ST JOHN'S, ANTIGUA
Hotels near St Johns Antigua Cruise Port
Antigua is a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the state of Antigua and Barbuda.
This island nation is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea within the Lesser Antilles, on the border with the Atlantic Ocean.
Known for its pearly white beaches with clear blue water, fascinating coral reefs with numerous fish species and beautiful nature with rainforests, Antigua has an ideal climate for the ultimate summer vacation.
Tourism is the single most important pillar of the economy.
On the Caribbean island of Antigua you will find a wide choice of accommodation such as boutique hotels, luxury beach resorts, all-inclusive hotels, and beautiful villas with pools.
Every year many cruise ships arrive here and dock at the important port of St John’s, the commercial center as well as the island’s capital and largest city.
In Saint John’s, wander through the cozy narrow streets with colorful houses which adorn the city. The VC Bird International airport is located 5mi or 8 km northeast of the city centre.
So, let’s check out the 10 best hotels in Antigua near St John’s cruise ship port.
What are the Best Hotels near Antigua Cruise Port?
1. Galley Bay Resort & Spa – All Inclusive ★★★★ (Adults Only)
Fantastically located right on the beachfront, Galley Bay Resort & Spa is a high rated All-Inclusive boutique resort in Five Island Village, within easy reach of St John’s.
The cruise port is only 15 minutes away which makes this property the perfect place to stay before or after your voyage. Views are absolutely amazing from any of the stylish rooms which are located in different Caribbean-style cottages stretched along the beautiful sandy beach. Enjoy free snorkeling equiment, sailing and wind surfing while staying here.
Distance to Cruise Port: 4,6 miles (15-18 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 30 minutes
2. Carlisle Bay ★★★★★ (Luxury)
Situated on beautiful Carlisle Bay on the South coast of the Island, this luxury family friendly resort offers a beachfront location with wonderful views of the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea.
The resort provides a top quality beachfront experience with sea-facing rooms which are spacious and include a private patio or balcony. Relax on one of the luxurious comfortable sunbeds with umbrella or enjoy a variety of water sports activities such as kayaks, pedalos and hobycats to sail.
Distance to Cruise Port: 10,8 miles (40 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 40 minutes
3. Buccaneer Beach Club ★★★ (Good Value)
Buccaneer Beach Club is one of the most affordable accommodation options near Antigua cruise port, which is only 14 minutes drive away. Property is set in beautiful well kept gardens and opens onto a small beach flanked on either side by the long white idyllic beaches of famous Dickenson Bay.
At this smaller hotel you stay in fully equipped apartments, including for self-catering, but several good restaurants are within walking distance.
Distance to Cruise Port: 3.1 miles (14 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 20 minutes
4. Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua ★★★★ (All Inclusive)
Located on one of the best spots on the island, Keyonna Beach Resort is the perfect getaway to simply relax and unwind. Stay in one of the charming cottages, some with private plunge pool and outdoor shower, directly on fabulous Turners beach just a couple feet away from your own patio door.
While staying here enjoy the finest Caribbean delight and being all-inclusive makes everything very easy.
Distance to Cruise Port: 8.3 miles (26 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 40 minutes
5. Hammock Cove Antigua ★★★★★ (All Inclusive – Adults Only)
Antigua is home to a dozen of all inclusive resorts and Hammock Cove is one of the best and most exclusive you can find on the island. Located a bit isolated on the eastern side of Antigua, this new five star property more than meets the requirements of the discerning traveler.
Enjoy stunning vistas from any of the waterview and waterfront villas which all feature a spacious balcony and heavenly plunge pool. Stingray City is 18 minutes away.
Distance to Cruise Port: 13,6 miles (40 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 45 minutes
6. Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites ★★★★ (Nelson’s Dockyard)
Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites is one of the most unique hotels of Antigua and Barbuda. Situated in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, this boutique-style property is within easy reach of Shirley Heights, a popular tourist destination on the island.
Historic old fashioned but comfortable rooms and spacious suites are spread in four 18th-century buildings. The infinity edged pool offers gorgeous views over the harbor. Several good restaurants are within walking distance.
Distance to Cruise Port: 11,4 miles (40 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 40 minutes
7. Antigua Village Beach Resort ★★★ (Affordable)
Condo Beach Resort Antigua Village is a great place to stay for travelers looking for a more affordable accommodation not far from the cruise port in Saint John’s. This beach complex is located on the beautiful Dickenson Bay, stay in one of the air-conditioned suites or studios while larger villas can accomodate up to six guests and are suitable for larger groups or families.
Dickinson’s Bay is Antigua’s most vibrant beach full of action, restaurants, bars and lots of water activities.
Distance to Cruise Port: 3.1 miles (14 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 22 minutes
8. Antigua Seaview ★★★★ (Closest)
As being one of the closest hotels from the cruise ship terminal, Antigua Seaview offers budget friendly accommodation, located in a nice quiet area not far from Saint John’s capital city.
