Antigua – Discover and Relax on 2 beaches

Planning a day in Antigua and wondering how to make the most of its stunning coastline? This beach hopping tour offers a relaxed way to see some of the island’s best beaches, whether you prefer the lively sands of Dickenson Bay or the quieter shores of Jolly Harbour. While the experience is a fantastic way to unwind, keep in mind that it’s a fairly structured tour with a set itinerary, so it’s best for travelers who love flexible, scenic days without too many surprises.

What truly stands out about this tour is the chance to choose between destinations in the north or south of Antigua, giving you a tailored experience. The inclusion of a visit to the famous red telephone booth adds a quirky, photo-worthy stop. Plus, with opportunities for a romantic walk, swimming in turquoise waters, and tasting Caribbean cocktails (not included), this tour balances relaxation with the chance to snap memorable photos. One small consideration is the duration—just under 3.5 hours—meaning there’s limited time at each beach, so if you’re craving a full day of lounging, you might want to explore other options.

This experience suits travelers looking for a casual, scenic day that combines the beauty of Antigua’s beaches with freedom of choice. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic escape or a solo traveler eager to explore multiple beaches, this tour offers a laid-back, authentic taste of the island’s coastline.

Good To Know

Flexible Beach Selection: Choose between beaches in the north or south of Antigua to match your mood or location.
Authentic Experiences: Enjoy swimming, scenic walks, and capturing photos, including the iconic red telephone booth.
All-Inclusive Feel: While lunch and cocktails are not included, each beach features a bar where you can indulge in Caribbean drinks.
Comfortable Transportation: The journey includes a combination of pickup, van rides, and a quick speedboat trip for added adventure.
Perfect for Relaxation: Designed for laid-back travelers who want to enjoy the sun and sea at their own pace.
Limited Time: The tour lasts about 3 hours, so it’s ideal if you want a taste rather than a full beach day.

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In-Depth Review: What to Expect from the Antigua Beach Hopping Tour

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Starting Point and Convenience

The tour kicks off with pickup from over 40 locations, including popular resorts, hotels, and the cruise port. For cruise passengers, the exotic Antigua shop, located just a short walk from the pier, makes it easy to meet up without long walks or complicated logistics. Resort pickups are usually arranged directly at the reception or via email with the closest meeting point, offering some flexibility for those staying at the island’s many lovely resorts.

The Journey Itself

After pickup, travelers board a comfortable van for a 40-minute drive to the departure point for the boat ride. The quick 5-minute speedboat trip adds a dash of excitement—who doesn’t love that feeling of zipping across the water with the wind in your hair? The boat ride is a brief but enjoyable way to start the day, giving you a fresh perspective on Antigua’s coastline.

Laviscount Island and Wildlife Viewing

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at Laviscount Island for about 70 minutes. Here, a guided tour offers the chance for wildlife viewing—reviewers mention the island’s natural beauty and calmer waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. This stop isn’t just about lounging; it’s about reconnecting with nature and enjoying Antigua’s unspoiled spots. The guided aspect means you get some insight into local flora and fauna, which adds an educational touch to your day.

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Stingray City Antigua

Next, the tour hits Stingray City for approximately 20 minutes, where visitors can break for a quick rest and take photos. While the tour doesn’t specify swimming or interacting with the rays, this stop is renowned for the chance to appreciate these gentle creatures up close, making it a favorite for many travelers. From the reviews, it’s clear that this quick stop offers photo opportunities and a chance to dip your toes in the water.

Beach Time in the South or North

The core of the tour is the beach visits. You’ll get to choose between two options: beaches in the north—including Fort James and the renowned Dickenson Bay—or the south—such as Valley Church and Jolly Harbour Beach.

North Beaches:

Dickenson Bay: Known for its soft sands and lively vibe, it’s also home to the iconic red telephone booth, perfect for a quirky photo.
Fort James: Offers a quieter spot with historical significance, and a chance for a romantic stroll along the shore.

South Beaches:

Valley Church: More secluded, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
Jolly Harbour Beach: Offers calm waters and a variety of beach bars—great for lunch or a Caribbean cocktail.

