately 6 to 8 hours in port.

Some may stay for just a few hours while others may opt for a full-day excursion.

Tips for Visiting Antigua on Cruise Day 

Be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and water for outdoor activities. 

You should also have some local currency on hand for purchases at smaller shops and markets. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to check the return time for your ship so you won’t miss departure!

FAQs 

How Far is the Beach from Cruise Port in Antigua?

The distance from the cruise port to most beaches in Antigua is around 5-10 kilometers. 

Popular beaches like Dickenson Bay or Runaway Bay are a short taxi drive or walk away from St. John’s.

What is Antigua Best Known For?

When people think of Antigua, they often think of the beautiful beaches.  

With 365 different beaches to choose from – one for every day of the year – each offering its own unique charm and beauty.

But that’s not all Antigua has to offer. 

Antigua is also known for its sunny climate, maritime history, welcoming locals, and vibrant festivals.

Is St. John’s Antigua Walkable?

Yes, St. John’s is mostly walkable in the central area where shops, restaurants, markets, and historical sites are located. 

To explore outside of the central area, you should use taxis, a rental car or tours. 

Keep in mind that it can be hot in Antigua.

Walking long distances under the sun may not be comfortable for everyone.

What is the Best Beach in Antigua From Cruise Port? 

The best beaches in Antigua near the cruise port are Dickenson Bay or Runaway Bay.

Both offer soft white sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Antigua by Cruise Ship

Taking a cruise to Antigua is an amazing opportunity to discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Caribbean destination.

With its beautiful beaches, rich heritage, and varied activities, Antigua offers an unforgettable experience for passengers on cruise ships. 

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning, the warmth and welcoming nature of Antigua will surely leave a lasting impression. 

So make the most out of your time on land and soak up the sun in Antigua!

Read Next:

18 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Teenagers

How To Plan A Luxury Family Trip To The Caribbean

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