How to: Ferry To St John from Cruise Ship Docks St. Thomas Virgin Islands

Table Of Content

• How To Get Around Antigua From The Cruise Port?
• St Johns, Antigua cruise port guide
• Safety, US travel advisory and basics
• Shopping
• Best Things To Do In Antigua From Antigua Cruise Port
• Amazing experiences coming soon.
• Taxis in Antigua

I highly recommend this 3-hour city tour that hits the highlight of St John. Since it’s only three hours, it can be combined with another activity during your one day itinerary. There is a large beach bar, beach chairs for rent, and amazing people watching.

How To Get Around Antigua From The Cruise Port?

For challenging hikes, try Cinnamon Bay trail, Reef Bay Trail, Bordeaux Mountain, and Johnny Hall Trails. Trunk Bay is not only the island’s best beach but one of the best in the Caribbean! Trunk Bay is a quarter mile stretch of silky coral sands and warm, crystal clear waters. It’s located in the Virgin Island National Park and is beset in a scenic backdrop adding to the charm of the place. Made in a beautiful tropical island structure, Mongoose Junction is a beautiful shopping complex that offers a relaxed shopping experience.

St Johns, Antigua cruise port guide

You can find it in an old courthouse which was built in the 1750s. The best days to visit when it’s super busy with lots of local vibrancy are either a Friday or Saturday when it’s super busy with lots of local vibrancy. Outside the Heritage and Redcliff Quays, you will find yourself in downtown St. John's. This small town (with around 30,000 souls) has a charm of its own and safe to walk around and explore on your own. Locals go about their business and will not harassing visitors but if you need any help with directions they are very friendly. Whether you want a short 330-minute walk in a shaded tranquil bird, flora, and fauna paradise.

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Safety, US travel advisory and basics

You can also go on a clear kayaking expedition to discover the underwater world of the stunning Caribbean island. Catching a bird’s eye view is also possible on a parasailing adventure. Combined with swimming, and boating all these water sports are an interesting way to spice up your beach day in St. John USVI. It has plenty of beautiful beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Hawksnest, Salt Pond and many others. The best and fastest way to get acquainted with all of St. John is on an island tour. Brunswick Square – Also located in Uptown Saint John, within walking distance of the pier, Brunswick Square is a typical shopping mall, with three levels of national and local shops.

There are several independent cruise charters that operate from the island, but one that is worth mentioning is the family-owned and operated Creole Antigua Tours. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or prefer snorkeling, this is a family-friendly spot known for its impeccable visibility and a huge diversity of sea creatures. While you’re in Antigua, it only makes sense to explore its incredible underwater sea life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. The reward at the summit of Mount Obama is unhindered, panoramic views across Antigua.

Cruz Bay Town (Love City)

Nelson's Dockyard is a top highlight for those who like to visit historical landmarks. The Port of St. John’s is at the centre of a growing cruise ship industry and serves as a port of call for trans-Atlantic (North), Adventure Expedition, and home-porting itineraries. The port is part of the waterfront of a world-class city with an enticing mixture of urban and cultural experiences. And we are in easy driving distance of natural and geological wonders that enchant people from around the globe. At half a mile-long Cinnamon Bay is the largest beach on the island. It features a long stretch of silky coral sands with nice turquoise waters.

Best Things To Do In Antigua From Antigua Cruise Port

It’s the only beach that charges a fee in St. John but offers amenities such as parking, beach restaurant, showers, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Stop by the Catherineberg Sugar Plantation ruins while driving down Centerline on your way to Coral Bay. These little known ruins are the most intact and beautiful sugar plantation ruins in St. John. They afford visitors the chance to explore both inside and outside.

With the new project the port will have a new pier that can accommodate the biggest ships of the industry which will enable the passenger volumes to grow over 1million. One of the most stressful parts of travel for me is finding a taxi in a foreign country. In Antigua, there is an official taxi stand in the port area, and all of the staff will be wearing matching orange shirts. This guide to what to do in St John’s Antigua is tailored to people visiting on a cruise with only one day to see the island. Your ship is likely to dock at either Heritage or Radcliffe quay. The first thing that greets you once you disembark from your ship is the beautiful metallic island tunes, played tirelessly by an island band at the piers exit.

