Antigua is compact. Base yourself in St. John’s and explore in two directions: northwest for beaches, southeast for history and sailing. Spend each day in a different direction with no detours. Agree on taxi fares before getting in—St. John’s to English Harbour costs around USD 30–40 one way. Alternatively, hire a car for the whole trip and negotiate a daily rate for better value.
St. John’s Cathedral → Public Market & Duty-Free Street → Afternoon at Dickinson Bay or Fort George Viewpoint → Sunset dinner. Check out Roland’s spice and handicraft stalls at the market for your first souvenirs (note: closed on Sundays).
Dickinson Bay (quietest in the morning) → Morning snorkeling or paddleboarding → After lunch, head to Jolly Beach for a turtle-snorkeling tour → Return to town in the evening. The drive between the bays takes about 20 minutes. Most snorkeling tours include hotel pickup—confirm the meeting point when booking.
Shirley Heights National Park (Hillary’s Viewpoint, Forts & Interpretation Centre) → Lunch in English Harbour → Nelson’s Dockyard Museum & Historic Dockyard → Views from Shirley Heights Lighthouse, then sunset return. Combo tickets for both sites are discounted. Museum guides offer free, fascinating insights into 18th-century Caribbean naval battles.
Morning at Half Moon Bay or Green Bay (quieter beaches) → Head to the airport in the afternoon, allowing 2.5 hours for check-in and security. If your flight is in the afternoon, stop by Heritage Quay for last-minute duty-free shopping.