The rooms are condominium style which provide everything you need with a separate bedroom, bathroom and open plan kitchen/lounge area. It is a perfect location to unwind after a long flight before heading to your cruise ship.
Distance to Cruise Port: 2.1 miles (12 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 14 minutes
9. Blue Waters Resort and Spa ★★★★ (Good Location)
Beautifully located on its own private beach, the 4 star Blue Waters Resort and Spa is the perfect getaway to unwind for a few days before or after your cruise voyage. The resort is ideally located between the international airport and cruise port in St John’s.
Rooms and suites are nicely decorated in fresh blue and white tones. Your balcony offers the ideal place to relax and enjoy the wonderful views. The more active guests will appreciate the complimentary watersports, tennis and gym.
Distance to Cruise Port: 2,1 miles (16 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 16 minutes
10. COCOS Hotel Antigua – All Inclusive ★★★★ (Adults Only)
Idyllic located on a cliff top overlooking the Caribbean Sea between two gorgeous white sand beaches, the fantastic Cocos Hotel Antigua offer All Inclusive to its guests.
Property is only accessible for adults which makes it ideal for couples looking for a relaxing and laid back accommodation. You stay in one of the beautiful 35 little quaint wooden cottages in authentic Caribbean-style, all boasting large private balconies with hammocks (some with plunge pool) and postcard ocean views.
Distance to Cruise Port: 6.1 miles (24 minutes)
Distance from Airport: 35 minutes
What to See near St John’s Antigua
One of the must see sights is Shirley Heights, also called English Harbor. A restored military vantage point with historic cannons at about 150 meters or 500 ft. above sea level offers beautiful views of English Harbor and Falmouth Harbor. It is a natural harbor and settlement on the island of Antigua in the south of the country.
It’s well known for Nelson’s Dockyard, a former British naval base and cultural heritage site located in Saint Paul Parish. Nelson’s Dockyard is also home to Antigua’s sailing and yacht events such as Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting.
Numerous fortresses on the island are worth visiting. The ruins of Fort James with remains of powder magazine, wall foundations and cannons is located on a hilly headland at the entrance to the harbor with excellent views.
As well as Fort Barrington, a historic site and lookout point, is accessible via a steep climb. From here you have a beautiful view over the bay.
The beaches on the island of Antigua are real gems which seem to exceed the imagination. They are all as paradisiacal as they are impressive. White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and clear blue water give you an immediately warm holiday feeling.
One of the most popular beaches by cruise passengers is Dickenson Bay Beach, about 1 mile of white sand beach located on a beautiful bay. It is quite touristy due to the many nice bars and restaurants and close proximity of St John’s cruise ship port. Beach enthusiasts have the possibility to rent deck chairs and umbrellas.
There’s nothing better than snorkeling at Darkwood beach, located on the West coast of the island right off the main road 25 minutes from St John’s cruise port. Fryers Beach on the other hand has a large beautiful white sand beach, perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. Ideal for enjoying beautiful romantic sunsets.
Whichever beach you prefer, you will have a holiday feeling everywhere. Antigua has no fewer than 365 pearly white beaches; one for every day of the year!
In addition to the many magnificent beaches, Antigua’s landscape is formed by sugar cane plantations. Be sure to check out the very first Betty’s Hope plantation, where the old mills form an open-air museum.
On Antigua you will find the most beautiful hotels and resorts, often located right on the beach boasting the most perfect panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. For the most relaxed holiday and alluring Caribbean getaway ever, stay in one of the island’s impressive all-inclusive resorts.
If you want to stay very close to the cruise port, a few establishments are set right in the capital city or on Dickenson Bay or Soldier’s Bay. Both areas are only a short drive away from the embarkation terminal.
Antigua Weather
Throughout the year, the island has mild and warm temperatures around 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C) during the day and around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C) at night.
In general the best time to travel to Antigua is from January to April. Rainy season is from May to November while the peak of the hurricane season is from August to September.
Map
(Latest update December 23rd 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.
One of the best hotels near Antigua cruise port is Galley Bay Resort & Spa, a high rated All-Inclusive boutique resort in Five Island Village within easy reach of St John’s. The cruise port is only 15 minutes away which makes this property the perfect place to stay before or after your voyage. When looking for only the very best, Carlisle Bay and Hammock Cove are both top 5 star all-inclusive resorts on the island.
Buccaneer Beach Club is one of the most affordable accommodation options near Antigua cruise port, which is only 14 minutes drive away. Property is set in beautiful well kept gardens and opens onto a small beach flanked on either side by the long white idyllic beaches of famous Dickenson Bay. Another cheaper property is Condo Beach Resort Antigua Village
As being one of the closest hotels from the cruise ship terminal, Antigua Seaview offers budget friendly accommodation, located in a nice quiet area not far from Saint John’s capital city. The rooms are condominium style which provide everything you need with a separate bedroom, bathroom and open plan kitchen/lounge area.
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