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Taxis in Antigua

You’ll find everything from a Farmer’s market to contemporary, chic boutiques. Welcome to Saint John, the gateway to the stunning Bay of Fundy. Explore the charming streets of the historic Uptown area, visit the famous Reversing Falls, or take a scenic drive along the Fundy Coastal Route. Indulge in fresh seafood, immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene, and witness the dramatic tides that make Saint John truly unique. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents.

If you don’t feel like straying very far, pop across to Radcliffe Quay, connected to the docking terminal by a boardwalk. When we visit a new country we always like to explore the local markets to try the local fruits and vegetables. St John’s is no exception to this and has the wonderful Public Market Complex. You can have a wander and see most of the main attractions in less than a couple of hours. The cruise terminal is right by St. John's and therefore there isn't a shuttle bus as all the historical landmarks of the city are within walking distance. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Antigua.

Soak up some island history at one of the best-preserved sugar plantation ruins in St. John. Visit Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins which is located in the island’s north shore. They either dock in the nearby island of St. Thomas and offer a day trip excursion or they anchor offshore and tender to Cruz Bay. This is a brilliant day out if you’re keen on exploring the natural landscape of Antigua, other than the beach.

Before hurricane Irma and Maria, Cinnamon used to have restaurants, camping grounds, lots of amenities and water concessions. However, the hurricanes wiped out the buildings and structures on the beach. When on an island like St. John where 2/3 of land is covered by forest then you are bound to explore nature. The Virgin Island National Park located on the northern side of St. John covers 60% of the island. The major ruin is on the right side and there is plenty of parking space.

You’ll find this spot south of Jolly Harbour, on the west coast of Antigua. If you want to delve a little deeper into the local Caribbean cuisine, why not take a local cooking class? One of the most popular options is with Nicole’s Table, based in the capital, St. Johns. This is a popular day excursion, so make sure to plan your time well and book in advance. Despite damage by Hurricane Irma, this island is still worth a day-trip.

Then take a ferry from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Cruz Bay in St. John. The latter route is preferable as its shorter, frequent, and more comfortable. Experience the ecology and history of Antigua through entertaining guides as you sail, hike, swim and snorkel.

Cruise Schedule Port Saint John

Table Of Content

• Visit The Cathedral
• What to Do in St Johns Antigua: Port Guide & 1-Day Itinerary
• Virgin Islands National Park
• Island Tour

Market Square – Located just a walk up the street from the port, Market Square is unique waterfront shopping, dining and a spot where you’ll often be entertained by talented buskers. For some of the best views on the island, head to Shirley Heights— a restored military lookout nicknamed ‘The Lookout.’ It offers the best views of the Falmouth and English Harbors. Hand your ticket to the ferry attendant, get on the ferry and enjoy the ride. The ferry boats generally have enclosed seating on the main deck, and open-air seating on the top deck. From Cruz Bay Ferry Dock to Red Hook, St. Thomas the ferry ride is about 15 minutes and arrives at the Red Hook Ferry Terminal. From Red Hook to St. John the ferry ride is about 15 minutes and arrives at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock.

Visit The Cathedral

Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides. The Antigua Rain forest Canopy Tour is a unique eco-tour through Antigua's lush rain forest where you embark on an unforgettable journey through the verdant forest, high above the trees. Discover all Reviews and Travel Guides to The Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean.

What to Do in St Johns Antigua: Port Guide & 1-Day Itinerary

The Library displays the island’s past with unbelievably well-preserved photographs and newspaper clippings from previous centuries. Free WiFi is located at many shops and restaurants throughout Uptown Saint John. Explore Betty’s Hope, two restored stone windmill towers that were once part of Antigua’s first major sugar plantation. If you take one thing away from this guide to what to do in St John’s Antigua, it should be to take advantage of the stunning beaches.

Virgin Islands National Park

There are lots of stunning boutique shops offering locally sourced products from artworks to clothing. We support this exceptional initiative which targets the international cruise market. We are confident that we have the product and the facilities to support increased vessel and visitor activity and to position Newfoundland and Labrador as a premiere global cruise destination. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.

Antigua Cruise Port – Ultimate Guide to the Port and 22 Best Things to Do By A Local

Since living in Antigua for the last 3 winters we have never experienced or heard of anything that makes us think that it’s unsafe. The Pillars of Hercules are geological formations rising out of the sea at the end of Galleon Beach. The relentless rain, wind and crashing waves have over time carved them out. They’re impressive to see and one of our top locations for some great snorkelling. At the remote (and beautiful) Seaforth Beach, the Pig’s Paradise team bring their little piglets to visit you.

