Ride through the charming countryside on an air-conditioned bus on the way to Nelson's Dockyard, full of history and interesting architecture. Visit the Admiral's House and enjoy a guided tour of the naval headquarters of Lord Nelson. Continue on to Shirley Heights, where you can explore the ruins and fort and take in spectacular views of English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard. Then, stop at one of Antigua's lovely beaches for a barbeque lunch and a beverage. There will be time to relax in a beach chair to work on your tan, swim in the sparkling waters or take a lazy stroll down the beach.

As your catamaran slips away from the mainland, enjoy the thrill of sailing on the Caribbean Sea. Feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair as you sail along the reef-protected northwest coast of Antigua. Anchor and snorkel in crystal-clear waters among the colorful fish and living coral of this impressive barrier reef. Next, sail to one of Antigua's beautiful beaches and enjoy a West Indian-style buffet lunch served on board and an open bar with rum mixed drinks, beer and sodas. After lunch, disembark to explore, swim or just soak up some rays on the lovely beach. Enjoy more of Antigua's picturesque coastline on the return sail back to your ship.

Behold the breathtaking beauty of the still-active Soufriere Hills volcano on neighboring Montserrat from a helicopter with tiered seating that ensures a great view. As you fly high above the turquoise sea between the islands of Antigua and Montserrat, the pilot will describe the devastation from the volcano since 1995, when it erupted for the first time in centuries. The volcano eventually buried the capital of Plymouth in ash and forced it to be abandoned. Much of southern Montserrat lies within the Exclusion Zone, an area that is considered too hazardous to enter except by flying overhead. From the comfort of the helicopter, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the Exclusion Zone, the volcano and the destruction from past eruptions. Few experiences are quite so memorable. Be sure keep looking down on the way to and from Montserrat as whales and sea turtles are often spotted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a still-active volcano on Montserrat from high above in a helicopter.
• See the widespread destruction that the volcano’s past eruptions have caused.
• Look for whales and sea turtles in the waters between Antigua and Montserrat islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

A unique opportunity to experience what the Caribbean is known best for, rum and savory food in our Backyard rum shop.

You will be met on the pier and escorted to your awaiting air-conditioned transportation. Board your taxi and be driven 10 minutes to a lovely Caribbean rum shack in St John’s on Sir Vivian Richards Street, the very street where Antigua’s favorite son was born.

You will be met by one of Antigua’s most respected husband and wife team who own and run the rum shack. They will welcome you with a real Antiguan hospitality. Then the fun and education begins.

A journey and history of how Antiguan and Caribbean rums are made will be explained with stories, anecdotes, and an opportunity to taste and provide your feedback on up to 3 different Antiguan rums. These will be complemented with water to cleanse your pallet.

The rums will be complimented with a choice of numerous delicious Antiguan and Caribbean seasonal specialties! The local recipes will be shared with those who wish to know chef’s secrets!

There is a saying, ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do’. This is a unique and exclusive opportunity to do what the Antiguans do in Antigua, drink and savor the taste of rum whilst enjoying delicious freshly prepared hot savory finger foods!

Of course there will be an opportunity to purchase your favorite bottle of rum to take home with you. Your air-conditioned transportation will then take you back to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Step into a custom made open back jeep and prepare to see the most beautiful places on the island. Drive up through the picturesque village of Buckleys, viewing the scenic valley of Body Pond. Travel along Fig Tree Drive, home of Antigua's lush rainforest. As you come to the end of the rainforest, you'll tour along the southwest coast, an area of the island famous for pineapple plantations. Your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of Antigua past and present. Then, it's on to the beach for a cool, refreshing dip.

Discover the natural beauty of Antigua and catch glimpses of island life on this scenic drive across the enchanting island. You will board your air conditioned motor coach and begin your drive through the heart of the city as you head out of St. John’s. Drive through colorful tranquil villages with charming churches and rolling hills, passing tropical plants and trees along the way. Continuing on to the North Sound region, you will pass the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and drive through the villages of All Saints, Liberta and Falmouth.

Make a quick stop for refreshments before continuing through the lush green foliage of Fig Tree Drive, the island’s most picturesque drive and home of Antigua’s tropical forest. Fig is the Antiguan word for banana and you will drive through groves of wild mango, guava, coconut and of course, bananas at every turn. Along this scenic southwest coast to Old Road, Fig Tree Drive climbs up and down hillsides affording breathtaking views. As your island drive takes you back to the ship, you will pass the pineapple fields at Cades Bay and beautiful Darkwood Beach. This island drive will give you a taste of Antigua and will have you wanting to come back for more.