What You’ll Do at the Beaches

Once there, travelers can relax, take photos, walk along the shore, or go for a swim. Numbers indicate that the time at each beach is limited—so if you’re eager to spend hours in the sand, this might not be the best option. However, the inclusion of beach bars provides opportunities to sample local drinks (not included in the price), making the experience feel authentic and relaxed.

One reviewer mentioned: “The beach time was a bit short. If it hadn’t rained, perhaps more time could have been spent relaxing.” So, while the tour offers a great overview, those wanting a full day of lounging should plan for additional options.

Final Stop and Return

The tour wraps up with a 45-minute van ride back to your pickup point. The entire experience lasts around 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity that leaves plenty of time for other adventures or relaxing evenings.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Freedom of Choice

One of the tour’s biggest advantages is the ability to select either north or south beaches—meaning you can tailor your day based on your preferences, whether lively or tranquil. This flexibility is a real plus for travelers who like to customize their experience.

Quick but Satisfying Itinerary

While the tour only lasts about 3 hours, it includes several stops—Laviscount Island, Stingray City, and two beach locations—that offer a well-rounded taste of Antigua’s coastal charms. The short duration makes it a great option for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a quick escape from the cruise ship or resort.

Authentic Moments and Photo Opportunities

From the quirky red telephone booth to the chance to swim with stingrays and walk along scenic beaches, this tour offers plenty of photo-worthy moments. The inclusion of guided wildlife viewing adds value that you might not find on a purely self-guided beach day.

Comfortable Transportation and Logistics

The combination of pickup, van rides, and a brief speedboat trip keeps the experience moving smoothly. The pickup points are convenient for cruise travelers, with the port location just a short walk away.

Value for Money

Although lunch and cocktails are not included, there are beach bars at each location where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Considering the transportation, multiple stops, guided tour, and scenic boat ride, many travelers find the overall price reasonable for a half-day adventure in Antigua.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential since you’ll be exposed for several hours.
Prepare for limited time at each stop: If lounging on the beach is your main goal, this tour offers just enough time to dip your toes and snap photos.
Wear water-friendly footwear: Flip-flops or sandals are perfect for walking on sand and at the boat dock.
Capture memories: A camera or smartphone is recommended, especially since the tour includes iconic photo spots.
Optional purchases: While lunch isn’t included, you might find tempting Caribbean cocktails at the beachbars—so budget accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This beach hopping experience is perfect for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Antigua’s coastline without dedicating an entire day. It suits travelers who prefer flexibility in choosing destinations and enjoy a mix of nature, photography, and light adventure. It’s ideal for cruise passengers, couples on a romantic getaway, or solo travelers eager to explore a variety of beaches in a relaxed manner.

However, if you’re the type of traveler who prefers a full day of lounging or wants to spend hours on each beach, you might be better off exploring on your own or opting for a longer, more secluded beach day.

FAQs

Is transportation provided from the cruise port?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from the cruise terminal, specifically at the “Exotic Antigua Shop,” which is just a short walk from the pier.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 195 minutes, or about 3 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation, stops, and the boat ride.

Can I choose between beaches in the north or south?
Absolutely. You can select to visit beaches in the north, like Dickenson Bay and Fort James, or the south, including Valley Church and Jolly Harbour.

Are drinks and lunch included?
No, lunch and Caribbean cocktails are not included, but each beach features a bar where you can purchase food and drinks.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), a towel, camera, flip-flops, and beachwear. Remember, beach chairs and umbrellas are not provided.

Is this suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, it’s a flexible, relaxed activity suitable for families, couples, or solo explorers looking for a scenic, low-key day at the beach.

Final Thoughts

This Antigua beach hopping tour offers an excellent way to see the island’s coastline in a relaxed, flexible manner. Its highlight is the ability to choose between different beach areas, making it a personalized experience. While the time at each stop is limited, the combination of scenic drives, a quick boat ride, wildlife viewing, and iconic photo spots makes it a worthwhile outing for those short on time but eager to soak up the island’s natural beauty.

Perfect for cruise travelers or those who want an introduction to Antigua’s beaches, it balances comfort, scenic variety, and authentic Caribbean charm—all in just a few hours. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and customizable day by the sea, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.