Top Things to Do in a Day in Antigua (Cruise Stop Guide)
Cruising into Antigua for the day? First off—great choice. The island is compact enough to explore in a day, but big enough that you’ll still wish you had more time. Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches (one for every day of the year), dramatic cliffs, and rum-punch-fueled parties—but don’t worry, you don’t need a full week to get a taste of it.
Here are two perfect ways to spend 24 hours in Antigua when you’ve only got one precious day in port.
Option 1: The “Beaches + Views” Classic
Morning:
Long Bay Beach → About 25 minutes from St. John’s port by taxi or rental car. Easy to spot—the entrance is marked by a bright mural on a roadside shop. Park in the dirt lot right by the beach (free). The water here is perfectly calm, which makes it great if you’re not an ocean daredevil. Plan 60–90 minutes here to swim, float, and relax before the cruise crowds roll in.
Devil’s Bridge → A 5-minute drive from Long Bay. This natural limestone arch has waves that slam dramatically against the rocks. It’s beautiful, rugged, and a little humbling. Parking is plentiful right at the entrance. Note: this is a look, don’t touch spot—do not walk on the arch itself, the waves are unpredictable. 20–30 minutes is plenty for photos and wandering the trails.
Half Moon Bay → Another 20 minutes of scenic driving. This crescent-shaped beach is big enough that you’ll always find a quiet corner. The Atlantic side is wavy and wild, while the protected side is calm enough for snorkeling. There’s a free paved lot right at the entrance. Stay 1–2 hours depending on how into the golden clay spa treatment you get (yes, smear it on from the rocks, let it dry, rinse in the sea—instant spa day).
Lunch:
Beach Bum Bar & Café → Right on Half Moon Bay, so you can shuffle up from your beach chair. Yes, the service is slow, but that’s island life. The burger + sweet potato fries combo was excellent, and Brad’s chicken wrap vanished faster than my patience waiting for sunscreen to dry. Budget an hour here.
Afternoon:
Galleon Beach & the Pillars of Hercules → About 30 minutes from Half Moon Bay, down into English Harbour. Park by Galleon Beach (free, though spaces can fill on weekends). Snorkel right off the shore—turtles are common. Then, if you’re up for it, follow the rocky path around the far side of the beach to see the Pillars of Hercules up close. It’s a little scrambly, so wear real shoes, but the limestone columns are worth it. Allow 1.5–2 hours here if you’re snorkeling + hiking.
Evening:
Shirley Heights Lookout → 15 minutes uphill from Galleon Beach. Parking is available at the lookout. If it’s Sunday, you’ve hit the jackpot: live steel drum bands, smoky BBQ, and dancing while the sun sinks behind English Harbour. On other days, it’s quieter but the view is still unbeatable. Plan an hour or more here depending on your ship’s departure time and this is also a great place to have dinner!
Option 2: The “Mix of Culture + Coast”
Morning:
Downtown St. John’s → Roll right off the ship into Heritage Quay for duty-free shopping. Walk a few minutes to the public market for fresh fruit, spices, and a splash of local color. It’s busy and a little chaotic, but fun. Budget 45 minutes to an hour.
Long Bay Beach → Same as above, about 25 minutes by taxi. Swim in the calmest water of the day, and snag your mural photo on the way in.
Devil’s Bridge → A quick hop from Long Bay. Snap dramatic coastline photos before the tour buses arrive.
Half Moon Bay → Head south for some surf vs. snorkel variety. This beach is big enough that even if it’s busy, it doesn’t feel it.
Lunch:
Beach Bum Bar & Café → Same as option one. If you’re short on time, you can also grab something quicker from one of the small food shacks near the Half Moon Bay entrance.
Afternoon:
Jolly Harbour → About 35 minutes’ drive to the island’s lively marina. Park in the plaza lot and wander the waterfront. You’ll see yachts docked, shops sprinkled around, and plenty of spots for ice cream or coffee. This is also where I tracked down Antigua’s elusive black pineapple—the sweetest pineapple in the world. They grow year-round but peak season is March–July, so finding one in November felt like winning the lottery. Plan 60–90 minutes here to stroll and snack.
Sunset Cruise by the Pillars of Hercules → If your ship’s timing allows, book a catamaran sail. Watching the limestone cliffs of the Pillars glow in golden hour light while gliding on the water is one of those “yep, this is why I travel” moments.
Final Thoughts on a One-Day Antigua Adventure
One day in Antigua goes fast, but with the right game plan, you can squeeze in calm turquoise beaches, dramatic cliffs, local eats, and a sunset you’ll never forget. Will you leave wishing for more time? Absolutely. But hey, that just means you’ll have to come back for days two through 365.
Tips for Cruise Passengers
Getting around: Taxis are plentiful right at the port, and most drivers will negotiate a half- or full-day rate if you want someone to take you around to multiple stops. Rental cars are available too, but remember: they drive on the left in Antigua.
Timing: Most of these itineraries fit in a 6–8 hour port day, but keep an eye on ship time. Shirley Heights and sunset cruises may only work if you’re in port later.
Crowds: If a cruise ship (yours or others) is in port, popular beaches like Long Bay and Half Moon Bay fill up fast. Go early.
Packing: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes if you’re hiking the rocks at Pillars of Hercules, and small bills for vendors.