You’ll be taken to a beautiful white-sand beach to enjoy a rum or fruit cocktail before being escorted to your complimentary lounge chair, reserved for you on the beach. Once rested and enjoying your special day at the beach, savour a delicious buffet style lunch: chicken or fish, rice, baked potato, vegetables, salad - including a refreshing beverage (rum and/or fruit punch drink). A pasta dish will also be available for vegetarians. A pasta dish will also be available for vegetarians. Relax on the beach, take a leisurely walk along the secluded beach or swim in the sea. Changing facilities, restrooms, water sports (at additional cost supplied by outside vendors), freshwater showers as well as a beach bar and restaurant are available.

St. John's City has been praised for its original grid layout, which can be seen on the original map drawing in the Museum, dated MDCCLXXXVIII (1788). Although some original structures have suffered the ravages of hurricanes, earthquakes and fire, enough exist today to give you a true sense of history and flavour of this beautiful and proud city.

Gently sloping to the sea, the City gives a strong sense of old world charm and elegance which lingers in the architecture: Georgian, Romantic, Victorian, Vernacular and International, all bearing special features such as verandahs, hurricane shutters, lattice work, fretwork and Demerara windows to name a few.

With your provided bottle of water, you start your walk from the pier, listening to your Guide through the Whisper Radio System for ease and clarity, so you miss nothing, even for those with hearing aids as we have special adaptors! Passing through Historical Redcliffe Quay and 19th C buildings, bring you to vibrant Market Street, leading you to your first stop, the Fish Market. A fascinating, picturesque seafront with tiny, colourful fishing boats tied up, and the huge, luxurious cruise ships as a dramatic backdrop.

The tour continues, encompassing all the historical buildings, the renowned Methodist Church building, The Cenotaph, the Cathedral grounds (the main building is under renovation), other churches, historic streets, monuments, private residences and shops still boasting any one of the West Indian Vernacular styles of architecture. You will truly be captivated by the colorful wooden buildings and amazed that so many of today’s stores, restaurants and outlets in St. John’s, are carefully refurbished to retain their original features, and have so much absorbing history.

Your final stop is at the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda (C.1750), where you can browse the circuitous ground floor route, with its many exhibits, samples and displays, some interactive, from the very beginning of life on Antigua to the present day. This is the only tour available to encompass the true history and wonders of this thankfully still very local, quaint and unspoilt city. The tour will end very near to the pier, other tours, duty free shopping, taxis, and your ship.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie in St John’s, the charming capital city of Antigua. Your experience will start at St John’s Cathedral, also known as the St. John the Divine, which is dominated by twin towers at the west end and provides a distinct baroque flavor. The perfect place for a good selfie! We will admire Fort James. This fort was built to guard St. John's harbor and is one of the many forts built by the British in the 18th century. Here, you’ll see a lot history and views of the beach. Devil’s Bridge will be the next place to take a great selfie. For hundreds of thousands of years, the Atlantic’s waves have crashed into the east coast of Antigua creating a natural arch, or bridge. Finally, visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua, and stroll by the shore for an easygoing beach experience or swim in the calm blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Discover Antigua’s most epic spots to snap your selfies while enjoying and learning about its history and culture. Selfie stops include Fort James, St John's Cathedral, Devils Bridge, and a Beach break.

OVERVIEW

Race along Antigua’s spectacularly scenic western coast while piloting a jet ski or just riding along as a passenger if you prefer. It won’t take long to reach beautiful Hawksbill Beach in the village of Five Islands, where you will sit in on a briefing that will help you maximize the experience. Once you are comfortable with operating the jet ski or riding on the back of it, you will follow the guide caravan-style through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can expect it to be an exhilarating ride as you zip along the sheltered coast and in and out of idyllic bays. Antigua’s western shore is among the island’s most picturesque places. After a while, you will stop at a gorgeous beach where you can relax as you please. You might stretch out on the sand, take a refreshing swim or simply gaze out over the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jet ski along Antigua’s beautiful western coast, either as the driver or a passenger.
• Zip in and out of sheltered coves while taking in the gorgeous tropical scenery.
• Stop to relax and swim at one of the most picturesque beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

See areas such as Jumby Bay, Bird Island and the natural spectacle of Devil's Bridge up-close-and personal. Be at peace with the world as you gaze at slender coconut palms waving in the breeze and listen to rhythmic calypso and reggae music. Then, you will be whisked away to Green Island to relax on the beach or explore the nearby reef. Back on board, the crew will cook a delicious lunch. Next, cruise across English Harbor, past the exotic western coast of Antigua where virgin white-sand beaches and pristine bays can still be found.