The 5 Best Boat Tours in Antigua & Barbuda

Looking for the best boat tours in Antigua and Barbuda? In this article, I’ve shared five Antigua cruises to suit all tastes, interests and budgets!

One of the absolute highlights of my Antigua holiday (and maybe my entire life) was spending a day on a private charter yacht, exploring the Caribbean seas. We spent a day with Antigua Boat Charters, and had the opportunity to visit secluded beaches, snorkel around gorgeous bays and devour a delicious, freshly-cooked lunch on board.

However, private yacht hire doesn’t come cheap. We were lucky enough to be treated to the experience by generous family members. If chartering a private boat is out of your price range, there are still plenty of ways you can enjoy the beautiful Caribbean waters on an Antigua boat tour.

Whether you’re interested in the island’s marine wildlife, want to enjoy delicious seafood on board or simply want to sip on rum punch in the sunset, there’s a boat trip in Antigua for you!

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Antigua Boat Tour Overview

Eli’s Original Eco Tour: Best for wildlife (from $133pp)
The Xtreme Circumnavigation: Best for adventure (from $204pp)
Antigua Lobster Lunch Cruise: Best for foodies (from $175pp)
Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Best for couples and photography (from $130pp)
Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef: Best for budget-conscious travellers (from $105pp)

1. Eli’s Original Eco Tour

Best for: Wildlife and ecology enthusiasts
Duration: 5hrs 30mins
Price: From $133pp
Inclusions: Snorkelling equipment, lunch, soft drinks and water, snacks, rum punch at the end of the tour.

Explore the island’s biggest marine park and learn more about the island’s natural ecosystem on a half-day eco tour! Eli’s Orignial Eco Tour is one of the most popular boat tours in Antigua.

The first stop on the cruise is Great Bird Island, an island only accessible by tour boat. As the name suggests, it’s home to colonies of seabirds – but it’s also a stunning natural attraction in its own right. On the tour, you’ll also visit Long Bay to learn more about Antigua & Barbuda’s Turtle Project, a conservation group that’s been protecting turtles in the area for over 30 years.

There are also ample opportunities for getting a closer look at marine life, with snorkelling stops at Great Bird Island and Hell’s Gate.

2. The Xtreme Circumnavigation

Best for: Adrenaline addicts
Duration: 5hrs 30mins
Price: From $204pp
Inclusions: Lunch, snacks, soft and alcoholic beverages, Stingray City entrance

Editor’s note: This tour includes entry to Stingray City, which is an animal activity I can’t personally promote as it doesn’t stand up to my personal standards of ethical wildlife tourism. I’ve included the tour here for fair comparison, however you may want to reconsider whether you participate in this element, or forego this tour entirely.

The Xtreme Circumnavigation tour takes you all the way around the island by powerboat in just one day. As you take in Antigua’s 365 beaches, you’ll also pass by Nelson’s Dockyard, where the boat guide shares the history of this important port location.

You’ll also get a look at Great Bird Island, and the chance to snorkel at the base of the majestic Pillars of Hercules. At the final stop, Rendezvous Bay, you’ll have time to relax on the beach while sipping on delicious rum punch, a Caribbean staple.

3. Antigua Lobster Lunch Cruise to Paradise Reef

Best for: Foodies who want to try local fresh seafood dishes
Duration: 6hrs
Price: From $175pp
Inclusions: Buffet lunch, soft & alcoholic drinks, snorkelling equipment, hotel pickup

If you’re looking for a laid back Antigua boat tour with the chance to indulge in delicious local seafood, this is the cruise for you!

During the six-hour excursion, you’ll stop at a secluded island for swimming, snorkelling and relaxation. The on-board chef BBQs your lunch on the back of the boat as you relax on the beach, before you enjoy a buffet of grilled lobster, vegetables and side dishes on board.

If you’ve got your heart set on the lobster, bear in mind that lobster fishing is seasonal, therefore unavailable during the months of May and June. During these months, an alternative option of chicken or fish is served instead. Vegetarian options are available on request.

5. Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, snorkelling enthusiasts
Duration: 2.5hrs
Price: From $105pp
Departure time: 9.30am
Inclusions: Soft & alcoholic drinks, barbecue lunch, snorkel gear rental, pickup from St John’s hotels

The most affordably priced Antigua boat tour on the list, the sail and snorkel boat tour takes you to one of Antigua’s top rated snorkel spots.

After being picked up from your St John’s hotel or the cruise port, you’ll sail to Cades Reef, Antigua’s largest reef formation. Mooring here, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Keep an eye out for colourful fish and even small sharks! Snorkel gear is provided, however I’d recommend bringing your own if you have it, just in case.

While you snorkel, the crew will cook off a BBQ lunch to enjoy on the boat before heading to a secluded beach for some sun and swimming. Finally, the boat cruises along the coast with music and an open bar, for a lively Caribbean party on the open water!

Although it’s the most budget-friendly option, this cruise has similar inclusions to the previous boat trips, including a barbecue lunch and open bar. It’s a great choice for younger travellers who want to experience a more sociable atmosphere. Lunch options will be less premium than some of the more expensive tours – so if you’re after local lobster, check out the Lobster Lunch Cruise mentioned above.

Antigua Boat Tours FAQ

What’s included on an Antigua boat tour?

Inclusions may vary based on the tour you choose, however most boat cruises in Antigua include unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, plus lunch or snacks.

Where do Antigua boat tours depart from?

This depends on the tour you book! Our boat trip departed from Jolly Harbour Marina, but some will also depart from the port at St. John’s. Some tours will offer hotel pickup, or you can book a taxi with your resort or hotel. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there!

What should I take on an Antigua boat tour?

For our boat trip in Antigua, I took my day bag with some essentials:

• Sun protection: SPF50, sunglasses and a hat are absolute essentials. I’d also recommend packing light cover-up clothes if you have them.
• Swimwear: Most Antigua boat tours include swimming and snorkelling, so don’t forget to pack swimwear! I actually wore mine to the boat, with a beach coverup over the top.
• Sliders and/or beach shoes
• Beach towel
• Insulated cup or drink coozie: Our boat actually had these, and they were amazing for keeping our drinks cold in the heat. Some boats may provide them, but I’d recommend bringing your own, just in case.

More activities in Antigua and Barbuda:

• Don’t miss the Shirley Heights BBQ party for the best Sunday night in the Caribbean!
• Meet and interact with rescued donkeys while supporting animal welfare projects at Antigua Donkey Sanctuary.
• Visit Nelson’s Dockyard to explore the maritime history of Antigua.
• Witness the power of the ocean at Devil’s Bridge, a national park with a fascinating history.
• Fly through the treetops on an Antiguan rainforest zip lining adventure!