St. John's, Antigua
St. John's, Antigua, is a picturesque and historic port in the heart of the Caribbean. As the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, it is a bustling hub with a vibrant waterfront and a rich colonial history. Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, all with stunning white sand and turquoise water. For a cruiser, St. John's is a fantastic destination, offering everything from a relaxing beach day to a deep dive into the island's history and culture.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will likely dock at the Heritage Quay pier, which is a modern facility located right on the northwestern coast of St. John's. This is a huge advantage as you can walk right off the ship and into the terminal building, which is also a shopping complex. The port is situated very close to the city center, making it easy to explore on foot.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Heritage Quay pier is a large, permanent structure that can accommodate multiple ships at once. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short and easy, and once you are in the terminal, you are in a tax-free shopping area with a variety of stores and amenities.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The cruise terminal at Heritage Quay is a large, modern complex. You'll find a variety of shops selling duty-free goods like jewelry, watches, and perfume, as well as souvenirs and local crafts. There are also a few restaurants and bars where you can get a drink or a bite to eat. The terminal has restrooms, and there is a small tourist information desk just outside the pier gate, where you can get maps and information.
🗣️ Language
The official language is English, and you will have no problem at all navigating or communicating. The local dialect is a form of Antiguan Creole, but it is easy to understand.
💰 Money
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and used everywhere, and many prices are listed in both currencies. The exchange rate is fixed, with US1.00=EC2.6882. For convenience, it is often easier to use U.S. Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops. ATMs are available on the main streets in town, a 5-10 minute walk from the pier.
🚗 Transportation
St. John's is a very walkable city, and its main attractions are clustered in the downtown area.
Walking: The best way to explore St. John's is on foot. The historic Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay, with their unique shops and restaurants, are just a short walk from the cruise terminal.
Taxis: Taxis are the best way to get to attractions outside the downtown area, such as beaches or historic sites like Nelson's Dockyard. Taxi rates are fixed and regulated, but it's a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in. Taxis are a good option for a group.
Public Bus: St. John's has a public bus system, but the buses are small minibuses, and the routes can be difficult for tourists to navigate.
Ride-Sharing: There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft in Antigua.
♿ Accessibility
St. John's has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise pier is flat and well-paved, the streets in the town itself, especially in the historic Redcliffe Quay, can be uneven. Many of the sidewalks are also narrow and can be difficult to navigate. Accessible tours and transportation are available through specialized tour operators.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to simply walk. The cruise terminals are located right in the heart of the city's waterfront, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in St. John's. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminal, or in restaurants and bars. Some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
St. John's Pharmacy: This pharmacy is located right outside the Heritage Quay at the start of St. Mary's Street.
The City Pharmacy: Thames Street (St. Mary's Street), St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
✨ Authentic Experience
Explore Redcliffe Quay and Dine on Local Fish and Fungi: Skip the duty-free shops at Heritage Quay and take a walk to the nearby Redcliffe Quay. This area is known for its quaint streets, unique shops, and art galleries. Afterwards, find a local restaurant and try a dish of "fungi and steam fish," which is a classic Antiguan dish made of cornmeal dumplings and a savory fish stew.
Visit Nelson's Dockyard National Park: For a deep dive into the island's history, take a taxi to Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only Georgian naval dockyard in the world and has been beautifully restored. You can walk through the historic buildings, see the museum, and enjoy the stunning view of the harbor.
Take a Local Cooking Class: For a truly immersive experience, take a local cooking class on the beach. You can learn to make local dishes like ceviche and jerk chicken from a local chef. It's a great way to learn about the local culture and bring a piece of Antigua home with you.
