Saint John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua, sitting on the northwestern coast of the island. It has the feel of a classic Caribbean port town, with a busy waterfront, a colorful public market, and a mix of local life and tourism infrastructure. Antigua as a whole is known for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and Saint John's is a good base for reaching several of the best ones.
Port and City Relationship
Ships dock directly at Heritage Quay or Redcliffe Quay, both right in the heart of Saint John's. Walking into town takes about two minutes from the pier. The duty-free shopping area is immediately adjacent to the dock, and the main market and cathedral are a short walk inland.
What to See, Do and Eat Nearby
St. John's Cathedral, with its distinctive twin towers, is worth the short walk from the pier and is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island. Redcliffe Quay is a restored warehouse district with shops, restaurants, and galleries in a pleasant open-air setting. The Public Market on Market Street is lively in the mornings and a great place to buy local fruit, spices, and crafts. Dickenson Bay, about 10 minutes north by taxi, is one of Antigua's best beach strips with several beachside restaurants. Sheer Rocks is a more elevated dining experience on the west coast, ideal for lunch with a view. Entry to most sites is free, and a taxi to Dickenson Bay runs around $15 USD each way.
Getting Around
Taxis are the main option and are easy to find at the pier. Drivers are generally knowledgeable about the island and many offer set-rate tours. A half-day island tour with a taxi runs around $25 to $35 USD per person. Dickenson Bay is $15 each way by taxi. Rental cars are available but not necessary for a single port day.
Start Time
Nov 9 8:00AM AST
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End Time
Nov 9 6:00PM AST