Because we are beach lovers we’ve recommended our top beautiful beaches that are easy to reach from the Antigua cruise port. They are all easy to reach and less than a 25-minute drive from St John’s. Most cruise ships dock at the Heritage Quay pier, which is within walking distance of the terminal. There are two cruise terminals located in the heart of Saint John – in Uptown – Marco Polo terminal and Diamond Jubilee terminal.

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Originally a shipbuilding hub primarily due to its ice-free harbor in winter, Saint John continues to thrive in the shipping and fishing industries. The city was virtually destroyed by a fire in 1877, and the Victorian-era rebuilding is still seen throughout Uptown Saint John with its historic churches and brick pathways. Antigua’s fascinating past is revealed in its capital city, St. John’s, build by British traders. It can fit four ships at a time, that’s why it gets so busy at times.

Ships in port

This is one of the most prestigious tax-free shopping areas in the Caribbean with a variety of different shops to choose from. It comes alive when there are cruise ships docked, and you can watch steel bands and enjoy other local entertainment as you browse. Visit and spend time on one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Beware, however, that the beach gets rather crowded especially when there are cruise ships in port on St. Thomas or offshore St. John. When you visit Antigua you won’t want to miss the white sandy beaches and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

This may be one of the more tourist-driven attractions in Antigua, but it’s ideal if you love a dash of adrenaline and want to explore the island’s lush rainforest, too. If you’re interested in learning a little more about Antigua’s heritage, then this is a worthwhile experience. It is named after the daughter of a former plantation owner and is one of the largest plantation sites in Antigua.

Coolest months on the island are from December to March which is also the peak season. Explore the islands wild orchids that run rampant in the park, hang out with the occasional donkey or two and explore the petroglyph rocks at Reef Bay trail. The beach features a narrow stretch of soft white sands lined with palm trees.

There are numerous locally guided tours operating across the island, but it’s important to do your research first and ensure the tour guide you choose is legitimate and verified. For a truly authentic Caribbean experience, this is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to discover Antigua. All of the city’s iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

Cruise ships dock on a beautiful bay known as St. John's harbor, although many times referred to as Heritage Quay, which is, in fact, the name of the cruise terminal of the Antigua cruise port. Until recently, the port only had two piers perpendicular to the city of St John's (the Capital of Antigua). However, a third pier was built on the northern shore of the bay. Once ashore, visitors are enthralled by our historically-infused streets, world-class food, friendly shops and spirited people.

You could decide to stay local in St John’s, the capital of Antigua. Or, you could head off and explore some of the best things to do on the such as taking a tour, relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches or taking in some history at Nelson’s Dockyard. You can comfortably wander around on your own, taking in all the sights and sounds. There is a taxi stand right at the end of the ferry dock, and taxi drivers will approach those coming off the ferry with calls of “going to the beach” or “island tour”. You can rent a car for the day; car rental agencies are in walking distance of the ferry dock.

The exit gates of all three piers are around 500 feet (150 meters) from the cruise ships' gangways. Be aware that port security will check your boarding pass at the gates to the piers on your return. Antigua (St John's) cruise port is located on the northwestern coast of Antigua, in the capital city of St. John's. Trunk bay named after the turtles of the island is perfect for everyone.

Most of the ships dock at Heritage Quay, a place that has almost all the attractions nearby, with no need of other transportation means. Amongst Antigua's top attractions, the Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Betty's Hope Plantation, and Devil's Bridge are must-see sites to visit. St. John's is within walking distance of the cruise port and has a few interesting historical landmarks to explore on your own. And the beaches of Antigua are unanimously rated among some of the best in the Caribbean. There are many shore excursions available from the cruise port, including snorkeling and diving adventures, catamaran cruises, and island tours. The Port of St. John’s is a major port of call for trans-Atlantic (North), Adventure Expedition, and home-porting itineraries.

If there are three ships in port, a large tent is set up nearby at the Long Wharf terminal. You’ll find a welcome kiosk in the terminal where you can pick up a city map, meet your excursion group, or get a cab from the ground transportation booth. There are more than 100 shops within a 10 minute walk of the terminal. There are also vendors selling artisanal crafts and other goods outside the doors of the terminal. Saint John, New Brunswick is located on the Bay of Fundy, along Canada's eastern seaboard. This small city is home to about 130,000 residents and embodies Canadian Maritime hospitality, and has more than 400 years worth of French and British influences.