Antigua: 6-Day 365 Beaches & Nelson’s Dockyard Discovery

Antigua: 6-Day 365 Beaches & Nelson’s Dockyard Discovery

Antigua boasts a beach for every day of the year — 365 stretches of powdery white sand and crystalline water. But beyond the beaches lies one of the Caribbean’s most significant historical sites: Nelson’s Dockyard, a beautifully restored 18th-century British naval base and UNESCO World Heritage Site where Admiral Horatio Nelson once commanded the Leeward Islands fleet. This 6-day journey celebrates Antigua’s dual identity — beach paradise and maritime history.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Transfer to your resort on Dickenson Bay, one of Antigua’s finest beaches. Welcome rum punch and resort orientation. Afternoon at leisure — swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at non-motorized water sports. Overnight at Sandals Grande Antigua or similar.

Day 2: Full-day exploration of English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Start at Shirley Heights Lookout, a restored military complex with the island’s most spectacular panoramic views over English and Falmouth Harbours. Descend to Nelson’s Dockyard — wander the cobblestone streets past restored Georgian buildings housing a maritime museum, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. Visit the Dockyard Museum to learn about Antigua’s role in British naval history. Afternoon at Pigeon Point Beach, a tranquil cove perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 3: Island circumnavigation by catamaran. Sail around Antigua’s deeply indented coastline — the reason it has so many beaches. Stop at Green Island, an uninhabited nature reserve off the east coast with exceptional snorkeling among elkhorn coral gardens. BBQ lobster lunch on board. Sail past Devil’s Bridge, a natural limestone arch carved by Atlantic waves. Sunset return past the historic stone pillars of the Pillars of Hercules at the harbor entrance.

Day 4: Adventure day at Stingray City Antigua — wade in shallow, crystal-clear water among southern stingrays that glide gracefully around your feet (guided, safe interaction). Afternoon explore Betty’s Hope, a restored 17th-century sugar plantation with twin windmill towers that tell the story of Antigua’s sugar era. Visit Half Moon Bay, a mile-long crescent of pink-tinged sand on the Atlantic side — one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic beaches.

Day 5: Free morning to enjoy your resort beach. Afternoon visit to St. John’s, the capital. Explore the colorful Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay for duty-free shopping and local crafts. Climb to the St. John’s Cathedral, a striking twin-towered Anglican church built in 1845. Optional sunset party at Shirley Heights (Sundays feature live steel band and rum punch). Farewell dinner.

Day 6: Final Caribbean breakfast. Transfer to airport. Departure with memories of 365 beaches — and one unforgettable island.

Inclusions

• 5 nights beachfront resort accommodation
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
• English Harbour & Nelson’s Dockyard guided tour
• Full-day catamaran circumnavigation with BBQ lobster lunch
• Stingray City experience
• Betty’s Hope plantation visit
• St. John’s walking tour
• All transfers and entrance fees